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15:59:38 - 04/25/2024
Off Road
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Doc
Dodge Dakota
12/19/2001
23:39:22
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 Subject: Dakota went bye bye ...
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Message:
Some of you may recall an earlier post of mine where I expressed frustration about the lack of reputable suspension lifts for my '00 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4, and that I became so impatient waiting for an opportunity to build a truly off-road capable truck that I went and purchased an '02 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 with the TRD off-road package, and TRD supercharger.
We kept the Dakota, and just added the Tacoma, and all was well. We had three pickups in our family, with these two, plus a Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 as well. Unfortunately it did not take too long for wifey poo to decide we didn't need three pickups, and that she wanted a car. Needless to say I lost that battle, and Mr. Dakota has said bye bye, being replaced by an '02 Saturn L300 Sedan.
Oh, the shame.
But I NEEDED a more off-road capable truck, (as opposed to just wanting one) and the electric rear locker on the Tacoma is great for that, so I am happy with that truck.
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to every one on this site; it has been a great resource while I have owned the Dakota.
Doc.
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Brent88
Dodge Dakota
12/20/2001
00:34:13
|  RE: Dakota went bye bye ...
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Message:
Keep it Real Brotha'
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andrew
Dodge Dakota
12/20/2001
11:35:46
| RE: Dakota went bye bye ...
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Message:
If you wanted an offroad capable truck what was wrong with the 4x4 ram? It has a atrait axle up front. Please tell us all how the taco stacks up against the dak.
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Doc
Dodge Dakota
12/20/2001
20:56:59
| RE: Dakota went bye bye ...
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Message:
I already have a Dodge Ram, and it is too big for the rather tight trails we have around here, not to mention too heavy, and it has poor suspension flexibility. Granted my Dodge Ram is a one ton truck, but even the 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton trucks don't work as well off-road as I needed. Full size trucks are just too big for 90% of our trails.
The Tacoma is working out pretty well. I have a 3.5" suspension lift installed already, along with 255/85R-16 BFG MT tires. The slightly smaller overall size of the Tacoma is an advantage off-road. Stock vs stock the Tacoma has 2" more ground clearance than the Dakota, and a full 3" more ground clearance after the 33" tires. Three inches more ground clearance is a whole bunch, by the way. Also, stock vs stock, the Tacoma has 3" more rocker panel clearance than the Dakota, and after installing the lift and 33" tires it has 7.5" more rocker panel clearance. And with the 4.10 gears and the supercharger it still turns the tires just fine. The main off-road performance item on the Tacoma, however, is the electric rear locker that comes as standard equipment with the TRD off-road package.
Here is a link for the 3.5" lift I am using:
http://www.northwestoffroad.com/parts/tacomasuspen.html
Overall the Tacoma seems to be significantly more off-road capable, due to greater clearance, slightly smaller and more nimble size, and the rear locker. Don't get me wrong here though; I really liked the Dakota, and it worked better off-road than most people would expect. I just needed something that worked a little better yet, and there was essentially ZERO aftermarket manufacturer support for the Dakota. Lack of aftermarket support was the only thing that held the Dakota back.
Doc.
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
12/20/2001
22:18:36
| RE: Dakota went bye bye ...
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Message:
Come see me when they DO make a susp lift for the daks, doc! We'll compare offroadability! hehehe *joke* ;o)
Anyway, have fun with the toy ... maybe you'll be a Dak man again one day.
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
http://shakin-notstirred.tripod.com
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