Flynaround

Thanks again for all the insight. I will not install a blower or a hemi in the Dakota now. So my next option is the 4.7 V8 that they came with. I have found a transmission shop that will rebuild my 42 RLE with heavy duty parts and a shift kit for $2300. They said with these heavy duty internal parts it will outlast the rest of the truck. So now I ask, if I rebuild the 42 RLE trans and repower with a 4.7 V8 later, will the V8 bolt up to the 42 RLE? Or will I need the 45 RLE 5 speed that the 4.7 Dakota came with? Then, will I need the transfer case to go with the 45 RLE or will the 42 work? I know it seems like a lot of work for a Dakota but it fits in the garage with the boat at the lake house and a full size won't. Also, I figure a 2006 Dakota quad cab 4x4 in need of a transmission is only worth $3500. A half way decent full size truck with 70,000 miles would probably cost $12 to $15 K. Then it may need repairs sooner than later which raises my investment. If I rebuild my trans, I will never need repairs on it again. I can shop for a low mileage 4.7 V8 in the mean time. I don't want too nice of truck, such as my 09 Ram that is show room new left parked outside at the airport that will probably get hailed on and go through a tornado or two. Thanks again, Mike

Thank you so much for all the knowledge. A few reasons I wanted to keep the Dakota. It's paid for, it fits in the garage with the boat, a full size won't, my boat only weighs 3800 lbs with trailer and I need the gas mileage more than anything and thought the lighter truck would be the ticket. However, the wiring and other things you mentioned sound like more headache than I need. I drive 260 miles round trip from Oklahoma City airport to the lake 4 times a month. Since the boat stays at the lake I am more concerned about gas mileage getting there. I may do as you suggest and buy a full size pickup to accomplish better gas mileage. Do you have any insight on what might be done to rebuild my 3.7 V6 to make it get better gas mileage? Either naturally aspirated or turbocharged or supercharged? I am not looking for extreme power. Just better gas mileage with a little more towing power. 50 more horses would be enough. It won't hurt my feelings if you tell me the 3.7 is junk. That would actually help me decide to buy another truck. Mike

My 2006 Dakota quad cab 4x4 has 150k miles on it and is in need of a torque converter. The dealer won't replace it without replacing the tranny also. $4900 is their price. Instead of spending that on a transmission, I would rather install a hemi and do away with the V6. I get 16.5 mpg highway and 8.5 mpg towing a 3700lb boat in Oklahoma. I also have a 2009 Ram 1500 back in Denver with a hemi that gets 21 mpg and 14 towing my boat. So I am looking to install a V8 hemi with a comparable transmission & transfer case. I see wrecked trucks in every state so finding a used complete package is easy. I just want to know what year of combination package should I look for? Will a Ram 1500 hemi, trans & transfer fit? I know I may have to change drive shaft lengths but will I need to fabricate different mounts for the transmission and engine? What problems will I need to address? I don't really need the 390 horses but it should get over 21 mpg. Or is there a better V6 with more power and better gas mileage? I could have my 42RLE trans rebuilt with heavier parts. Or even rebuild the V6 with forged parts and turbocharge it. Just worried about too much heat when towing. Also, reflashing the computer to sense manifold pressure. What would be your suggestion to gain mph and a little more power? I use my Dakota to drive from Oklahoma City airport to lake Eufaulla, about 120 miles. My boat stays at the lake so I only tow it sometimes to visit another lake. Also, do you know anyone that will do the conversion for me. I don't have the time, I'd rather be playing on the water and pay someone. Please help, mike