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GVdP
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2004
10:09:33

Subject: Parts and questions
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Howdy,
I'm the proud owner of a 2002 Dakota QC SLT 4.7 5 speed 4x4 tire & handling package, NO skidplates (forgot to check the box on the order..). I bought it because I needed a "small" truck to carry around a couple of people and groceries, as well as actually using the truck for work. I just wish it had a slightly longer bed.
Until a few months ago I was looking at the truck only as something I use to drive around and haul stuff, then a friend gave me as a present a K&N FIPK, and shortly after I found this forum. Now I'm lost and I know I'll never be able to go back.

So here are the questions:
After reading all the posts I could, I came up with a bunch of parts that I'd like and I'd like ya'lls opinion. Bear in mind I'm really new at all this and am learning, so if I say something completely stupid, just point it out. I'm here to learn.

I have a cold air intake, so my next part would be the throttle body. Any good place where I could get a ported one?

Exhaust: I saw Borla, and Flowmaster, any others? I don't want the truck to become overly loud, btw.

Gibson makes headers for the Dak, would that be something good to change or it wouldn't matter as much?

I read about changing the manifold to a M1, and another friend started telling me that I should change rockers, lifters, and the cams. Worthwhile upgrades? if so, any suggestions?

The same friend tells me to upgrade the chip, which makes sense, but I can't seem to find a chip for my truck.

I want to upgrade the brakes, especially because the rotors keep warping. Is it possible to put larger rotors? Any brand which ya'll suggest?
Is it possible to replace the rear drums with rotors, or would that involve changing master cylinder, calipers, and more as well?

I need to replace one of the plastic fender flares and want to buy skid plates. The local dealer wants $ 150 for the flare, and $ 600 for the skid plates, and it won't sell 'em to me, it's only for their own use (they'll install those, of course, but then I'd have to pay their extremely expensive labor, etc - between $75 and $90/hr). Does anyone know where I could get these?

I love this truck. It saved my life a couple of times, and in less than three years I drove it for nearly 60,000 miles - still original tires, btw, I need new ones.. again, suggestions? I was thinking of Pirelli Scorpion A/T or Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo.

Thanks a lot!

Another Happy Dak Owner.



Kowalski
GenIII
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10/14/2004
14:15:08

RE: Parts and questions
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The M1 manifold is for 5.2/5.9, not the 4.7 - but the suggestion to change the cams is a good one. Most of the torque advantage of the HO motor can be had just by bolting in a set of HO cams from the Jeep application.
You won't find a decent chip for a 4.7, but the motor responds very well to more ignition advance from a PCM flash. You have to pull the PCM and send it out.
These are probably the two best performance mods for a 4.7.
There's lots of info on brake upgrades on this site, you might want to do a search on some of this stuff. My personal preference for tires is Goodrich AT - good bite and longevity without excessive noise.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

brian cady
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2004
14:35:37

RE: Parts and questions
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I wish i had a friend that was nice enough to give me a K&N FIPK kit.........



brian cady
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2004
14:37:37

RE: Parts and questions
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As far as the fender flare and skid plates any local body shop should be able to order those for you. I checked with my local body shop and they said they could get them, direct from chrysler or aftermarket.



GVdP
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2004
15:02:50

RE: Parts and questions
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Thanks for the tips!
I did read a bunch of posts about brakes and I think I have a good idea of what to get: Brembo Sport slotted rotors, and EBC 6000 pads. The more I read about the rear bakes job, the less I liked it.
I'll look into the cams. Sounds something I could afford.

Unfortunately the only body shop close by is the dealer, the one who wants $ 150 for a $ 40 part. I'll go to the next town and see what I can find there.

I want to make most of the fixes/modifications myself because this is my only vehicle and I can't afford to leave it in the shop for more than a few hours (I travel a lot for work), but some things, like installing the new rotors or putting the HO cams, I'll leave it to someone more experienced.

As for the friend who gave me the K&N.. well, it's a female friend, and I think she wants a ring in exchange.. :P

Thanks again!
And now.. back to the search tool on this forum! :P



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