Just a few suggestions, I will always get any heavy duty cooling package
offered on any vehicle I buy. Transmission and gears you are going to
have to decide this for yourself (but if you let me choose I choose
manual w/ 3.92's). Definetly get the sure grip. I would only get the
heavy suspension and brakes if you will be towing regularly, the
suspension will ride stiffer, and I doubt you would see any significant
difference in brake performance w/ the larger drums in normal driving.
Get the 4.7, I've driven a couple and even w/ an auto and 3.21 gears I
would put it up against any V6 combo (sorry cylindrically challenged
guys). Make sure you can get the Driftwood in a Sport, maybe you can for
2000, but for previous years it was an SLT only color I believe.
Good luck.
Erich
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
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