I learned my lesson about 2 months after getting my truck. I always drove
with the gate down, then one day I was driving too fast and coudln't slow
down in time for the speed bumps (thats right plural) I hit the first one so
damn hard my back end completely lifted up in the air. Then like 5 feet
later I hit the second one as I was comming down from the first ! Well to
make a long story short I really wacked my head on the roof (did have on a
seatbelt) and the tailgate slammed up and down so hard it bent one ot the
solid steel hinges on the bed and really dinged up the gate. The gate btw
was dangling by the safety cords !
Never again.
BTW- The whole reason I was going that fast was I had to cross 3 lanes of
traffic to get into the parking lot of work, it was my first day and I
didn't know the speedbumps were there, needless to say I never took that
entrance again.
Marty
http://members.cox.net/got-speed
""Ronald Wong"" <ron-wong@cox.net> wrote in message
news:NDBBIHDGKKJOIJDEOCBMAEGOFNAA.ron-wong@cox.net...
>
> Actually studies have proven that a hard cover will reduce drag. The
debate
> is driving with the tailgate down which creates turbulence thereby
> increasing drag and decreasing gas mileage. Yet, a lot of folks just
don't
> believe that as they drive around town with the gate down or none at all.
>
> Ron
> 00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
> For modifications see my DML Profile (URL follows)
> http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Kw9pV1EkFeOYY
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
> [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net]On Behalf Of Sevrence, Sean
> (S.J.)
> Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 6:18 AM
> To: 'dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net'
> Subject: DML: RE: Highway cruiser how-to???
>
>
>
> Hey Punch!
>
> First I would suggest a tonneau cover. Very light weight but keeps the
wind
> from gathering at the tailgate. I have gained 1.5mpg after installing
mine.
> I have re-verified those numbers often by simply rolling up the tonneau
and
> driving with the tailgate up. It never fails. I think the people that
wrote
> the study about this issue must have been funded by the oil companies ;)
My
> checkbook knows the difference!
>
> As for the gearing, I would not go above the 3.92 gear set. 4.10's will
turn
> higher rpm's at the same speed, using more fuel. I am only pulling around
> 2200lbs with our pop-up camper, but the 3.92's are perfect. My '92 has the
> standard 3.55's (which I'm guessing yours does) and I have pulled this
> camper with it. Going into a head wind, it felt like I was driving a Yugo
;)
> The 3.92's will help dramatically.
>
> I have no experience with lowering the vehicle, other than that defeats
the
> purpose of a truck. The sway bars should not impact highway travel, only
> cornering.
>
> HTH!
> Sean
> '92 RC Sport 3.9L 5spd - 256,000mi!
> '01 CC SLT+ 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD Mobil-1 - 48,700mi!
> http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/DnuuSncssJujU
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Punch [mailto:2punch.crash2000@AHM.com]
> Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 12:53 AM
> To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
> Subject: DML: Highway cruiser how-to???
>
>
>
> Due to my new job (same company), and future re-location, I will be
spending
> sometime driving on the highways.
>
> what is the best way to turn my 98 V6 sport into a nice highway cruiser?
>
> change gearing to 4.10's
> change to a less aggressive tread pattern during summer?
> lower vehicle?
> add better sway bars?
>
>
> also my hill climbing speeds suck any ideas?
>
> p.s. please keep in mind, I will be towing with this vehicle in the near
> future, and need to drive during winter.
>
> Punch
>
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