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douglas
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
07:44:09
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 Subject: Decisions...
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Message:
I posted here about two weeks ago saying that i was about to order an R/T and was looking for opinions about options. now, there has been a change in plans. there is a good possibility that i may be moving up into a mountainous region and the area gets some snow and ice.
my dilemma is this, do i still get the R/T or do i opt for 4x4? does the R/T handle well in those conditions? Being rear wheel drive and with plenty of torque it could get antsy going up and down the hills. by the way, the roads are mostly gravel that is kept in good condition.
During the summer and pretty much anytime it isnt covered in snow i want to build the R/T up with mods, which will impact how it will handles when it does snow again.
so, do i need a 4x4 or can the R/T handle it?
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
08:12:30
| RE: Decisions...
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I don't really have an opinion on the R/T, but I do have a 4x4 and all I can say is that there were times this summer that I was REALLY glad I had it. It handled some pretty heavy and deep snow very well and without it, I am sure I would have had to call the tow truck. I would be a little concerned about the hills covered in snow and ice. Going down the hill, 4x4 won't really help unless you are in 4x4LO and just creep down the hill but you can do that in an R/T in low gear. The 4x4 doesn't help you stop any better once you get the brakes locked up. However, going up hills covered in snow and ice, I would be worried the R/T wouldn't cut it. The 4x4 has more agressive tires that are made for digging in to the snow and will really help you, especially with all four of them working for you. This is just my two cents, but I am very happy with my 4x4 purchase, especially after this winter.
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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dan
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
10:12:08
| RE: Decisions...
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Another consideration with the R/T. Look at the tires that come with it. Don't think those are made for ice and snow. That's like taking Eagle Gatorback ZRs and running them around a hockey rink! Get a 4x4 if you need to get around in those condiditons. I love mine. Makes dealing with the Northeast winters that much easier. I don't have an R/T but I do have a Firebird Formula too and let's put it this way. I had trouble moving that thing 10 feet in my own driveway when it was iced over. Same principle.....rear wheel drive + lots of torque + hi performance tires made for dry pavement = trouble in the winter. Just my opinion. But hey....it's a free country!!!!
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moparjoe20
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
10:34:49
| RE: Decisions...
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I would go for the R/T and also pick up a set of 15" wheels with a good all season tire on it for it for the winter months- you probably wouldn't want to mess up you're R/T wheels by using them in the winter anyways. The R/T should be ok since it has a 3.92 sure-grip standard , only thing you might need is a little ballast in the bed to help traction when it gets really nasty out.
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92dakotahd
GenII
4/24/2002
10:53:48
| RE: Decisions...
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I have a friend with an R/T and from his previous experiences that I saw a few years ago. (The trucks now bored stroked and everything else.) I'd go with the 4X4. His is a club cab and he had a lot of trouble. Not only will the tires, torque, and lack of weight get you but the tires on one of those is wide with a flat footprint which doesn't lend itself to snow. He had a lot of trouble from why I understand. But the best person to ask would be an R/T owner. You might start a new thread to get their attention.
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R/Truck
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
10:57:22
| RE: Decisions...
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I have taken my R/T thrue some serious mud one time (not by choice) and it handled it like a champ (the low gear and limited slip helped out a lot). A full size Chevy and a Jeep Cherokee got stuck in the same area that I cruised right thru. The only down side is that the R/T sits low so you may be plowing some snow around.
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douglas
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
12:39:37
| RE: Decisions...
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as always, you guys have been a good help. i hadnt thought about a second set of tires for the truck. and possibly snow chains. i dont believe clearance will be too big of an issue, except to just get out of the driveway. most of the roads are frequently used. I own a Durango R/T 4x4 so, if i do get stuck, i could use that work horse.
i will try to talk with some of the neighbors and see what they are driving.
oh, and how is the quality on the tonneau cover? i had wanted a hard cover, but if the soft one comes with the R/T package...
thanks to all
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92dakotahd
GenII
4/24/2002
13:01:53
| RE: Decisions...
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You were all worried about that and you have a durango R/T?? I would keep the R/T Dak in the garage with the white stuff on the ground and drive the Durango.
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dan
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2002
12:21:23
| RE: Decisions...
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Ditto what 92dakotahd said. My Firebird Formula only comes out during the summer. My 2002 4x4 Dakota SXT CC is for all seasons ;-)
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