I recently purchased my first truck, and first dodge. Its a 2005 dodge dakota V6, and so far, i love it. Since you all obviously have alot more experince with it then i do i was hoping to have help with a couple questions i had.

First i was wondering what from your experiences what are some modifications that should be made to generally improve its driving?

Second what are some modifications i can do to improve its mpg?

Third i have a slight crack in the factory grill frame and was wondering where i can get a factory replacement, or how i can get a more custom looking one, so it'll stand out a bit. Something kinda like "frenchy's" which i've come to love.

And finally i was wondering about any cosmetic, or other changes you guys would recommend.

Thanks so much i look forward to hearing from you guys

 

Front leveling kit with 2" blocks in the rear. Not much out there for the V6 in terms of performance from what I've gathered. Might also want to consider changing gearing if you plan on bigger tires with the 6-banger.

 

I would say best buy from what i have been told on the forum is new shocks for driving get the monroes or the ranchos

For the mpg's try getting a CAI and exhaust

For the grill you can get some off ebay and i am pretty sure frenchy just painted his i am sure he will let you know but i am pretty sure he painted it

 

Just purchased an 05 Dakota as my first vehicle too, so hopefully both of us have done well. I don't plan on modding mine though. I did however replace a blown speaker myself with the help of a friend and it was tough but challenging and a good experience.

I too was worried about the mpg but there doesn't seem to be a ton you can do other than drive sensibly.

 

Thanks so much for youre guy's help, i'm already looking into larger tires, new shocks, a cai, and a lift and leveling kit.

As for a lift and leveling kit does this look alright http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...080&perfCode=S

 

For driving, replace the crappy OEM shocks/struts...I went with Monroe (I don't do any *real* off-roading and see no need to spend that much money), and I also slapped on some LT 265/75 16 on there as well...it rides more like a truck is supposed to now.

CAI and exhaust will help with MPG, but putting larger (and heavier) tires will probably erase any benefit...go easy on the throttle is your best bet...

FWIW...YMMV...

 

The Truxxx kit is decent from what I've heard and seen but that price is high. I paid $80 Canadian for my Trailmaster kit ($73 USD) and it really isn't THAT big a deal to disassemble the strut. Took me about 20 minutes per side.

 

I'm definately going to replace those stock shocks asap, if you guys could help me find a set thats the best bang for my buck i'd greatly appreciate it. I'm not too car savy so i'm tryin my best
Whats also the best place to get a lift, and a leveling kit for the best price. Preferably something that wont be overly difficult to install

 

Hmmm, yup, definitely painted mine myself.

 

[QUOTE=utahdakota;1856984]I'm definately going to replace those stock shocks asap, if you guys could help me find a set thats the best bang for my buck i'd greatly appreciate it. [QUOTE]

Cheapest price for the Monroe replacements was from RockAuto.com:

Strut (71100) $73.79
Shock (911277) $40.79