Perdue's 2003 Dakota SXT [Mall Crawling: October 11, 2009]

[Perdue]

Traded in the Legacy for a 2003 Dakota SXT Regular Cab. All it has right now is a XM Roady XT, bugshield, and door guards.

Waxed it Halloween Day before all hell broke loose at work:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/11/110806_DakotaAndWheels002-4.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/11/110806_DakotaAndWheels006-4.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/11/110806_DakotaAndWheels001-4.jpg

And 5 of these arrived today...16x8 Crager Soft 8s
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/11/110806_DakotaAndWheels012-4.jpg

The madness to insue:
3" Lift
Crager Soft 8s
285/75/16 Firestone Destination Mud Terrains
4.11s
Detriot Locker in Rear
Some mild stereo work

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012

[badbasser98]

Looks good, but...

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012
ouch..

[strat81]

Looks good, but...

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012
ouch..

pssh... my 81 scottsdale got about 7mpg.

nice truck. can't wait to see how it turns out.

[badbasser98]

pssh... my 81 scottsdale got about 7mpg.

nice truck. can't wait to see how it turns out.
If I were to own a Dodge, I might as well get the HEMI... atleast that gets 17-18mpg in a full sized RAM :wink:

That was sorta my point... My father has a 95 F-150 with the 5.0l that gets like 9mpg :-?

[Perdue]

I'm figuring on a 360 crate swap later on down the road, but it's doubtful. That's big money, as I don't think the trans could hold it. It's all pretty much plug and play though...a lot easier than a WRX motor swap.

[Superu264]

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012

I barely get more than that in the Legacy :lol:

[Wiscon_Mark]

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012

I barely get more than that in the Legacy :lol:

WTF do you get?

I get 25-30 normally...

[Perdue]

I was only getting 21-24 before the exhaust leak on the legacy :oops:

[xcntrk75]

Detriot Locker in Rear

What type of Detroit locker, mechanical or selectable?

If you’re thinking the cheaper mechanical, think twice about it… They’re truly a PITA when it comes to on-road drivability. The mechanical engage once they meet a certain degree of difference between the revolutions of each wheel. That said, they’re constantly engaging and disengaging under normal daily driving on the street as you round corners, tight on-ramps, parking lot driving, etc. You really have to adjust your entire driving style to accommodate a rear mechanical locker. Not to mention they’re a form of “dog” engagement so are constantly popping and banging as it engages/disengages.

Have you given selectable lockers a good look? For a nice truck like this which is also your daily driver, I would without a doubt go with a selectable locker. Either electronic, pneumatic, or cable actuated (not up on what’s available for a Dodge). They even have selectable lockers available nowadays which can vary the amount of lock-up applied. You can go from open-diff, to limited slip, to full lock all at the touch of a dial…

This is a part-time 4-wheel drive rig right? Meaning your front hubs (automatically/manually) disconnect when not in 4-wheel drive, right? If that’s the case, I would go with a nice solid selectable locker in the rear, then run a cheap mechanical locker in the front. Since the front is isolated when not in 4-wheel drive, you won’t even know it’s there until you throw it in 4 and need the extra lockup… ;)

PS: Sweet truck! :grin:

[Perdue]

Front Diff is a corporate that doesn't have a locker made for it. Rear is a 8.25"...same used in some of the XJs. It's going to be a while before I do a locker, as I have no idea how to install it or ring and pinion gears. I'm afraid of messing something up on my DD.

[vtlegacy95]

my buddy has a R/T pick-up which came with the 360, he recently built a 408 for it along with a built 727 trans(I Think) it is fun to ride in and drive :twisted:

[Perdue]

Alright...the parts have been stacking up, and it's finally time to lift this bitch. We're putting the lift on Saturday if all goes well, and I'm ordering my tires and McGard Wheel Locks as soon as my tax return comes in (should be a matter of days). I do believe I'm going with 285-75-16 Mickey Thompson MTZ's, which is a 33x11.50 equivilant. Then I'm going to buy or fabricate a spare tire mount to mount the fullsize spare over the rear wheels in the bed.

Mods so far that I haven't listed here: small in bed tool chest, cracked grille (trail damage, woot!), dent above the passenger's side tail lights, and a drop in bed liner that's getting torn all to crap. I think I'm going to have to add Line-X to my want list. I also figured out my fuel economy problem. I had a few problems with the evap system, and even though I still get an intermittent code for a small leak, I'm up to about 17.5mpg. So once I'm lifted, I'll go right back to 14.3! :twisted:

[d1giPhux]

And woot for 14.3mpg! :smt012

I barely get more than that in the Legacy :lol:

WTF do you get?

I get 25-30 normally...

damn 30! WHAAAAT, i get like 21 if im lucky. your car must be a super econo beast!

[Superu264]

I dont really want to say, considering I have not gotten it down to E (light has not come on) and I keep forgetting to see how much gas I'm putting in. Next time I'll definitely make sure to look.

From what I figured out before, I was getting around 16mpg. I don't drive it THAT hard. 1st to 2nd gear shift is always 2k-3k. Honestly I don't think I ever go above 3k in any gear unless I really need to get moving.

[Perdue]

Body lift went on today. Still waiting on my tax return so I can order my tires. Decided definately on Mickey Thompson MTZ's. I can't wait to get the new wheels on there! Anyways, covered in oil, coolant, and mud from head to toe, so it's showertime. Pics to follow.

[Reason]

You haven't traded this thing in yet??? :wink:

[Perdue]

:lol: I figure I may as well just keep the POS. Gonna try to get another legacy as a daily driver, but haven't found anything that strikes my fancy yet.

Some quick pics. Sorry for the blur. Low light and no tripod.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/04/42206_bodylift010-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/04/42206_bodylift008-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/04/42206_bodylift007-5.jpg

Definately can't wait to get new wheels and tires mounted. :twisted:

[Perdue]

The last of the tires came in yesterday. Spent some time mounting them in the evening, then took the to a friend for balancing, then we put them on the truck. McGard lugs/locks are awesome...love'em. I'm also impressed, as 2 tires only too 1.5oz to balance. The other two took 3 and 5. I've seen as much as a full pound put on mud tires before.

Anyways, washed her up today...then went wheeling. Broke the cardinal rule and went alone, but hey...what can I say? I couldn't wait any longer, so I went to a place that's relatively mild nearby. Couldn't make it as far as before because the creek has washed out a lot in the past flood. On with the pics.

Clean...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling002-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling005-5.jpg

Dirty...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling012-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling017-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling021-5.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/05/5107_TiresAndWheeling023-5.jpg

Anyways, I had some fun. I absolutely love the truck, even though it's somewhat underpowered now.

Mods as shown:
OEM Bugshield
Door Guards
Delphi Roady XT (gotta have XM)
Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accessories Gap Guards
Cragar Soft 8s (16x8, 5"BS)
285/75/16 Mickey Thompson MTZs

Plans as of now:
Custom Rock Sliders with Line-X
Some kind of Locker in Rear
Soft Tonneau Cover
Front and Rear Hitches for recovery
Line-X on bumpers and bed
Custom Fit Neoprene Seat Covers
Mild Stereo buildup

[redlegacygt]

looks alot better with those wheels and tires. Keep up the good work!

[Reason]

looks alot better with those wheels and tires. Keep up the good work!

+1 Looks good, and I don't like Dodge or care for trucks much. Its coming along nice and I would rock it any day :smt023

[Perdue]

Thanks for the comments guys. I went from despising the truck but not being able to get rid of it to absolutely loving it in a matter of weeks. I got a couple mpg when I fixed a few EVAP system hoses, and I've probably knocked it right back down with the lift (still eager to see what mileage I'm getting, although it appears to be around 13-14 like before). I love it though.

[Wiscon_Mark]

that is not worth 13 to 14 MPG...

[Perdue]

To me, yes, it is worth it. Considering it's a truck, and it's going to have shitty fuel economy either way, I may as well enjoy the truck while I'm at it. It might not be worth it to you, but for the person who wants to do some offroading, haul a bunch of crap that you'd never put in a car you gave a damn about at least once a week, pull a trailer, and eventually buy a quad or dirtbike, it's probably worth it. :roll:

[redlegacygt]

i've bounced the idea of getting a truck and working on it a few times. I live in the middle of nowhere, all my friends have trucks and there's one of the biggest 4x4 jamboree's (Bloomsburg) less them 5 mins away... plus there are alot of things that i do that i could use a truck.. but i decided i love the legacy too much. haha. ur truck though is exactly what i was considering...

[Perdue]

Finally did the math, and I got 13mpg out of this past tank. My spedo and odometer are going to be off by about 8-9% according to my math, and now 55mph is running at about 1200rpm...meaning my trip to work, being all highway, is barely budging the fuel gauge. Now if I could find a gym that is small and not downtown, I'd be ok...stop and go absolutely drinks the gas now.

[Plays_with_Toys]

4 wheeling is a blast. Low gas mileage does suck, but the bigger the tires get the lower the mileage gets. New wheels and tires look awesome on there. How did you mount the tires yourself?

[Perdue]

We have the tools to mount'em at the firehouse...it took 3 of us on these because the sidewalls are somewhat stiff, but we've mounted others with only one or two people before. It can be a PITA, but it's a moneysaver. Then I have a friend who works part time at Avis, and he balanced'em for me. I ran it up on the hood of a junk car behind the FD that we're going to use for an Auto-X class, but my camera's broken again. Going to try and buy another one within the next week or so and do it again before we cut the car up.

[Perdue]

Yeah, corny thread title, but meh. I got bored yesterday and took off my bug guard and debadged the truck. Had to do some more work with the grill today, then I washed her up all nice and pretty like. I like the "clean" look. Clean being without the guard and stickers. I can't wait for that weld in rollpan and tube bumper.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck001-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck004-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck005-1.jpg

I stood back and admired my work for a little while...then I was like, "**** it." I went out to one of my favorite little play spots to fling some mud. I went alone so no action shots. This time I almost got stuck but with the help of 4Lo and the MTZs, I got out of it. Dug some pretty nice ruts while I was at it. Could've been worse but the creeks are high here from all the rain. I was up to my doors in the junk getting too and from this place. :woot:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck006-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck008-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck009-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck010-3.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck011-3.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/041008_truck012-3.jpg
^Guess I'll finally have to clean the bed of my truck out...^

Just to note, the thread title I posted was, "Ridin Clean...err...dirty...cleanly dirty??"

[Perdue]

I know there's an overwelming interest in my truck here, but I debadged the rear and took off the front stone guard today. Didn't take pics of the front because the bolts are all screwed up and I can't tighten the grill down all the way. Fixing it tomorrow.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/040908_truck001-3.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/04/040908_truck003-3.jpg

[Huffer]

I've been thinking of the Ridgeline as the family hauler for the future. Car-like handling, light load carrying capability, full-time AWD. Plus my wife would be a hot truck driver. :lol:

[battman]

Debadging looks sweet. I love the clean look!

[Navig8r]

Looks good I had a 99 Dakl, 4x4 club cab, V-8 (5.2) Lost it due to a fire in September. ... I was getting 14-15 MPG around town, even townig a trailer(~1800 lbs).. on the highway I got 18-20.
You got a V-6 in that??? If so, so much for everyone's argument to me that the V-8 was no good 'cause a '6 wouldnt burn as much fuel.

You gotta get some bigger flares on that thing so you can see after 'wheelin for a bit. My buddy's old wrangler used to throw mud like that, and we always thought it looked cool..... for about a month.. then he decided he'd like to be able to see to get around in the woods.... put a set of flat-top flares on... much nicer to the side windows ;)
Nice Truck !!! Enjoy!

[BE-Fresh]

bigger fogs ftw

[Perdue]

I got bored tonight...I've moved to night shift in a different area and I'm trying to get used to being up all night so I have to keep busy. Tonight, I figured I'd go out and do a little photoshoot. I've spent the past couple days I've had off cleaning the truck up a little and powerwashing and painting the frame. Within the coming months, I'll be building rock sliders and a spare tire mount, making a Borla catback to replace my rusted out muffler, tinting the windows, and buying new wheels and tires. Anyways, here's the pics.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/10/101109_night002-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/10/101109_night010-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/10/101109_night011-1.jpg


And here's my pathetic attempt at mall-crawling/flexing. I need a locker. That's about as high as I could get before the rear driver's side tire started spinning. Sorry these are kinda dark...there was NO light through there.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/10/101109_night004-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/10/101109_night005-1.jpg

Oh, and since my last post in this thread, I got hit head on and got it fixed...made out with a new front bumper and OEM fogs, so I guess I did ok on the deal.