Reply to: RE>1997 Dakota questions
2nd Try mailing this -- hey, when did the Dakota mailing address change?
Answers:
1. Well, for some time now (1992?) Dakotas have had no hubs, and I suspect
that is the case for 1997. In 1994-96 Daks the front axles and drive shaft
are always turning -- the shift lever on the transfer case only engages the
clutch. That's why there are no speed restrictions on 4WD, no funny procedure
for unlocking the hubs, and no fuel mileage difference between 2WD and 4WD
operation of a 4x4 Dak. I didn't know this when I bought my '94, but I like
it now. If you want 4WD, just shift it. If you want to go 60MPH in 4WD, go
ahead. The C/V joint front-end keeps the fuel mileage from suffering too
much. And this simple system is the upmost in reliability.
If you look at newer 4WD Rams and Cherokees as you blow past them you can see
their front u-joints turning. Earlier Daks and other Chrysler products had a
vacuum operated hub/axle arrangement that wasn't always reliable.
2. I saw that too (in the '97 brocher), but all other documentation does not
show separately orderable parts. In the past the V8 optional engine or 4WD
gave the truck the optional rear-end (Chrysler 8-1/4") and oversize
driveshafts/u-joints. Good stuff also comes with the payload package, and
sometimes accessory packages overlap and the prices account for that.
Phil McClay
1994 Dakota 4x4 Club Cab, V8, 5-speed manual trans, and engine-block heater
(brrrrr!)
mcclay@mitre.org
--------------------------------------
Date: 12/16/96 18:56
From: slow@primenet.com (Steve Lowe)
To: Dakota@sseg.ait.fredonia.edu
Subject: 1997 Dakota questions
Got a few questions for the lot of you,
1. I read somewhere that the Dak has automatic hubs. Is that
correct? If so then I take it that a posi or locking diff is easier to
install.
2. The brocher claims that you can add oversized driveshifts
and u-joints. I can not find any info on this. Could this be included
in the heavy duty service group?
thanks all,
Steve
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