This is where the Dodge Dakota (DC) Design team needs to here from..user
feedback and want should be.
-------------------------------------------
Steven St.Laurent
Test Engineer
Test Branch, GSD, MCTSSA
MARCORSYSCOM, USMC
760-725-2506 (DSN 365-2506)
Work:mailto:stlaurents@mctssa.usmc.mil
Home:mailto:saint1958@home.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven T. Ekstrand [mailto:cyberlaw@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2000 11:13 AM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: Re: RE: MULTI-SPEED AUTO???
Let me tell you what I know about the Multi-speed. I can't vouch for its
accuracy but I was told this by the Service Manager of my local dealer. He
dealt incredibly straight with me. When I asked questions he didn't know
he went and pulled his tranny guy off the line, just to come over satisfy
my curiosity. Genuinely nice guy.
I was there to ask about adjusting the computer for a shorter diameter
tire. No dice. The play in the computer is from ~723 to ~755 revs per
mile. Not a very big range. And one that goes up in diameter from
255-65-15 not down. So those 285-35-15 AVS Intermediates will have to
wait. I can't rack up that many miles! Back to 295-50-15 Totally hard as
a rock piece of crap BFG Radial T/A's.
While there I complained that the new multispeed tranny was great while
towing on grades, but was the lamest slushbox I've heard felt on WOT
shifts. He bowed his head and said, yes it is. The computer actually
retards the engine timing for a split second during the shift! He said
they did this to give smooth Cadillac like shifts. I replied they probably
did this cause DC was afraid it would hand grenade. He then conceded that
it really wasn't intended to be a truck tranny. Then it got interesting.
He said the tranny was the same one being used in many Mercedes models.
There it is a 6 speed unit. There are also provisions for having user
selected modes (like economy, comfort, sport, manual), but there is no talk
of making these features available on the Dodges. This tranny will be the
one in the rear wheel drive 300M and Charger models if they are built (and
said they would be). These models will also get Mercedes independent rear
differential units.
He didn't think anybody would be helpful in the aftermarket for this
tranny. But he said if anybody does figure it out, there is a lot of
potential there. But I think there is a big concern about liability.
Now back to my opinion. Making a tranny shift harder is usually easier on
the tranny. Obviously, it is harder on u joints and differentials. But
the 9 1/4 behind the multispeed is a good unit. The concern seems to be
eliminating the engine retard feature. Will the multispeed hold up to the
full output of a modified 4.7L???
I've wondered if this retard feature has anything to do with the sensation
4.7 owners often report that the truck feels like it shifts harder and the
truck pulls better at 3/4 throttle than WOT.
I'm going back to work now....
-Steve "I wish I had gotten a 5 speed (manual)" Ekstrand
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stlaurent Mr Steven" <STLAURENTS@mctssa.usmc.mil>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2000 7:53 AM
Subject: DML: RE: MULTI-SPEED AUTO???
| No...I want the 6 speed clutchless version (coming in 2003).
|
| -------------------------------------------
| Steven St.Laurent
| Test Engineer
| Test Branch, GSD, MCTSSA
| MARCORSYSCOM, USMC
| 760-725-2506 (DSN 365-2506)
| Work:mailto:stlaurents@mctssa.usmc.mil
| Home:mailto:saint1958@home.com
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