Dodge Dakota ForumDodge Dakota PhotosDodgeDakota.net Membership
  Forums   Forum Tools
05:49:50 - 03/28/2024

General Dakota Board
FromMessage
Dakaty
GenIII
 User Profile


2/28/2002
16:22:29

Subject: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
I have gotten so used to working under the hood of my Dakota (5.9) that I'd forgotten how easy it is as compared to other vehicles. I don't even get dirty working on it anymore. (Of course I do keep my engine area clean)

I recently worked on my old Suburban (just changed out plugs) and am still sore from having to crawl up into the hood and do contortions to get at the plugs. Also, my hands are all cut up from the sharp edges of the heat shields.

I also have a Caravan with the side mounted 3.8L Mitsubishi engine. Does anyone know how you even get to the rear spark plugs?? I'll need to change them soon and it looks like I might need to remove the intake manifold to get to the rear plugs!

The Dakotas have a nice low stance which makes the engine real easy to access. On longer jobs, you can let the air out of the front tires and lower it even more.

Changing plugs is real easy, especially if you have a tube intake (like the K&N) instead of the factory air intake box. And with headers, there are virtually no obstructions!







Ben E-Farrer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

2/28/2002
17:56:40

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
My grandfather had a early 90's S-10 with the 4.3L motor in it and it took my dad 3 hours to change the spark plugs, one was directly under the steering colum and we needed to use a rubber hose to get it out.
the spark plugs on the 4.7's are on the top of the motor, not between the exhausts like the LA engines, so I think that they are pretty easy to change also.



318dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


2/28/2002
18:06:44

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
what does LA stand for anyway?



PeTeR F.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


2/28/2002
19:19:00

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
If the van has the same 3.8l as there cars, yes you have to take off the intake manifold. I think they made it that way so you'll take it in for service. Crazy if you ask me. Good luck!!



NiPs
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


2/28/2002
19:27:52

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
True it's crazy, but isn't a 175 hp v6 crazy in a truck when you put what a 215hp in a minivan...



318dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


2/28/2002
21:08:56

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
what does LA stand for?




R Middleton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

2/28/2002
21:13:22

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
un-educated guess...

Later style A engine. A engine being the smaller
V-8 B being the larger or Big block.

Middy.





318dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


2/28/2002
21:15:00

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
thanks..



DaveR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

2/28/2002
22:47:57

RE: Daks are easy to work on.
IP: Logged

Message:
I always heard legends of a special wrench used at dealerships to get to the plugs on the minivans. Just glad I don't have to remove any maniolds on the DAK.



   P 1


Post a reply to this message:

Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages


Name:
Email:
Notify me when I get a reply to my message:Yes  No

Icons:            

Subject:
Message:
 



Home | Forums | Members | Pictures | Contact Us

This site is in no way affiliated with Chrysler or any of its subsidiaries.