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mcarthey
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2004
16:01:14
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 Subject: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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I posted this message on the 'Performance' board, but then realized (from the lack of responses) that it was probably better suited here.
I'm just getting into making some mods on my '97 5.2L 4x4. I haven't had a single problem with the truck and am planning on keeping it for a long time. I've got about 100K miles on it and am going to be replacing some parts that are wearing in the front end... shocks, brakes. I was told the ball joints are wearing as well, so I'm probably going to do that as long as I'm in there. I'd like to mod the truck to have a greater carrying/towing capacity. I'm not looking for great speed (although that wouldn't be a terrible side effect). I'd just like it to have an aggressive look to it. What sorts of mods would you recommend to increase the towing ability of the truck? Shocks, springs, tires? I'm just learning, so I'd like to get a checklist of things if possible so I have an idea of where to start.
Thanks much for any help all!
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2004
18:17:23
|  RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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There are a lot of factors that affect GVWR, least of which is the motor. Stiffer shocks and springs and bigger sway bars will improve control. Bigger/better brakes. Rated tires. What gearing do you have? Should be at least 3.92, and consider 4.10 or 4.56 depending. Don't forget to take extra care of the transmission. You'll need a big cooler or heat exchanger, depending on where you live.
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mcarthey
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2004
19:41:59
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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Way back when I ordered the truck, I had the "Trailer Tow Group" installed along with other HD options. I believe the 3.92 was installed because of this. I don't know exactly what it entails, but I also had the "Maximum Engine Cooling" package installed. Crap, perhaps, but I use it mostly for towing so I ordered it with that in mind.
I'm not sure how to tell what I have as far as shocks/springs go, or how to determine how much to increase the stock equipment by. I'm finding that it's a problem, in general, to get specific details like this on the truck. Is there a good URL for this kind of info?
Thanks for the response!
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2004
00:09:53
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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Message:
You will have trouble finding exact stats on factory parts. You might try going down to a local spring shop and talking to them. They can make new springs for you, or sell you an add-a-leaf kit (or something similar).
Replace the shocks with good quality - like Monroe or Rancho.
Upgrade your brakes with better pads and shoes.
Look and see if you have an auxillary trans cooler. I believe the tow package includes that. But the rear gear was a seperate order item, so look and see what you've got. It may be the 3.92, but doesn't have to be.
Don't worry about engine power, there's plenty.
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mcarthey
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2004
23:55:57
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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Thanks for the ideas. Maybe I'll take a walk to the local tire store and see what they can recommend. You mentioned brakes. Do the rotors have to be upgraded as well? Is there a good system available for the Dakotas that I can look at?
Thanks!
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Kowalski
GenIII
6/25/2004
08:56:32
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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Roadmaster active suspension works well in the rear. Lower gearing wasn't included in tow package when I got my truck. You could jack up the rear in neutral, and count how many times the tire goes around as you spin the driveshaft one revolution - about 3 1/2 times for 3.55, almost 4 times for 3.92. These guys are right on the money suggesting lower gears.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/25/2004
10:20:44
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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For brakes, you have a couple of options. For the ultimate, go with Baer Brakes. Big bucks, but certainly the best. But start with a really good set of pads and shoes. The factory parts are OK, but there are certainly better choices. Try some carbon fiber pads. It's cheap and easy, and provides a noticable improvement.
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Perpetrate
GenIII
7/08/2004
19:04:40
| RE: Increasing towing/hauling capacity?
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Message:
I have a 98 4X4 with the 5.2L and this is what I have done so that I can tow my 5,000 lb Toy Box.
Rancho Add-a-leafs
KYB Shocks
4.10 gears
Auburn LSD
Tranny Cooler in line with the stock tranny cooler
14" round K&N filter
Flowmaster
Superchips Power Tuner - Best Bang for the Buck!!! Has a Towing mode
Radar detector - can't tow 55mph. lol
http://www.geocities.com/ridemoreworkless/Dakota.html
Craig
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