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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: Sick 660r]
#925065
02/11/11 05:43 PM
02/11/11 05:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,074
detroit, mi
POS Dakota
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,074
detroit, mi
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Quote:
Quote:
This is a customer truck I am doing. They like generation 3 as they are RT fanatics. Curious about drop spindles for this application. Don't like the lower control arm with the altered spring pocket because it changes the geometry in an unfavorable way. I'm hearing some big prices for the spindles though.
The other thing is lightweight lift off hoods that actually fit stock trucks. Pics of front frames as to answer where is it safe to cut weight. Just would like to see some ideas. Already got some plans just would like the added security of seeing what was done in the past.
It's not a backhalf 4-link or ladder bar. But, the framerails are very much modified with caltrac leafs and caltracs. An awesome set of shocks. Trimed down Dana 60 with some nice internals. Truck should turn out nice Holeshot Star wheels true 10.5's . I had nothing to do with the engine so we will just have to see how it runs.
Leon
I dont know of any drop spindles or lift off hoods.
I've seen lift off hoods on ebay made of carbon fiber before.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: Leon441]
#925066
02/11/11 05:44 PM
02/11/11 05:44 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,489
Pacifica, CA
Devilbrad
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,489
Pacifica, CA
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The column we have is a tilt wheel with shifter. I found a parts source that showed manual rack and pinion available for a 96-97 4 cylinder truck.
Just searched google. It was $129
96 and 97 are two completely different trucks. There were no manual racks for the 97 and newer. And the manual ones for 96 and older are hard to find, I'll bet what you found is out of stock or back ordered. I would look into chopping that second cross member out and fabbing a new one that uses a MII manual rack. The column should be easy, either convert to floor shift or find a 4cyl or V6 manual trans truck to pull one from.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: Devilbrad]
#925067
02/11/11 08:30 PM
02/11/11 08:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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Following this thread with great interest.  I'm still thinking about rodding my beater.   I like the looks of the Gen 3s the best and am still thinking of ways to put mine on a diet.   Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car  )
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: I_bleed_MOPAR]
#925068
02/11/11 09:05 PM
02/11/11 09:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
Leon441
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
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You are absolutely right on the 96 to 97 deal I forgot my dad bought a 97 and Bought him a new one over some paint recall.
One place did say out of stock but the other was some parts depot that claimed to have one for $129.
I would not use a MII rack the mounting would be no improvement over the Dakota rack. Pinto is a better mounting IMO. I think there is a way to gut a PS rack and make it manual. Just never personally done it.
Career best 8.02 @ 169 at 3050# and 10" tires small block power.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: Quicksilver440]
#925073
02/12/11 12:01 AM
02/12/11 12:01 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
challenger73400
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
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Quote:
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This is my 97. It's 2800 lbs, I have a 470 stroker in it. I'm partial to the gen 3s.
What does it take to get that 3rd Gen down to that weight?
I built my own back half with 14GA 2"X3" tube. Remove all the interior and build a custom aluminum dash and a steering shaft kit, inter fenders, the extra crossbar up fwd, I made a aluminum bumper skeleton and installed a later model 1 piece bumper cover. 8-3/4 rear. Fiberglass hood. I could get it lighter, I still have all the glass in it but I don't want lexan.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: challenger73400]
#925074
02/12/11 12:28 AM
02/12/11 12:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,766
Central Valley, CA.
Quicksilver440
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,766
Central Valley, CA.
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
This is my 97. It's 2800 lbs, I have a 470 stroker in it. I'm partial to the gen 3s.
What does it take to get that 3rd Gen down to that weight?
I built my own back half with 14GA 2"X3" tube. Remove all the interior and build a custom aluminum dash and a steering shaft kit, inter fenders, the extra crossbar up fwd, I made a aluminum bumper skeleton and installed a later model 1 piece bumper cover. 8-3/4 rear. Fiberglass hood. I could get it lighter, I still have all the glass in it but I don't want lexan.
Thanks for the run down....I may be looking to do something like that in the future.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: bad360rt]
#925079
02/12/11 10:09 AM
02/12/11 10:09 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
challenger73400
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
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Quote:
Quote:
the extra crossbar up fwd
Did you put anything in it's place, or just remove it?
No, I just removed it, I see no need for it. It doesn't make the truck go faster and as far as safety, I have installed a 12 pt cage so it got the gas ax. Thanks!
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: Adobedude]
#925080
02/12/11 10:16 AM
02/12/11 10:16 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
challenger73400
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
southwest Alabama
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Quote:
Quote:
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This is my 97. It's 2800 lbs, I have a 470 stroker in it. I'm partial to the gen 3s.
What does it take to get that 3rd Gen down to that weight?
This is a start...
Thats what I did, I even removed the metal dash frame. Here's a pic of mine.
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: challenger73400]
#925081
02/12/11 11:00 AM
02/12/11 11:00 AM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 274
Greenville, SC
bad360rt
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 274
Greenville, SC
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Quote:
No, I just removed it, I see no need for it. It doesn't make the truck go faster and as far as safety, I have installed a 12 pt cage so it got the gas ax. Thanks!
Cool, I've been thinking about cutting it out ever since I did my first engine swap and got a good look at it. Any idea how much it weighs?
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^^^^^^^^STILL my favorite gen3 Dakota.....
Thanks! 
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Re: Third generation Dakota's
[Re: TheOtherDodge]
#925083
02/12/11 12:38 PM
02/12/11 12:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,489
Pacifica, CA
Devilbrad
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,489
Pacifica, CA
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Quote:
Its a shame to have the outside all pretty and stock looking and the inside stripped of it's beauty.
I love the style of the 3rd gen (Hense my 2000 Dakota) but they are so heavy. My 94 was 3280 with me in it (before the turbo and CM cage) with full interior, ac, ps, etc.
Wow. Was your Gen 2 lightened any? Mine was 3450 without me, but it did have the big heavy billet wheels and a full stereo system with two 12" woofers. Absolutely no lightening at all on my truck.
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