Any help with towing capability appreciated. Idea's for upgrade help, if any? Currently has 151,819 miles. Following is edited build info received through link found here in forum;

VIN:
Vehicle Description: DODGE DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB-SLT 4X4 Model Year: 2003 Body Model: AN 5 H 84
Engine: EVA- 4.7L V8 MPI Engine
Transmission: DGQ- 5-Spd Automatic 545RFE Transmission

Sales Code Description
ADJ Heavy Duty Service Group
AHC Trailer Tow Group
AJKP Convenience Group
AJL Travler Group
AJPP Power Convenience Group
A82P 4.7L Eng (EVA)/5Spd A/T 5-45Rfe(DGQ) BAZP 136 Amp Alternator BCQP 750 Amp Maintenance Free Battery BRRS 4 Wheel Disc Rr Anti-Lock Brakes DGES All 5-Speed Automatic Transmissions DGQ 5-Spd Automatic 545RFE Transmission DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter DHTS Elec,Shift-on-the-Fly,P/Time T/Case DJDS 205MM Front Axle DMH 3.92 Rear Axle Ratio DRBP Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle EVA 4.7L V8 MPI Engine
NAS 50 State Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFES 24 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHFP Power Steering Cooler
NHMP Speed Control
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
NZDP Next Generation Engine Controller
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SDBS Heavy Duty Suspension
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SHCP Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
TS9P P245/70R16 OWL On/Off Road Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WD1P 16X8.0 Cast Aluminum Wheels
WLBS Steel Spare Wheel
XBSS Pickup Box
XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch
XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness
XFLP 7 to 4 Pin Wiring Adaptor
XGDP Universal Garage Door Opener
XSLS Brake/Park Interlock
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications

 

i have the same truck, 2004. i have a programmer, fan delete, syn oil, air filter, aeroturbine muffler and it tows 3500 lbs outstanding. i am going to get a fastman throttle body next month. my mpg also went up 2-4. here is 2004 towing, it should be the same.look at this.

www.trailerlife.com/wp.../01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2004.pdf

 

Just follow what the manual says and low gears up hill. Dont forget to change your gear oil in the axle sum friction mod. in there if it calls for it. HAPPY HAULIN

 

Turn off overdrive when in hilly terrain and dont drive too fast. If your hauling heavy or in a hilly place its best to have trailer brakes too

 

This. I'd advise to just keep OD off regardless.

 

If the road is flat and its not shifting out of od all the time you can leave it on and it will be ok. It being a v8 will handle the load fine.

 

I'm more worried about it dragging the lockup clutch in OD. The clutch would be under less load in 1:1 than OD.

While I was picking up my convertor today, he showed me one cracked open.

The lockup clutch is .070 thick and 1" wide. It's one piece, and slides forward on the input shaft, sealing to the outer case.

 

looks like you're set up pretty good there for towing, I have basically the same specs with a 5 speed manual and it tows my boat fine with 176,000+ miles on it. I think they are rated at 10,500 gross the way yours is set up, so take that minus what your truck weighs with you and everything in it and that is around the max towing.


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If you really want to add some more I would suggest considering an upgrade to your brake rotors and pads, if I remember right you can buy rotors and pads specifically designed to handle towing. Wider tires will help with braking heavier loads and traction overall. I myself am about buy Monroe Sensa Trac load assist for my rear shocks, I'll give you my personally preference soon but it has been rated by reviewers and a friend of mine they are a huge difference with towing. They keep your ride much more level, and even under heavy load ride very nicely and can handle trailer sway better.

Beyond those modifications you can boost your horsepower and torque with, reduction of you intake and exhaust systems restrictions, programer, and deleting your mechanical fan.

Overall, the power upgrades can run you about 800-1.2k, and give you about 40-50 more hp/torque, a little more mpg, and a better power band. The brakes and suspension can about 4-800. Tires and new rims, I really don't know, tires can be 6-800, rims I don't have a clue.

 

i have the 2003 4x4 quad 4.7 with a trans cooler and a trailer with brakes. always tow with od off if it is 50% or more of your tow capacity or in hilly areas. you should be able to tow 6000lb safely as a guide. if i remember right it is a couple hundred lbs more but 6000 is a good round number. i have towed 9500lbs on flat land with out too much difficulty. stoping is a bit scarey sometimes.