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Dodge Dakota Performance and Towing Mods

46 messages,  Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 10:36 AM

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#37 of 46 Re: Torque converter lockup, towing, etc. [bowdin] by sunburn May 18, 2007 (4:14 pm)
Replying to: bowdin (May 18, 2007 4:35 am) Considering that the later model 545RFE transmissions (the 5 speed version of the 4-speed 45RFE. The two transmissions are mechanically identical) just have a "tow/haul" mode, you can't lock out the OD, so it would seem to be okay to tow in OD as long the transmission isn't shifting excessively or the torque converter is unlocking and locking excessively. Manufacturers tend to be either vague or very restrictive (i.e. "don't") when it comes to towing in OD. Replies to this message: bpeebles (May 18, 2007 6:10 pm) dustyk (Jul 07, 2007 2:17 pm)
#38 of 46 Re: Torque converter lockup, towing, etc. [sunburn] by bpeebles May 18, 2007 (6:10 pm)
Replying to: sunburn (May 18, 2007 4:14 pm) When I purchased my Dak, I orderd the manual xmission from the factory. I never have any issues with the torque converter - LOL   Besides, ordering direct from the factory is CHEAPER than purchasing off the dealers lot and I got the options I wanted. This is because the dealer has a GUARANTEED sell when you order from the factory. The dealer's purchaser purposefully orders cars for the lot which have options with the highest markup. This be because they still have to SELL the vehicle. (And brush the snow off of it all winter!)
#39 of 46 Re: Apples to Apples [sunburn] by dustyk Jul 07, 2007 (2:08 pm)
Replying to: sunburn (May 08, 2007 5:36 pm) Sunburn,   The first one or two years of the 4.7 in a Dakota they used a 47 or 48mm throttlebody. In 2002 or 2003 that was increased to a 50mm.   The camshafts are different for each year up to 2003. The 2003/2004 camshaft duration was changed to 243.5 degrees intake, 253.7 exhaust. I think that fuel delivery and timing algorithm changes permitted a decrease to valve overlap (17 degrees) for an increase in low end torque and improved idle. Likewise since '04 they've changed camshaft profile and fuel delivery some more.   The mere fact that the 545RFE transmission has five normal forward gear ratios and considerably less parasitic losses than the previous "RE" series transmissions could explain part of that 1 MPG difference. Top gear ratio for the 46RE is .69, and .67 for the 545RFE. Pretty close but a slight advantage for Dodge's newer automatic. The intermediate second gear on the 545RFE might actually contribute more to better gas mileage.   Starting in 2007, Chrysler is phasing in Variable Line Pressure (VLP) to its automatic transmissions. This will significantly reduce parasitic losses. In think the RFE will get VLP in 2008.   On my son's last leave I rented him an '05 Dakota Quad Cab, 4x4. It had the same axle ratio as yours. He was able to average 16.6 for the two weeks he had it in very mixed driving.   Best regards, Dusty
#40 of 46 Re: Torque converter lockup, towing, etc. [sunburn] by dustyk Jul 07, 2007 (2:17 pm)
Replying to: sunburn (May 18, 2007 4:14 pm) The 45RFE and 545RFE are nearly identical with the exception of servo operation. They both have three planetary gear sets, but the 545RFE allows the use of six forward speeds. On Jeeps at least, I'm under the belief that the 45RFE Transmission Control Module (TCM) can be reflashed to make it operate like a 545RFE.   Regards, Dusty
#41 of 46 Performance Upgrades Results by marker2 Oct 16, 2007 (5:47 pm)
Looking at adding a chip, air intake and upgrade exhaust all to gain more towing muscle.   Is the result worth it and what are the most reliable products? Replies to this message: bpeebles (Oct 17, 2007 7:18 pm)
#42 of 46 Re: Performance Upgrades Results [marker2] by bpeebles Oct 17, 2007 (7:18 pm)
Replying to: marker2 (Oct 16, 2007 5:47 pm) Most reliable exhaust system is HANDS-DOWN the Borla with their famous "Million Mile Warantee".   For me, A Borla exhaust was the only way to go. Here in Vermont, most exhaust systems last about 3 winters. Since I expect to keep my Dak over 12 years, I installed a Borla the first year I owned it. It still shines like the spoons in the kitchen drawer!
#43 of 46 08 dakota factory brake controll harness? by frustrated08 Jun 23, 2009 (5:11 pm)
#44 of 46 08 dakota factory brake controll harness? by frustrated08 Jun 23, 2009 (5:11 pm)
i have an 08 dakota with the factory tow pakage, i purchased an electric brake controller and harness that is supposed to plug right into the truck somewhere according to the controller mfg. my local dodge dealer says there is no such plug and they would be happy to do the wiring for a charge. im not buying dodges story but ive spent 2 hours under the dash and still cant find this plug. can anyone help me out with this? please! Replies to this message: bowdin (Jul 03, 2009 10:36 am)
#45 of 46 towing mods by btfreeman04 Jul 01, 2009 (7:16 pm)
i have a 2002 Dak with a 4.7, quad cab, 2wd, auto trans with 3.55 gears and 9.25 rear .it has a few mods to it nothing fancy i have a K&N cold air, and flowmaster 40 series cat back single in dual out. my question is this... we have a 23ft four winns runabout boat that weighs about 3,760lbs. (i have pulled it several times but only for a short distance but it is up quite a steep hill in ky) is there anything i can do to the rig to help it out a little to add a bit more torque? i have no tow package from factory but do have a class III hitch, i am looking at tranny coolers but dont really know which way to go, also looking at a computer chip that has different power/millage settings.   thanks B
#46 of 46 Re: 08 dakota factory brake controll harness? [frustrated08] by bowdin Jul 03, 2009 (10:36 am)
Replying to: frustrated08 (Jun 23, 2009 5:11 pm) I have an 02 with the tow package. The plug was under the dashboard, to the right of the steering column. The mfr of the brake controller should be able to tell you where the plug is on an 08 Dak. Good luck.

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