Modded Dodge Dakota - What Can You Get Out of The Dodge?

The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler, a Ram division in Dodge Motors. It was the first-ever mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine and has continued to serve and innovate for almost 25 years. The truck was even nominated for the North American Truck of the year award for 2000!

Car mods and upgrades highlights

  • Commonsystems:engines, interior, exterior, suspension
  • Average prices:$1,500 - $7,000
  • Average waiting time:7 - 21 days
  • Commonreasons:higher speed, power, and visual improvements
  • DIY mods:just minor visual changes
  • Level of satisfaction:high

 

Dodge dakota modded

What You Can Get Off a Modded Dodge Dakota

Most diverse drivers or the Dakota owners may choose to add a boosted performance and speed to their car.

There are various modifications for the Dodge Dakota that improve both the vehicle's performance and appearance. Regardless of whatever path of modification you take, there will still be an improvement. Here are some benefits you can get off a modded Dodge Dakota:

Larger Exhaust System

You need at least a dual 2.5-inch system to support the power the Dodge Dakota will deliver after an upgrade.

When the stock air intake box is replaced with a high-performance cold-air intake system, it allows an air filter to sit out in the engine bay. This, in turn, eliminates the use of a plastic housing container.

The cold air intake system is a high-flowing system that ejects the exhaust gases, improving the car's performance. It increases the air in the combustion chamber and creates a lower air pressure in the exhaust system.

A more extensive exhaust system guarantees more considerable combustion, louder exhaust, and horsepower.

Better Efficiency from Tuning

Mopar performance has a computer available for '98-2000 Dodge Dakota models. This computer slightly advances the timing and raises the shift points. With different options available, the 'Tunability' of these Dakotas will be at a great height.

A good tuning system ensures that all parts of your car are working as efficiently as possible. A proper stunning improves the Dodge Dakota mileage by an average of 4%, increases resale value, and ensures vehicle reliability.

A warning sign needed for a car tune-up includes; unusual vibration, grinding brake, and the car pulling to one side while in motion.

Added Throttle Response

The throttle body is responsible for allowing air into the intake manifold. The amount of air that goes through the throttle body is dependent on how hard you press the gas pedal.

Replacing the factory throttle body on your Dodge Dakota with a high-flow aftermarket throttle body provides more cubic feet of air per minute into the engine's cylinder allowing for more potent combustion.

Increased size of the inner diameter portion of the throttle body will make more air being pushed into the engine. There's an intense increase in the engine's responsiveness when you add a larger throttle body. 

Improved Torque Output

Torque is a vital part of generating power from a car's engine. Your Dodge Dakota gives a more relaxed driving experience with a more torque output. The result of an improved torque output provides more power to get the Dakota to drive up steep inclines and access more engine power in lower gears.

There's a high torque output as the engine rotation (RPM) increases, making transporting heavy items much more efficient and more manageable.

Increased Horsepower

The ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is the 'brain' of the Dodge Dakota. An upgrade to your Dodge's ECU will significantly increase the horsepower levels by timing, fuel mapping, and, more importantly, adjusting your transmission shift points.

If your engine has strong horsepower, it has better acceleration. "The higher the horsepower, the greater and faster the speed." A faster acceleration is a substantial factor in a car's performance. 

Better Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency can be defined as the measure of how a car converts energy in fuel into kinetic energy to travel. It shows how far your vehicle can travel with a certain amount of fuel.

When your Dodge Dakota is upgraded to have a better fuel efficiency, it reduces your carbon footprint by effectively cutting emissions.

This is undoubtedly an excellent way to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and, in general, helps fight climate change. Moreover, with an ideal fuel-efficient vehicle, you can cut oil dependence and save money on gas purchases.

Increased Durability

Replacing the stock suspension in your Dakota can increase the durability of specific car parts and the car itself.

If the suspension of your vehicle is faulty or absent, there's a high chance that multiple impacts can damage your vehicle. Investing in an excellent car suspension can help you save money for future repairs.

Better Off-road Performance

Upgrading Dakota's suspension generally improves the vehicle's overall performance during off-road driving. With a reliable and durable suspension, your car can easily take a rough terrain and uneven roads.

There are various sizes and types of aftermarket suspension kits that you can buy to upgrade your Dodge Dakota. However, it's advisable to consult your car mechanic before purchasing.

A good car suspension saves your vehicle a significant impact. It gives you a more stable ride and better control of the car.

Increased Load Capacity

When there's an upgraded car suspension in the Dodge Dakota, there's an increased load capacity, which means you can carry more luggage, passengers, and other items without difficulty.

The suspension stabilizes the vehicle's weight, so its weight is evenly distributed on its frame. Stabilizing the car with the help of the suspension also helps maintain the car's balance. 

Improved Safety Features

Upgrading your Dodge Dakota keeps you safer on the road with gratitude for improved safety features. New car technology safety features will make your car more intelligent and safer. Here are some car safety features that are utterly incredible:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking

The automatic emergency braking system utilizes cameras and sensors to detect a potential collision and automatically applies the brake.

By discontinuing the human reaction, an Automatic Emergency system can help reduce the likelihood of a crash.

  • Pedestrian Detection

The Pedestrian Detection system utilizes a combination of cameras as well as radar sensors to identify individuals biking and walking. This system works by monitoring pedestrians' and cyclists' direction and distance.

The Pedestrian Detection system will tell the driver if a pedestrian is close and heading to the car. The point here is to prevent a collision by automatically engaging the brakes.

  • 360-Degree Camera

The 360-degree camera works by combining the view from multiple cameras into a single screen. This system can make the navigation of crowded and parallel parking far less stressful.

The 360-degree camera effectively improves visibility by removing the driver's blind spots. So, it's not surprising that the automotive industry is taking this camera technology to the next level.

  • Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights help improve night vision by using electronic sensors to tell the direction you're steering and swivel there. So, unlike traditional headlights, adaptive headlights aren't fixed and provide better illumination. As a result, they can illuminate more than what's directly in front of you.

  • Parking Assist

The Parking Assist technological system helps park your car with a little push of a button. The pressures of parking in a parallel setting or street parking can be pretty overwhelming. But with this Parking Assist system, you can watch your vehicle pull itself in and out of a parking spot.

  • Heads-up Display

The Heads-up display system projects critical information onto your car's windshield. It also displays your car's speed and GPS navigation on the dashboard cutting off the need to look down anytime.

  • Forward Collision Warning

The Foward Collision Warning systems are designed to alert drivers of any hazards ahead while driving. For example, Rear-end collisions are prevalent auto accidents on the road; this can be avoided by upgrading to a Foward Collision Warning system.

  • Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Warning systems are designed to alert you if you've drifted outside your driving lane so you can make a quick correction before an accident occurs.

The Lane Departure Warning system signals the driver by giving a visual alert or a steering wheel vibration on the dash. 

  • Adaptive Cruise Control 

Adaptive Cruise Control systems are great for maintaining a steady speed on the highway. It does this by automatically braking or accelerating to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of it.

The Adaptive Cruise Control systems enable you to set the cruise without adjusting it when the vehicle slows down. This is possible with the help of an array of built-in sensors inside the ACC.

Conclusion

Getting your Dodge Dakota upgraded to any modification is good because there are so many benefits that ensure you have a safer and smoother ride. You stand to benefit much from it, so go for this upgrade, and you'll be glad you did.

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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