Why does Dodge keep trying?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
Got to drive my GF's Dad's Dodge Dakota yesterday 
thing has a V6 and yet it drives like a dog. My parents have dodge minivans that drive EXACTLY like that thing... WEAK.
Ironicly he borrowed my truck to move his boat because his wifes GMC van crapped out, and the dodge didn't even come with a trailer hitch or anywhere to put one (does that mean it's not a truck? I think so)
thing has a V6 and yet it drives like a dog. My parents have dodge minivans that drive EXACTLY like that thing... WEAK.Ironicly he borrowed my truck to move his boat because his wifes GMC van crapped out, and the dodge didn't even come with a trailer hitch or anywhere to put one (does that mean it's not a truck? I think so)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
Damn to hell those crappy vehicles! Nothing more frustrating and down right pathetic than trucks that are half the size of a real truck and then on top of that look like a car with a bed slapped on!
1994 Ford F150
300-6
Highly Modified and more to come!
1994 Ford F150
300-6
Highly Modified and more to come!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Why does Dodge keep trying?
If it's the V6 for the Dakota, it should be the 3.9, which is just a shortened 318.
Just my 2 cents.
Since my dad had a 91 dakota, and they still used the 3.9 the last I read.
You want to talk about a six cylinder in a full sized truck? My dad's 91 Dodge has the 3.9 V6 in it.
1988 F-150, SWB, 5.0 EFI (formerly 4.9 EFI), M5OD 5 speed, 3.08 gears, Summit shorty truck headers, Custom built Flowmaster exhaust system. Force 4 LP6000 lightbar, Federal signal PA-300 100 watt siren, Icom IC-V100 50 watt mobile radio.
=======================================
1965 F-100 (just purchased 1/18/01), SWB, 390, C-6 auto. Dual exhaust, Not much else to do to it.
Can see both below.
[link:www.geocities.com/hotrodford_88/|Hotrodford_88's Webpage]
Just my 2 cents.
Since my dad had a 91 dakota, and they still used the 3.9 the last I read.
You want to talk about a six cylinder in a full sized truck? My dad's 91 Dodge has the 3.9 V6 in it.
1988 F-150, SWB, 5.0 EFI (formerly 4.9 EFI), M5OD 5 speed, 3.08 gears, Summit shorty truck headers, Custom built Flowmaster exhaust system. Force 4 LP6000 lightbar, Federal signal PA-300 100 watt siren, Icom IC-V100 50 watt mobile radio.
=======================================
1965 F-100 (just purchased 1/18/01), SWB, 390, C-6 auto. Dual exhaust, Not much else to do to it.
Can see both below.
[link:www.geocities.com/hotrodford_88/|Hotrodford_88's Webpage]
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
I don't mind a 6 cylinder in a full size truck, but 3.0 is a little small. The Ford 300 I6 was one of the best torquein engines ever. The best GM engines of all time were V6's in 60's GMCS. The V6 305, 351 and 478. I've got a 4.3 V6 in my '88 Chevy and I wouldn't replace it with a 305 if you paid me.
I was just commenting that if it is the Mitsu 3.0 (and it wouldn't surprise me one bit because Chrysler seems to put that engine in everything else) then it isn't enough engine for that truck. Granted, S-10s have 2.2 4 bangers and 2.8 V6's, but the Dakotas are beefier than S-10's.
I was just commenting that if it is the Mitsu 3.0 (and it wouldn't surprise me one bit because Chrysler seems to put that engine in everything else) then it isn't enough engine for that truck. Granted, S-10s have 2.2 4 bangers and 2.8 V6's, but the Dakotas are beefier than S-10's.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
Wife had a 4.3 in her S10. Nice motor but the truck....well thats another story.....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 1
From: Racine WI
Why does Dodge keep trying?
only v-6 in a 90's dakota is a 3.9, now talk abouy half a fullsized truck with a choice of not one but 2 v-8s a 318 or 360 whats witht that ? ford or gm cant even compare to that, what suprises me even more is that ford or gm havent followed suit and offered a v-8 in either the ranger or s-10, i hate dodges but that 5.9 r/t dakota is a good lil runner, i have a 4.3 in my Xtreme too and its pretty decent but i will be happier with my own LS-1 v-8 option 
then i can hunt lightnings
then i can hunt lightnings 
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
Why does Dodge keep trying?
One thing you got to hand Dodge is that they have straight front axles on 4x4's like Ford heavy duty trucks have. Even on half ton models which is much better build than the independent front suspension crap that GM uses and also the '97 up F-150's
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
My dad has a dakota w/ a 3.9 and a 5sp in it and I was impressed w/ the peppiness of that truck. I think your looking for V-8 acceleration from a V-6 truck. Overall that Dakata has been a great little truck and I'd buy one tomorrow if I had the money (w/ a 4.7 and a 5sp of course). Go drive an S-10 and you'll appreciate that Dodge.
Oh and the IFS thing- Dodge had one outstanding characteristic that would have made me want one of their 1/2 tons; the soild front axle. Now I wouldn't buy a 1/2 ton Dodge if they gave it to me. I think the switch to IFS might actually hurt sales. The soild axle was pretty much the only advantage Dodge had over the competition. Their engines are kinda weak, their auto trannies SUCK, and their fuel economy is terrible. Now they have nothing over the compitition except unique style. Only true pantie wastes buy a truck based soley on a style advantage.
"Like a Rock"; on the sides of roads everywhere.
Oh and the IFS thing- Dodge had one outstanding characteristic that would have made me want one of their 1/2 tons; the soild front axle. Now I wouldn't buy a 1/2 ton Dodge if they gave it to me. I think the switch to IFS might actually hurt sales. The soild axle was pretty much the only advantage Dodge had over the competition. Their engines are kinda weak, their auto trannies SUCK, and their fuel economy is terrible. Now they have nothing over the compitition except unique style. Only true pantie wastes buy a truck based soley on a style advantage.
"Like a Rock"; on the sides of roads everywhere.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
I thought this was a forum about competition. I don't think Mopar actually fits in that catagory.
Of course if we keep the forum that tight, There would not be a whole lot to talk about!
MattN
70 F100 2wd
302 3-spd man
Sweetest little blue truck I own!!!
Of course if we keep the forum that tight, There would not be a whole lot to talk about!
MattN
70 F100 2wd
302 3-spd man
Sweetest little blue truck I own!!!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Why does Dodge keep trying?
A thought on their fullsize trucks. The 1/2 tons suck. My wife and I bought a new 2001 Ram Quad Cab 1500 with the 318/Auto 4x4. It was a polished turd. The transmission downshifted on every hill on the interstates. It got no better than 11 mpg (my wife insisted on the Dodge, and I insisted on the 318 for gas mileage)
I even pulled my Mustang to the dragstrip with it. Mistake. I had it in second going up the hills on the interstate. Just too little of a motor for the truck. They are bulletproof otherwise. I put Flowmaster exhaust and a K&N filter to improve the mileage. Zero help. The new Chevys run. My buddy has an extended cab Z71 with the 5.3 auto. Handed me my butt in a race. Badly. I know he should have, but oh my. Badly. Anyway, we traded in the turd. Couldnt afford the gas. Got her an SUV and bought myself a 2001 F150 4X4 with the 4.2 V6. The sad thing is, my V6 has tons more get up and go over the Slopar.
89 F150 4x4 300/4 speed 33.12.50 w/Rancho lift 3.55 gears
82 Mustang GT 302 C4 + nitrous=FAST
91 Mustang GT basic bolt ons- GM Eater
I even pulled my Mustang to the dragstrip with it. Mistake. I had it in second going up the hills on the interstate. Just too little of a motor for the truck. They are bulletproof otherwise. I put Flowmaster exhaust and a K&N filter to improve the mileage. Zero help. The new Chevys run. My buddy has an extended cab Z71 with the 5.3 auto. Handed me my butt in a race. Badly. I know he should have, but oh my. Badly. Anyway, we traded in the turd. Couldnt afford the gas. Got her an SUV and bought myself a 2001 F150 4X4 with the 4.2 V6. The sad thing is, my V6 has tons more get up and go over the Slopar.
89 F150 4x4 300/4 speed 33.12.50 w/Rancho lift 3.55 gears
82 Mustang GT 302 C4 + nitrous=FAST
91 Mustang GT basic bolt ons- GM Eater
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Why does Dodge keep trying?
Though I'd rather have a Ford lightning, I'd be hard pressed to turn down a Dakota with the 360 V8 (at least for a few kicks then trade it in for a Lighting), but I'd still have to keep my trusty F150. Why doesn't Ford upsize the Ranger a tad and stick a V8 in it?????