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SDD
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2013
11:45:28
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 Subject: tune-up and mods
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I am new to the site. Have a 99 Dakota, reg cab, 4x4, 5-spd, 3.9, 3.55 gears with 216,000 miles that we use for small lawn business. It tows a trailer with 3000 lbs on it about 50% of the time. Gets 18-19 mpg highway, 14-16 most driving, 12 or less towing.
I am looking for ‘real world’ info/opinions or pros and cons on tune-ups and any mods that are worth it.
Tune-up thoughts
1. Which Sparkplugs, Autolite 5223 (cooler plug) or 5224? AP5223 if have upgraded ignition? Any others?
a. What GAP?
b. Is it worth upgrading coil (Acell maybe?)
2. NAPA Belden Premium wires, new cap and rotor with brass connections?
3. Replace both O2 sensors? Has 216,000 miles
4. Replace Timing Chain?
5. 180 thermostat? What does the lower therm do?
Mods
1. K&N drop-in filter? Modify box? Real CAI, $200 does not seem worth it.
2. Rubber flap removal? May let in rain, snow, etc
3. IAT sensor relocation? Cheep just not sure if worth it
4. 5.2 Throttle Body swap? Sounds like a good mod, just don’t want to lose any low end. I will try to get from same year.
5. Injector Sync?
6. TPS adj? not sure worth messing with sensor
7. Crankcase position sensor mod? not sure worth messing with sensor
Looking for any thoughts that will give us more power without losing MPG. Or MPG without losing power. And without doing any damage to an older motor(216,000 and counting).
Thanks in advance for any help
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2013
14:27:29
| RE: tune-up and mods
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They may cost a bit but if you change gear ratios to say 3.92
or 4.11 you'll have more power and better mileage especially
when towing. V8 TB will help as well as the CPS mod.
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SDD
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2013
19:48:11
| RE: tune-up and mods
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daddio thanks
did you do the V8 TB? what did it add?
how bad was it to do the CPS mod? what do you think it added?
any thought on tune-up?
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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3/03/2013
08:27:08
| RE: tune-up and mods
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Your tuneup list looks good. I use the NGK FR- 5 plugs. V-
power. I have a V8 TB, CPS mod, under drive crank pulley
only and a decent flowing muffler on an '00 QC, 2WD, 3.9.
5spd, 3:55 gears and 15 in wheels. I have gotten as high as
23MPG hwy with 4 adults and about 400 labs of luggage.
Average daily commuting and normal driving a out 20 MPG.
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SDD
Dodge Dakota
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3/03/2013
08:33:53
| RE: tune-up and mods
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Thanks for your help daddio
anyone else have any thoughts?
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PVK
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2013
10:12:25
| RE: tune-up and mods
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I've improved the ignition system, installed a cone K&N air filter, replaced factory muffler with a Walker 2 baffle (instead of the 3) and use synthetic engine oil. None of these gained me much more than 1 mpg. When I changed the differential lube to a Royal Purple Max Gear 75W-90 weight, I gained about 2 mpg. I do a lot of short driving, so a lighter weight lube works better. If your always towing or in a southern hot climate then a heavier lube may be wiser to use.
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Runner
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2013
17:35:50
| RE: tune-up and mods
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Lower thermostat will equal sludge in your motor.
Order a oil pump & screen now, you will need it!
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