At 08:57 PM 3/22/98 +0000, you wrote:
> I'm so new to the Dak list, I don't even have one yet. I'd buy an R/T
>right now if they were available... Well, you know the story on that
>issue. I've always been into performance and hot-rodding (from a GM
>viewpoint), but this little V-8 Dakota has got me pumped to buy one.
>
> I'd like to know a few things first:
I don't have answers for all of these, so I'll just answer the ones
I know...
>
>* How strong is the stock 5-spd?
>* What are the 5-spd's gear ratios?
According to my 1996 factory service manual, they are:
first: 4.016:1
second: 2.318:1
third: 1.401:1
fourth: 1:1
fifth: .729:1
reverse: 3.55:1
That's for the wide ratio version, there is also a close ratio
version which is the same except for first and second gear which are:
first: 3.49:1
second: 2.16:1
(Speaking of which, does anyone know how I can tell which one I
have?)
>* Do the manual trans models have a hydraulic clutch?
>* Is the auto trans worth the extra $900?
Depends on what you want to do with it, and what kind of driving you do,
I guess... Personally, I consider an automatic transmission to be a penalty;
I'd actually pay extra for the manual. But that's just me. There are
others on this list who are on the other side of the fence. (Hi Bill!) :-)
>* Are there any parts houses specializing in Dak speed parts?
The only one that I know of which specializes in Daks (well, Daks and
Rams, actually) is Magnum Performance, Inc. The owner used to be on
this list (are you still here, Jules?) Their phone number is
(281) 354-RACE. They're located in Houston, TX. They have a catalog
which is about $5, I believe.
You can also get some stuff from Mopar Performance. There are other
sources, but I can't think of any right now.
>
> In short, will I be able to find aftermarket speed parts for these
>fine little trucks? Are there any good sources of info for modifying
>them?
Absolutely. You'll probably pay more than you're used to paying for
your GM stuff, but there's plenty of stuff available. As far as
good sources of modification info goes, the best one I know of is
this list. Occasionally, magazines will do articles pertaining to
the Dakota. Usually someone on the list notices them and tells the
rest of us; not much gets by us. :-)
>
> Thanks much,
> (a possible GM convert)
Welcome to the dark side, Russell. =) If there's anything we can do
to help you to loosen up that bowtie, just let us know. ;-)
-Jon-
.--- stei0302@cs.fredonia.edu -- http://www.cs.fredonia.edu/~stei0302/ ---.
| DoD# 1038, EAA# 518210, NMA# 117376, USUA# A46209, KotWitDoDFAQ, RP-SEL |
| '96 Dodge Dakota v8 SLT Club Cab, '96 Kolb FireFly 447 (#FF019) |
`-------------------------------------------------------------------------'
I do not speak for the SUNY College at Fredonia; any opinions are my own.
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