I just downsized my 2004 RAM QuadCab 4x4 Turbo Diesel Cummins for a 2004 Dak 4x4 QCab 4.7L.....I know...I know.....what the hell were you thinking!! It's not because Oil is gonna be at $500 a barrel by year end! It's because I am gonna put Mamma thru nursing school and I had to save some monthly expenses in the form of a smaller monthly payment and this is just one of the ways...(?)Saving(?) fuel as we diesel folks like to call it...maybe a bonus.

Okay, my question....WHAT THE HELL!!?? I can't find darned near anything in the ways of upgrades or fun things to do to make my Dak even a little tougher looking other than throw mud on it or put one of those trite over-used vinyl "**** on _______" stickers on the back!! Is it just me or did the entire aftermarket community snubbing the Dak owners out there....particulary the 2004 Dak owners??? WOW! If you don't want to lower your truck...your hosed. I have tinted winders,,,I got the bug thing on the grill,,,,seat covers don't really thrill me...I want a lift....some simple engine mods....and maybe a louder meaner exhaust...no asking for too much? Haven't they been making these things a while....and it's not yesterday the came out with the 4.7L...... and it may be my humble opinion, but the new 2005+ Dakotas are F-UGLY! I did a search of 2004 under the Dakota forums and came up like maybe 10 post....(NOT INCLUDING REPLIES)!!

And also...I noticed on this site that the 2004 is in the "Second Generation" with the 1997-2003 trucks. Seems like there are a lot more items that the latter can do to trick out there truck.... Maybe we should have the 2004's in a Generation 2.5?


Well thats about it for my gripe..I will step down from the soap box. Hope to see more Ot-Four trucks out there...maybe we should begin a petition to some of the major aftermarket manufacturers?

Take Care!!

G

 

Be patient young Grasshopper hehe, there are a lot of things out there for the 04 Dak....be aware there were changes being made in the 04 that are pre Gen3ish, there are some differences on add-on’s for the 04 depending on if it was made between late 03 and Jun.04 and the ones like mine made in late 04.....I found this out first had after ordering a Cold Air Intake from Airaid and the tube came up a bit short.....they were like.....oh was yours a late model 04....umm yes.....they were like ummm well that one lines up diff.....I was all.....ok jack asses you didn't ask when I ordered the thing and I gave you all the information you requested so with that said all I can advise is ask lots of questions because you are right you will find a lot of things that fit 97-03 and then there will be 97-04 and 04-06 so it is very confusing......but I have done just a few add-ons and other than a fully programmable superchip most everything out there for the other Dak's you can get for the 04...and it is nice to get 20+ MPG on the hwy. passing by the full size RAM's getting their 8-12 MPG

 

You really do have to search and search and search for mods for these things. For some reason the aftermarket just seemed to skip right over the 97-04 Daks. There is a huge market they're just missing. It really is aggrivating. I have found quite a few places that have mods. If you're really looking for something specific I'm sure I can help you out. If you have any questions send me a PM and I'll see what I can dig up.

 

Well, I tell you what…. I installed a Trueflow intake, removed the tubing running from the airbox to the wheelwell and the rubber barrier behind the grill (essentially making it ram air), installed a Flowmaster standard 40 series muffler, and am in the process of changing all fluids to Royal Purple. This is on a 4door, 4x4, 4.7l Dakota, 265-70r16 AT tires. The truck performs as good as any and better than most naturally aspirated trucks I’ve come across. It sounds fantastic as well. I couldn’t be happier with it. I at one time felt as you did, but a little research changed my mind quick.

Tim