92 Dakota "High school project truck" questions...LOTS OF EM!

totman · 09-06-2009, 07:50 AM

I recently purchased a 92 Dakota that used to be a company truck. Its in great condition for what I paid($350). It has around 140k miles on it, little rust, A/C works, 8ft bed, and it starts right up. The main reason I purchased the Dakota is for a "project truck". I'm a junior in High school and spend 3 hours of my day in the schools auto shop.

Now for what it needs - The brakes need repairing, the rear Tranny seal should be replaced, needs new plugs, and the shifting lever is not correct(When I put it in "D" it acts like its in "N", when I put it in "2" it acts like its "D". IT PISSES ME OFF!). After all that is done I can do body work and extras. My question is - What can I do to it? I really want to lift it like 2" but I heard its not easy because its only 2wd. How difficult is it? Could I just get bigger shocks to make it look bigger? I would also like to push more Horse power out of it, what can I do to give her more power(within reason, I'm in High school remember)? What are my options for exhaust(LOUD)?

I know its only a little 2wd Dakota and should be left stock but I want to make this truck as big, loud, and noticable as possible. Any questions, comments, or concerns are welcome.

Thanks!

bradrhale · 09-06-2009, 08:00 AM

I would also like to push more Horse power out of it, what can I do to give her more power(within reason, I'm in High school remember)?

when i go to the boat shop looking for a new engine for whatever boat i currently have, i figure $100 per horse. a 40 horse merc runs just under 4 grand. a 80 horse will costs about 7500. that big 250 Vmax, well, thats just out of my league. you should consider the same when remembering you are a high school student looking for more power. the best bang for the buck deals are out there (more HP for less money) but usually costs more than the standard upgrades. for your best bang for the buck, would probably be an engine upgrade. a larger displacement engine. you didnt mention what size block it has in it but some engines use the same parts. for instance, the top of a 318 will sit down on a 360. a 360 will give you more power that you are looking. if it has a 225, you are not going to find power. the slant six never did put out power nor will it ever put out power. these engine were built for the long haul.

totman · 09-06-2009, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the reply. The Dakota has a V6. I'm not looking for a HUGE amount of horse power just a little more then it currently has.

bradrhale · 09-06-2009, 12:17 PM

the 3.9L V6. you might try a good tuneup. if you have around 500 to spend, might put a beefed up ignition system with a little better fueling system. maybe a K&N might help you out a bit.

BernieB · 09-06-2009, 12:35 PM

Just one point that will help you out... That 3.9 V6 is simply a 318 missing two cylinders. Many, many of the internal parts for a 318 will fit that engine, and so will a few externals, like starters, water pumps, etc. Basically, if the number of cylinders isn't a factor then the part will fit both engines.

09-06-2009, 07:50 AM	#1
totman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2	92 Dakota "High school project truck" questions...LOTS OF EM! I recently purchased a 92 Dakota that used to be a company truck. Its in great condition for what I paid($350). It has around 140k miles on it, little rust, A/C works, 8ft bed, and it starts right up. The main reason I purchased the Dakota is for a "project truck". I'm a junior in High school and spend 3 hours of my day in the schools auto shop. Now for what it needs - The brakes need repairing, the rear Tranny seal should be replaced, needs new plugs, and the shifting lever is not correct(When I put it in "D" it acts like its in "N", when I put it in "2" it acts like its "D". IT PISSES ME OFF!). After all that is done I can do body work and extras. My question is - What can I do to it? I really want to lift it like 2" but I heard its not easy because its only 2wd. How difficult is it? Could I just get bigger shocks to make it look bigger? I would also like to push more Horse power out of it, what can I do to give her more power(within reason, I'm in High school remember)? What are my options for exhaust(LOUD)? I know its only a little 2wd Dakota and should be left stock but I want to make this truck as big, loud, and noticable as possible. Any questions, comments, or concerns are welcome. Thanks!

09-06-2009, 12:35 PM	#5
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,902	Just one point that will help you out... That 3.9 V6 is simply a 318 missing two cylinders. Many, many of the internal parts for a 318 will fit that engine, and so will a few externals, like starters, water pumps, etc. Basically, if the number of cylinders isn't a factor then the part will fit both engines. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

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09-06-2009, 08:00 AM	#2
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	I would also like to push more Horse power out of it, what can I do to give her more power(within reason, I'm in High school remember)? when i go to the boat shop looking for a new engine for whatever boat i currently have, i figure $100 per horse. a 40 horse merc runs just under 4 grand. a 80 horse will costs about 7500. that big 250 Vmax, well, thats just out of my league. you should consider the same when remembering you are a high school student looking for more power. the best bang for the buck deals are out there (more HP for less money) but usually costs more than the standard upgrades. for your best bang for the buck, would probably be an engine upgrade. a larger displacement engine. you didnt mention what size block it has in it but some engines use the same parts. for instance, the top of a 318 will sit down on a 360. a 360 will give you more power that you are looking. if it has a 225, you are not going to find power. the slant six never did put out power nor will it ever put out power. these engine were built for the long haul.

09-06-2009, 10:35 AM	#3
totman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2	Thanks for the reply. The Dakota has a V6. I'm not looking for a HUGE amount of horse power just a little more then it currently has.

09-06-2009, 12:17 PM	#4
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,025	the 3.9L V6. you might try a good tuneup. if you have around 500 to spend, might put a beefed up ignition system with a little better fueling system. maybe a K&N might help you out a bit.