1993 Dakota
#11
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When the Magnum V6 came out it produced 175hp and 230 lbft of torque. The slightly larger GM 4.3 in that time frame (1993) made 165hp and 235 lbft of torque. How is it you consider the Mopar motor gutless when the larger GM motor managed less hp and only 5 more lbs of torque?
Again, Dakotas are heavier then rangers and s10's. They need the bigger engine to competitive. Especially in the older Dakotas since as the Dakota line went on, they got lighter and lighter.
#12
#13
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What I'm saying is, Mopar **** all over the magnum engine compared to what they could have done with it.
I'm not talking about singling out the 93 Dakota mentioned here. Its the whole 3.9 in general. Great engine, but gutless.
#14
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OP, pay little attention to this motor talk. It's really a non issue. Find a solid truck, test drive it and buy whatever v shaped motor it comes with. If you want to know if the 6 has enough power then you can decide that when you drive it.
More important is rust and rot. A mildly rusty frame may have very serious rot in specific prone areas. You must check the frame very, very carefully.
More important is rust and rot. A mildly rusty frame may have very serious rot in specific prone areas. You must check the frame very, very carefully.
#15
#18
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Yeah from the pics it looks pretty good but id like to know where and how the leaf spring assembly was damaged. I see a tiny hint of fender rust but that's superficial unless you live in a super strict state with inspection it would be an issue if it's bad enough (probably not judging from the pics). Overall it looks alright but always check all the new nooks and crannies on the frame for rust.
Edit..no good view on the rear leaf hangers which always rust worse than the front. Check those out in particular
Edit..no good view on the rear leaf hangers which always rust worse than the front. Check those out in particular
Last edited by tbugden; 11-05-2016 at 10:22 AM.
#19
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Not too bad, in fact its probably better rust-wise than mine. Rear half of the frame usually gets the worst of the rust, other than the front where the shocks attach. I can't see a spring crack either, does the truck sag on one side at all? That would be typical of a broken spring.
Sorry about diverting your post by engaging in the engine debate. It was way more than most anyone would care about.
Sorry about diverting your post by engaging in the engine debate. It was way more than most anyone would care about.
#20
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Thanks tbugden, you have been a huge help. No inspections here which is good. I will see if I can get it on a lift. The only other area of concern is a rusted hole in the drivers floorboard but that can be fixed. Seems like for $400 this thing might be a decent deal.
Last edited by Butters; 11-05-2016 at 11:30 AM.