OK Folks,
I need some advice. I've reached a cross road in my trucks upgrade
program. I can't decide if I want to go for looks or performance first. I
am considering installing a Fabtech 2" levelling lift in my 98, 3.9L, 2WD
Dak and the info I read on the kit says I can't use the stock rims. I got
no problems with that, but they also say I can run 15x7 rims with 3.75 inch
backspacing and a 30x9.5x15 tire. My questions is, can anybody recommend a
nice looking set of wheel rims and possibly a web site I can look at for
them? So far I've found nearly nothing that appeals to me and I am having a
rough time trying to figure out if I go to a 16 inch rim, what that will do
to the clearance with the larger tires. The only thing I'm sure of is that
I don't want chrome rims. My second question is about intake/air filters
and possibly Bernd and company can answer this for me. Before I found the
DML, I installed a K&N permanent air filter, one that fits in the stock air
box and a tornado air unit in the flex tube from the air box to the air
hat. I have since removed the rubber flap to the left of the radiator,
removed the duct to the stock air box and installed metal flex hose into
that opening to get fresh air to the box. I have also relocated the IAT
sensor to the lid of the stock box, adjusted the TPS to .745 volts,
installed a "S" bolt and a 180 degree thermostat. Next step. I think is,
to install new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. From a performance standpoint,
utilizing the "butt dyno", I've got no complaints. The engine seems to have
increased power and after the TPS adjustment, I can feel the cleaner
throttle response. From a mileage standpoint, everything I've done so far
has increased my highway mileage. Going back to last Christmas, the first
thing I installed was the Tornado. Prior to it's installation, I carefully
checked my mileage and I was getting on average 19 MPG highway. After the
Tornado went in, and the whole thing had the chance to settle in, I'm
getting 22.5 MPG. All the modifications so far seem to have added nearly .5
MPG. The only other thing to consider is from an appearance standpoint. The
stock installation looks butt ugly and the home brew systems do add quite a
bit to the engine bay appearance. I'm sure I could make the Tornado work in
a home brew system, bit I'm reluctant to shell out another $35 for a K&N
cone filter. My question is this, is this installation as efficient as some
of the after market or home brew cold air kits I've seen on several of the
DML members trucks? Any suggestions or comments?
TIA
Ray
Dover, DE
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