DML Digest wrote:
>
> DML Digest Sunday, February 21 1999 Volume 04 : Number 352
>
> The subjects discussed in this digest are:
> ==========
> DML: shuttering... not good...
> Re: DML: More traction (Attn: Jason)
> Re[2]: DML: Orlando, florida members
> RE: DML: More traction (Attn: Jason)
> Re: DML: Re: Does Dodge Suck? (was I love my Dak, But.......)
> Re: DML: Orlando, florida members
> DML: RE: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> RE: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> Re: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> DML: Viper Truck
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:26:26 EST
> From: Jon Smith <jdsmith4@hotmail.com>
> Subject: DML: shuttering... not good...
>
> My truck has developed a shutter... I hope it's nothing major(HOPE!!)
> I've noticed it started after installing the MP comp, at part throttle
> when accelerating, the truck will start a vibration noticable enough
> through the rearview mirror. Could this be the converter locking and
> unlocking or an underlying problem with the slush-o-matic. It's rather
> disturbing to me. Wish I could just drop in a 6 speed...
>
> any input?
>
> Jon Smith
> 95 CC SLT 4x4x318
> slush-o, JBA headers, 8.5 MSD wires, shitefire plugs, MP comp, dual
> catback glasspacks, K&N 14x3
> ICQ# 9720504
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:24:44 -0500
> From: fawcett@uism.bu.edu
> Subject: Re: DML: More traction (Attn: Jason)
>
> <<That's why I'm waiting until the truck is paid off, so I'll have the extra
> funds to foot the bill. Personally, I'd rather wait and get the lift I want
> rather than compromise. But that's just my opinion, of course.>>
>
> No argument from me... I think Kyles got the right idea. Be patient and get
> what ya really want. My problem is patients is not my strong suite! :-)
>
> <<> What I really need right now is more traction! I started a little slush
> > fund to purchase and install the Powertrax locker that's supposed
> > to be out
> > this summer for the '97+ 29 spline rear axle... They don't have any
> > product literature out yet, but the emails I've received from Powertrax
> > indicates it will be a real locker and not a lsd.
>
> Do you have an e-mail or web site for Powertrax? I want to find out if
> they're also planning on making that for the pre-97 axle, and pester them
> incessantly if they aren't.>>
>
> What's your email address?? I'll forward the correspondence I had with Bill
> Eagan... It includes his email address. They don't have a web page that I know
> of.
>
> <<> I was also considering a
> > lsd for the front axle, but I'm really worried about the strength of that
> > little FIAA thingy. ;~)
>
> Pardon my ignorance, but what's an FIAA thingy?>>
>
> In the '97+ 4x4's we have an FIAA 194 front axle and I haven't got the foggiest
> clue who makes it or how it compares to say a Dana 40 or 60. Not sure about the
> pre '97 front axles.
>
> <<From everything I've heard, our front axles don't lend themselves very well
> to any sort of traction aid other than possibly an air locker
> (theoretically, I don't think they actually make them). From what I
> remember, it's something to do with the fact that it doesn't fully disengage
> from the wheels in 2wd mode. It's been a while, but I could try to dig up
> more specifics if you need them.>>
>
> I'm not positive but I think ARB (air lockers) does make something for our front
> axles but that's a whole nother wad of cash! My understanding is that a lsd up
> front would not severely affect drivability on the street, but you need a fairly
> sturdy axle to handle the added stress.
>
> Tom
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:28:38 -0500
> From: fawcett@uism.bu.edu
> Subject: Re[2]: DML: Orlando, florida members
>
> Forget about that stuff. ;-) If your going to FL, golf, Golf, GOLf your
> brains out!!! If your good you'll love the courses, if you've never played
> you'll be incredibly frustrated... Either way you will forget about your
> poor dak situation until you get back! :-)
>
> T.
> ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
> Subject: RE: DML: Orlando, florida members
> Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
> Date: 2/20/99 9:56 PM
>
> It's a few miles down the road, but don't forget about the space museums and
> the cape area if you are interested in space programs. The museum is very
> interesting. They even have a complete Saturn-V hanging from the ceiling.
> Man, would I love to have those horses under my hood!
> Rich - Ashburn, VA
>
> - -----Original Message-----
> From: randy drew [mailto:fonman@ican.net]
> Sent: Saturday, February 20, 1999 9:25 PM
> To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> Subject: Re: DML: Orlando, florida members
>
> At 09:13 PM 2/19/99 EST, you wrote:
> >Randy
> >
> >Hopefully you will get this before you leave
> >
> >I am from the Orlando area, there are a lot of things to do in Orlando,, it
> >all depends on what you wouldd like to do. The first thing is always the
> >theme parks, Universal, Sea World, and Disney. If you like to go out to
> clubs
> >there are plenty of clubs to go to, Church Street is always a favorite,
> lots
> >fo clubs and also shops to go into, cafes, bars. Then there is always
> >Pleasure Island, which right across Pleasure Island is Planet Hollywood,
> and
> >then there is an AMC Theater that has 24 theaters, there arel also
> restraunts
> >a Virgin Records store. There is also a place called Firestone. whih is a
> >night club that also has few pool tables, if yo uare in to pool there are
> two
> >places that I know of that are good, one is called Backstage Billiards and
> >then there is a plae called Corner Pocket.
> >
> >Thats aboiut all I know fo here in Orlando, I am more of a fisherman, there
> >are plenty of good places to fish, and the guide servives here are not to
> bad,
> >they know where to go and have the knowledge where to fish.. Well I hope I
> >have been a help, if you go to Sea World, make sure you look me up at the
> >games area.... as I work at sea world....hope you enjoy your stay at
> Orlando
> >
> >
> >Ethan Corsbie
> >
> >97 Dodge Dakota 2.5 liter in line 4 clyidner
> >
> ethan
> >
>
> sure, if you want to go for a beer or pool you can give me a ring at the
> hotel.
>
> 407.862.8200 best western intl. altamote springs i arrive in florida @ 12:25
> if you want to leave a number to reach you that'd be cool. Do they have good
> canadian beer there or should i bring some down.
>
> talk to you ,
> randy drew
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:51:07 -0500
> From: Jason Bleazard <jbleazard@home.com>
> Subject: RE: DML: More traction (Attn: Jason)
>
> > What's your email address?? I'll forward the correspondence I
> > had with Bill
> > Eagan... It includes his email address. They don't have a web
> > page that I know of.
>
> My e-mail address is jbleazard@home.com. Thanks.
>
> > In the '97+ 4x4's we have an FIAA 194 front axle and I haven't
> > got the foggiest
> > clue who makes it or how it compares to say a Dana 40 or 60. Not
> > sure about the
> > pre '97 front axles.
>
> My '95 has a Chrysler 7 1/4" front axle (according to the service manual).
>
> - --------------------------------------------------------
> Jason Bleazard
> current: '95 Dakota Sport white 4x4 Reg Cab V6/3.9L/5spd
> current: '98 Dakota Sport black 4x4 CC V8/5.2L/Auto
> RIP: '95 Dakota Sport black 4x2 CC V6/3.9L/Auto
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:21:03 EST
> From: Asautt@aol.com
> Subject: Re: DML: Re: Does Dodge Suck? (was I love my Dak, But.......)
>
> I> > < > CC is down at the bottom in reliability ratings of almost anyone
> who does
> > > comparison testing (Consumer Union, Road and Track, etc.)>>
> >
> > That's funny. In a recent Consumers Report issue (either the current
> > one or the month before), CU lists the Dakota as...and read this
> > clearly...RECOMMENDED!
> >
> > > Didn't know that... I did a fair amount of research and test drove just
> > about
> > > every truck made but never ran across the above reports. Gotta' admit it
> > > ultimately came down to looks, ride quality, V8 engine and interior
> > > accommodations that made the Dak a must have for me.
> >
> > Those are pretty much the same reasons I had for buying it. Of course,
> > owning a 1998 Ranger 3.0 had quite a bit to do with the decision as well
> > ;)
> >
> Yeah, CU gives us the ol' recommended rateing, but if you look strictly at
> reliability or repair history Ma CC doesn't look so good. I'm not here to bad
> mouth MY truck, just saying some of the serious problems that have raised
> their ugly heads here make me a little nervous. I also based my decision on
> looks, interior accomodations, V-8 and all the other things I love about my
> DAK. Oh well, might as well set myself up for a flame broadside.... one of the
> biggest factors in my decision is the DAK fits in my garage and the F-150
> wouldn't quite make it. Still love my DAK and pat its' little belly every
> morning to keep the evil spirits away.
>
> The OTHER Alan S from WA
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:44:33 EST
> From: FLFish2020@aol.com
> Subject: Re: DML: Orlando, florida members
>
> Not much of a beer drinker, so i am not sure if they have good canadian beer,
> but I will try to give you call here soon something came up but should be able
> to go play some pool soon..before you leave.
>
> Ethan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:44:33 -0600
> From: "Bernd D. Ratsch" <bernd@texas.net>
> Subject: DML: RE: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
>
> Body Lift: A good alternative for putting bigger tires on the Dak's.
> Anything more than 30" tires requires a lift. Not quite the right way...but
> it works. Doesn't give any more clearance for driving over objects
> (Offroad). Better suspension articulation is not accomplished with body
> lift.
>
> Suspension Lift: If done right...keeps the geometry correct, gives better
> ground clearance, and articulation is greatly enhanced.
>
> If both are combined, give the best of both worlds.
>
> I'll let you all know what happens on my '97 Dak.
>
> Bernd D. Ratsch
> Pflugerville, TX
> bernd@texas.net
> http://lonestar.texas.net/~bernd
> 1997 Dakota SLT-CC (3.9L)
> License Plate Frame: "Don't Follow Me...I'm Trolling for Toyota's"
> Song for the Day: "Gonna buy me a Dodge Truck and blow those Fords off the
> road....."
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net
> > [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Jason&Sarah
> > Sent: Saturday, February 20, 1999 11:31 AM
> > To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> > Subject: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> >
> >
> > Let's chat about the Pro's and Con's of a Suspension lift vs. a Body lift.
> > All opinions would be welcome!
> >
> > Jason
> > 98 CC, 4X4, 318
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 22:48:28 -0600
> From: "Bernd D. Ratsch" <bernd@texas.net>
> Subject: RE: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
>
> 15x7's will not hold the 33's correctly. 15x8's will hold them but will
> bulge. This is dangerous especially if using the sidewalls for crawling.
> I've been trying to find some 15x10's for my Dak but haven't found anything
> yet in a steel version. (Sorry people...Alumunim is NOT the way to go for
> offroading...steel rims. Aluminum is not as durable when crawling or using
> the sidewalls.)
>
> Anyone found any 15x10's for their Dak's yet??
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net
> > [mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Chad
> > Sent: Saturday, February 20, 1999 3:14 PM
> > To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> > Subject: Re: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> >
> >
> > I believe a 7 inch rim will hold up to 33's. I am not sure about an 8,
> > but its definitely bigger than 33's.
> >
> > Chad
> >
> > fawcett@uism.bu.edu wrote:
> > >
> > > AMEN! I've been toying with the idea of a body lift 'cause they're
> > > cheaper... If I went with a body lift to fit 33's that would give me 2
> > > more inches of overall clearance over my stock 31's, no? But
> > I'd need new
> > > wheels to accommodate the bigger tires or are the 15x8's wide
> > enough?? If
> > > I need new tires, wheels (including the spare) and the body
> > lift is ~$2,000
> > > in the ball park? If I don't need wider wheels does ~$1,000 seem about
> > > right?
> > >
> > > If I need the whole package (and my numbers are about right) I
> > might hold
> > > out for a suspension lift, but a $3k entrance fee is damn hard
> > to justify!
> > >
> > > Tom
> > > ______________________________ Reply Separator
> > _________________________________
> > > Subject: re: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
> > > Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
> > > Date: 2/20/99 12:52 PM
> > >
> > > Good Topic ! (well, at least for us 4x4's)
> > > My opinion is that I wish a few more aftermarket companies
> > would make some
> > > suspension lifts!
> > > Suspension = lots of $$$
> > > Body lift = low $$$
> > >
> > > As far as I've seen, Trailmaster makes the only aftermarket
> > suspension lift
> > > for the Daks (at least for the old body) and that one is big
> > $$$ for kit &
> > > installation (something like $3000?). A few more body lift kits
> > out there. I
> > > might get the Cepek 2" bodylift this summer. Then I can at
> > least beef the
> > > tires up to 31's or 33's to get a little more ground clearence.
> > >
> > > Unfortunately, this topic goes back to the usual Mopar fan beef. Nobody
> > > wants to make quality aftermarket goods for Mopar products. It
> > seems just
> > > about anyone with a machine shop is in the Ford & Chevy parts
> > aftermarket!
> > >
> > > Anyone know of good kits (or tricks) to increase the suspension
> > articulation
> > > for the Dak 4x4's?
> > > (other then buying a Jeep!)
> > >
> > > Duff
> > > '95 SLT 4x4 CC 318 4spd/OD - 3.55 LSD
> > > MSD 6AL - MSD Blaster Coil
> > > MSD 8.5 wires - K&N FIPK - F&B Stage I TBI
> > > -------------
> > > Original Text
> > > >From JPM699@SMTPGATE (Jason&Sarah) {Jpm699@email.msn.com}, on
> > 20/02/1999
> > > 12:30 PM:
> > > To: DAKOTA-T@SMTPGATE {dakota-truck@buffnet.net}
> > >
> > > Let's chat about the Pro's and Con's of a Suspension lift vs. a
> > Body lift.
> > > All opinions would be welcome!
> > >
> > > Jason
> > > 98 CC, 4X4, 318
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:52:45 EST
> From: GrnDak4x4@aol.com
> Subject: Re: DML: Suspension lift vs. Body lift
>
> In a message dated 99-02-20 22:10:10 EST, you write:
>
> << Have you found any suitable wheels? I've also heard reports that this kit
> will allow 33" tires. Did you consider those at all? My feeling is that
> they'll work on the street, but not off road. But I'm always interested to
> hear from people with better information or actual experience.
> >>
>
> Well if I remember correctly, I measured my fender well openings and the
> farthest distance from one side to the other was something like 32 1/4(factory
> flares), so really 33's wont fit. They will fit in the sense the the largest
> diameter of the 33, 32.7 inches, will never come the high up towards the
> fender wells at full compression to be a problem; so yes they will fit in that
> sense. I am still unsre about the tire/rim size as I am waiting for the
> response from TrailMaster on the recommendations they offer me. When I get all
> the questions answered from TrailMaster, I will post them.
> Kyle
> 93 Dakota 4x4 V6
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:48:27 -0500
> From: Jeff Durling <durling@ibm.net>
> Subject: DML: Viper Truck
>
> The only true "Viper" truck that dodge ever built was for the '95 or '96
> car show circuit. They put the viper engine and wheels on a reguler cab
> fullsize ram and used the fog lights in a custom bumper. There may have
> been some other parts but not sure. The truck was painted blue with
> white stripes. The whole reason for this truck was the indroduction of
> the viper GTS (the hardtop viper). The truck had a trailer hooked to it
> with the then new GTS on it. I'm pretty sure it was a working vehicle
> since at the North American Auto Show it was unvailed by towing the car
> on the stage.
>
> Someone (didn't get the name, sorry) posted that the engine should fit.
> I agree with this but I have an older body style '96 dak and there is
> definately not as much of clearance problems as the newer ones (my dad
> has a durango to compare with). I still think the radiator would have to
> be custom mounted and I don't know about the firewall.
>
> Hmmmmmm.........interesting concept. Maybe I should qyuit messing with
> the 318 and save up and purchase a V10. A light truck with a viper
> engine. Hey maybe even graph on the suspinsion.....hmmmmm.
>
> Jeff Durling
> '96 RC Sport - 318
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of DML Digest V4 #352
> *************************
I'd like to thank all the folks who responded to mey request for info on
wider tires. I will go with the 275x15's. Now I'd like your opinion on
brand. Should I go with BFG, Firestone, Dunlop, Winston, or Big O.
They all are priced close enough and all offer free rotations at local
dealers. At this point, I think looks will be the deciding factor. I'm
not too big on RWLs. A nice blackwall is my preference. Thanks again.
David
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