On 10 Apr 1996, Dave wrote:
> Owner of: '96 Dakota 4X2 Club, V6, Automatic
>
> Hello all. Well, I've had my Dakota for a little over a week now and have
> several observations.
Hi Dave, welcome to the list and congratulations on your good taste.
>
> 1) There is a clicking sound that comes from behind the dash when I have the
> cruise engaged. I can't narrow it down to any particular occurence such as going
> up a hill, etc, as it is intermittent. Standard "fix" of turning up the radio
> works. :)
Relay. You will also hear that relay when you put your foot on the gas
while the cruise is engaged as when you are going to pass someone. Whenever
the radio is on I hear it more. I got used to it.
> 2) The "sun shade" portion of the windshield falls right into my line of vision.
> I'm 6'4" and had a similar problem several years back with a '93 Ranger. It's
> not really a problem, but I wish they'd raise it about an inch or two.
I'm 6'3" and I find the sun shade a useless addition on the Dakota. The
"blueing" on the windshield helps me more.
> 3) The front of the truck rides like a car over bumps, but when the rear hits
> the bump, you know it's a truck!
Add some weight, change the shocks, add a cap (weight).
> 4) By far the quietest interior of any truck I've owned, I'm impressed to say
> the least.
I agree.
> 5) The factory 4-speaker stereo with cassette sounds impressive for what it is,
> no thoughts of replacing it with any aftermarket at this time. May consider a CD
> later though.
No one is likely to steal it.
> 6) The handle to get into the rear compartment under the jump seat is impossible
> to operate, while sitting in the drivers position, with one hand. This does
> present a problem for me, so I am working on a solution. Anybody come up with a
> better access handle? I may remove the "hinges" so that I simply pull the cover
> straight up and out of the way.
Can't help you there, as I have the standard cab.
> 7) The "power band" of the V6 is rather high, it doesn't really kick it until
> around 3000 rpms. Not a problem though, as I can get it to 3000rpms rather
> quickly. :) It would be nicer if it was down closer to 2500 rpm (IMO).
Change the rear end ratio to 3.55 or 3.91. Or change it the cheaper way
by changing the tire diameter to a smaller one.
> Just some thoughts of mine.
Once again, welcome!
>
> -Dave
>
1994 Dakota 5.2l 5 speed (R/T in progress)
Bill Countie
e-mail wgcount@husc7.harvard.edu
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