The Future of the Dakota
just seems like we have such a huge frame, and max weight is supposed to be only 6010 pounds, they could trim over 100 pounds alone of the frame, and still hold all the weight. and get serious about a v-6. Nissans v6 is healthy, why can't dodge make a 3/4 version of the hemi? like a 258. I wish they would make a longer stroke tho. I wouldn't buy it with the 545 tho, hell, if the 545 never sees differant gears, I will not buy another truck with it. It's either add gear or smaller tires, both are crutches for a sick forth gear ratio. just fine for cruising without steep hills, just the tow haul ratio is so wrong
The Dakota's frame is definitely not the weak point, and the truck could use some weight reduction overall. I'd start with a regular cab option - there's about 200-300# right there.
Fully boxed frame rails are nice, but I'm sure they could be smaller in section or use a thinner material. The beams under the cab and engine are *huge*.
The 545 is a joke nowadays compared to the Toyota and Ford 6 speeds. Another reason to keep manual transmissions around; or at least offer an automatic that people don't mind being forced into buying.
The Phoenix 4.0L V6 would have been a good engine for the Dakota by the numbers; but hasn't it been tied up by the Getrag/Chrysler transmission plant legal battle?
Fully boxed frame rails are nice, but I'm sure they could be smaller in section or use a thinner material. The beams under the cab and engine are *huge*.
The 545 is a joke nowadays compared to the Toyota and Ford 6 speeds. Another reason to keep manual transmissions around; or at least offer an automatic that people don't mind being forced into buying.
The Phoenix 4.0L V6 would have been a good engine for the Dakota by the numbers; but hasn't it been tied up by the Getrag/Chrysler transmission plant legal battle?
Now if they did something like that then I would definitely want to buy one. I like how the back window opens up, it looks really nice. Hopefully they'd make it an extended cab though, or throw in the 4 door option!
Ah, nice! I'd love to see them come out with that, I'd definitely be interested in it.






