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Off Road
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TWlST
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
14:11:19

Subject: How does a Dak offroad?
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Right now I have a Grand Cherokee and I am thinking about trading in on a dak for a few reasons.

1. I mainly offroad in mud and the bigger the tires the better, right now Im running 31's on my jeep and to go to 33's is a big step in money, with the Dak I can get 33's under me fairly easy.

2. My Jeep has a 4.0 and I would like some more power, I know I could trade in on a 5.2 but then I'd be in the same situation as problem 1.

3. The last reason is a solid frame makes me more confident in its ability to keep me safe in a crash, plus it is a pain in the butt to get towhooks for the Grand due to its uniframe.

My overall question is, if I get a dak will I be dissapointed with its offroad ability compared to a Jeep? How is the 4x4 system and what are my options, I like being able to run my Jeep in 4wd full time if its only wet, can I do that with a dak? Any help would be nice. TIA



JustMe
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
14:54:16

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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#1) You'll have to get at least a 3" lift (body or suspension) to fit 33's unless you're going to get a new front bumper. (do a search, TONS of threads on these lifts)

#2) I agree about the power. Just doing get anything smaller than the 4.7L

#3) You can't get towhooks for the front of the Kota. You'll have to fab up some custom brackets (do a search, there are plans for them on here) to be able to attatch tow hooks up front.

As far as your overall question, I can' help you cause I haven't taken mine off road yet. Plenty peeps on here do though. And I THINK you can get that 4x4 transfer case in the '03.

-JustMe



forexfour
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4/08/2003
15:01:28

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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click link.

The group of Dakota's I wheel with have no problems off road. We go out at least once a month if not more.



Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!

Forexfour's home



TWlST
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4/08/2003
20:10:50

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Would buying a V6 be foolish if I plan on running 33's?



deaver
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
21:18:38

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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don't buy a v6 for the simple reasons of fuel economy and power. the v8 has more power and dosen't burn that much more fuel. spend the couple extra bucks ( do yourself a favour).



TWlST
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4/08/2003
23:23:48

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I plan on buying the a V8 but all I find are V6's. I have found one V8 I like but it is a quad cab and I kinda wanted a regular cab, however it is nice looking. Its a 97' V8 4x4 with 77,XXX miles on it and they are asking 9,800 for it, I think that is to much but Im gonna go talk to them tomorrow. Does this sound reasonable to you ppl?



chaximus
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4/09/2003
04:52:27

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Dak's are good off road, but don't get me wrong, jeeps are the king. We all know jeeps are designed with "off-road" in mind. If i had wheeling as a top priority in my vehicle of choice, i would be lookin for jeeps because they have more flex due to solid front axle. Plus they have more options of customizations than the dakota's IFS system. Hey, i own a dakota and i'm just as happy, but i would always recommend a jeep for wheelin cuz i experienced one too many and they just kick ass.



JustMe
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2003
07:35:50

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Um, I didn't think they made a QuadCab back in '97. But if you plan on running 33's, don't get the v6. You probably have worse gas mileage than the v8 becuase you'll have to run higher rpm's to turn the larger tires.




DakGuy
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2003
07:44:09

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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The reason all of the Daks you find for sale have a V6 , is because most people that buy a V6 wish they would have got the V8 instead ,and weren`t happy with it. Get a V8.
The 97 you speak of for sale sounds about right if it`s an SLT model with power everything , if it`s a sport with roll up windows and man. locks , etc... it sounds a bit high.
Try checking out KBB.com (kelly blue book).

BTW ... I`m sure you mean Club Cab as the Quad Cabs (4 doors) weren`t made until 2000.



forexfour
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4/09/2003
11:13:29

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I guess I am the only happy V-6'er with 33's!

I keep up with all my V-8 buds just fine and always have on and off road.

Most responses are opinions and not fact. If you are gonna just wheel it and want the power get the V-8 If you want something not as Heavy with better MPG for the road the V-6 does fine.

V-6, 33's 3.92 gears, Flowmaster avg 16.5 mpg.



Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!

Forexfour's home



ian
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2003
11:59:09

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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DakGuy, the blue book for the SLT and the Sport is identicle. the only difference between the two is bumpers and badges. i have a sport plus i bought brand new and it was the exact same price as the comperably priced SLT plus.

in fact, i prefer the sprot due to the fact that the lower vallence is painted(not that goofy primer grey).





Perpetrate
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4/09/2003
13:38:14

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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If you get a body lift you can put chevy tow hooks on, off of a 00-03 1/2 ton trucks/suvs. They bolt to the frame and work and look better than anything I have seen any one else do. If you get a gear ratio off 3.55 like me and put 33's on its like 3.33. Yuk!

Pictures of Daks wheeling.
http://www.geocities.com/ridemoreworkless/Wheelin.html


DakGuy
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4/09/2003
13:46:47

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I just checked the kbb , and found a 97 4WD CC V8 , auto sport w/no options is around $11,800 from a dealer. A 97 4WD CC SLT is around $12,200 and if it`s optioned out it can go as high as $13,700.

Sounds as if it is an O.K. deal as long as it`s clean and not been wiped out and hacked back together.



TWlST
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4/09/2003
14:55:31

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Do the bumpers on a Sport make lifting it easier, ie allow bigger tires to fit without cutting? My plan is a pa 3' body lift and 33's. I dont wanna go any bigger than that. Would the SLT CC fit the criteria I need? Man its gonna be hard trading in the Grand if I have too.



Steve-o
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4/09/2003
15:28:29

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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TWIST,

A Dakota is a Dakota is a Dakota. The only difference between all of the different versions (Sport, SLT, etc) is trim. Everything else is pretty much the same shape. With the different trim levels, different things are painted, chromed, or trimmed off different. So the bumper on the Sport will be the same as the bumper on my SLP Plus (besides the finish).

Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.



Steve
'02, SLT Plus, QC, 4.7L, 4x4, Patriot Blue/Silver, 360 Airintakez
The Tao of Steve

If it jams force it, if it breaks it needed fixing anyway.





monkeyjuice
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4/09/2003
15:32:55

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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This sounds very familiar!! I traded my 99 Grand Cherokee in on my 01 Dakota Quad Cab. Without a doubt it was a great decision. My Grand Cherokee had the 4.0L and I loved some things about it but my Dakota is a much more capable and more powerful truck. Way more room, better gas mileage with a 4.7L, and a better ride on and off road. I lifted my Dakota 3" and put on 33x12.5 on stock wheels. This seems like a pretty good setup for off road and keeps on road real comfortable. Let me know if I can answer any comparison questions.



Dakota
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4/10/2003
09:18:59

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I have no complaints...





dakotafield01.JPG (93420 bytes)

dakotariver02.jpg (101703 bytes)

Video...




-Dakota
3" Body Lift
Quick D Intake
Dynomax Race Magnum Exhaust
33x12.5x15 Super Swamper Thornbirds
Dakota.4mg.com

4wDakota
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4/10/2003
09:31:10

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Hey Dakota,

Does your truck have an open rear diff or is it that your LSD is just worn out? Watching that waterfall video I see that only one of your back tires was pulling.



98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
3" Body Lift, 1" Torsion Bar Lift, 33" BFG A/T KO's

forexfour
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4/10/2003
10:02:41

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Dakota,

That F'n rocks!!!!

I love seeing that kind of stuff!!! I have always enjoyed your video's.

Experience shows!!!

Chris

Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!

Forexfour's home



Steve-o
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4/10/2003
10:41:42

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I love it how he rolls up his window in that first video right before he gooses it and flings mud all up the side of the truck. Good thinking...

...and good driving.



Steve
'02, SLT Plus, QC, 4.7L, 4x4, Patriot Blue/Silver, 360 Airintakez
The Tao of Steve

If it jams force it, if it breaks it needed fixing anyway.





Dakota
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4/11/2003
06:52:36

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Open diff... :(

and on teh waterfall video... only 2 Dakotas made it up...one was Adam Blaster of Canada (from Dakota-truck.net) with an open diff, and mine.
The other two jeeps both has lockers, front and rear...and a winch. Just a little fyi on the performance of the Dakota.

forexfore - Thanks! I enjoy making them!

Steve-o - I learned from the first time i went through the pit the eyar before... im still cleaning out the mud!

-Dakota
3" Body Lift
Quick D Intake
Dynomax Race Magnum Exhaust
33x12.5x15 Super Swamper Thornbirds
Dakota.4mg.com

arthur
Dodge Dakota
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4/15/2003
19:45:59

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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dakota, nice truck, but.. no offence.. its a joke.

you REALLY need to lock the rear, and maybe the front.

you have close to 0 traction.



chaximus
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4/15/2003
21:29:53

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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I just traded my dak for a jeep wrangler...uh oh :)



4wDakota
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4/16/2003
09:48:12

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Hey no need to throw stones man.

The guy is doing what he can with what he's got. It shows he's got the balls to put his truck in a rough trail. It's hard to find gys who actually wheel their trucks.

BTW there is no locker or anything avalable for the Dana M35


98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
3" Body Lift, 1" Torsion Bar Lift, 33" BFG A/T KO's

forexfour
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4/16/2003
10:15:49

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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It shows he's got the balls to put his truck in a rough trail. It's hard to find gys who actually wheel their trucks.


I agree! To get anyone else to go out seems impossible anymore.

I just noticed that this is a different Arthur!!!

I thought that was a way not like something our bud Arthur would say and I see why now.

To our bud Arthur you better use a different new when posting now.

Dakota,
Keep up the good work!!! You proved you dont need a stinking locker.


Chris

Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!

Forexfour's home



Dakota
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4/16/2003
13:46:59

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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When you climb a waterfall that has been attempted for 4 years by jeeps with front and rear lockers and fail...then you climb up with an open diff... its called bragging rights!

Its staying an open diff too....

Its also for sale for anyone in the North East

-Dakota
3" Body Lift
Quick D Intake
Dynomax Race Magnum Exhaust
33x12.5x15 Super Swamper Thornbirds
Dakota.4mg.com

REAL ARTHUR
Dodge Dakota
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4/16/2003
19:32:41

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Dang it!!!!!

I work so hard to establish myself as a cool person on this site and then some dork comes on and starts throwing mud in MY NAME!

Hey, other arthur, your opinion isn't appreciated when it's using the name of some as cool as me!!!



REAL ARTHUR
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4/16/2003
19:33:35

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Oh, and thank u Chris for realizing such a comment wouldn't come from me!!!



Spawn_X
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4/17/2003
15:21:15

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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Using your name? HOlup right there.

1. my name is arthur, and since no registration was required i used it. Arthur wasn't a "reserved name" so :middle finger icon:

2. Throwing stones? I said that he has close to 0 traction, and he does.

3. Throwing mud on "your" name? Stfu will you?

4. attempted by locked jeeps for 4 years and failed? You've got to be kidding me. Either those jeeps had 25" tires, or they were trying to get up neutral. Hate to say it but jeeps have mad flex and would own a dakota that's even moderately fixed up.

5. bragging rights for making it up the waterfall? no. bragging rights for making it up the waterfall with open diff? yes, definitely.

why not lock it ? is there something "elite" about traction? I don't see a reason to keep an off-road vehicle open diff, it doesn't help anything nor does it really give you "bragging rights".

so again to get things straight i was not bashing him, but the truck's poor traction (yes, its poor). it has nothing to do with him having balls to take it out on trail, i never said a thing about that.

but you do have to admit that only 1 tire was spinning per axle, and frankly that makes it a LOT tougher to get up, and i see no reason in keeping it open.

and again, jeeps would own you and that waterfall. luckly i don't own one (wranglers are ugly/small and the rest are unibody, weak).

before you assume something and get all defensive re-read the post to see if there's really something insulting or not.

and arthur, quit whining about your name.



skipdawg91
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2003
15:45:05

RE: How does a Dak offroad?
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i'm a bit late on this post, but i just want to say awesome video on the waterfall. I like how you just kept backing up an going for it until you made it. Unfortunatley i'm down here in Ga, which leaves me out of yalls so cal and NE wheeling trips, but if yall are ever down here lemme know and i'll definelty ride



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