I just picked up a 1993 Dakota 5.2L 2wd extended cab with 88,000mi. It runs fine but I want to change the wires, plugs, cap/rotor and shocks. I will be towing a boat with it so rear shocks probably will need to be load adjusting. My question is what Brands and model #s seem to work best on the 5.2L. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Welcome to DodgeForum!

I had Monroe Sensa-Track load adjusting coil overs on the rear of my truck and they did great. I towed a 5,500 lb trailer without much sag and the handling felt very comfortable.

For plugs, go with Autolite 3923s. They won't pop up on the list of plugs for our trucks at any autoparts stores because they are 1 step cooler than factory, but they have worked great for many people in the Magnum engine. If you don't want to take my word for it, do a forum search for autolite 3923 here and any other dodge or dakota forum and see how many people use them.

For the rest of the ignition components, I like Accel.

 

Thanks for the input 95_318SLT. How about air cleaners?

 

Ya what 95_318SLT said.

As for cap and rotor Napa or OEM is best. Wires you can get performance ones. I use High Temp Accels. You can get a High Performance coil. I got Accel. MDS has been known to fail.

Another shock option is the Monroe air shocks. They offer more LBS rating then the Sensa-Track. And these are fully adjustable. And you can adjust it for soft suspension for everyday driving and air up for towing/hauling. And they will not permanently lift the truck up which can cause wheel hop.

As for air cleaners, several options. You can just add in K&N filter into your stock cleaner, which in true sense is a cold air intake.

Or the typical cold air intake style filters.

Check out www.summitracing.com

Or the open air filter style like mine.

 

crazy....how does that filter work out for ya? I want to do something like that but wouldnt it only draw in hot air instead of cool?

 

It does draw hot air, but the grill lets cool air in. Crazy also has hood scoops which helps.

 

No, the grill definately does not let cool air in!!!!! You do remember what's behind the grill right? Drive around for 20-30 mintues, then pop your hood and stick your hand down at the front of the engine and tell me how cool the air is! :P

There is a reason cold air intakes draw the air in next to the radiator.

 

For me the air filter does help. I use the stock setup for offroading. I can feel a slight difference switching in between them.

Yes unfortunately it does get hot air from the engine bay. But like said above I do have the hood scoops that gives the filter some fresh air. But even with the hot air there is a difference in power.

 

Thanks very much for the input. This 93 5.2L 2wd ext cab That I just picked up is such good shape that I want to take it farther, really treat it with respect. The" OLD" guy I bought it from hadn't driven it for a year due to health issues. It came with the original window sticker and "EVERY" piece of paper "IN ORDER" down to its last oil change. 88000mi with the best yet to come.

 

Nice! Sounds like a good find! Post up pics!