Have you replaced the plenum gasket on your intake manifold?? Extremely
good chance that it is leaking causing the motor to burn oil leading to
power loss and slight detonation(you might not hear it) Also, I'm sure you
keep up on maintenance, but cap/rotor/plus/wires could all probably stand to
be replaced. Also, if your plenum gasket is leaking(probably is) then when
you go to fix it, I'd recommend running some Seafoam through the motor to
clean out the combustion chambers. Do this right before fixing the plenum
gasket and definitely before replacing the spark plugs. And I don't mean
dump it in the gas tank. Put it through the intake manifold. Use a vacuum
port to suck it out of the can. Also, if you've never replaced them, time
to replace the O2 sensors. "Normal" recommended interval is around 60-80K
miles replacement. Just because you aren't getting check engine lights for
them doesn't mean they are degraded and providing false readings.
As for brakes, new calipers/rotors/pads, flush the brake fluid and get new
stuff in there. Check your rear shoes and drums and manually adjust them.
The auto adjusters on the rear drums suck balls and don't work properly. I
recommend the EBC Sport rotors. They are by far the best rotors I have used
on my truck, and I'm not even running the recommended pads with them. They
blow the Powersluts out of the water for performance.
Have you ever had your tranny and transfer case fluids changed? If not,
definitely get that done as well. Make sure to use ATF+4 for the refill in
each.
I think financially speaking, you'd be better off doing the maintenance on
your current Dak and continuing to drive it rather than buying anything new.
The 5.2 will last you a long time if properly maintained.
brian cropp
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net] On Behalf Of Barry Oliver
Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 2:03 AM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: DML: 99 Dak options
Ok, as many know I have a 99 SLT 4x4 with a 5.2 that currently is in
excess of 140k. My truck has devolved to about 10-14 MPG and I am
noticing a reduction in power, especially towing. Under acceleration I
get a persistent "tsstt, tsstt" noise, that I thought was an exhaust
leak but the muffler guy assures me there is nothing to fix...
I am also getting close to the second round of suspension repairs
[already did them once], you know, ball joints, shocks, bushings, prolly
at least one U joint, the whole mess. I also need to do something about
my brakes, but I am at a loss for what, they don't stop me worth a crap.
So, I have been guiltily thinking of different options.
#1 keep the Dak and fix what is required
It's been paid for for years and I have it mostly the way I like it.
The repairs are a pain, but cheaper than a new truck. The catch is, if
the motor goes, my selection of 5.2L replacements is getting thinner by
the day, and the cost of a crate motor could easily exceed a replacement
used truck.
#2 Trade it up on a 09+ new Dak.
The newest body style isn't as hideous as the previous, but I would be
starting from scratch with the modifications I require [brush guard, tow
hooks, spotlight, sprayed bed liner, roll top, etc.] Having to put
$2-3K into a $35K truck seems excessive on top of the payment...
#3 Trade it up on a 09+ something bigger
Given how much towing/hauling I have been doing of late, a larger
vehicle might not be a bad option but $55k is ALOT of scratch for a new
truck that doesent even qualify for the lifetime powertrain warranty -
not to mention that won't fit in my parking garage...
Note #2 and 3 both will require me to trade in my 03 AMG C32
http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff153/barrysuperhawk/Benz/?action=view&cu
rrent=IMG_1756.jpg
because I am not about to have 2 car payments...
So, do I do nothing and wait for my truck to go poof or do I go shopping...
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