I have a 3.7L 2005 Dakota. Currently with a 68.5mm Fastman throttle body, and Airaid intake, and Gibson exhaust. I have PCSed to Germany (in the Army) and in order to get my truck registered, I have to drop the noise of the exhaust. Well, I currently have an 18" resonator on order and plan to weld it inline before the muffler. So, my first question is do you guys think the resonator will drop my exhaust note from 97 decibels, to at least 95? My next question would be how would the resonator affect my power and gas mileage? Also, since I am NA, would going back to the stock TB increase my MPG and power.....I really haven't noticed an increase in either after adding it....rather a decrease in MPG. I also have an ARE bed cap. Is the weight of the cap negligible in regards to gas mileage, or should I lose it to increase my MPG? Also, how worthwhile would it be to do an E-fan conversion with a 180 T-stat, or should I just stick with the clutch fan and stock T-stat?

 

definitely go for the e-fan and stat. you will gain back some ponies. as for the resonator it will kill almost all the sound. you wont be able to hear the truck run. whats killing the mileage is the larger tires and rims. more rolling resistance. weld the resonator after the muffler. having in frt wont do a damn thing. it will still sound the same.