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Lane
Dodge Dakota
10/07/2001
21:13:13
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 Subject: Used buying opinions wanted
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Message:
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a used higher-mileage early Dakota that will see a good amount of towing (around 3000 lbs) on the highway. Is the 3.9 6-cyl up to the task? What kind of weight can you tow with the various models? What are the weak points on these vehicles, especially when the mileage gets up around 100k? Any opinions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Lane
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Lesley
GenIII
10/07/2001
22:43:04
|  RE: Used buying opinions wanted
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Message:
I've only towed once with my V6 Dak, a horse trailer for about 10 miles... total weight maybe about 2,000 lbs. I don't know if I would do it again, although I know people who do use their daks for towing with confidence. Most of my experience (with horses) has been with big heavy trucks with enough weight to stop the trailer if things get sticky. Just my 2¢ though, hopefully someone with more experience will share their thoughts. Make sure you check the ball joints, I had to replace mine within the first year & a half. Also the timing chain (expensive as they have to take the engine out!) and brake rotors. The rotors are notorious for being warped. I've talked to several V6 people who have had catalytic convertor problems (I'm on my third, soon to be replaced), you could be nearing the end of emissions warranty coverage so I would want to check that out. Good luck.
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black
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Boomer
Dodge Dakota
10/07/2001
23:29:07
| RE: Used buying opinions wanted
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Message:
I used my 97 with the 318 to pull a 3,000 lb trailer about 1200 miles. The truck ran great and had no problems pulling the load, nor any control issues. But that again was with the 318.
Boomer
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CW
Dodge Dakota
10/08/2001
00:04:55
| RE: Used buying opinions wanted
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Message:
As far as towing goes you can never have enouph power especially when the wind comes up.
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Erik
Dodge Dakota
10/08/2001
00:34:54
| RE: Used buying opinions wanted
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Message:
i towed with my '96 sport 318 auto o.d. 4x4 w/tow pkg (HD cooling,lower gears,class 4 reciever) a couple of times. a 6000lb 25ft trailer tandem w/ a ranger and extra drivetrain about 4-5000lbs or loaded down w/ lots of green firewood off-road. anyway. it was easy lots of power and control. but the brakes sucked. that is one of the biggest draw backs with towing. it doesnt matter how big of vehical you have the brakes are never good enough. if you can make sure you get electric brakes on the trailer especially if you tow often, unless you like buying brakes. the factory does not make the brakes strong enough to account for a few thousand extra pounds.
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