Aaron, thanks a lot for your input and responses on this subject.I do
appreciate all the advice and easing of my concerns that some of the list
members are providing.I am takind notes,and will be sriously considering
revising my habits soon. I see what you're saying.I am constantly worried
about what is happening to my truck and am always trying to avoid hurting it
in any way.I guess I just need to lighten up a little and enjoy it more
wohtout constantly worrying about it.It does get to me a lot of the time
when I get frustrated and I find myself trying to trade it for something
else.I need to keep my Dakota and just use it.Thanks for advice and
encouragement.TTYL,
Will Coughlin willcoughlin@hotmail.com
'00 reg.cab,2wd,4.7L/hd5-spd/3.92sg(9.25")
http://www.geocities.com/willcoughlin/index.html
----Original Message Follows----
From: "A. S." <adakota4x4@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: I think I'm making myself misunderstood here......
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 15:51:20
Will,
I know what you mean, and am glad to see that you are taking the
"constructive critism" from the list so well. I've been following the
responses, without responding myself, and it seems that most members are
really just trying to help. Now, here's my 2 cents if you don't mind:
1. On the high temps: I would trust what most of these guys say about 210
being ok. If you want to ease your mind though, put in the 180 t-stat, and
hook up a "real" temp gauge. I would assume that a real gauge could be
hooked up, either temporarily to compare to the in-dash gauge or
permanently, without disconnecting the in-dash gauge. I think quality
aftermarket gauges, when mounted correctly, look good in a truck anyway.
And by the way, I have no idea how hot my truck is number wise....all I know
is where the temp gauge usually sits.:)
2. On the driving habits: I say drive the truck "normal". That is, find
out the shift points on an auto (as has been suggested), and shift there.
Normal driving conditions provide many opportunities to "blow it out". I
drive my dak similar to the way you do, only mine's an auto. I think my
shift points are 2100 rpm (give or take). I like to let the tranny shift
there, and don't care to make it see higher rpm's unless needed. However,
on a day to day basis I find myself having to step on it to do various
things like make an exit off the freeway, merge, pull out into traffic.....
Guess what I'm saying is, you don't have to get out on the road and say, I'm
going to "blow this thing out good". Day to day driving, at least around
here, almost forces you to do this occaisionally. It doesn't hurt a thing
and is good for it from time to time.
Most of all, enjoy your dak!!! It's no fun to constantly have to worry
about it. After all, it is a machine. All machines can be fixed if they
break. Drive it normal and you'll be fine.
--Aaron--
95 DSRC 4x4 V6
www.geocities.com/adakota4x4_95/
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