You'll like the FT option. My wife's truck has it and we use it in the rain
here in San Diego (greasy roads once it finally rains here), and when we go
off roading we use it when we encounter mixed terrain (hard pack, soft stuff
mixed
and rocks). On our 99 we have the choice of 2-HI also, which we mainly use.
No
mileage difference 2-Hi vs. 4 FT.
The nice thing especially while 4x4ing on fireroads that turn ugly, you can
use FT
80-90% of the time... Once it gets serious, hit 4 HI. Otherwise, 4 HI
binds a bit on
some sections of trail where you don't need MAXIMUM traction.
Sam '99 4x4 & '00 RT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Val Lowe
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 3:20 PM
> To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> Subject: Re: DML: Shopping for a new QC - long
>
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their advice on my options dilemma, i.e.
> 2WD/4WD, PT/FT, ABS, lmt slip, bucket seats, etc. Here's an update:
>
> After some effort the dealer I'm working with found a truck with
> almost all
> the options I wanted and with not too, too many extras. I had to give up
> on 4-wheel ABS, but we did find one with FT 4WD, limited slip
> differential
> and even bucket seats!
>
> I had pretty much decided I didn't need bucket seats (now that I
> got 'em I
> sure hope I like 'em!) but what I was really after is the center console
> since I always wished I had one in my van and I don't really need
> the extra
> front seat. It will hopefully give me more room to fit things
> like my ham
> radio and other odds and ends.
>
> As for the 2WD/4WD FT/PT dilemma, I think the FT 4WD is a better
> match for
> the kind of driving we have in Boston. I commute through Harvard Square
> daily so I am totally familiar with the "war zone" effect. There is just
> no place to put the snow, so when there's a lot of it - it can
> get ugly! I
> want a 4WD system I can use - from bare road to war zone and back
> again. I
> put less priority on mileage because I just don't have to drive that far
> anymore.
>
> My van has rear only ABS and I don't think I've ever locked up the fronts
> on it in five years of driving. I decided losing 4 wheel ABS was ok.
>
> The truck has the standard rear axle ratio. Not sure why I would
> want the
> 3.92 since I don't plan to tow much of anything and it would also
> hurt the
> mpg. I had the option to choose another truck that included this option
> but I decided not to.
>
> The extras include a rear window defroster and the upgraded Infinity
> CD/cassette sound system with steering wheel controls. I didn't really
> want to spend a lot of $ on an expensive radio since I don't even
> have one
> now and I'm totally ok with that. (Yes, you read that right.) Oh well,
> it'll be tough but somehow I'll just have to learn to live with
> it (sound!) ;-)
>
> Now I just have to wait patiently (right!) over the (very) LONG weekend
> until the truck can be brought up from the dealer who has it.
> I'd go down
> and check it out but it's all the way down the Cape and I don't think I
> really want to go all the way down there on Mem Day weekend
> especially. So
> I'll have to wait until next week when I go in to the local guy to
> negotiate ... ;-)
>
> Thanks again and wish me luck!
>
> Val
>
> (hopefully, soon to be QC owner!)
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