how do you like it? </P>


right now i have a 2001 edge ranger with the pathetic 3.0 (bought it new), it's 2wd, and i have about $7000 left on my payments...but i also have done tons of things (interior/exterior lighting, sound system, painting, custom tinting, engine mods/dress-up, bed/exterior work, etc...), but i'm starting to get bored and dissapointed with it...so i'm seriouslyconsidering going for a V8 dakota with 4wd, air and power windows (lifting and interior/exterior stuff i can myself)...</P>


so, for those ofyou who can reply, what's the ride like? (handle well? how do you sit with the interior (comfortable as is? other?), bed (not deep/wide enough?)how's theV8 power? (no the R/T though) your oppinions on the rear window ('feels' too small, too close to back of head)...any replies are much appreciated! </P>

 

Well we rented a 2001 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT 4X2w/ a 4.7L "MAGNUM" V-8 w/ the multi-speed automatic, and let me tell you... that motor and that size of truck are prefect together. That truck would get up and and go no problem. Absolutely loved driving it. I would recommend it to anyone. I know a guy who had a 4.7L Club Cab 4X4 and traded it in for a 2003 Ram 1500 Quad Cab HEMI 4X4... he says he loves his HEMI Ram, but wishes he would have kept his Dak.</P>


redriderbob</P>

 

I have a 2001 CC 4.7l 2wd Dakota and i Love it!! It has just enough power to let me have fun, get out of the way if need be, and to not get me in tooooo much trouble <IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0"></P>


For you going from your Edge ranger with a 3.0 in it, you will completely fall in love with the 4.7! </P>


Go test drive one, trust me you will love it! <IMG src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0"></P>

 

again, thanks for the replies...i had off toady, but couldn't get to a dealer to drive one...hopefully next weekend...if i'm not hurtin too bad from a full Fri of ski blading (let me tell you, ski blades own! best buy i have done for anything, for a little while!)...</P>


i mean like, i know i'd be in for a nice switch going from the 3.0 to a 4.7 (i also have an '86 ranger with a 302 i rebuilt and shoehorned in), but i'd really like for more power then the 150hp 3.0 engine in the daily driver...i wouldn't plan on doing much to the 4.7 either, just simple things likemuffler, maybe headers, air intake, maybe tweak the ECU here and there (the other ranger i said i havewillalways be my "power" block)...but i am definatly glad to hear that the ride is sweat...also, has anyone here lifted on before? (like, how high, what brand, what tires?)... </P>

 

a great site to talk to other dakota owners is </P>


www.dakotausa.com</P>


there are a bunch of dakota lovers there, and sooo much knowledge...and if they dont know the info... most are more than willing to help you find it out! </P>


see what you think of it ....tell them KotaGirl Sent ya <IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0"></P>

 

Our 2001 Dakota Q/C 4.7 5spd 2wd with 3.92's will be 3yrs old on 2/2. We're still in love with it. Added an Airaid filter up front and a custom exhaust out back. Since none of us at my house have necks like a giraff I can't address your banging your head on the rear window issue. The truck is one sweet ride. One of the guys I work with has a 2001 C/C R/T and while he was almost in tears, he showed me an article in one of the mags last year that ran a reg cab R/T against a reg cab with the 4.7. Six trips down the 1/4 mile swappingdrivers and guess which truck came out on top all six times. Hint-- it wasn't the R/T. Go for the 4.7 Dakota, I don't think you'll be sorry.<IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0">

 

<IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0">I have a 2003 quad cab with a 4.7 auto. The engine is plenty strong. I'm most impressed with the way it still has enough oomph toaccelerate at high speeds. My only regret is I wished I would have test driven a standard to see the difference. From what I've heard the manual tranny puts more power to the wheels. Also, a limited slip rear end could definitely be worth it. An auto with the higher rear end ratio (3.92 I think)also mightbe a good combo. Just some things to think about.</P>


good luck on finding your perfect dakota</P>

 

well let me tell you a 4.7L Dak with a manual and 3.92s is a bad A$$ combo, I love the days I get to drive my mom's truck, I have a Ram Q/C 4.7L 5-speed manual with 3.55s, not bad but the Dak has more umph.

 

As the song goes, "I love my truck", which is a 2002 Dakota quad cab 4x4 with the 4.7. I added a K&amp;N filter and a cheapie muffler. The only gripe I have is the 12.7 mpg I get, and it isn't because of city driving or a lead foot. I do have the AWD tranny which is sure nice when its slick, but I am sure it results in a lower mpg.</P>