I am new to this forum. I did some searching and didn't find the opinions I was looking for, So I apologize now if I overlooked it. I am looking to buy a new 2008 Dakota quad cab 4x4. I originally wanted a v8 with 4.10 gears, Thats the setup on mine now and love it. The only ones I have found have v6 3.92 gears.
I will be towing a 16' trailer medium duty with it. My 6cyl trail blazer 3.73 at times as trouble with it, my 8cyl dakota laughs at it and says is that all you gotMy 96 3.9 V6 dakota 4.10 was also fine with it. May I add gas mileage on v8 far better than v6.
What I am looking for is opinion on 6 vs 8 on gas mileage power and towing. Hopefully one of you has had experience with both setups. Thanks in advance, sorry so long. Brian from lafayette Indiana.[8D]

 

I know that is definatley one of the reasons I bought the dak over any of the other 1/4 tons. I mean is there any other auto maker that offers a small truck with a v8 and low gears? And I hear ya eric my dak has handled anything I can throw at it, just wish the box was a little bigger sometimes but you can't get everything you want....lol

 

First off...HELLS YEA ANOTHER HOOSIER!! Now as for gas mileage. My 4.7L 6 speed is better on gas than my step-moms 3.7. She gets 18ish on the highway and I get around 22 in the city when I'm not hauling ***. They are both 4x4s with no "real" mods either. My personal opinion on this being (1. kinda heavy truck, my v8 moves it much easier (2. I shift at 2k rpms or less and tend to go 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th (but have never gone through a whole tank without racing someone or doing something retarded) (3. She's a woman and just romps on it the whole way to work I'm sure...no offense to women (even though most can't drive worth a damn!)

I'm pretty sure I have the 3.55's and have towed a jeep and a few other random pieces and sometimes forget I'm even pulling that crap behind me. I'd definitely rock the 4.7 with or without the 6 speed. Just my advice from one hoosier to another.

 

i tow with mine rather frequently...i mostly pull a 16' enclosed cargo trailer...the trailer itself is 2500 lbs. and my load is usually a couple thousand pounds of sound gear...probably just a bit under the 5500 lbs. limit for the 4.7 with the 6 sp. manual and 3.55 gears. I don't have any problems whatsoever. It struggles a bit...one hill i run is an 11% grade over about 2 miles and i have to pull that in 2nd gear and i am not able to use 6th gear much on the highway...but it handles the load fine.

i'd recommend it....it's been a great truck for me.

 

2nd gear pull, is that about 40 MPH? I know my 3.21's are good to about 50 MPH in 2nd, and the engine is howling.

 

From the gas mileage threads we have had those of us with the V8 seem to be getting about the same mileage as those with the V6. Especially if you are towing I would go with the V8 for the extra power.

 

Hey guys, wanted to say thanks a million for all the replies and info. I know what I want, but I'll have to see what I can get. Getting hard to find the 4.7's. Thanks again, Brian....

 

I would have loved a V8 with the 6-Speed but couldnt find one close when I was looking at the 07s and I dont think they make the 08s with a V8 and a manual combo. If i had a choice and the price was close I would go with the New v8 300+ HP and the 5 speed Auto. If you really want a 6-Speed then you have only the 1 choice of engine in the 08s and with a manual I think your choice for RAR is 3.55. Personally I believe you will see better mileage (1 -2 MPG) with the V6 - Manual combo vs V8 - Auto in overall driving, but if you tow a lot then the V8 probably gets better mpgs.