8,000 miles on my brakes and they already took a dump!
Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
Originally Posted by off-roadweb.com
Why Would Anyone Build A Dodge Dakota Or Durango?!
Why the heck wouldn't you build a Dakota or Durango?! They've got 1/2-ton powertrains packed into midsize packages with good off-road rear suspension right from the factory! They have a great power-to-weight ratio (with the right engine package) and a well thought out physical build as far as handling and maneuverability go. On top of that, they're just danged sexy vehicles.
All-wheel-drive with a 360ci V-8 and 9.25 rear axle, this midsize rocket was quick and strong enough to give any decent tuner car or luxury import a run for its money. And when modified with a supercharger or turbocharger, a Dakota would take a Ford Lightning's lunch money.
Why the heck wouldn't you build a Dakota or Durango?! They've got 1/2-ton powertrains packed into midsize packages with good off-road rear suspension right from the factory! They have a great power-to-weight ratio (with the right engine package) and a well thought out physical build as far as handling and maneuverability go. On top of that, they're just danged sexy vehicles.
All-wheel-drive with a 360ci V-8 and 9.25 rear axle, this midsize rocket was quick and strong enough to give any decent tuner car or luxury import a run for its money. And when modified with a supercharger or turbocharger, a Dakota would take a Ford Lightning's lunch money.
So "the Durango doesn't seem like it was meant for off road at all." I think the professionals simply disagree. Plus, the puddles in your photos aren't very "offroad". At stock height, stock wheel combo AND running boards??! WFT? Do you really plan on offroading or are you going to a wedding?
If you are serious about modding your rig to preform well offroad, it will do just fine for you. Ditch the running boards, check the skid plates, gut it up and drive already! You have a fine rig to do it with.
IndyDurango
Thread Starter
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Olympia, WA
Notice how it say's "good off-road rear suspension." What about the front suspension and front axle... Just saying, compared to my old Jeep Comanche and Wrangler and compared to the Suzuki above, it isn't the best option for off roading... You can't put 33's on and reliably go off-roading... Not to mention, the pictures above don't show everything we went through... I am talking hardcore off road... To me, that puddle isn't off roading, that is just dirty play... I feel the 4WD in these things is more for snow than anything... Which mind you, the 2 feet of snow we had this year, I was VERY pleased with how well the Durango did... Off road, not so much...