My only comment.... GET THE HD COOLING! I had it in my 97 Dak, and it would
NOT overheat. I live in Southern California, and even during a heat wave,
115 degree days, sitting in a drive thru, it would just get warm enough to
turn on the fan clutch. I would here the fan rev up for a minute or two,
and then turn back off. I think that package comes with the heavy duty
battery... that is also nice if you are camping ;o)
Ryan LeBlanc
99, Durango, 5.9L, 4x4, SLT, Forest Green
----- Original Message -----
From: Elmer Hanhart <hanharte@swbell.net>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 29, 1999 10:17 PM
Subject: Re: DML: Decisions, Decisions - Help on 2000 Dak Purchase
> 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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