Just wanted to say hey. I am the recent owner of a 03 dakota club cab w/ 3.9L V6 (wish I would have got an '04 with the 3.7). My last vehicle was a Vw GTi Vr6 that had $6k of performance work done two weeks before it was totaled. So, I decided I was done with the tuners and that something bigger with 4x4 was more practical in the Rocky mountains. I do have a question to begin with (go figure huh), the dakota came with 245/70R16's originally but it now has 265/75r16's. Tire pressure on the door says 35 psi and the tires say 88 psi. So, what is the best tire pressure to keep them at for a good blend of traction and longevity? Also, just wondering if anyone has had a problem with your key not being able to unlock the passenger side door (manual locks)? Thanks for any help.

 

you should always go by the placard in the door jamb.tire manufacturers dont know what type/weight vehicle they'll be put on.have'nt ran across the door lock problem.sorry,no help there.

 

I'm pretty sure the pressure listed on the tire is the maximum pressure for the tire. The vehicle manufacturer's suggested tire pressure on the door placard is what you want.

 

the numbers on the door though are for that size which is usually 235's i just go with 40 psi in my 31x10.50's which a lot of daks have on them

 

the 3.9 is a better engine than the 3.7, its got the rugged durability you need and its powerband is in a better spot than the 3.7's. as far as tires go, use whats on the door jam. as far as the locks go, I have keyless entry and honestly... i dont think ive ever unlocked the door by using the key hole.

 

3.9 reliabilty... HA thats a good one.

 

3.9 is considered one of the most reliable engines made, there are tons with 200k and 300k on the road.

 

10,419 with at least 200k on the allpar 200,000 mile club. my 88 dak is in there somewhere with over 250k.


http://www.allpar.com/old/club/searc....9&type=engine

 

well than I guess me and everyone I know with a 3.9 got screwed because mine lasted 116k and I know 2 other people that only made it to 130 and change. And one other with a 5.2 which is basically the same motor than went at 130. Im sorry but 130k is nothing to be called realiable. Maybe thats just my experience, but I would never buy a 3.9,5.2,5.9 motor ever again with the amount of problems I had with mine... Im so happy to have the 4.7.