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From: John Lull <lull@acm.org>
To: dakota@ait.fredonia.edu
Subject: Which payload option to buy?
Date: Thursday, September 04, 1997 02:43 PM
We're getting ready to replacy my wife's Camry with a Dakota std. cab,
V6, auto, 3.55, and are having a little trouble deciding which payload
option to get.
1. Do I understand correctly that the larger rear brakes and tires
come *only* with the 2600 lb option?
Not sure, but isn't the 2600# only on a Long Bed Std. cab??
2. Does either option compromise handling of the vehicle compared to
the standard 1250 lb rating? It doesn't bother me at all if it rides
like a truck, but I would like it to handle well.
A higher payload rating will give a harsher ride when empty,
while a lower payload rating will be more 'car-like'...
3. Do any of the payload options include heavy duty shocks, rear sway
bar, etc?
The higher payload should include all of the above...
We do mostly freeway driving, with light loads, but occasionally need
to haul a load of dirt or rocks big enough to severely over-strain my
current truck (77 Toyota w. 272,000 miles). If *necessary*, we can
split such loads up, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. I realize
the V6 & 3.55 rear end are going to be a touch underpowered with a ton
in the back, but I can live with that. What I can't live with is a
vehicle that's not going to handle predictably in an emergency,
especially when nearly empty.
If you plan to carry load like that, I'd up for the higher payload,
so you don't max out your vehicle. 2000# in the bed, with a V6 & 3.55,
will do fine. My V8 club cab, with about 1500# of sand in the back did
find (power wise), but my truck is rated to 1450# (don't have the 2000#
option)
so it was pretty squashed down...
Thanks.
Regards,
John
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With rear ABS, you'll find that the rearend won't lock up like
your Toyota did/would. So that shouldn't be an issue. IF you drive in bad
weather often (snow, ice, oil slicks :P), you might want to get the 4-wheel
ABS... I wish I got it... Oh well
Sam '95 SLT Dakota
http://www.users.cts.com/king/s/samp/
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