I'm just not happy unless I have the power behind me when I need it.
Ron
00 SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
For modifications see my DML Profile
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Clark, Michael S
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 10:32 AM
To: Ronald Wong; dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: RE: RE: RE: Will the real Mike Clark please stand up?
(was: LSD and
Actually, I won't be doing any towing, so that's why I'm thinking the 6 will
be sufficient for me. Unless I get a lot of response saying the 8 is as
good on gas, etc.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald Wong [mailto:ron-wong@home.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 1:15 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Cc: Clark, Michael S
Subject: DML: RE: RE: Will the real Mike Clark please stand up? (was:
LSD and
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--Certainly the V8's are more conducive to towing but it's not the V8's alone. You should get the heavy duty cooling pkg as well as the tow pkg. If it's real hvy towing and/or you're going up hills you should consider 3.92 rear end rather than 3.55. LSD is a must and I would opt for 4-wheel ABS. The amount of torque the V8 has certainly would be more prone to spinning but would have its advantages in heavy towing.
Ron 00 SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD For modifications see my DML Profile
-----Original Message----- From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Clark, Michael S Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 9:23 AM To: Jason Bleazard; dakota-truck@buffnet.net Subject: DML: RE: Will the real Mike Clark please stand up? (was: LSD and/or ABS:
I appreciate you and others advice; sounds like the LSD is worth it, and perhaps the ABS. So now I'm thinking about the V-8. I've heard what you've said, that the aluminum block 8 gets close to or better mileage than the six, but I've also been advised that that benefit is more applicable to the 4wd, or towing, due to extra weight factors. Basically, that the 6 is a good match to 2wd and for not towing anything heavy. I don't know if the quad 2wd is much heavier than the cc - anyone know? What are folks getting for mileage on 5spd 2wd 6 vs. same setup w/ the 8? Is the extra torque of the 8 likely to cause more spinning in the snow on a 2wd? Thanks again for the info.
Mike
-----Original Message----- From: Jason Bleazard [mailto:drazaelb@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2000 2:53 PM To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net Cc: Clark, Michael S Subject: DML: Will the real Mike Clark please stand up? (was: LSD and/or ABS:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
Hmmm... seems like we attract Mike Clarks. The new Mike is probably confused, but there's another Mike Clark who has been on the list for quite a while now.
As long as we don't see "Hi, I'm a new subscriber, my name is Bob Trottmann..." No offense Robert, but one Trottmann is enough. :-)
Mike, on your question, I can't be too much help since I have a 4x4. But I can tell you that I use 2wd almost exclusively all winter long. The only time I really need 4 wheel drive is when I'm messing around parking up on a snowbank or something. I do keep three bags of sand in the bed for extra weight over the rear axle, that helps quite a bit. I currently live in Toronto, which has weather similar to what you describe.
I don't have the limited slip in mine, wish I did. Norah's truck does, and it does help out, mostly with getting started from a stop. Sometimes in freezing rain what you will get is two wheels spinning instead of one. It can cause the rear end to kick out more when turning, so you'll have to keep those counter steering skills handy.
Neither of us have 4-wheel ABS. I had it on my Neon, and the only time I really remember being glad I had it was when I was playing in an empty parking lot (this was in Utah, about 18" of snow on the ground at the time).
Also, I'm sure you'll hear this several times, but if you can afford it, go for the V8 instead of the 6. The difference in fuel economy is miniscule, and especially with the weight of the quad cab, you'll appreciate the extra power of the 8.
Good luck with your shopping. Let us know what you decide.
--- "Clark, Michael S" <Michael.S.Clark@state.me.us> wrote: > Hi, > > I'm researching dakotas and have narrowed it down to a 2wd quad, > 6-cyl > 5-spd. I'm considering geting LSD for improved traction in snow > (can't > afford 4wd). I live in the northeast and often the snow is more > like slush > and freezing rain. Have owned an open diff 2wd mazda 4cyl 5-spd > (rear ABS) > for 8 years and done fine, but thought the LSD and ABS would be a > good > improvement. Any experience out there? Comments, suggestions, > what I can > expect to be different, etc., greatly appreciated! I'm thinking > two wheels > spinning in slop (evenly?) may be less easy to manage than the old > tried and > true counter-steer, but don't know. Also, how about ABS- worth the > $$? My > wife will drive the truck too, and she doesn't like the Mazda now > (prefers > front wheel cars.) Thanks in advance! > > Mike
===== Linux: Because a 486 is a terrible thing to waste. --------------------------------------------------------- Jason Bleazard http://www.bleazard.net Toronto, Ontario his: '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 239 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white hers: '98 Dakota Sport 4x4, 318 V8, Auto, Club Cab, black
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 11:54:41 EDT