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RYAN
Dodge Dakota
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10/12/2007
20:59:20
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 Subject: TOWING
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HELLO EVERYONE! I HAVE A STOCK 2003 DODGE DAKOTA 4.7L V-8 WITH ONLY A FLOWMASTER. I JUST BOUGHT A TOY HAULER AND THE DRY WEIGHT IS ALMOST 5,000LBS. WITH JUST THE DRY WEIGHT MY DAKOTA HAS A TOUGH TIME PULLING IT. WHAT DO YOU RECOMEND IN UPGRADES FOR THIS TRUCK? I HAVE BOUGHT A SUPERCHIPS PROGRAMMER (3715), STAGE 2 AIR INTAKE AND A THROTTLE BODY. DID I MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES ON THOSE? SOME PEOPLE SAY GEAR IT BUT IT IS MY DAY TO DAY VEHICLE. THEY ALSO SAY A CATBACK SYSTEM BUT THEN OTHERS SAY IF YOU HAVE A FLOWMASTER YOU DONT NEED A CATBACK SYSTEM. I NEED HELP. THANK YOU FOR READING AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!
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al
Dodge Dakota
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10/13/2007
16:02:50
|  RE: TOWING
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quote: WHAT DO YOU RECOMEND IN UPGRADES
4.11 gears & more importantly...
top quality brakes or else I dont want you near me
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yea and
Dodge Dakota
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10/13/2007
22:02:22
|  RE: TOWING
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fixing that cap locks button wouldnt be a bad idea either
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Kota Kid
Dodge Dakota
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10/13/2007
23:46:15
|  RE: TOWING
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I'm going to second al put 4.10 gears in it, according to some on this site you may actually gain a mpg or two because the engine won't have to work as hard to get the truck up to speed. The mods you have bought will help but not as much as a set of gears, or a supercharger:).
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RYAN
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2007
00:08:06
| RE: TOWING
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THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT EVERYONE, I WAS THINKIN BREAKS WERE A MUST! ANY RECOMENDATIONS ON TYPES?
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Curly
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2007
11:28:07
| RE: TOWING
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maybe i overlooked if it was auto or stick?
but if its an auto.
a trans cooler would be a good idea
for heavy towing
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2007
13:16:40
| RE: TOWING
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Depending on what you put into the toy hauler, you're probably exceeding the limit with that load. A Dakota probably isn't your best choice for that load.
So, you need to make some change. You'll want to make a lot of things stronger to handle the load. Engine changes should be aimed at low rpm torque, not total hp. That's a lot tougher to do.
Gearing is critical. With the right gearing, you could haul that trailer with a lawn tractor. At least 4.11, and consider 4.56.
Your best bet is actually a Gear Vendors underdrive unit. You'll get better gearing when towing, and still have good gearing when empty. Best of both worlds. A little expensive, though. But certainly cheaper than buying a full sized truck.
The differential needs a little more work than just gears. You'll want a limited slip of some kind, if you don't have it. I suggest a worm drive like Detroit Gear's TruTrack. No clutch plates to wear out.
Update trans cooling for an auto. You might also consider a trans temp gauge.
The superchips programmer is a good choice, since it has a tow program.
Cold air induction might help. Won't hurt.
Cat back system would be a sensless waste of money. No torque gain to be had there.
Throttle body probably won't help, either. That's more for upper rpm gains. You want torque off the line.
Make sure your ignition system is in good shape. Nothing fancy there, stock replacement parts will do fine. Just make sure they're in good condition.
You might also consider a camshaft change.
You'll want the best trailer brake controller you can get. I hope your hauler has electric brakes on both axles. If not, consider upgrading them
Also, with that much surface area, you'll want a weight distributing hitch for better control.
Don't forget to have the trailer tires balanced. Most are not.
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RYAN
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2007
10:34:40
| RE: TOWING
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Message:
THANKS BOB, THAT WAS VERY HELPFULL! I WILL START WORKING ON THE TRANS COOLER AND THE GEARS. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
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