Well i just picked up a nice 1999 Dakota sport with a 3.9L, 4X4 ext.cab.
Its pretty fast off that bat, i was wondering is there a way to see if the truck was already chipped or programmed? Its seems faster then other ones i drove around in...
Also it seems like the transmission shifts real hard into gear like it has a performance valve body installed, is the automatic trans controlled by the ecu? I mean, if the truck it programmed or chipped will the trans shift hard too?

Any input would be helpful thanks.

also I'm going to search the forums and see what nice exhaust upgrades i can get, but any suggestions?

 

yes the trans is electronically controlled, so its possible someone with a programmer increased line pressure to firm up the shifts. the shifts are generally pretty slow/soft from the factory.
and upgraded or not, the 3.9 with a few extra ponies is still not fast.

 

I absolutely love my exhaust. I got the Aero Exhaust 3030, and it sounds amazing.

 

cool, were did you get your exhaust from? and how much? was it a cat back system?

well modded or not... its pretty fast to me. Im content, im not looking for a Viper.

is there a way to tell what kind of programm was installed?

 

looking through the forum i noticed....

**Transmission Shift Problems 1-2 or 2-3 (Autos only 46re) - Govenor Sensors need to replaced or rebuilt (Transgo makes a Kit) bands need adjustment or replaced, short in tranny harness, I would recommend a Stage 1 or 2 Transgo Shift Kit to correct all the OEM Problems with the Auto Trans**

Could this be my issue? how would i be able to tell?

 

It's more if it's slipping or not going into the next gear if it's just shifting firm than thats fine, and actually extends the life of the transmission.

 

I got the Aero Exhaust from one of their authorized dealers from their web site. The cost with it totally installed from the cat back was $422. Well worth it.