I currently drive a 93' Shadow, but I'am saving up and plan on buying a 2nd generation Dakota probably next year sometime. I'am gonna try and get a 318 or 4.7 Litre. Just wondering what kind of mods could I do with these engines, to give me some more power. My plan for the truck is an off-road truck, raising it, and some nice tires. Any other mods I could do engine wise?

 

There is lots you could do to it depending on just how much you want to spend. CAI, 180 degree thermostat, electric fan conversion, bigger throttle body, headers, exhaust, power programmer are some relatively easy mods to get started. Then you could get more into the motor. Heads, blower or turbo stuff like that. There is a lot of potential in these motors.

 

The 5.2 is cheaper to mod also and you can find more mods for it. That or the 5.9. Personally I would look around for one of these 360's the mileage difference isn't big at all might as well get the strongest. As far as tires go I am very happy with mine (see sig) they are great on and off road which can't be said for mt's. Also get a manual tranny.

 

Thanks fellas. Yeah, I was curious about what the 360 was like for mileage, I know I want to stay away from the 3.9, my friends 87' Dakota is terrible on gas. And the only Dakotas I can find around are smaller V8's or 6's with automatic's, I'd really prefer a manual 360 now that you've mentioned it. And one thing I've always wondered, what are the 2nd generation Dakotas payload rating? are they 1/4 ton?

 

From what I remember, they had 2 payload ratings... 1200 and 1450lbs.

As for a manual, unless it's modded the 360 didn't come with one. I think the 318 did but they were really hard to find.

Good luck!

 

Whoa, thats alot of weight, that 2nd one is almost 3/4 ton isnt it?

 

As far as truck rating (1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton, like the Rams and so forth), I don't know what that is really based upon.
When I talk about Dakotas, I usually would classify them as 1/4 ton trucks (although the new Gen 3's can tow as much as some 1/2 tons)
Payload capacity is the maximum amount of weight (weight of occupants, cargo, etc.) ) you can safely add to the vehicle.

 

Gen2 payload 1,800 lbs., V6 and V8 rate same payload but I can tell you I had a 03 SXT V6 3.9L and now have a 04 SLT V8 4.7L and not only does the 4.7L get about 15-20% better gas mileage but the power differance is a lot when it comes to towing it depends on the gears you have the 3.55's can tow 4750lbs and the 3.92 can tow 6050lbs.

 

Thats prett impressive. The 4.7 sounds like a good motor, my neighbours Dakota has one in it, he tows a large boat LOL. And in response to dodgerules86, I think the 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton ratings are how much they can have in the bed, I'am not sure if it counts people's weight or not.

 

Hey dodgerules is there an aftermarket manual tranny for the 360 because I swear I am not gonna rebuild this thing again when it goes. I want a manual so I won't have to worry about it anymore.