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RAM Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
00:43:34
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 Subject: More towing power
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First post here. I have a 99 5.2 dakota sport 4X4 with basically every towing option available from the factory. The truck has no modifications. I will admit I like lots of power. So I'm interested in having more power for towing my 19ft boat over some of the mountain passes here in Washington state (US).
I found something in the archives about people blowing up their engines using the Mopar performance chip. Since it increases shift RPM. So that doesn't seem like the greatest idea anymore. I'm not sure I want to put a cone filter set-up on it though since it is my wifes daily driver.
What's are the most recomended modifications?
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DaK man92
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
02:04:08
| RE: More towing power
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I've read that you should increase torque by installing a good cat-back system. Preferably a 3" single exhaust system on your Dak. I've had great results my Gibson exhaust.
As far as the Mopar PCM, do NOT use that when you intend to tow...it not only moves your shift points, it advances timing so while you tow that's a big NO NO!
You may want to install a set of 1.7 roller rockers, which will increase torque along with your exhaust.
In my honest opinion I would buy a simple K&N drop in filter to help the top-end breath easier. You're not going to see the gains that are advertised, but it's a one time investment.
I'm not 100% sure on the towing capacity of the Mopar convertor, but you may want to consider that, for it will stall a little higher which is a huge plus for towing.
So, you add a nice exhaust, drop in filter, 1.7 roller rockers, and a slightly higher stall...you should have a great towing monster.
I hope this helps.
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Dr. D
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
09:42:09
| RE: More towing power
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An underdrive pulley kit and AMSOIL synthetics from bumper to bumper will make the world of a difference and it is a very inexpensive modification.
An MSD ignition upgrade is worth looking into also.
Dr. D
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RAM Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
13:09:33
| RE: More towing power
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Thanks for the help. How about headers? The stock exhaust manifold looks really restrictive.
I should also mention that The truck has 3.6 gears. I'm ok with that though.
It seems like the truck would be able to maintain 60mph. Without down shifting frequently. With about 20+HP more than it has now.
I don't want to build the thing up so it gets 7MPG or anything like that. I have a sports car if I want to go fast. I just made my annual fishing trip and got around 13MPG. I'm not really impressed or dissapointed with that.
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DaK man92
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2003
06:10:51
| RE: More towing power
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Headers aren't a good option if your looking for towing power. However, you could search the salvage yards for 92-93 Dakota V-8 manifolds for they are slightly bigger and offer a nice gain with out loosing all your bottom end.
I've been told that on the Magnum engines, it's better to wait until you've made other modifications before putting on the headers. That would include 1.7 rockers, M-1 intakes, PCM, throttle body, etc. The headers help to "inhance" and get the most out of the aforementioned modifications. However, it's your truck, please feel free to do what ever you feel like doing to it, and most importantly have fun with it!
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.DOC.
Dodge Dakota
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6/02/2003
01:01:36
| RE: More towing power
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RAMDakota,
Based upon my experience with my '00 QuadCab, consider:
1) Do NOT install an M1 if you intend towing power. I did and lost 66#' of Torque (dyno results). The M1 is a GREAT adder if you're going to run high RPMs, as it really runs over 3200 RPM. I replaced the 'beerkeg' and have been MUCH happier with my low RPM operation.
2) NO to aftermarket chips for towing. They're not designed for low RPM use, but for 'high performance'. In addition, you'll need to use high test fuel-not a good payback for hauling a boat around!
3) Install a full cold air intake system, not a 'drop-in'. Get the most out of the reduced restriction available with a good system. I've got an AirAid and like it.
4) A good reworked throttle body is worth the investment. I got mine from FastMan and like it.
5) 3" cat-back exhaust is a good addition. With the right muffler, the rig can sound good too!
6) Headers.?.? I haven't gotten any yet, so no first hand information. I have been told by some: little improvement, and by others: they might help. Researching has been an excersize in frustration. If you do, though, choose to do headers, stay with 1-1/2" to 1-5/8" primaries. To go larger will loose bottom end at the expense of top end improvement.
My last round trip from Gresham, Or (just east of Portland) to Madress, Or (center of the state) over Mt. Hood yielded 18.6mpg from my Dakota with a 5.9, weighing 5,600# and fitted with a LEER 700 tonneau, so some of my mods might have been appropriate.
Good Luck-we're in somewhat uncharted waters looking for power at the bottom end. Most goodies are positioned for those searching for power at the upper RPM range,...
D
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RAM Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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6/02/2003
16:01:03
| RE: More towing power
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Correction the trucks original window sticker says "Axle Ratio-3.92". So I guess shorter gears are out.
Thanks for the detailed response .DOC.. I'm pretty dissapointed that the 318 isn't capable of using 5000-5500RPM as other trucks will in towing situations. Probably wouldn't help anyway since I'm really wanting to just maintain the 60mph without downshifting over the pass. 60mph is less than 4400RPM in second but it just won't maintain it in third gear.
I did have about 500lbs of gear in the bed and the canopy. As well as 450lbs of people (me and my buddy) in the cab. But you gotta haul the camping gear. I guess that would make my total weight truck and trailer just south of 10,000lbs. Which is just a LOAD for a "compact truck". I think I could add 2000lb tralier weight and 1000lbs in the bed and still be under the trucks ratings. Which I find pretty outstanding. However I'm sure that would mean 40mph runs over the pass. Which seems to be the norm for a fully loaded truck of any size.
Looks like I will have to start with the standard intake and exhaust improvements. I have a hard time beliveing that it is going to help much since 4400RPM is going to remain peak RPM. Well, I have to start somewhere.
I'm sure a supercharger would be great but MPG is rediculous in a truck of this size. I have found that this truck gets in the low range of mileage estimates for Dakotas. Which is not really surprising with the shorter gears and all of the options on the truck. Looking at the window sticker it appears that it has every option available on a Dakota CC. I'm not sure if leather was available but I wouldn't want it anyway
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