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Some of my modifications include the air intake system: an open air element by K&N Air Filters sitting atop the stock intake manifold and using OEM throttle-body injectors. This was followed by an aftermarket ignition system and spark plug wires using the Omni Torquer from Jacobs Electronics. The most expensive and most noticeable gains were from my custom 2.5" exhaust on my 3.9L V6 and the free flowing muffler from Banzai with headers from Mopar Performance. The latest mod came from a JET Performance Chip which tunes the engine to accomodate these mods. One note to mention, if you install this JET chip, please be aware that they are NOT waterproof or water resistant. You will need to cover the chip from top to bottom, after installation, with the insulation that is provided from them. Its a sticky black substance that works great, but if you forget to use it in the bottom, one splash of water from the tires or a undercarriage car wash will get moisture in there and cause the truck to stall and not start for about 4 hours until it dries. This has happened to me twice!!! The air intake element from K&N was a nice gain, and so was the Jacobs ignition. The exhaust system, excluding the CAT I cut out since my county doesn't do emissions testing, was the nicest gain in mpg and hp's. After the JET chip was installed, which requires 91+ Octane, I have raised my city mpg from 14 to 17. Not bad for a 4x4! Highway mpg has not been tested yet. The stock tranny limits my takeoff from 0 mph, but when this Dakota gets going, LOOK OUT! My rpm level just cranks out the juice! In theory, I have raised my hp's from the stock 175 to approx. 230, which will be dyno tested this summer. If you are like me, and will shop around for the BEST internet prices available before you take that expensive plunge into modifications, look no further. The cheapest place to get the K&N filter (part #1540) was AutoZone for $35.99. Next, thanks to eBay, I got the Jacobs Omni Torquer for $200 and the wires from their factory custom made for $75. Then, the headers were purchased from www.buymopar.com for $142. But, I wouldn't recommend these headers. They are not very good. In fact, they are not made by Mopar. Cheap construction. Edelbrock is the ONLY other place that makes headers for this model year truck, and Summit Racing can get you hooked up with a set for about $175. Banzai, a Japanese division of Borla, provided my muffler for $100. The custom exhaust plus installation of the muffler and headers, totaled $500. The Jet Chip was $240 from Summit Racing. Believe me, I shopped around for almost 6 months before I spent that kind of money. For those of you who do not have the "SureGrip Differential" option from Chrysler, I have recently installed a Limited Slip from Dana Spicer in the rear differential. This prevents spinning of the right rear tire offroad and on the street. When this Limited Slip recognizes that tire spinning, it automatically engages the left tire to spin. This works offoad very well, allowing better traction and less slippage. If I drive on the street then I just have the right tire getting 100% of the power, until it slips, then the left kicks in. Most of us who have these Dakotas have the stock Chrysler 8.25" 10-bolt rear differential, which was the most common back then. Everyone has told me NOT to intall any type of locker or limited slip in the front, due to excessive tire wear, poor steering, etc. The traction comes from the rear wheels and not necessarily the front. |
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What does this truck look like now? With a 2" body lift, 2" suspension lift, and bigger tires and wheels? | |||||||||||||||||
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