Tom,
I love the 4.7. Ive driven it in a couple of new Grand Cherokee's
and its much better than the 318. I love manuals, but if its going to
be a part time family hauler, I would go with the auto. If you do plan
on towing I would get the heavy duty equipment including the cooler, but
I dont think that its necessary, more or less a luxury for the vehicle
rather than you! But, shoot yeah, Im sure that cooling will always
help! If youre getting the 4X4, posi comes with it! I ordered mine
(NOT 4X4) with 3.90 gears, but later opted for aftermarket 4.10's! You
may want 3.90's, but 3.55 are certainly excellent ratio's. Not really
to sure as to what kind of difference in MPG, but I love the 3.90
apposed to the 3.55.
Eric
bigred563@aol.com wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
> I'm in the market for a 2000 Sport+ Dakota and I've got a couple of questions
> (at end of message). Here's what I'm thinking
>
> 25B - 4WD Club Cab Sport, (got two boys (23 and 10 Months)) $18040
> Color - Driftwood (hides dirt well, wife likes it best)
> NAE - MA Emissions
> EVA - 4.7L V8 $502
> DDC - 5 speed Manual transmission
> DSA - Sure Grip $242
> AGU - Sport+ (Tire & Hndlng, Air Cond., Light Group, Fog Lights). $752
> AJK - Cruise Control $332
> CLA - Floor Mats $26
> RAZ - CD/Cassette/Infinity/Eq $561
> GFD - Rear Window $98
> ADL - Skid Plate $111
>
> Dealer Holdback - ($691)
> Price - $19993 + $520 Dest + Profit (+ Dealer Advertising?)
>
> Other options I'm considering
> Z5B - 1800# (11x2 Rear brakes) $34
> DMH - 3.92 Rear end $34
> NMC - HD Cooling (Pwr Strng Cooler, Aux Trans Cooler for Auto) $51
>
> Usage:
> Mostly to haul fairly light stuff, once in a great while heavy stuff (i.e.
> Blue board, )
> Camping
> light - medium duty off road work (especially after a good snowstorm! :-) )
> Occasional long trips (vacation, work)
> Commuting (winter, and occasional summer)
> Possibly towing a pop up camping trailer in the future (wife's idea, I want
> to stick to the tents!)
>
> Likes and Dislikes:
> I like getting good performance but also good mileage (My '92 Stealth ES is a
> good example, decent performance (for me at least) and 24Cty/30Hwy mpg). I'm
> no racer, but I do drive kind of hard. I like good acceleration.
>
> I've driven the 3.9L/3.55 both automatic and manual, and thought it had good
> enough performance, certainly better than the '89 Mazda B2600i this truck
> will be replacing.
>
> Questions:
> 1. How does the 4.7 compare to the 3.9? I like the fact the 4.7 has better
> performance (does it?) and better mileage than the 3.9. But the 3.9 is
> satisfactory for me. Should I risk going with a new engine (especially
> considering they've already recalled it before they even sold any). Since
> I'm in MA, no 4.7's available to try here yet. Do you think the MA emissions
> will kill the performance?
>
> 2. Should I upgrade to the Posi and/or 3.92 gears? What does these do for
> me? Is it worth $300? How would it affect mileage (I want _at least_ 18
> Hwy). (Actually w/4.7L & 5M, I have to get the Posi).
>
> 3. How about the $34 1800# payload option, which gives the larger rear
> brakes. Does this option also do anything for the suspension? (this would
> mean I'd have to get the Sure Grip rear end, etc.). Should I get it?
>
> 4. I'm trying to decide between Auto and Manual and would like some opinions.
> I tend to like the control a Manual gives you, but am considering finally
> switching to Auto. Going standard saves a good chunk of change, but does
> make for a less comfortable drive for my passengers (at least the way I
> drive). But I drive the truck mostly by myself (we have an Intrepid for the
> family). Also, if I get the Auto, I don't need the Sure Grip Posi.
>
> 5. How about $51 for HD Cooling? Does it help? I imagine if I go Auto
> Tranny, I should get it.
>
> Sorry this message was so long, but any help would be appreciated. Thanks,
>
> Tom Perry
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:16:11 EDT