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Dave2000qc
Dodge Dakota
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8/27/2003
21:27:03

Subject: RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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The full time transfer case in the Dakota is GREAT. The problem with regular 4X4 is when you have it engaged and you are turning a corner, at least one of the wheels is slipping. I think that is why you see so many 4X4s in the ditch when the roads are icy.

The full time 4 wheel drive option is a real All Wheel Drive (given even traction), not like some of the automatic 4 wheel drive systems that call themselves AWD, and makes for a fun vehicle to drive when it is snowy. It and the lovely 4.7 V8 are the main reasons I picked the Dakota over the Explorer SportTrac (read Ranger quad cab)which only has the part time system. Even whith 3.92 gears my gas mileage is very acceptable.



RT Mark
Dodge Dakota
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8/28/2003
01:19:03

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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Well I have Full Time 4WD / AWD on my 2000 Durango R/T and love it. Even with all my mods, I cannot spin tires even on wet pavement. Around corners and at speed I feel I have much more control than my wife's Explorer. In the winter we go to the mountains. It is great in the snow and on the ice and in the mud.

The only bad thing for me is mileage. My Durango gets 9mpg around town and 11mpg on the highway. But it is a 5.9 and weighs almost 5,000lbs. So turning all those gears and pushing all that weight eats up the gas.



flyboy
Dodge Dakota
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11/05/2003
23:31:25

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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YES! Here in SLC, UT, mountains, etc., I waited to buy DAK until the long-promised AWD system came out, &, after two years I'm very pleased w/ absolutely no problems. In fact, for slippery roads, boat ramps, driveways, I don't know why anyone would have anything else! My '01 SLT ext. cab 4.7 w/ positrac & all heavy duty factory options, tires, payload pack., etc. is best truck I've ever had. Carries my 1400# slide-in camper like it's hardly there, AND I can park it in garage (w/o camper! :-). GO DAK; GO 4.7! AWD!



irq3
Dodge Dakota
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11/06/2003
11:19:27

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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When driving in the winter (with AWD) on snowy, icy, slippery roads, is it necessary to put weight in the bed?



Flyboy
Dodge Dakota
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11/06/2003
22:52:32

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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Don't need it for straight ahead except in very slick/steep conditions where extra wt improves whatever friction (traction) there is. BUT, load always helps keep the light back end lined up w/ (and not trying to pass!) the heavy front end. After all, it's still a pickup! :-) I do put about 400# over rear axle in winter and it makes it a lot less loose on slick curves.



ErnieQuad03
Dodge Dakota
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11/07/2003
16:45:28

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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I have the part-time system in my 03 quad cab 4x4 5spd manual with the anti-spin differential.

If you decide not to go AWD, get the anti-spin for sure. Didn't have it on my previous Dak and the difference is really noticeable when accelerating from a light in the rain, etc. It slips a tad then the other wheel kicks in. In my old Dakota without it, you had to let off the gas so the tire would slow down and get more traction again.

I live in PA so AWD would have been a good option. My truck was sitting on the lot in the color I wanted along with every other option that was important to me. So I went again with Part-Time 4WD and it has still never let me down.

But, I would say it is definitely worth the extra money if a) you have it to spend and b) you are in an area where it rains and snows a lot.

Basically, I would say the only mistake would be a part-time with no anti-spin, other than that, any combo should be good.



deerridge
Dodge Dakota
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1/12/2004
16:56:37

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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The 4.7 AWD will still do 0-60 under 8 seconds too. That's kind of hard to beat for a using truck. I pull a three horse trailer with mine too and haul hay and feed etc. A great little truck you can take anywhere and come back in one piece. Mine gets 16-18 mpg depending on the load. Get the handling package like I did and you'll think your Earnhart.



eddie_orlando
Dodge Dakota
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1/12/2004
17:03:32

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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Like Dale???? I don't want that kind of handling, I kind of like being alive and not driving into walls at 160 mph....



Felenor
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2005
22:27:06

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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Hello! I'm new to this plae but i'm also thinking about getting a Dakota. But, as i live in Europe, there are a lot fewer cars to choose from here... Weird question, but did 2003 QuadCabs have AWD option with 3.9L 4spd Auto?

F.



AWD
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2005
02:30:26

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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pretty shure only V8 4.7 L came with AWD



Christophe
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2005
10:18:33

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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Hi Felonor,
I too live in Europe and owned a '01 QuadCab 4.7L
AWD for 3 1/2 years. I would stay away of the 3.9L for a
QC; mileage won't be that different with the 4.7L but
comfort and drivability will. And maybe you can find one
with the AWD wich is definitely worth the extra money.
Just my .02



mikec041
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2005
18:19:59

RE: Is AWD worth it? did it save your butt?
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I have 04 4.7 w/ 5spd auto and AWD. Anybody have/had trouble switching into 4 hi/low or not being able to rotate knob to "N" at all (yes while depressing button). Wondering what the problem was. I'm heading to dealer tomorrow to have it checked.



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