Re: Buying a 1989 vs. 1991+ 1st Gen Dakotas

From: David Gersic (info@zaccaria-pinball.com)
Date: Sat Dec 27 2008 - 12:11:44 EST


On Friday 26 December 2008 08:28 pm, Matt Beazer wrote:
> I have an opportunity to buy a '89 Dakota V6 4x4 long bed with 120k on
> it from a co-worker who needs something "bigger".

I have an '01 V6 4x4 here. I don't know what changed from '89 to '01, but it's
sufficiently powerful for driving around with. If you're not planning on
towing, you may find the V6 sufficient, especially with a 4Lo option if you
need the extra torque.

> * The '89 Currently has Pirelli Scorpion tires on it, unsure what size,
> but I'd like to go at least 31x10.5 on the stock 15" rims, though I'd
> prefer 32x11.5 for the extra ground clearance and width, but I have
> doubts on being able to do this without a more extensive lift or body lift.

Search the archives for tyre sizes that fit. There have been previous threads
on what will and won't fit under the fenders. I'm a big fan of the Yokohama
Geolander AT tyres for good all-around performance. I'm in the Chicago area,
and they're good for wet and snow.

> * Other exhaust upgrades... anyone have a good recommendation on a
> free-flow muffler that's not too horribly loud (silence is not a
> requirement) and still sounds ok? 3" piping from the cat back, correct?

I wouldn't go as big as 3" on a V6, you'll lose too much exhaust velocity that
way.

One other upgrade I'd put on the list: a limited slip differential for the
rear. (I'm assuming it has the stock open diff.)



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