'99 Dakota BOV; *Update 9/9/2012*

[Blasphemous]

Just a good filter will help out. IMO the K&N stuff is overpriced. You could probably make your own kit for about $25. You should be able to get a trans cooler kit for about $100.

[Tperkins]

Just a good filter will help out. IMO the K&N stuff is overpriced. You could probably make your own kit for about $25. You should be able to get a trans cooler kit for about $100.

Well I'll look into that:

Just added 20' 17,000lb tow strap and I have the rest of the correct lugnuts and exhaust clamp to install tomarrow. Will be taking a few quick pics of the gear thats with it and updating this.

Gear Pics Update:

-50' Black 550 Cord
-Vehicle Trauma Kit (2 Izzy's, 2 Kerlix, 2 Quickclot 25G, gauze, painkillers, CKRT A.B.C. rescue knife, misc boo-boo gear)
-2 Ponchos
-4 pack of AA lithium's and 4 CR123's for my SF in my EDC
-Paintball Pod containing (2) 30 min yellow lightsticks and (2) 5 min High-Intensity orange lightsticks (Cyalume for both)
*Under the seat to the left is the jack, lugwrench, and stuff for the spare tire


-Mounted Fire Extinguisher
-Toolbag with two heavy duty bungee cords, 4-gauge jumper cables, and a old but still running Honeywell 12V spotlight, along with a hex key set for the CB antenna and stuff mounted to the bed rails
-Camo toolbag directly below: Has 30ft of climbing rope&carbiners, WARN winching heavy gloves, and will have some other gear in later
Warn winch bag:
-10ft of grade 7 choker chain
-3/4" shackle/clevis
-19,000lb snatch block
I dont have a winch, but I got the kit for free, and i can always help someone else that has a winch out, and the shackle and choker chain can be used to move logs/trees/vehicles with or without using the 20' 17,000lb towstrap I have in the WARN bag also.
-Ammo can, empty but will have some food or tools in it later
There is also a folding GI shovel tucked away underneath the camo bag

[Tperkins]

Just changed some fluids on it thursday.

Put 5 quarts of Royal Purple in it along with a K&N Performance Gold filter. Also, changing front and rear differential fluids next week/weekend and getting the coolant flushed, trans flushed, and possibly brake fluid flushed/refilled.

Also have to get a new valve stem put in the left front, and maybe have the shop switch the tires around so the white lettering is to the inside. Depending on how much they want for that I might not bother with it since money is tight.

[AgentBlack]

YAY!! a ZS dakota club....



2000 sport 4dr w/4.7l V8 2x4

[Tperkins]

New Pics Finally.



Updates To Come This Summer (Hopefully), Will Consist Of:
-Custom Rear Back Rack w/
---CB Radio + Wilson antenna(s)
---Rear/Side Flood Lights(Probably KC's, but not sure)
-Some type of bull bar/brush guard (Thinking a Westin-type bull bar, you know the kind) w/
---Driving Lights (Probably Hella's)
-Second Spare Tire
-Larger tool box possibly
-Possibly purchasing two Adventure Trailer fuel can holders so I can lock up my Scepter MFC's that will arrive soon

I modified the inside a tad, I'll take some new pics tomarrow most likley. Also added 2.5 Gal of water in a water can in the toolbox.

Also, all fluids are finally changed. Trans is leaking just a little (Quarter sized spot every day or so) after it got changed so I'll get that fixed soon. Also replaced the air filter with a decent Scepter washable one, it's better than the cheap paper one at least. Will also be replacing rear drums/shoes with some Brembo stuff, new rear shocks, and possibly cranking up the torsion bars and adding a leaf to "lift" it up a little.

[cusm]

Does anyone know of an under the rail tool box that would fit in a quad cab bed? I really need more storage, but do not want one on or above the rails. I would like to get a cover as well, and I do not like the tiny tool box with the cover built in, or the price tag on it.

[DRoCk]

I used this toolbox instead of an over-the-rail type. I think it holds just as much since it has a nice rectangular shape. Also, a soft tonneau cover fit over it on my S10 when I had that truck. On a Dakota I believe it would sit well below the box sides.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicle-maintenance-accessories/truck-boxes/aluminum-truck-boxes/37-inch-bright-aluminum-portable-utility-chest-1091436

[Blasphemous]

I like those below-the-bed boxes as well. Helps keep it out-of-sight and out-of-mind to passers-by.

[Tperkins]

I like those below-the-bed boxes as well. Helps keep it out-of-sight and out-of-mind to passers-by.

Yeah, they are nice, and they hold a lot more weight since they are directly on the bed. Probably not for this truck (I'd like to buy a C1500/C2500 or a F150/F250 within the next 2 years, so much more 4x4 and aftermarket parts), but the big ass under-raill boxes that are like two feet deep (as in parellel with driveline direction) are really nice, and might get one on my next truck.

I was involved in a minor accident, so the deductible was a decent chunk of the money I had stashed away for upgrades, but still expect all the upgrades I mentioned before, along with AT Can holders for my MFC's I bought. I'm just gonna put in extra hours at work this summer. I'm thinking the CB will be the upgrade that gets put on hold, since i technically already have a CB its just a handheld with a Lil Wil mag mount antenna instead of a nice setup.

[Tperkins]

Update:

3 intake valves were bent last thursday. Trying to figure if it was from over-revving or from it jumping time. BOV/DD is gonna be out of action for a week or two, but we're doing all the work at home so we (read I) save $2500 in labor. However, we are also sending the heads out to a buddy's speed shop, which will get us parts at cost, plus a little porting and polishing the heads. New plug wireset, distributor cap, and spark plugs also done.

My biggest concern is that if the ZPAW happens in the next 2 or 3 weeks, im kinda screwed

[Zombie Mill]

Back on the HIGH-LIFT topic: I've got one on the back of my rig, uncovered, completely rusted, and works like a charm. It's gotten me out of at least 12 bad situations. I did have it slip off once and almost knock me out, but that was my fault for not keeping an eye on it. Oh, back to the point... some high lifts come with a "winch" option... basically a loop that you bolt into the top knotch of the jack. This allows you to throw a strap on either side of the High-Lift and you can winch the length of the jack (4 feet) before having to release and choke up on the straps again.

Basically, I'd take a High-Lift over anything else when it comes to getting unstuck.

[Tperkins]

Update:

3 intake valves were bent last thursday. Trying to figure if it was from over-revving or from it jumping time. BOV/DD is gonna be out of action for a week or two, but we're doing all the work at home so we (read I) save $2500 in labor. However, we are also sending the heads out to a buddy's speed shop, which will get us parts at cost, plus a little porting and polishing the heads. New plug wireset, distributor cap, and spark plugs also done.

My biggest concern is that if the ZPAW happens in the next 2 or 3 weeks, im kinda screwed

Ends up that somehow, a peice of sheet aluminum (prov 1/2" by 4" along with a few other peices, entered the engine thru the intake manifold. It was at the body shop before this happened, so that is the cause we hypotheisise. Nothing was damanged, the peices of metal held the valves open, and we also found peices in the intake manifold (in the plenum pan), and also in the intake ports along with the peices in the cylinder. Since we have the heads off, we're still going to port the heads and smooth out the internals, and also regrind the valves and seats. I'm also thinking of either now or later putting in some Harland-Sharp roller rockers, and we are doing headers + performance y-pipe from Doug Thorley also I beleive, but I have to call and check if they fit 4WD Dakotas.

[hdandb]

I love having my truck now for almost 2 years and wish I'd had it bought it sooner. It is nice having a BOV I feel confident in if I ever need to get out of "Dodge" (it is a Ram).

But enough about me. If I missed it early in your list then never mind, but if I did not, a USGI shelter half is a GREAT item to have in your truck/vehicle preps. It can be for ZPAW or daily driver back and forth to work, but it should be there. Mine has been put into use 2 times with one of them being in a roadside mud hell. Washes up great, folds easy and small, super tough, nice sized for this use, cheap to be had, can actually be used for shelter if need be, and on and on.
Not only for roadside emergencies but for regular driveway maintenance they prove to be worth their weight in gold.

[Tperkins]

Finally have the truck up and running! Shit, it was down for like a month. For the gearheads out there, to tell how the truck was taken care of, the crosshatching in the cylinders were still easily visible. Almost no wear on the rocker arms either.

In the end, the work/parts done were:
Heads:
-Beadblasted Heads/Valves
-Reground 3-angle valves/valve seats
-All new springs/seals/retainers
-Ported Heads
-New Pushrods
-2" JBA Y-pipe
-2" Gibson Ceramic Headers

Rest of Engine:
-New Water Pump
-New Fan Clutch
-New Upper/Lower/Bypass hoses
-Dipped throttle body/intake manifold (cold tank dipped)
-New Cap/Rotor
-New Plugwires with 8" heat shield tubes

Also changed oil, Royal Purple, also used extensivley throughout assembly along with Hylomar on all gasket surfaces for sure sealing. 89,000 miles and 100,000 more to go hopefully.

New rear drums/shoes and shocks are the plan for July, with plans for a CB and auxillary lighting coming sometime soon, along with dual fuel can holders from AT. Pics are upcoming of the mods. K&N intake might be upcoming since i found a source for $220 shipped vs the usual $300 plus shipping.

[Night Owl]

Very nice looking truck you got there. Make sure you get a that is CB peaked and tuned or even run an amp if you want some real range.

[Tperkins]

Very nice looking truck you got there. Make sure you get a that is CB peaked and tuned or even run an amp if you want some real range.

I think amping it is too much of a disadvantage, but I'll SWR tune it, and mount it high and center on the roof. Ditched plans for the CB mount on the back rack for propagation reasons, but will be running a good Wilson with good coax. Just finished drums n shoes + new wheel cylinders last night, with shocks and front pads/rotors to do before winter. The CB and lighting will be a good project this winter since it wont keep my truck inoperable like the shocks n brake jobs will. I'm probably going with EBC green pads, and probably regular rotors. All that super power slot shit is gimmicky if you arent racing or trailering IMHO.

Pics of the Head Job

Intake torque spec sheet on winshield if anyone was curious

This was taken from my phone so its crappy but it's the Gibson ceramic headers:


More pictures to come; lots are still on my dslr.

[Resolute]

Love the work you're doing on your rig! After looking at this thread, I might have to consider a Dakota for my first truck. Kind of off topic, but how's the power? I know it's a V8, but that doesn't always mean it's awesome...

[Tperkins]

Love the work you're doing on your rig! After looking at this thread, I might have to consider a Dakota for my first truck. Kind of off topic, but how's the power? I know it's a V8, but that doesn't always mean it's awesome...

It has pretty good power for its weight, and I can easily (ex in the future) bolt on 20-40 horsepower with a K&N kit and some Harland-Sharp roller rockers. (K&N Dyno'd at 11.xx horsepower stock and the HS Roller-Rockers Dyno'd at 15.xx hp stock) Both for around $300 each. Headers should get about 15hp combined with the porting work we did. MPG is better on the highway, but not vastly different in the city.

Only downsides about my Dakota to me are the lack of 4x4/off-road parts and the lack of stake holes in the bed. The latter ticks me off more however, as I dont have the money for any major 4x4 parts (bull bars, winches, ect) anyway. Other than that, if you get the 5.2 with the 4x4, its pretty good. I was lucky to find mine in the condition I did for the price ($6500) considering it only had 88,000 miles and brand new A/T tires. From inspection it appears all fluids were meticulously changed, as noted from the visible crosshatching on the cylinders in a 88,000mi engine. From when I got it in February of '10, it's had the oil changed twice (every 3,000mi) with only Royal purple + Z-max, and Lucas 75W-90 + stabilizer for the front+rear diffs. Anyway, I'll get off the rambling.

[AgentBlack]

Yeah, so I just replaced the heater core in mine and in case you were wondering....THAT SUCK'S!!!
I hope you never have to do that. It took me and another guy 7hrs (including vac and recharge of the AC).


yeah the WHOLE dash has to come out!

[1_v8_Merc]

Yeah good job getting the v8!
I'll NEVER get a 6 cylinder again.... Made that mistake twice.

Screw gas mileage, i'd rather have the torque when I need it.
As long as u get a good deal on the v8, you'll actually spend LESS overall than if you
bought a newer model with better fuel economy....so who cares.

Dodge make solid trucks.
My brother had an older Dakota 3.9l magnum.
We beat the SHIT out of that thing, and it never missed a beat!
We even flooded the engine by accident going thru a river.
It still got us home hiccuping and coughing, we let it sit overnight, and it fired right up the
next morning, never had a problem again.
I'll tell ya, nothing fights like a dodge off-road.

[Tperkins]

/

[Tperkins]

** Pics will be in order once everything is delivered, ETA, 1-2 weeks**

Stuff Ordered & Waiting for Delivery
-ARB 24,000lb recovery strap
-Spare 3/4" WARN shackle (clevis)
-WARN Receiver mount shackle hitch #1
-Longacre Racing 0-60psi tire gauge with glow-in-the-dark display (Longacre makes the best tire gauges)
-K&N Air Intake (Scored this for $199.95 w/ price match, orginal price $295.99) http://www.autoanything.com ROCKS!

Already Received
-WARN Receiver mount shackle hitch #2 (One for front receiver, one for rear receiver)
-Compact square shovel (full size spade, half size D handle for recovery, replaces E-Tool)
-Stainless steel "Premium" axe from Home Depot

Ordering Over Next Few Months
-2 more Scepter fuel cans
-Wilson 3" flex CB antenna + full whip antenna with quick disconnect
-Richmond Gear Tru-Trac automatic rear locking differential

[ZombieSoldier01]

Love the work you're doing on your rig! After looking at this thread, I might have to consider a Dakota for my first truck. Kind of off topic, but how's the power? I know it's a V8, but that doesn't always mean it's awesome...

It has pretty good power for its weight, and I can easily (ex in the future) bolt on 20-40 horsepower with a K&N kit and some Harland-Sharp roller rockers. (K&N Dyno'd at 11.xx horsepower stock and the HS Roller-Rockers Dyno'd at 15.xx hp stock) Both for around $300 each. Headers should get about 15hp combined with the porting work we did. MPG is better on the highway, but not vastly different in the city.

Only downsides about my Dakota to me are the lack of 4x4/off-road parts and the lack of stake holes in the bed. The latter ticks me off more however, as I dont have the money for any major 4x4 parts (bull bars, winches, ect) anyway. Other than that, if you get the 5.2 with the 4x4, its pretty good. I was lucky to find mine in the condition I did for the price ($6500) considering it only had 88,000 miles and brand new A/T tires. From inspection it appears all fluids were meticulously changed, as noted from the visible crosshatching on the cylinders in a 88,000mi engine. From when I got it in February of '10, it's had the oil changed twice (every 3,000mi) with only Royal purple + Z-max, and Lucas 75W-90 + stabilizer for the front+rear diffs. Anyway, I'll get off the rambling.

dont take this the wrong way, but i seriously hope you are not hoping and relying on those magic horsepower numbers. manufacturers always seriously inflate power gain numbers. i have never seen a true 11 horsepower increase from any intake setup i have done. i have had intakes on everything from my 5.0 mustangs, Thunderbird SC, grand prix GTP, Durango with a hemi, a chrysler 300c with a hemi, my econoline with a 5.0 and about to make my own for my powerstroke.. on my 300c i did a dyno proven 6.3 rear wheel horsepower increase with a full cold air intake setup.

NEVER EVER BELIEVE MANUFACTURERS INFLATED HORSEPOWER GAINS! just a heads up bro.

[dukman]

When it comes to the HiLifts jacks - Get the "Lift Buddy". this makes it so the jack lifts by hooks that you can put in the wheel to lift by the wheel instead of the body and get unstuck quicker. It also makes it easier to lift from the hitches safety strap loops or other places you might put a D-ring.