Towing with a 3.9
ok so i figured id throw my $.02, as im building my dak to pull WEIGHT with the stock motor and trans (3.9L mated to a 42RE). im installing helper springs, and air levelers (using OBA to supply air). the cab has been lifted 2-3" with custom lift. and im droppin either 31's or 33's on it. these things will move some weight. ive already towed a flatbed trailer (3500lbs) and a saab 95 on it (roughly 3500lbs) for 7k towed weight. MAX COMBINED WEIGHT for the 2000 Club cab, with 3.9L & 42RE is 9400LBS.. needless to say that day my combined weight was approx 11k. not much over, and i didnt even notice it.
and with what u say u wanna pull the trailer weighs, 2500lbs plus dirt bikes, will be roughly (giving leway) 3500-4000lbs. putting you at a combined weight of rougly 8k (incl loaded trailer + truck @ 4500lbs.)
with all the bullsh*t math aside. i would reccommend the higher gears (as im planning that aswell) and a trailer with ELECTRIC BRAKES, and get the controller in the cab.. it'll be worth the investment compared to replacing burnt brakes every 3 mos
and with what u say u wanna pull the trailer weighs, 2500lbs plus dirt bikes, will be roughly (giving leway) 3500-4000lbs. putting you at a combined weight of rougly 8k (incl loaded trailer + truck @ 4500lbs.)
with all the bullsh*t math aside. i would reccommend the higher gears (as im planning that aswell) and a trailer with ELECTRIC BRAKES, and get the controller in the cab.. it'll be worth the investment compared to replacing burnt brakes every 3 mos
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: San Jose
I have a complete 8.25" rear end with an Auburn Posi and 4.10 gears that I'll make you a screaming deal on. And unless you're in San Jose, Costa Rica or something, I'm close enough that you can pick it up. (Sorry for the shameless plug.)
Regardless of what gears you run, you should probably put brakes on the trailer if you tow it behind a Dakota. It's a weight thing, not braking power. No matter how well your brakes work, you're not going to stop very fast if the truck is skidding.
Regardless of what gears you run, you should probably put brakes on the trailer if you tow it behind a Dakota. It's a weight thing, not braking power. No matter how well your brakes work, you're not going to stop very fast if the truck is skidding.
I will definantly lookin into the trailor brakes. I definantly want some stopping power if i need to have braking power in an emergency.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Concord, CA
Oh i still want it Tom! Dont worry. Harnt had a weekend off to head down and get it. Up here in Oregon. My parents are in San Jose so i will be closer to you so i can take a trip and pick it up. Is the auburn fully locked or is it a limited slip?
I will definantly lookin into the trailor brakes. I definantly want some stopping power if i need to have braking power in an emergency.
I will definantly lookin into the trailor brakes. I definantly want some stopping power if i need to have braking power in an emergency.
I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer (without brakes) that I've never actually towed behind my Dakota, but I once towed it (fully loaded) with the Jeep Wrangler I used to own and that was an adventure.
Anyway, let me know when you think you can pick up the rear end. I'll hang on to it.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: San Jose
No problem. It's out of the truck and sitting in my garage, so I'd like to get it out of my way before too long. The Auburn is a limited-slip, which is better, IMO, for street use. And it still works well off-road (but not as well as a locker, obviously).
I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer (without brakes) that I've never actually towed behind my Dakota, but I once towed it (fully loaded) with the Jeep Wrangler I used to own and that was an adventure.
Anyway, let me know when you think you can pick up the rear end. I'll hang on to it.
I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer (without brakes) that I've never actually towed behind my Dakota, but I once towed it (fully loaded) with the Jeep Wrangler I used to own and that was an adventure.
Anyway, let me know when you think you can pick up the rear end. I'll hang on to it.
Yeah i definantly wanna go with some brakes on the trailor. Lookin into a V nose cuz i hear they tow better, less drag. I think 4.10's and 33's will be good with pulling. The trailor wont be too heavy either.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Concord, CA
Okay sweet! Yeah a limited slip will be better. Sweet. Im trying to get down to california as soon as i can. I appreciate you holdin on to it.
Yeah i definantly wanna go with some brakes on the trailor. Lookin into a V nose cuz i hear they tow better, less drag. I think 4.10's and 33's will be good with pulling. The trailor wont be too heavy either.
Yeah i definantly wanna go with some brakes on the trailor. Lookin into a V nose cuz i hear they tow better, less drag. I think 4.10's and 33's will be good with pulling. The trailor wont be too heavy either.