While I'm at it, see what options yall think I have here.
First, I'm not sure what i want to do with the Dakota. 170k on it, 12 yrs old. Both the tranny and Engine are on the downside. So, may end up selling it before too much longer (once I get a new job and can afford to purchase something), or may just build it up. Right now, it's just your standard 5.2 with mild bolt-ons, such as TB, Intake manifold, Headers, cat-back, roller rockers, etc.
The Bad:
Transmission (Auto) - well, it's been on the downslide for well over 30k miles, which considering, isn't too bad. As of right now, it will NOT shift into 3rd at WOT. Let up at 4500ish, and it'll shift into 3rd. Otherwise, it just hits the rev limiter, and keeps searching for a gear until you let up. Use to only do it under load at WOT, but now it does it whenever you're at WOT. Sometimes, 1st-2nd shift hesitates on it as well. I've noticed some minor noise from 2nd occasionally, but not very noticable. Transmission fluid was last changed 40k miles ago I think, but signs of it going downhill was evident when I had it changed then. So, the question here is, what transmission to go with, is there one to upgrade to, go rebuilt, used, etc? I know part of this may have to do with what am I going to do power-wise (btw, I'm maybe putting down 200whp, like I said, just the bolt-ons, best I ever ran was 15.42)
Good/bad?
Engine - Ahhh, actually not doing too bad. Main concern is a LOUD ticking coming from the engine, very noticable. When I had my cat replaced, the guy said it was coming from the combustion chamber. I'm guessing this may be because of exhaust leak due to the missing bolt for the header? I haven't noticed any driveabiilty issues, no missing at all, when you get on it at WOT, it goes just like it always has. However, if I get the money and put in a new transmission, which means I'm ilkely going to hold onto it, I'm starting to think of dropping in a 408 Stroker. If I sink money into it like this, I'm thinking I'd like to shoot for 12's, low 12's would be nice (I'm also looking to keep it as a daily driver as well). Going Supercharger on top of that would not be out of the question, though that does really start tacking on the cost.
This is probably all 2 yrs or more away, just debating my options. Love the truck, but it's coming time where I gotta decide if I want to spend the money to keep it going, or just go with something new. Unfortunately, with a bad transmission, won't get much out of it, not with those miles, and if I put in a transmission, about all I'll get back is what I spent putting in the transmission. Add to that, I probably would not be able to do the work myself, so theres the cost of paying someone else to do it... fun!
Ken Allgood
'97 Dakota CC SLT 5.2L
K&N intake, F&B 50mm TB, M-1 Intake Manifold, 1.6 RR's, PP Headers, Gibson Cat-back
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