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downonmydodge
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2003
01:23:12
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 Subject: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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I recently bought a 2003 Dakota Quad Cab 3.9L V6. When I bought it I didn't think the power was that bad(I previously owned a nissan altima). But now after driving it around for a while I think it is way under powered for a truck. Maybe it is just my truck, but when I accelerate at about 45mph-55mph the truck seems to wimp out I guess is the best way to put it. The pedal just feels like it goes slack. Is this common? I wish I would have bought the V8, but I can't go back now. So my next question is, does anyone know how difficult it would be to change out to a larger engine? Would it fit? Things I would have to maybe move around or get rid of completely? Are there books on this? I want to buy a crate engine, but I'm not sure if it's going to work. I appreciate the help.
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Monkey_Man
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2003
06:48:20
|  RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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instead of going though all that trouble, buy a small used sports car or something and use the truck just for work. I just a bought a motorcyle. theres my speed! the truck I'll use to carry it when I blow the motor up, or I'll use it work.
or, trade it in and see what a V8 will cost you.
MM
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runamonk
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2003
11:48:50
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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downonmydodge:
Have you tried turning off the OD yet? There is a little button the fly shifter. Try hitting that when you need that little bit of extra get up and go. ;)
I know how you feel though, I love the way it drives and handles but I really hate the mushy feeling to the pedal. I think that's mostly related to the fact that these new ones only have a three speed tranny and OD. The od seems to kick in way to damn early, would be nice if it waited until after hitting 60 or so.
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downonmydodge
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2003
22:09:07
|  RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Thanks for the feedback and now I know my truck isn't the problem. I'll try the overdrive button see if that helps. Thanks again!
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Brandon
Dodge Dakota
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3/29/2003
20:34:33
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Downonmydodge: You're exactly right. I can't stand the feeling when you want some power and whatever you do to the pedal there is none there. Runamonk is right, though. The tranny loves to throw it into overdrive at like 30; it kills the power. What's that all about? Anyway, the 6 is just not a great engine, nothing is wrong with your truck.
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gaked
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2003
13:45:38
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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i just bought a 2003 dakota v6 and noticed the same thing, but while messing around and being kinda angry at how slow it is to my camaro i just sold i pushed the pedal hard and as far as it would go and when it downshifted it put me in my seat. try that, it might make you feel alittle better at times.
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92whitedak
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2003
17:16:26
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Definately. Carry you vehicle up to about 40. Right then, mash it as hard as you can. You will feel some resistence and then push it beyond that. Itll go another 1/2 inch just as it throws the kickdown cable and she downshifts. That'll give you a nice kick in the ass. Always makes me smile after a long day and a longer drive home.
-Fox Deacon
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Jas01dakon
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2003
17:52:36
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Hey Down.
I feel your pain, brother. The 3.9 is a dog. It's a 5.2 that had 2 cylinders cut off with a torch or a hacksaw. Just take it back and say you want the two missing cylinders put back on. I don't know why Dodge is continuing to pump out the 3.9 at such enormous rates. They've known it's crap from day 1. I guess it's just another way they care about their customers.
One question. Does your truck have the viscous clutch fan? I heard the 03's came without it.
Thanks.
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Pistolero
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
12:10:12
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Dodge sells a ton more 3.9's in the Dakota than any other engine. But, you're all right, it's not an engine made for performance. To that extent, I consider the "magnum" moniker that they hang on these engines to be almost akin to deceptive advertising. I sort of knew this going in when I bought the 3.9 in my 2002 RC. If I'd bought anything other than a RC, I wouldn't even have considered the V6. I sympathize with everyone who has one in a QC.
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Rich
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
13:28:23
|  RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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I've got a 98 3.9 and its the same, big V6 but the power of a chevy 2.2 4cyl. Sad If I could turn back the clock I'd have spent that extra doe and got the 5.9.
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jer
Dodge Dakota
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4/05/2003
09:29:35
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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From day one I knew I should have spent the extra dough for the V8 in my 2001 clubcab 4x4. I think it was about another $1200(can).
I test drove both engines (3.9 & 4.7) and there was a huge difference (especially on the highway).
To this day I think I had a brain freeze when I ordered the truck with the V6.
Gas mileage sucks too.
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ken
Dodge Dakota
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4/05/2003
13:16:18
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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OK we all know that there is problems same with my 2002 3.9 i take it that we all have the same problems is there anything that would make it alot better - i have thought about changing out the rear end give it a diffrent gearing system -- or changing out the engin go with a big V8 or paying for a super charger - or buying a new truck same problem in all cases the money can be from $3000 for super charger that isnt a direct fit --- to $2000 rear end ---- $6000 loss from traiding it in and getting a new on not sure about the engin guess it would be areound $2000-4000 for a rebuilt ------------so i think i am stuck for a while i like everything else with it but the power that i dont have i also just got a a small 16' fishing boat that i haul with the truck and it is a shame to say but the truck cant handle it very well --- thank you all and good luck
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03dakQC
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
15:18:46
|  RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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i've driven both the v-8 and v-6. The v-6 is plenty of ENGINE for almost anything. the v-6's problems come not in the engine but in the TRANNY. If you drive a v-6 with the manual they feel like they have plenty of power, the auto however, is absolutely terrible. The gearing in first is somewhere above 2.0, instead of 1.0 in the manual. This simple fact makes the v-6 with the auto very sluggish and feel like it has no balls. If you want to look at something other than an engine swap, try a tranny.
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Jim
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
16:59:20
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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first if you think the 3.9 is under powered you should have driven a slant sick powered truck
i have had an 80 and 84 150 and an 85 van
my 2002 sxt now has 20,000 miles and i love it.
no problems so far. with 3.92s and an auto it moves ok. its no race car but then i can always take out one of my mustangs when i feel the need for speed. but damn that new hemi looks nice and if i could get the whole package together for under ten grand, hmmm lightning killer
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Bailey
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2004
13:55:41
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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I have felt that the 3.9 with the 5spd is not that bad. Probably the 5spd helps a lot but I tow my 18' ChrisCraft around pretty easliy and it has decent pickup. But I didn't want the V8 and the gas milage is a little better, trying to find ways to make me think it is a whole lot better. But anyway I have 2003 SXT and QC love it. Been a Toy fan for years and the V6 will compete with anything in it's class. Although the 4.0 Ranger will give a decent run for the money. But I think a 3.9 5spd could get a 4.0 auto but a 5spd 4.0 see ya...I know, my roomate smokes me.
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Sheldon
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2005
10:37:48
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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I have 2002 qc 4x4 with the 3.9 and I hate it.
No balls what soever,preformance is crap.
I really want to do the engin swap (4.7) (5.2) or 5.9 which either fits best.Can someone tell me if this is possible,and well the stock tranny bolt right up,also do the v8 have to be the same year as my truck.
V6 sucks
V8 is the way to go.
Thanks
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Jerry
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2005
11:18:52
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Hello
I have a stick, so I just drop a gear and it goes rather well. If you have an automatic and you stomp on it, it should downshift as well.
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93dak4x4
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2005
11:22:33
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Bailey,
Send your room mate this way, ill take him on
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dex
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2005
11:51:53
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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Do you know your V-6 has more HP than the German Panzer I & II used in WWII???
http://www.jodavidsmeyer.com/combat/military/weapons-german-tanks.html
Model Crew Engine Weight Max Speed Weapons
Panzer I 3 130 hp 20 mm cannon and machine gun
Panzer II 3 140 hp 7.2 – 9.5 tons 25 mph 20 mm cannon and machine gun
Panzer III 5 230 hp 15 tons 37 mm cannon and machine gun
Panzer IV 5 230 hp 17.3 tons 18 mph short 75 mm gun and 2 machine guns
Panther 650 hp 28 mph 75 mm gun
Tiger 700 hp 55 tons 23 mph 88 mm gun
Tiger II or
King Tiger 70 tons 128 mm gun
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whitedodge
Dodge Dakota
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3/26/2005
01:08:08
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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idk guys, i have a 3.9 in a club cab, its not a race car or nething, but if you learn how to make it go , instead of mashing it i slowly accelerate then go to the floor, hard to explain actually and i CAN beat almost any stock truck in my class, so far the wins are a 1992blazerZ71, 1995 GMCZ71, several tacomas, a 2003 s10(twice im still not sure about the never ending argument of which is faster, i beat the guy by a car length), ran neck and neck with a 1999 Cougar. idk not to bad actually. but in the near future i am switching it out for the 5.2, right now just trying to get everything together. i say do the most you can to your engine and make it perform! dont diss the 3.9 its done very well so far
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oberdone
Dodge Dakota
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3/29/2005
00:12:05
| RE: 2003 3.9L Dakota
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I have a 3.9 club cab 4x4 and am not impressed with the power. I was thinking of puting in a cold air induction plus a throttle body spacer and perhaps dual exhaust.I would like to know if anyone else has tried this plus the superchips programmer,a few ideas to get some more ponies.a k&n air filter made a difference with my 6 cylinder mustang.
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