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

[Tater Raider]

Also, in addition to the Locker, I think I'll have enough for my 6" LED bar this Friday. All those 4pm-2am shifts are paying off...

Where's the envy .gif when I need it?

[KJ4VOV]

... my next planned upgrade is a Automatic Locker from Loc-Rite (Part of Detroit) for my rear diff. Right now it's an open diff, and that just isnt fun. About $400 for the locker, and with materials and shipping it'll be no more than $450, so a pretty reasonable good upgrade. With most of the upgrades I want done to my truck now finished, I'll have pretty much all my income going towards saving for gear. I have about a grand put away in savings, but that's not for touching. It'll likley go towards new tires in mid summer, right before I move to Wyoming. I've already picked the tire, and it's going to be a Goodyear Duratrac. I was originally going to go with the BFG Mud-Terrain's, but they arent M&S rated for snow, and I'll need that in Wyoming, so I'm sticking with the Duratrac's. They're rated for severe mud and snow, and have some nice side lugs as well. I'd like to find them in a 32"x10.5x15R but I cant, so I'll be sticking with a 31"x10.5x15R. Around $180 per tire, and with 4+1 that ends up pretty high. That's a ways down the road though.

From personal experience with my wife's Dakota ('97 but otherwise almost identical to yours, right down to the color) you probably won't really need the locker. I've driven hers cross country and back, hauling 1,500lbs of tools in the bed and a 1,500lb trailer. That was from DC to northern Idaho by way of southern Colorado (crossed the Divide at Wolf Creek Pass) in late fall, then back to DC again by way of Butte, MT, Minneapolis, MN lower Wisconsin, then down to Indy and then east to DC... During the blizzards and ice storms of 2007-2008 (left Idaho New Years Eve '07 with 12" on the roads and more coming down) and never once got stuck. Hardly even had to use 4x4 and the only reason I chained up the rears at Lolo Pass was the Montana Highway Patrol insisted.

Since then I've had it out in snow up over the bumpers here in VA, and the only time it came even close to getting stuck was going up my unplowed, 30 degree slope driveway. That time I actually had to use 4 Lo.

Tires on it were new when I took it to Idaho, and have about 45k on them now, and look more than good enough for another year. They're General Grabber AT2's, and they're (IMHO) the best damn tires I've ever had on a truck.

I think your Dakota will do just fine the way it is with decent tires. The Duratracs were my second choice, and I would have gone with them if I couldn't get the Generals. As long as what you go with is heavy snow rated I think that Dakota will never let you down.

[Tperkins]

... my next planned upgrade is a Automatic Locker from Loc-Rite (Part of Detroit) for my rear diff. Right now it's an open diff, and that just isnt fun. About $400 for the locker, and with materials and shipping it'll be no more than $450, so a pretty reasonable good upgrade. With most of the upgrades I want done to my truck now finished, I'll have pretty much all my income going towards saving for gear. I have about a grand put away in savings, but that's not for touching. It'll likley go towards new tires in mid summer, right before I move to Wyoming. I've already picked the tire, and it's going to be a Goodyear Duratrac. I was originally going to go with the BFG Mud-Terrain's, but they arent M&S rated for snow, and I'll need that in Wyoming, so I'm sticking with the Duratrac's. They're rated for severe mud and snow, and have some nice side lugs as well. I'd like to find them in a 32"x10.5x15R but I cant, so I'll be sticking with a 31"x10.5x15R. Around $180 per tire, and with 4+1 that ends up pretty high. That's a ways down the road though.

From personal experience with my wife's Dakota ('97 but otherwise almost identical to yours, right down to the color) you probably won't really need the locker. I've driven hers cross country and back, hauling 1,500lbs of tools in the bed and a 1,500lb trailer. That was from DC to northern Idaho by way of southern Colorado (crossed the Divide at Wolf Creek Pass) in late fall, then back to DC again by way of Butte, MT, Minneapolis, MN lower Wisconsin, then down to Indy and then east to DC... During the blizzards and ice storms of 2007-2008 (left Idaho New Years Eve '07 with 12" on the roads and more coming down) and never once got stuck. Hardly even had to use 4x4 and the only reason I chained up the rears at Lolo Pass was the Montana Highway Patrol insisted.

Since then I've had it out in snow up over the bumpers here in VA, and the only time it came even close to getting stuck was going up my unplowed, 30 degree slope driveway. That time I actually had to use 4 Lo.

Tires on it were new when I took it to Idaho, and have about 45k on them now, and look more than good enough for another year. They're General Grabber AT2's, and they're (IMHO) the best damn tires I've ever had on a truck.

I think your Dakota will do just fine the way it is with decent tires. The Duratracs were my second choice, and I would have gone with them if I couldn't get the Generals. As long as what you go with is heavy snow rated I think that Dakota will never let you down.

I dont usually have problems in snow, but moreso with the mud and wet clay roads, or sometimes rain. With the modifications I have done, I have about 370 horsepower going to a rear wheel drive pickup with an open diff, and it just loves to spin. Even if I ease onto the skinny pedal; it's been in the works for a long time and with my dad buying it for my birthday I can't complain. Regarding the tires, I love the Wrangler AT's, but they'll be time to replace anyway next fall-ish, and I'd rather do so before I leave for Wyoming. You reminded me though, I need to pick up some chains eventually, havent looked into them at all really.

Off-Topic: Wolf Creek Pass....ahh that reminds me of CW McCall...

[KJ4VOV]

redacted

[Tperkins]

Update:
Locker Ordered - Richmond Gear No-Slip Automatic Locker. Doesnt ship till Feb 20th, and I also plan on getting a Solid Axle iron diff cover with drain plug and higher capacity to replace my stamped steel diff cover (Solid Axle is a company FYI).

6" Rigid bar will be here tomorow I'd love to do the install tomorrow, but it looks like we'll be looking at either Saturday or Monday, leaning more towards Monday. I also called up Rigid and ordered a set of the Diffusion filters for therear D1's. I'm going to try them out and see if I like them better than the flood ones on there now. It's a 30* Flood vs a 60* Diffusion, so I'll just see how it looks. Those should be here next week or so.

[Tperkins]

Update 2/19/12

-Ordering Diff Locker as we speak
-Rigid 6" E-Series in a combo configuration installed (I would of preferred spot but I was able to get the combo for a slightly better price, so all's well, maybe a 30" spot in a few years haha).
-Looking into Bundu Boxes for storage solutions

Pics of Install

Bar Bolted In, Working on Harness


Combined Wiring from D2's with that of the 6" E series so I only have one switch for all the front lights. In total, they all combined draw about 4 amps max, and ~60 watts, so wiring is of no issue here. It's fused to 10A.

Done

Side Profile (As you can see it's deeper, I was like shit when I opened the package, it has about 1/16" clearance when I open my hood.)

Headlight High-Beam Only

Rigid Lights Only


Tomorrow when I get off work (0100hrs Tuesday) I'll stop behind the local home-depot that's unlit at night and take some longer range shots along with some better pictures, and possibly a video as well. If I can remember, I'll try to set a reminder in my phone.

Anyways, with the exception of shocks, a new trans cooler line (looks like mine is leaking from the crimp on the hose slightly), and any little misc things that's all I have planned for big mechanical/electrical upgrades for awhile. Have to start saving for my tire purchase this summer, and then just little things such as a hi-lift, better switch panel, ect. Looking forward to getting my diff locker though.

[brainscott]

Hey there..!! Nice stuff..!! Thank you for sharing this with us..!!

[Tperkins]

Hey there..!! Nice stuff..!! Thank you for sharing this with us..!!

Thanks!

Update:
Locker is on backorder still; should ship sometime between next week and the end of the month. Jegs was great about communicating the backorder and the expected timeframe with me, so I give them props. I usually order from Summit, but Jegs has been good so far. I'm just hoping the part number on their website was correct (double checked with Richmond's and it was the same for my truck) as they didnt have my truck listed under the compatible vehicles.

Secondly, I will for sure have an update of the lights at night sometime this week, work has just been crazy lately and I havent been able to keep up with everything.

[Paladin1]

You have me looking at those Rigid lights and I think that may be the way I go.

One thing I did notice, and you may have a plan, but your lights extend beyond your front bumper. You hit anything and the lights will take the impact.

[Tperkins]

You have me looking at those Rigid lights and I think that may be the way I go.

One thing I did notice, and you may have a plan, but your lights extend beyond your front bumper. You hit anything and the lights will take the impact.

Eh, yeah, didnt really have much of a choice with that one. I'm just going to try and refrain from using my front end to ram objects with until i get my WARN Trans4mer bumper eventually, but that'll be like next year or something. On the upside, I think the Rigid lights would fare better than the bumper in a collision I highly reccommend the Rigids though, totally worth the money.

[cygor98]

So I got rid of my Dakota. And i figure this is the best place to ask if anyone wants my Haynes manual.

Just like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Durango-Dakota-Haynes-Manuals/dp/1563923521/ref=pd_sim_b_1

PM me if you are interested.

Free to who wants it.

Shipping charges may apply

[Tperkins]

Got some new rubber for my truck. I posted these pics on my phone so hopefully they show up.


These drained my funds pretty well, as 5 tires plus shipping and mount/balance ran about $900, but I will be getting a $60 MasterCard rebate. New shocks are next on the list, somewhat tied with new front brake discs/pads. Cost would be about $200 for brakes, $300 for shocks. Those upgrades will probably come in late May.

[jswift716]

i have the quad cab slt model 2001 dakota it looks almost identical. i still have a lot to do to mine everything is still stock at the moment im working hard trying to save for stuff. im trying to find custom bumpers for mine have you had any luck

[Tperkins]

i have the quad cab slt model 2001 dakota it looks almost identical. i still have a lot to do to mine everything is still stock at the moment im working hard trying to save for stuff. im trying to find custom bumpers for mine have you had any luck

There are a few companies out there, but be prepared to pay quite a bit, at least $1000.

Few Companies:
-Warn (Trans4mer Bumper, more like a beefy grille guard w/ winch)
-Road Armor
-Winchready
-Iron Bull

There are a few more out there, but the ones to definetley stay away from are Kennesaw Mountain Bumpers, which just became Tactical Armor Group (TAG).

Also, I'll have an update of the last 5 weeks I've spent travelling from Illinois to Wyoming and the mountains. Sometime today or tomorrow is the plan.

[Tater Raider]

DuraTrak?

Looks sharp.

Locker update?

[Tperkins]

DuraTrak?

Looks sharp.

Locker update?

That locker is going to turn into one of "those" projects that will take me months to get around to -.- hahah. Half of it is that I'm nervous about taking the diff apart without having any funds for padding if something gets messed up. Last time I changed the diff fluid, there was a LOT of metal on the magnetic inset on the diff. I think I'll change it again shortly here to see how bad it's gotten in just the 5-10k miles since I last changed it. Just kind of not thinking about it for the meanwhile.

Yes, those are Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's, and I love them. I only have about 5k miles tops on them, but they really make no noticeable road noise. I do need to get new front shocks (they are definetley shot after this trip) as the tires are starting to cup just a tad from the bad shocks. I'll do that shortly, within a couple weeks. Having just gotten back, I havent gotten my schedule from work yet after my leave of absence for school. I'll get that first and work from there.

I'll do a more in-depth trip writeup either on here or a separate thread a tad later today, pics included. Also, I think some mods will be put off for awhile, because I now offically leave for Basic Training on 1/21/13 at Ft. Sill, OK for the US Army as a 68W Heathcare Specialist/Combat Medic. However, the time I'm in will give me some money to work with when I'm back, depending on where my duty station ends up being.

[Tperkins]

Sorry, I had updates planned last week, but you'll see why I'm late to update below hahah.


So last Saturday I went to put new shocks on......simple 30 minute process right? Well...5 days later they were finally on, along with a new cv boot....I should of told my dad to lay off the torch a little So what happened was that the lower shock bolt on each shock was COMPLETLEY seized inside the mount on the control arm. In the process of heating the driver side one, even though we made a nice heatshield, the flame must of wicked up and melted part of the CV boot, so we had to pull the axle out to fix that. the bolt on the driver side was drilled out and tapped for a heilicoil. Passenger side we took out the axle first, heated up the mount while trying not to melt the sway bar bushing, and got it out alright, quick tap to clear out the threads and that side was GTG. Shocks went in fine after that, and the ride is so much better. I don't drive highway too much, so I didn't notice that my left front shock had a pretty big dead spot plus an oil leak until my drive out to Wyoming and back. Cupped my front tires a bit (right side was bad but not as much) but nothing major. The shocks I went with were Rancho RS9000's, which are adjustable shocks. They have very good reviews, made in US, and the adjustability is nice. I just wanted something more than crappy $30 Monroe shocks or something. I would of liked to get some OME (Old Man Emu) shocks but they don't make them for Dakotas, which is understandable.

Day 3:



At least we could get the axle out without taking the knuckle off, just had to take off the skid plate and have my dad and I wiggle it out.


Done


I wont promise, but I should have a trip update as well as a few other things in an update today or tomorrow, now that I'm not worrying about the above.

[gustovski]

you gotta really nice rig
im looking to buy a suzuki siera 4x4 softop
and would love to use some of your ideas
would like a bullbar lift good tyres and radios

[Tperkins]

Thanks Gus!

Alright, so heres some pictures from my trip to Wyoming. To me, I kind of considered it a mock vehicle bugout. I was loaded out for a month of living in a cabin in Wyoming, and the only thing that I didnt bring that I would of brought if bugging out would of been more food. Since I had food being supplied, I just brought like 5 days of Mountain House just in case. Also, couldnt bring my guns because I was going to be parked on the Central Wyoming College Campus (Sinks Canyon Center Satillite Campus). But anyway, I had my truck loaded up with about 750 pounds of gear and stuff, which would be pretty similar to a normal bugout. I averaged 17.8MPG on the way there (stopped average when arriving at location) which is about in line with what my estimates were, and there was a little bit of a headwind. I was able to average 19.3MPG on the way back with a tailwind. Anyways, trip pictures below.

I didn't get the chance to get too many good pictures, but the guys in my EMT class and I got into terrain that really put my truck to it's limits, and it handled it very well. The Goodyear Duratrac's did very very well, even with my open diff, I never spun a tire once even when coming out of the dozen or so river crossings. Even in the long uphill 4-Low climbs, the truck did great. Trail started at around 6,200ft and peaked at 8,600ft.

[Resolute]

Great pics! Glad you had a fun time. This makes me want to get a truck so bad.

I didn't realize there was a wildfire in WI too. How's that treating you guys?

[Tperkins]

Great pics! Glad you had a fun time. This makes me want to get a truck so bad.

I didn't realize there was a wildfire in WI too. How's that treating you guys?

Yeah, I dont think I could ever be without a truck. I just cant stand being in a car, unless its actually on a racetrack or something. I like me some visibility.

I wasnt aware of a wildfire in WI, I'll have to look into that tomorrow. Leaving now for work, I love nights...kind of...

[Resolute]

Sorry, brain fart - I read your post wrong. I guess it was WY - that is a wildfire in your pictures, right?

If not, double dumbass on me.

[Tperkins]

Sorry, brain fart - I read your post wrong. I guess it was WY - that is a wildfire in your pictures, right?

If not, double dumbass on me.

No, they're just clouds on fire, just kidding. Yeah it was a wildfire when I was staying a few days in Ft. Collins, CO with family, the rest are from Wyoming. The last picture over the lake, that is mostly smoke on the horizion from a Wyoming wildfire (taken in Wyoming).

[Tperkins]

Been meaning to post a few pictures of the interior, and am finally getting around to it, along with a few extra of the outside.



Pic from driver's side

-Lower left switch panel still needs to be fixed to where all switches are similar, because it looks stupid. The white one is for my electronic airhorn, middle for front driving lights, right for rear floods.
-Upper Left is iPhone mount (Ram Mount), charge cable, and signal booster
-Netbook runs mapping/gps software (hooked up to gps receiver) as well as weather radar and has an internet uplink through my iPhone for internet wherever I have cell service. Mounted on a RAM Mount
-Microphone on center console is for my CB and my PA

Backseat

-Truck FAK kit, half trauma stuff & half basic first aid, pretty basic.
-5.11 Wingman Bag; has maps, my EMA vest and shirt, flashlights, ect. It's just like a patrol bag. Secured by a seatbelt pass through on the back and won't move an inch even in the hardest of braking.
-Mounted fire extinguisher
-CB radio
-External speaker for HAM Radio

Passenger Side View

-Power caddy holds laptop charger and cords, and rest are tied down to the mount and run under the floor to the front, where they are connected to power, and the USB cord goes to the GPS receiver.
-2m/70cm Yaesu amatuer wide-band tranceiver. Receives 110mhz-990mhz. I can also listen to my EMA/Fire/Police dispatch on here if I dont have my work HT.

Back Seat Again

Due to how the back of my seats are made, they act like loop side velcro, so I have a Maxpedition large dump pouch on the back of the seat for dry garbage (great for roadtrips and long drive), and my 5.11 responder parka is on the side of the seat. If I dont care about lightweight, I love that thing, it's built like a tank, albiet not good for hiding in.


Oh, and yes, my truck is always this clean. I'm OCD about that shit.

I'll have pictures of the back tomorrow.