Brett;
On my Previous vehicles (2 Rangers and 1 Explorer) I have used neoprene
carpet padding (closed cell variety). however, in the Dak access to the
club cab side panels is limited to varied size hand holes and to contact
cement the neoprene padding to the body panels is difficult. Therefore I
switched to egg-crate style foam (as seen in audio rooms and the such) and
regular felt, breathable carpet padding, similar to that used by the
factory.
I measured and cut foam pieces to fit the side, back and front of the club
cab pocket, while keeping the factory plastic encased foam at the bottom,
to the bottom of the club cab extension window frame. These where adhered
by use of construction adhesive (this is tricky), but unless the insulation
makes contact with the body panel, part of your effort to insulate is in
vain. After you are done, a tap on the cab ext. from the outside will
result in a "thud" instead of sounding like a ringing drum.
You will notice after removing the cab ext. trim panels that you can now
remove the under rear seat storage tray and you will see that the factory
did not provide much padding in this area (beyond where the carpet stops),
this is probably do to the fact that with the storage tray in place and
seats folded down they figure that is enough sound deadening. I on the
other hand used the felt padding to cover every exposed area of body panel
that would not effect the re-attachment of the storage tray and trim
panels. This is very time consuming, however once you are done the
Infinity system sounds much better and under truck road noise is muffled.
I also removed my overhead console (had major air movement from this area
when you opened the sunglass storage door) cut a piece of felt 9.5" x 16"
and placed it above the metal mounting bracket, to cover the headliner
opening and cut two pieces of foam to fit at the front corners (you will
see why when the console is removed) and replaced the console assembly. It
worked great.
Good luck, hope I helped,
L. John Morris<ljohn@alltel.net>
!!!!! ... your local *HEMI* owner ...!!!!!
'97 SLT+ CC 4x4
5.2L, 3.92LS
----------
> From: Brett Stoner <brett@abacusinfo.com>
> To: dakota@ait.fredonia.edu
> Subject: Re: 97 wind whistle
> Date: Tuesday, March 18, 1997 9:20 AM
>
(SNIP)
>
> I too have had my 97 Dakota (SLT+ 4x2 CC) for all of about a week and 500
> miles now and I think I've noticed the same thing. Starting at about 50
or
> 55MPH it sounds like there is some air leaking into the cabin. It sounds
> to me like it's coming from either the upper left of the windshield or
> through the door opening in about the same place. I'm going to have to
> hace the truck in for service in a short time (the bumper was damaged
> during shipping and the dealer is replacing it) so I plan to drive one or
> two of the ones on the lot to see if they have the same problem.
>
> Incedently, what did you use to insulate the cab. This truck is
> considerably quieter than my 94 ranger, but I have been toying with the
> idea of installing a bit more insulation. Did yours make a noticable
> difference?
>
> Brett
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