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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2003
11:54:52
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 Subject: Changes in 2003
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Does anyone know if/what changes there were with the 2003 model (specifically 3.9L V6 RC 2WD)?
I ask because much of the stuff I look up lists parts for various years up to but not including 2003. I know the 2004 model uses the new 3.7L v6 motor but I am unable to find any info on the differences between my 2003 and previous years. Obviously I need to know this before I start ordering any performance parts.
I'm especially interested in things like the rearend (for limited slip purposes), exhaust (cat-back and headers), PCM programmers, throttle body (to install a v8 version) and the threaded rod mod, just to name a few.
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BlackSXT
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2003
17:13:30
| RE: Changes in 2003
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I think that most of what you mentioned is the same as 2002, but some of the aftermarket suppliers are slow to upgrade the catalogs. I think the big change with the 03 was the 4 wheel disc brake,other than that i think they where mostly in trim stuff
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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2003
17:22:25
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Funny you should bring up the 4-wheel isc brakes. I was a bit disappointed to find out they only put those on vehicles with a GVWR of 5050# or greater. Well guess what a V6 2WD RC is rated at. I'll give you a hint, it is UNDER 5050#. 5000# to be exact so I got drum rears. To be honest though I am very pleased with the brakes so far but will have to see how they fair on my first towing outting. But at 600lb for the trailer and another 400lb in gear in the bed I'm sure it won't be a problem.
What about similarities down to the 2000 year? Cause I see some stuff listed as only good up till then.
I guess the main question is: what year(s) were the drastic changes?
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guest
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
12:53:15
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Instead of buying performance parts you should have just gotten the 4.7L V8. Probably the most cost effective upgrade from the dealer AND you get better miles per gallon.
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jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
13:02:59
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Well while that may be true it is a completely useless answer since it doens't take into account the fact that no dealer had any 03 v8's left in stock and the 04's didn't have a $4500 rebate on them. that and my budget was very specific for the use of the vehicle. I wasn't about to spend a bundle for a truck to sit in my driveway 20 days out of the month with the other 10 being used for towing only; and only 8 months of the year (aka racing season).
That and a V8 would have also cost me more for insurance, again back to the comment about the use of the truck. so instead take the money I saved on the truck, and the little bit of insurance and put into part to make it a better tower.
So anyone with some useful information? It would be greatly appreciated.
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dak in blk
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
15:04:52
| RE: Changes in 2003
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I could be wrong, but I believe that engine mods for the '96-'02 work for the '03. My '03 CC v6 is still stock, but as soon as I can scape up some cash, I'll start modding it. There's a lot of great info on this board if you can find it. Search for specific mods (TB, PCM, s-bolt, CAI, IAT) on the v6 board.
FWIT, my 4wd Dak came w/ 4 wheel disc brakes.
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dak in blk
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
15:07:08
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Sorry, make that "my 2wd Dak came with 4 wheel disc brakes"
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jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
20:42:46
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Yeah that is what I'm hoping. From everything I can find it appears it is. Though some of the stuff I find on headers seems iffy to me based on my inspection of the undercarraige about 5 min ago.
There are cats RIGHT off the headers and then what appears to be perhaps another cat after the pipes come together. Ican't be sure of that though as it isn't a typical cat shape. but it was HOT AS ALL HELL and that is a good sign of a cat.
After that was of course the ENORMOUS muffler. GOOD LORD MAN no wonder aftermarkets flow so much better. It can't be straight through so I don't even want to imagine how many chambers there are. My only "concern" with any aftermarktet muffler that is louder is hearing it drone on the highway on long trips. Well at least until I add a subwoofer :) not easy on a regular cab :(
As for the 4w disc brakes ... yeah look at your GVWR and you will see that your Crew Cab is likely rated over 5050# which would explain the disc brakes. That "cut-off weight" is right in the fine print on their glossy brochures. They just fail to mention that the 2wd RC is like the ONLY one that falls under it. The 4wd RC is over it as is your 2wd CC.
Anyway always looking for other peoples input so please keep it coming. I will of course keep you all posted as *I* make mods.
First one I can say for sure is the no-splice trailer wiring kit you can get at any trailer store / auto store: it works :)
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Shank
GenII
10/16/2003
01:54:44
| RE: Changes in 2003
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I bought the Plug-N-Go tail light kit they have@ Autozone also, Do your blinkers Flash Rapidly when connected to a trailer like it's struggling for more Juice? My '93 does, just curious if yours does to?
It's gonna be a Hefty Chunk of change but the 1st mod would be an Exhaust system Change. I agree w/you on the HUGE muffler! You have a 2 or 3 cat system? Mine runs a 3" Y-Pipe into a single High Flow cat into a 36" Glasspack into Dual 2.25" outs. Previous owner did this set-up. Likely run over $400 with the Pipe & Muffler change +$400 for Headers.
Next time a Honduh wants to race
Ask him how many sheets of plywood he can haul?
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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/16/2003
02:01:02
| RE: Changes in 2003
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I haven't hooked the truck pu to the trailer yet, just the LED tester I have. so I can't say yet. But I till know on sunday. If it does then I will get a power kit to power the trailer independantly but still use the plug-n-play kit to save me from splicing into the factory harness; not that I'm every really oppossed to doing that anyway [shrug].
There is no question there are two cats on my exhaust with 2 post-cat o2 sensors as well as the 2 pre-cat o2 sensors.
Then after that is something that looks like a small resonator but sure seems like another cat based on the heat coming off it. but I can't be sure. Then yeah after that the huge muffler that I'm thinking of replacing with a dynomax ultraflow or superturbo (supposed to be quieter IIRC).
Headers may or may not be after that as it depends how it will work with the cat's. I worry it won't make a difference but then again maybe it will even with the cats.
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dak in blk
Dodge Dakota
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10/16/2003
14:57:30
| RE: Changes in 2003
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Yup, you hit it on the head. My 03 CC 2wd GVWR is just over 6000# (6010 I think).
BTW, there's a short description of the evolution of this engine on the thread "3.9 v6" http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/v6/6639.html
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Jumperalex
Dodge Dakota
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10/16/2003
18:22:55
| RE: Changes in 2003
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thanks for that link man I really appreciate it. I think that post was actually after my original but it is getting some good responses.
Of course it doesn't adress the changes after 2001 but it is a good start :) I do apprecaite it though, thanks.
On another note, I got my cruise control added by the dealer (part of the purchase price) and it works great. I also now have the part numbers if anyone would want to order and install it themselves. AND I got my power locks in the mail and they will be installed this weekend. soon I'll have the truck I REALLY wanted but couldn't get in an 03 and $4500 cash back :) Power windows should be here soon.
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