Very nice Truck.. The paint still looks great, how do you do it? what do you
use on the paint? You do a fantastic job.
----- Original Message -----
From: <DRD892@aol.com>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Friday, March 01, 2002 6:17 PM
Subject: DML: Trade or not to Trade?(A little long)
> Greetings fellow DMLer's,
> The first of December I was fast approaching 100,000 miles on my '97. It
was
>
> time to decide if I should sell/trade it and get a new Quad Cab. After
some
> deliberation, I decided that I just could not part with it. The body and
> interior were
> in almost new condition, the 5.2 was quiet and strong. But I did not want
a
> vehicle
> that drove and handled like it had 100k on it. I also want extreme
> reliability.
> So I began an extensive upgrade program to put the truck in near new
> condition.
> Beginning with the brakes, I had new Raybestos fronts and rears installed
> along with
> new brake flex hoses. Next was the Transmission. It is already a highly
> modified
> unit but I had it disassembled and everything checked and installed a new
> MOPAR
> Torque Converter. Then came the driveline. The u-joints were getting
tired
> and
> there was some vibration from one of the drive shafts. So I replaced the
> entire
> unit, all u-joints, two new drive shafts and center bearing. Comes as a
> single unit
> from MOPAR. As for the axle, it is an 8 1/4 3.92 TracLoc. I knew the
> TracLoc was
> showing signs of wear so I had the entire axle rebuilt with a new TL unit,
> all new
> bearings in the Diff and new shaft bearings and seals. Next I had
installed
> two
> new front hubs as the right side was a little sloppy. Also a front end
> alignment.
> Then came 4 new TrailMaster N7 Invader Shocks and a new set of tires.
> The engine was in near perfect condition but I plan on drive this another
> 100k so
> I replaced the water pump, timing chain and gears, rear main seals,
cleaned
> the
> throttle body, new plugs, Accel Wires, cap, rotor, all hoses and vacuum
> lines.
> Flushed the cooling system (wasn't dirty) replaced the 180 thermostat.
> Installed
> a new Goodyear Gatorback drive belt. Replaced the fuel pump and tank
filter
> and my Aux Inline filter. Installed a new Cat and both O2 Sensors. Had
the
> entire exhaust system painted (4 coats cured one day between coats),
painted
> the drive shafts, detailed the chassis and re-rust proofed everything.
> I got the truck back tonight and my wife and I went for a ride.
Beautiful.
> Not a
> rattle or squeak in it. The upgrades coupled with the modifications I have
> made
> in the last several years really paid off. I swear it drives better than
the
> day I
> took delivery. Other mods include Hypertech PTM, Transmission, Flowmaster
> duals and Poly E bushings throughout the chassis. I have a near new
truck.
> I would NOT recommend this as an economic alternative to buying a new
> vehicle.
> It would probably have been cheaper to trade it on a new one and make some
> modifications. But, the truck has sentimental value to me and I want to
> drive
> it a few more years. I'm a happy camper :)
> Should you wish to vew the truck, it is at this site:
> http://www.geocities.com/dennismarathon (under Daves Truck)
> These were taken last fall just before I began the upgrades.
> Tonight the Dak has 103,531 miles on it.
>
> David R.
> Sterling Heights
> Michigan
> drd892@aol.com
>
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