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

[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.

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.

Yeah, I know their numbers can be inflated. I am basing those numbers off of a indepent Dyno test from a site that sells misc. performance parts, I can link you the .pdf if you are interested. My guestimates are based on the fact that even though I ported the heads and added the 1 3/4 headers and 2 1/2 y-pipe, the intake system is the bottleneck. It runs through about 2-3 90* angles until it gets into the intake manifold. I'm not saying that the intake will give me what K&N states, moreso that it will, in combination with the headers & porting, give near that estimate or possibly further. It'll be much better when I put some NOS stickers on, they say those add at least 20 horsepower But anyway, from the K&N I dont expect massive or even very noticable performance gains, however, with the Harland Sharp roller rockers, it is really adding about 10-20 horsepower. Many tests along with differences in 1/4 mile times have resulted from it. I've also had an internal catalytic converter failure, with peices clanging around, so I'll be buying one of the Magnaflow cat's, which doesnt specifically increase horsepower, but at least I'll have a fully new exhaust from header to tip.

Dukman - I saw that they sold that, but what I might try to do is rig up a bottle jack with some type of custom off-road base plate. It seems as if the lift-buddy wouldnt hold too securely with my type of wheel.

Edit: Review of Longacre gauge + tow gear will be upcoming pending delivery, I got the Scepter cans yesterday. I was suprised at the shipping speed; ground shipping from NY to IL in 2-2 1/2 days. K&N will be here monday

[ZombieSoldier01]

lmao, at least you took it without getting all defensive. BTW i am still awaiting your next installment of mods to your truck

[grand94jeep]

I wish I'd have put extras into the engine performance of my 5.2 back in the day. I'm happy with the power, but I'd rather be happier and getting better mileage now that gas is $3.05 again.

Looks like you're coming along nicely OP. Can't wait to see pics.

[Paladin1]

Looks like it is coming along nicely.

When I raced one of my buddies had a accelerometer type meter that attached to your windshield that could calculate performance gains from various mods we would do to see what works and what doesn't.

Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Passport-P ... B00012O7EC


Here's an article/reveiw about them.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/05 ... k_-feature

And if you have an Iphone, http://www.dynolicious.com/

I'm going to put it on my phone.

He had a G-Force if I recall and it worked, it was verified on dyno days.

Anyway, your build is looking good, eagerly awaiting more updates.

[Tperkins]

Looks like it is coming along nicely.

When I raced one of my buddies had a accelerometer type meter that attached to your windshield that could calculate performance gains from various mods we would do to see what works and what doesn't.

Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Passport-P ... B00012O7EC


Here's an article/reveiw about them.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/05 ... k_-feature

And if you have an Iphone, http://www.dynolicious.com/

I'm going to put it on my phone.

He had a G-Force if I recall and it worked, it was verified on dyno days.

Anyway, your build is looking good, eagerly awaiting more updates.

Hm, might have to look into that. I have the free "Pocket Dyno" for my iPhone, but it doesnt seem to work worth a crap, it wont register the takeoff. That escort one looks interesting though.

I will have pics uploaded by next week for sure, possibly of the K&N intake on Tuesday or Wednesday, and adding gear pics later that week/weekend. Also, Grand94, I'd love to have $3.05 87 octane, its near $3.35 here now, IIRC. It should go down a little once the "holiday travel" season is over.

[Resolute]

With all these mods, how are your MPG?

[Tperkins]

Well, I got around to gear/install pics early! Installation was pretty much a breeze, only one hiccup; one of the major mounting points was somehow broken off (airbox bottom mounting stud) but I fabricated up a part with a wing nut and a bench grinder Other then that, it went great, and I love the sound. I can definetley tell an increase in power, and along with the general sucking sound while accelerating, there is also a MUCH better "Power" sound from around 2500-4000rpm's.

Resolute-I'm not exactly sure, its hard to tell. I park outside, so I often let my truck run for a few mins before I head out, so that skews my fuel avg. calculator, but around 10-14 driving city, depending on how I'm driving. I dont drive highway miles much, so I couldnt tell you there. Will do some proper testing this spring/summer.


K&N Box, shown in background are my 4 awesome Scepter MFC's; the two on the right are the used ones I bought and cleaned up. Parts washer to the left of the jack if anyone was curious.


ARB 3" 24,000lb tow strap & receiver mount shackle bracket, going on front receiver. No more crappy unreliable tow point, I have one of those in front, and one in rear, to tie in tow straps.


Before Installation; Note the extreme, detrimental intake flow.


During Install; Cleaning area where filter will be


Niceee


Full picture; works good, looks better, sounds awesome. Also provides more airflow around headers on passenger side, which is good.

[Paladin1]

Damn, I like your garage floor!

Oh yea, the K&N set up is sweet.

[Tperkins]

Damn, I like your garage floor!

Oh yea, the K&N set up is sweet.

Thanks, one of the nice things about still living at home for the last year or so before I go to school is that I can take advantage of our heated/air conditioned & insulated garage (we did all the work ourselves). The floor is also pitched slightly with a drain in the middle I'm glad I'll be getting 50% off Snap-On where I'll be going to school, because I want my garage as stocked as my dad's is. He was a BMW tech for a long time, along with a race shop tech for awhile too.

I think the next performance mod to come will be finally doing that rear locker in the summer. Orginally, I was going to do that first, but the opportunity presented itself for me to get this intake for $180 new w/ free shipping, vs the normal price of around $300 + ship. Cant beat a good deal.

Edit: Also took pictures of new, current loadout.

Fire Extinguisher, small bag with racheting tie-downs, Axe, Shovel, Red bag with recovery gear, black bucket with jumper cables and spotlight, ammo can described below, tool bag with tape, wire cutters, needle nose pliers, adjustable pliers, tape measure, tarp, tarp clips, and misc stuff. Socket set + breaker bar coming sometime soon

Following 3 pics are of my fuse storage; I have different kinds just in case.






Ammo Can holding flares, 30-min lightsticks, hose clamps, and above fuse box. Duct tape is in the toolbag

400 Watt inverter, with cigar-plug for <200Watts, or the batt. clamps for >200Watts

Clothes Duffle: 5.11 Pants, spare boots/socks, shirt, Mountain Hardwear Exposure parka, & Misc Gear.

Vehicle GHB/Aid Bag: Contains batteries, firestarting stuff, purifier tabs, platy folding bottle + mini-GSW kit
White dash light is for use with volunteer SAR, if you were wondering. (Whelen Firebeam)

Inside Center Console:
Vehicle First Aid Kit; Consists of multiple Izzy's, Kerlix, 4x4's, Quick-Clot 25g & 50g, and soon a CAT tourniquet when it arrives
Black Klein Bag; Longacre Tire Pressure gauge with deflation nozzle for airing down (albiet very slowly)
Rite-in-the-Rain Notepad + Pens/Pencil



I should have pics of what's underneath the seat storage by tonight/tomarrow, along with a few others this week of it loaded up with fuel/water and supplies.

[stimpy321972]

awesome setup,


I am going to use your work as a guide for my dodge ram-redo, thanks for the pics and the hard work.

[Tperkins]

Pic Update Finally!
Pics taken in a friend's back yard; seemed like a more outdoorsy background. Sorry for the long wait.








Loaded for bear;
-4 OD Green (two were used, and are off-color some) 5 Gallon Fuel Cans
-3 5 Gallon Water cans, 2 Tan, one Black (Black is good for 'hot' water)


Temporary CB antenna wiring, will eventually substitute for hard mounted through roof


Toolbox Rundown:
-Recovery Kit
-Shovel & Axe
-Fire Extinguisher (2.5lb)
-WARN winch/work gloves
-Klein Tools bag with misc hand tools
-2.5 Gallon Scepter water can
-Small Black Bag w/ 4ga. jumper cables, old spotlight, misc. spare LED light
-Ammo can with flares and spare fuses + zipties

Of Course, less than an hour after getting a wash (for pictures), it gets dirty.


Will also take updated interior pictures tomarrow, along with a breakdown of the recovery kit for those interested.

[Resolute]

Love it! Your build just keeps getting better.

[congochris]

As an alternate to drilling holes in the roof, you might want to route your CB antenna through the third brake light. We did that with anotheroldfarts sirius antenna. That cable was thin enough we didn't even have to "relieve" the gasket at all.

[Tperkins]

As an alternate to drilling holes in the roof, you might want to route your CB antenna through the third brake light. We did that with anotheroldfarts sirius antenna. That cable was thin enough we didn't even have to "relieve" the gasket at all.

I cant see that working with the CB Coax cable, as it's about as thick as a sharpie. The cell antenna wire, however, might work as it's more like the diameter of a regular headphone cable.

[Tperkins]

Well I got busy with work the past week, so here are the pictures of the build and cover install. It will eventually be finished when we figure out a way to do it; I'd like to find a somewhat inexpensive, durable coating. Not sure what to go for, I tried rubberized undercoating, but it really doesnt dry like I want it to.

All leftover 5/8 plywood from previous project

The starting point

Test fitting the general outline

Screwing it all together and fine tuning

Creating the ends to secure it down in the rear

Bolted in, with cover installed, and QuickFist mounts for shovel, axe, and crowbar mounted

Rear View

Opened Up

WARN gloves next to 4lb ABC extingisher mounted with Super Quickfist, and 2.5 Gallon Scepter MWC water can. Shovel is from Ace Hardware, and Axe is a Home Depot "Premium" one with nice rubber grips

Klein Tools bag with the vehicle tool kit, will soon be replaced or supplemented by a better suited bag, or possibly a Pelican 1450 I have sitting around.

Tarp, Bag with jumper cables and tie downs, smaller Fiskars/Gerber axe, and 50 cal box with fuses, hose clamps, zip ties, ect.

Front Compartment; For now, this is just storage. It was built, however, to house the eventual 2nd battery, inverter, fuse block, and possible solar charger, along with on board water. When the time comes for the power and water systems to be built, we will create a divider, and then seal the electrical compartment with silicone in case of a water leak. Both divisions will have drain/vent holes in the way of factory bed drain holes, and each are wide enough to run wires through for a National Luna kit in one hole for the battery, and plumbing through on the other side for the water.

Recovery Kit

Recovery Kit Breakdown: Bag is a WARN one from when my dad had his old FJ80 w/ winch. It has the WARN tree strap, shackle, and chain. I added a 3" ARB snatch strap and an ARB tow point, which gets used in the front receiver. The one in the rear hitch always stays in. The dumbell thing is just the lock for the receiver tow shackle. The pulley block is just in there because I dont have a better place to keep it, if anyone in the area would like to buy it (never used, good cond.) I'd let it go for like $40.

Thought I'd throw in a picture of my CERT/Rescue/SAR bag and some stuff for kicks. The gloves are also what I use for recovery, they're Ringers extrication gloves, the aformentioned WARN ones are just work gloves

Closed & locked with tailgate down; still fairly secure, with drawers, will be good RTT setup in future if I go that way.

Side view, with hight of cover when open in picture

Interior showing under seat storage, my ditch bag (black one), my Med jump bag, and my smaller 2.5lb extinguisher for the cab. MRE's and Jerky are under the grey polyester blanket.

Engine Shot :drool:

[Tater Raider]

Do want. *whimper*

It looks great and thanks for the breakdown on what's in there. Are you still able to fit a sheet of plywood in the thing?

[Tperkins]

Do want. *whimper*

It looks great and thanks for the breakdown on what's in there. Are you still able to fit a sheet of plywood in the thing?

Since the frame doesn't go all the way to the top of the cover, I can fit a sheet or two of 4x6 if needed. The actual cargo area if not put on top is about 5'6"x 4'.

[Tperkins]

Update Again; lost some info on the forum crash, but here is most of all the new stuff and updates. Questions and Comments are appreciated.

Update of coated divider storage, new Yaesu 2m/70cm Amateur Radio setup, relocated CB to rear of console, and breakdown of vehicle tool kit. Will post specifics later or if asked.

[congochris]

If you're still looking for a coating for that divider, we've used the dupli-color roll/brush on bedliner to good effect on plywood. For a while we had it in our garage with our chest freezer on it, but now it is destined to be the home of our gennie. Applied easy (despite being a 5 or 6 year old can) has a decent texture and survived having the freezer moved onto it, off of it, and then living outside over winter in CO.

[Tperkins]

If you're still looking for a coating for that divider, we've used the dupli-color roll/brush on bedliner to good effect on plywood. For a while we had it in our garage with our chest freezer on it, but now it is destined to be the home of our gennie. Applied easy (despite being a 5 or 6 year old can) has a decent texture and survived having the freezer moved onto it, off of it, and then living outside over winter in CO.

I actually used the Spray on Duplicolor, which worked better for all the odd angles on the interior. I plan on taking it out and re-coating it later this fall to make it a little thicker finish. I had a bunch of manufacter coupons which made the aerosol way cheaper than the roll on at the time also.

[aa1pr]

If you're still looking for a coating for that divider, we've used the dupli-color roll/brush on bedliner to good effect on plywood. For a while we had it in our garage with our chest freezer on it, but now it is destined to be the home of our gennie. Applied easy (despite being a 5 or 6 year old can) has a decent texture and survived having the freezer moved onto it, off of it, and then living outside over winter in CO.

I actually used the Spray on Duplicolor, which worked better for all the odd angles on the interior. I plan on taking it out and re-coating it later this fall to make it a little thicker finish. I had a bunch of manufacter coupons which made the aerosol way cheaper than the roll on at the time also.

Just a couple of months ago me & my sons wire brushed any small rust from underneath my yukon and coated it with Rustshield [like POR15} http://www.semproducts.com/Catalog.asp?prod=154 and then the next day we covered the entire undeneath of the suv with this Duplicolor spray on kevlar coating. http://www.duplicolor.com/products/truckBedCoating/

Good stuff, it has held up well and it adds an extra level of detail/protection to the chassis and undercarriage

[jamoni]

Do you have a hilift jack, or traction plates, or did I just miss them?
Neat rig. Very grey.

[Tperkins]

Do you have a hilift jack, or traction plates, or did I just miss them?
Neat rig. Very grey.

A jack is on the list, im partially deciding which to go with. I'm split between getting a bottle jack and a hi-lift with the lift mate. Hi-lift is great for a lot of things, but it would be hard to safely lift my truck from the wheel for a repair, unless I also had a bottle jack. I dont have the money to get either at the moment, so that might be something for later this fall/winter, but it is on my to-do list. I have a traction plate/scissor jack plate, its 16x16, and nestled up agaisnt the bed near the fire extingisher. It's bedlined also, so it blends in a little. I'd like to get some gravel or oil dry and put it in a 2.5 gallon race can so I can dump out for traction also.

And thanks, I like the grey man approach, even though I badly crave a winch and bumper. In person, it looks more like a offical vehicle than a BOV, according to what people told me when I was doing storm recovery work with the FD; antennas, strobes, and all that. I even tried to move most of the gear from the cab to the back, so anyone looking in wouldnt see much, and hopefully the fact that it looks offical, especially given the radios and strobes, might deter potential thiefs. That theory has no proof though, as much as I'd like to beleive.

[jamoni]

Harbor freight or Cummins tools sells a cheapie farm jack that is a decent poor man's hi lift. I bought mine for $35, and I've used it to jack up my old Mazda, a Ram 2500 and a building. It's no Hi-lift, but it works.