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RJKobbeman
GenIII
 
10/10/2001
15:24:00
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 Subject: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I am pondering the idea of installing the heavier leaf-springs in my Dakota so I can carry more weight in the bed. I always knew there were more/beefier leafs in the rear... along with larger drum brakes... but according to 4adodge.com, there are also larger diameter/beefier torsion bars up front.
Anyway, I called dodge to get some prices... and according to them, they need a VIN. The parts guy said he can't just plug in the year and model and get options to choose from.
Therefore, my question is this: have any of you upgraded to a heaver payload option and if so what did you do? If anyone has a 2000 CC Dakota with the heavy payload option, would you be willing to divulge your VIN? I would like to get one (a VIN) and compare it to mine at the dealer and see the different part numbers. Ideally, I would like to price/buy these parts. I guess I could also find out all of the different parts for the larger rear drum brakes (drums, shoes, backing plate, etc.).
:)
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
19:19:30
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I was under the impression that the only difference between the 1400 pound payload and the 1800 pound payload is the bigger brakes. Curious where you found the additional information about springs on the Dodge website as I have looked and found nothing. Been considering this upgrade myself but swapping out springs makes it a much bigger project than just going to bigger brakes.
-J.
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rjkobbeman
GenIII
10/10/2001
23:11:46
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
Go to www.4adodge.com and select dakota. Then go to specification... then click on the payload icon at the top.
The larger brakes does not make the truck hold more weight... it just helps it stop better.
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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Dakota 2 Time
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
12:25:12
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I have the 2000 lb package on both my Dalotas Mainly got it for the 11" vs 9" rear drums.
I won't give out my VIN and I'm sure you understand. What I will say is that the load rating for the springs must be higher than stock as both my Dakotas sit higher than all the other 2 wheel drive ones I see. They almost look lifted.
Sorry if I wasn't of any help. Just adding my perspective from what I see as someone with the package.
97 CC SLT 5.2 Auto 3.55 Brilliant Blue/Silver
01 CC SLT 4.7 Auto 3.92 LSD Flame Red/Silver
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RJKobbeman
GenIII
10/11/2001
12:37:46
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
Can you email me your VIN? I really need one to find the part numbers I am looking for. If not, can you call Dodge and get part numbers for the following parts on your 2001:
Front torsion bars (if you have 4 wheel drive)
Rear leaf springs
Drums
Backing plates
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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RJKobbeman
GenIII
10/11/2001
12:39:48
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
One more question. Do some feel that a VIN is some secret... that if given out will divulge some personal information?
Just curious.
Also, you can give the first 9 digits... without the whole VIN. That would help.
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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G. Cowardin
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
12:44:52
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
Bigger brakes are worth the "lifted look". How much of a lift are we talking? Also, I think the rear leafs are just re-arched. I don't think anything is added. As far as 4x4's, I am not sure. But a 2" difference in brake diameter is well worth it, even if they are just drums. I spent $1000 on 2" upgrade for my car, and it was worth every penny. Just tap the brakes to stop from 60 and there is no last minute brake stand and rear end lift. And of course, if you need to stop in 130 feet from 60, you can do that too:-)
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
13:53:03
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I understand that bigger brakes don't allow you to hold more weight. I believe that the bigger brakes are the limiting factor in the GVWR. That is, the truck can carry the bigger payload, but because the 9-inch brakes can't stop it safely Dodge gave it the lower GVWR. Upgrade the brakes and earn a higher GVWR. At least that was my understanding for the 2000 models.
When I was shopping for my 2000 4x4, none of the literature nor specs I could find mentioned any heavier suspension upgrades. The 1800 pound payload option only described bigger rear brakes. It was also only a $40 option so I doubt it included much heavier suspension pieces.
I just dug quite a bit deeper into the Dodge website and found this page:
http://www.4adodge.com/dakota/specs/feature6.html
which does specifically mention differing spring rates for different GVWRs for the current models. I don't remember seeing anything like that either on the website nor on paper for 2000 models.
-J.
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RJKobbeman
GenIII
10/11/2001
14:18:25
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I'm having the same problems. The Dodge website only has info on the current model year. I wish I paid more attention when I was shopping for mine in 2000.
The newer ones seem to have different leaf springs and torsion bars. Interesting. I fear I will never get to the bottom of this...
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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Blckdak
Gen III
10/11/2001
14:44:28
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
Why don't they just look at a VIN # on a truck sitting on the lot?
Erin
2000 CC 4x4 Sport
Magnaflow Exhaust, Z-Tube, Runnin AMSOIL
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RJKobbeman
GenIII
10/11/2001
16:13:01
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
That is what I am trying to do... but I can't find one that states it has the heavy payload option.
If you go to Build My Dakota on 4adodge.com... you will notice that there is no option to select a heavy payload.
This is all very confusing...
Rob
2000 CC
Sport 4.7 Auto
3.55 Towing package
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Dakota 2 Time
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
16:47:06
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
The reason I won't divulge the VIN is someone can take it, use it on a stolen vehicle and all accidents, etc. will come back to me.
I will talk to my dealer and see if I can the part numbers you need.
BTW, mine are 2 wheel drive so I have coils up front rather than Torsion bars.
The 2000 lb payload was a 180 buck option (MSRP) that included the bigger brakes and tires. The tires are 235/75-15 XL Goodyear Wrangler RT/S instead of the garbage 215/75-15 Goodyear Invictas. The tires are a pleasant surprise compared to the standard ones. At least I can use thesae. The Invictas I got rid of at 10K. The bigger/better tires and bigger brakes are worth the money IMO.
Again,. I don't know if the spring rates are different but I do know that both my Daks sit higher than other 2 wheel drive Daks. Some people think mine are 4X4s or Rams because they look bigger because they are taller. I would say a couple of inches higher than the standard payload.
The difference in the brakes are that standard are 9 X 2.5 while the package ones are 11 X 2. Bigger surface area for less brake fade and better heat dispersion. Remember than the fronts do most of the work.
97 CC SLT 5.2 Auto 3.55 Brilliant Blue/Silver
01 CC SLT 4.7 Auto 3.92 LSD Flame Red/Silver
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flyboy
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
17:41:45
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
I have hvy p/l option on my '01 4.7 3.92 AWD (+4x4) CCb Dak, and it carries a 1600# "w/ groceries" SunLite pop-up, cab-over camper (made to fit Dak's) just great! Camper doesn't settle rear end more than maybe an inch. I get 17-18 mpg at 80 mph w/o camper and still 11-13 at 70 w/ camper, but I'm interested in helping it breathe easier. Anyone know about K&N induction yet for Dak (not Jeep) 4.7 and/or any other cost-effective performance enhancements that DON'T mess w/ warranty??
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
19:06:06
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
"If you go to Build My Dakota on 4adodge.com... you will notice that there is no option to select a heavy payload."
It's in Step Three under "build your Dakota" and again, it's a $40 option, just like it was in 2000. So I was wrong; it's more than just bigger brakes, it's also heftier springs.
The page I mentioned earlier:
http://www.4adodge.com/dakota/specs/feature6.html
gives the dimensions of the differnt springs. So that should help your Dodge parts counterman figure it out. Try printing out that page and show it to him.
-J.
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QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
11:09:31
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
Uhhh, I believe that _all_ Dakota 4x4 models come with the 11" rear brakes, even with the standard payload option. Or, at least, mine did... (2001 QC 4x4 4.7L Auto, standard payload)
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Dakota 2 Time
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
13:24:43
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
That may be why on a 4X4 it is only 40 bucks when on the 4X2 it is 180 bucks. Also it is a higher weight load rating in the 4X2. Does the 4X4 higher payload option also include XL tires? The 4X2 with the optional package carries a GCWR of 10,500 lbs.
Quite frankly, if the package cost MSRP for the higher payload on a 4X4 is only 40 bucks I doubt that it includes anything more than either higher rated springs or the bigger brakes BUT not both.
Again, the only information I am certain on is 4X2 as I don't care about 4X4s.
On the 4X2 the 2000 lb package includes 11" x 2" drums in the rear inplace of the standard 9" X 2 1/2". The tires are upgraded from 215/75-15 Goodyear Invictas to 235/75-15 XL Goodyear Wrangler RT/S
Quite frankly, at 180 bucks that covers the tire upgrade, spring swap and brake upgrade. I doubt anymore is included.
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robert
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
14:00:56
| RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
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Message:
No, 11" brakes do not come on all 4x4s. Maybe on the QC... but not on RC or CC anyway. You only get (got) them on the heavy payload option.
Dakota 2 Time...
Yes, the heavy payload option got you stiffer springs and bigger brakes. The more research I do, it looks like the front springs/torsion bars are also beefier. The reason it is only a $40.00 option is it cost next to nothing to make this choice on the assembly line.
Also, I think you are being paranoid with your VIN. I think it is funny how you are scared of someone 'stealing' it. Your VIN is in public display for the world to see anyway!
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Throttle
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
21:44:18
|  RE: Covert to Heavy Payload Option
IP: Logged
Message:
1B7GG36N32S522658
1B7GG36N22S545350
Both these Vin's have the option and are 2002 model's. Good Luck
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