i have always been a workin on cars since i was a little guy and i have never seen some of the things that i have seen on my 03 dakota.
The drive shaft is huge for just bein a 3.9L V6 the drums on the rear wheels look like they came off a 3/4 ton and it has no wheel bearings, im not sure what they are called but they are those 4 wheel drive beraring but its only a two wheel drive. I dont know if all of this is just to make and easier conversion or what but i was just wondering if anyone knew.

 

Conversion to a 4wd? The reason many things are rather heavy duty (depending on sub-model) for the v6 is simply because it was cheaper considering they were producing the same truck with two v8 options. Anyone with a v6 lucked out with strong parts, but lost out because of the lack of power to move such a heavy truck and heavier extra tough powertrain components.

 

that makes a lot of sense i never thought of that. i am happy with the power it gets, im not saying its a race truck its the torquiest v6 i have ever driven

 

Mines the slowest thing I have ever driven but plan on dropping a 5.9L mag in there in place...

 

The 3.9 only has like what, 185 horsepower ? The new 3.7 v6 has 210.

~CYCLONE_06

 

the 3.7 is the pussiest engine ive ever seen or heard of. 3.9's a bulletproof and full of torque. horsepower is just a byproduct of torque.

 

Thats funny, Ive heard the 3.9s have a lot of trouble, and dont get that great of gas mileage.

~CYCLONE_06

 

the 3.9 arent bad problem wise, but doesnt have the torque or horsepower it should for the gas mileage they get

 

Yea considering the 4.7 v8 gets the same mileage or better with 240 horses.

~CYCLONE_06

 

The 3.9 is bulletproof and reports of problems are very minimal compared to other powerplant options in the Dakota. The MPG does suck badly though...literally.