2008 Dakota Pictures! 290HP/320ft/lb torque!

[Jackedak03]

It gets new headlights/grille for 08... images courtesy allpar.com
http://allpar.com/images/dodge/dakota/2008/laramie.jpg
http://allpar.com/images/dodge/dakota/2008/pickups.jpg
http://allpar.com/trucks/dakota-2008.html

What do you guys think? Now its got some power behind that 4.7!!!!

[HemiDak]

Repost...

http://dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29429

[addicted2blue00]

my opinion, still damn ugly, what happened to nice curves instead of all boxy

[Jackedak03]

Damn sorry about the repost, but the new 4.7 is based off the HEMI with a smaller displacement. Was that in the other thread?

Link:http://allpar.com/mopar/47.html

[00RedRT]

Still not enough power to move that overweight pickup. I'm putting almost that much power to the wheels of a lighter GEN III. Now if they'd put the 5.7 HEMI in there, they might be on to something.

[superdaver]

The new 4.7l remains a SOHC engine, whereas the 5.7/6.1 Hemi's are OHV/pushrod engines.

[Jackedak03]

Very true, but according to that info the heads were redesigned with a "semi" hemispherical design and better flow characteristics based after the HEMI design. Also it has a lot of the same technology-dual spark plugs,etc. I know its simply not a smaller displacement HEMI 5.7/6.1 but it seems a lot of its design follows that put into the current HEMI.

[viperkota]

Very true, but according to that info the heads were redesigned with a "semi" hemispherical design.


the 4.7's already have this combustion chamber design

[Jackedak03]

Ok since everyone seems to be so negative about this, I'll leave it at- 290hp and 320tq from a "newer" 4.7. Granted I don't think this is the 3 valve we've been hearing about...

[viperkota]

Ok since everyone seems to be so negative about this, I'll leave it at- 290hp and 320tq from a "newer" 4.7. Granted I don't think this is the 3 valve we've been hearing about...
i hope that you don't think i was being negative..i was just stating what they already had....i am glad that they are giving the 4.7 some attention.....but what i want to know is how much of this "new" stuff that the current 4.7 owners can use

[snobrdrdan]

Hmmm...nice power increase for the 4.7, but like what was said.....too bad the truck weighs so much though :(

The styling....it doesn't really look that much different. But (to me) it's got the front end look of a Nitro. The headlights look sweet

I do like it still though

[Jackedak03]

i hope that you don't think i was being negative..i was just stating what they already had....i am glad that they are giving the 4.7 some attention.....but what i want to know is how much of this "new" stuff that the current 4.7 owners can use

I understand that the current 4.7 has these types of heads, as do a lot of other cars nowadays. It just seems as though they've been reworked to resemble the current HEMI heads of the 5.7/6.1 to increase flow and efficiency-which obviously worked since it's producing a lot more power.

The negativity seems to be that everyone has something bad to say about this new model when we should all be impressed and finally somewhat happy that the Dakota may be more like what it used to be. I think that not having to opt for the "HO" version anymore to get decent power is great, I think the new looks are MUCH better than the 05-07 Dakota on the outside as well on the inside. Finally the Dakota is back on top in regards to Power as well as it used to be back in 97-04 when compared to the Japanese offerings. It just seems that everyone who owns a Dakota shuns anything new that isn't the 3rd Gen, but its tough not to be impressed by what Dodge has done with teh 08's. Hopefully sales increase and the next gen Dakota will be something we'd all want to buy.

[Jackedak03]

Hmmm...nice power increase for the 4.7, but like what was said.....too bad the truck weighs so much though :(

The styling....it doesn't really look that much different. But (to me) it's got the front end look of a Nitro. The headlights look sweet

I do like it still though

How much more does these new styles weigh as compared to the 3rd Gen's? Since there only offered in Club Cab and Quad Cab styles, what is the comparitive weight?

[HemiDak]

It just seems that everyone who owns a Dakota shuns anything new that isn't the 3rd Gen, but its tough not to be impressed by what Dodge has done with teh 08's.

I wouldn't doubt that some high number like 95% of the current GenIII Dakota owners still love the style of theirs best. It's been 3 years since the introduction of the GenIV facelift and it's grown on me, but it's still not something I'd drive. I still think the GenIII is the best looking model of the Dakota ever.

[Jackedak03]

I agree, its why I purchased my low mileage 03 instead of an 05-07 model. Plus I can't stand the way the new ones drive (front end feels like a caddy).

[Mopar4Life]

Ok, I have a 2000 Durango...and as you all know those Gen IIIs are the same. The 05-07, when it first came out, I didn't know what to think. Now it's grown on me, but now there's an 08' and DAMN, what a great improvement. This new truck looks great. I can definately see the design evolution from a Gen III, except idk where the hell they got the design for the 05'-07'. I like the 08', looks great.

Also, why no more regular cab?

[HemiDak]

Also, why no more regular cab?

It's not popular compared to the extended and quad cab. Besides, that means that they would need to make another frame that's a bit shorter. Now they can just make one to save some money on a truck that has a hard time selling as it is.

[Mopar4Life]

It's not popular compared to the extended and quad cab. Besides, that means that they would need to make another frame that's a bit shorter. Now they can just make one to save some money on a truck that has a hard time selling as it is.

I figured...but if there was an extended cab and shrot bed, why not a reg cab long bed?

[HemiDak]

I figured...but if there was an extended cab and shrot bed, why not a reg cab long bed?

For sales purposes, that would be even worse than making a whole new frame for a regular cab, short bed. There is such a tiny market for a regular cab long bed, it wouldn't be worth making a whole new bed for those who want a regular cab since most want a regular cab short bed anyway.

[Mopar4Life]

For sales purposes, that would be even worse than making a whole new frame for a regular cab, short bed. There is such a tiny market for a regular cab long bed, it wouldn't be worth making a whole new bed for those who want a regular cab since most want a regular cab short bed anyway.

Just throwing out ideas lol. I bet if they made a 2008 Dakota R/T that is reg cab, short bed and 5.7 HEMI with a 5 speed or 46RE or any other of the 3 speed with O/D that would FLY off the lots. Imagine it in Night Runner trim.... :woot:

[modain]

Ok since everyone seems to be so negative about this, I'll leave it at- 290hp and 320tq from a "newer" 4.7. Granted I don't think this is the 3 valve we've been hearing about...
It would be nice if DCX also gave the 4.7L engine the same stroke length found in the 3.7L engine: then it would be an even 300c.i. / 5.0L engine. That would be good for some more power...

[Jackedak03]

Thats exactly what I was thinking. Why not make the 4.7 into a 5.0 and get some good power out of it. The issue I think is finding a good balance between a base V6 motor and the top of the line HEMI. With the news of a 3 valve 4.7 coming out in the Commander (which hopefully finds its way into other trucks) you wonder if DCX is planning on making the 5.7 HEMI more powerful to compete with the new 6.0 & 6.2 Liter from GM (currently found in the Escalade but will be in the trucks next year) and the 5.7 from Toyota. Maybe Dodge will have a 4.7 and 4.7 HO 3 valve as the "base" V8's and then the HEMI as the flagship as GM does (4.8 and 5.3 followed by the larger 6 liter). Either way, I think the 4.7 has plenty of potential for more power and is better on fuel than the HEMI's (in my experience).

[cloknem]

sub box


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/cloknem/20-2008-dodge-dakota.jpg

[viperkota]

It would be nice if DCX also gave the 4.7L engine the same stroke length found in the 3.7L engine: then it would be an even 300c.i. / 5.0L engine. That would be good for some more power...
if i recall correctly the 3.7 and 4.7 have the same stroke and bore...not sure on compression...

[HemiDak]

if i recall correctly the 3.7 and 4.7 have the same stroke and bore...not sure on compression...

They're close but not the same. Same goes for the compression.

[viperkota]

They're close but not the same. Same goes for the compression.
what are the numbers? i didn't see them on allpar.....so it has been a while...

[HemiDak]

what are the numbers? i didn't see them on allpar.....so it has been a while...

3.7L:
Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.57 (93.0 x 90.8)
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1

4.7L:
Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.40 (93.0 x 86.5)
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 — Standard, 9.7:1 — High Output

[modain]

If the V6 had the same stroke as the V8 it would only be a measly 3.5L engine...

[T.j.]

Thats exactly what I was thinking. Why not make the 4.7 into a 5.0 and get some good power out of it. The issue I think is finding a good balance between a base V6 motor and the top of the line HEMI. With the news of a 3 valve 4.7 coming out in the Commander (which hopefully finds its way into other trucks) you wonder if DCX is planning on making the 5.7 HEMI more powerful to compete with the new 6.0 & 6.2 Liter from GM (currently found in the Escalade but will be in the trucks next year) and the 5.7 from Toyota. Maybe Dodge will have a 4.7 and 4.7 HO 3 valve as the "base" V8's and then the HEMI as the flagship as GM does (4.8 and 5.3 followed by the larger 6 liter). Either way, I think the 4.7 has plenty of potential for more power and is better on fuel than the HEMI's (in my experience).

Ive heard some talk about the 6.1 Hemi being offered in the Rams to compete with the new v8's from GM and yota. Who knows though.

[viperkota]

4.7L:
Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.40 (93.0 x 86.5)
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 — Standard, 9.7:1 — High Output

yeah but here is the strange part...the 4.7 is actually blueprinted to be 9.5:1 but averages 9.0:1

[TheOtherBear]

I like it - with the added brawn, I'm now reconsidering my end-of-lease options. I agree the front looks like a Nitro tho. DOH!

This statement confused me...


With rear seats folded, a new under-seat storage system, a first for Dodge Dakota, is easily accessible.


Uh...my '97 had an under-seat storage compartment. Wasn't much, but it DID have one...

[Rob454]

Looks liek they took a dodge nitro and stretched and pulled and added a bed.
Dont like it. But Then again i dont like the redesigned dakota. Who knows it may grow on me
Rob

[snobrdrdan]

With rear seats folded, a new under-seat storage system, a first for Dodge Dakota, is easily accessible.



Meaning folded up I would believe, and maybe it's something like the Dodge Rams have?

[Jackedak03]

From the concept picture's I've seen on other forums, it looks like Dodge's trucks may be taking on the look of the Nitro in the future-ie- Square grille, squared headlight, squared off bed, but still the big rig styling.

[cloknem]

Meaning folded up I would believe, and maybe it's something like the Dodge Rams have?
the "system" is a removable and collapsible milk crate that's stowed under the seat. it looks like the crates that d.j.'s use to carry their albums. i believe there are two under the seat.

[Tanky]

Looks stupid. I wouldn't own that it they gave it to me. Dodge is gettign really lame with its designs of the Dakota. Gone from good to worse with each passing year.

[eharri3]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELqEG1-qvwg

The disastrous low-slung, pointy front end on the 05-07 is more lifted and sculped as it should be but the NITRO look still doesn't do it for me. Oh well, my 04 will be with me for at least 4-5 more years so maybe Dodge will do something interesting with it in 2011 or 2012. The Dakota is the perfect size for me and the only less-than-full sized pickup with a V8 but if they don't do something about the front end by then I'll look elsewhere.

[Jackedak03]

Anyone have anymore info on when these things will be at the dealerships or any Mag tests?

[AmberFireDaK]

What is with shitty plastic interiors in new vehicles???

http://allpar.com/images/dodge/dakota/2008/2008-dakota.jpg


That looks like crap....who in R&D decided people would like that???? :slap:

[Jackedak03]

Thats Daimler for you, sucking Chrysler dry and leaving them with crap to work with. Hopefully having Daimler gone will result in better materials being used for the interiors and some new drivetrains (as we are still using ones developed in 98/99 before the merger).

[DaPurpleRT]

Thats exactly what I was thinking. Why not make the 4.7 into a 5.0 and get some good power out of it. The issue I think is finding a good balance between a base V6 motor and the top of the line HEMI. With the news of a 3 valve 4.7 coming out in the Commander (which hopefully finds its way into other trucks) you wonder if DCX is planning on making the 5.7 HEMI more powerful to compete with the new 6.0 & 6.2 Liter from GM (currently found in the Escalade but will be in the trucks next year) and the 5.7 from Toyota. Maybe Dodge will have a 4.7 and 4.7 HO 3 valve as the "base" V8's and then the HEMI as the flagship as GM does (4.8 and 5.3 followed by the larger 6 liter). Either way, I think the 4.7 has plenty of potential for more power and is better on fuel than the HEMI's (in my experience).

The 5.7 is supposed to be upped to 400hp. Haven;t heard on the 6.1.

[LastChance]

First Dodge truck that I liked enough to buy, always been a chevy man! Never liked the older rounded Daks then they came up with this new style!!:wave:

[01Motorsport]

Anyone have anymore info on when these things will be at the dealerships or any Mag tests?
August. Put in "2008 Dodge Dakota" on your search engine; a ton of stuff out there, now.
The GenIV was never designed with the 5.7 HEMI in mind; the frame rails are too close together.

[03rtguy]

Does anyone think they'll make a proper R/T model with the '08? Or will it just be a sticker package again?

[whitelighting13]

Everyone talks about an SRT8 dakota that has the hemi but personally I would like to see the hemi in something like the TRX model as well with a bit of lift on it too. Something thats set up better to offroad with like higher gears, skidplates, lift, locker and at least 32" tires.

[Jasoon]

Same tail lights.

Don't like the grill.

"revised interior" ? Still has a sissy little tach.

Engine...well, I'll need a swap after 200,000 miles, it's nice to know
there's something out there when that happens...

THink my Bed bars would fit on it?

[Jackedak03]

I read a review from TruckTrend and they say that it rides stiff! I'm pumped to hear that Dodge stiffened up the front end and it doesn't ride like a caddy anymore!

I can't wait to test drive one...hopefully they arrive in a couple weeks.

[bamakota08]

those are ugly as hell. the 97-04 dakotas have beautifu flowing curves and now they have turned it into a hideous beast. almost like dr jeckyll and mr hyde. i hate them. mopar is running these trucks into the ground. then again so is toyota w/ the new tundra. they are ugly too.

[Mopar4Life]

I don't understand why they don't make a reg cab/short bed. You can get the new Chevy Colorado like that. I saw one, looks NICEE. Ir was lightly modded.

[1999wedgemotor]

The Dakota needs a Reg cab short bed, a long bed and a long bed CC and QC that would be the best selling smallER truck. cant really call it small when its about the same size as a 72-93 Ram. LOL

[Axl]

I don't understand why they don't make a reg cab/short bed. You can get the new Chevy Colorado like that. I saw one, looks NICEE. Ir was lightly modded.

I work on the Colorados , and I can tell you they don't hold a match to the Daks - no v8's , for starters , very underpowered . I also find them a very uncomfortable ride . I , personally , have to agree with most of what has been said - the 97-04 Daks are a great looking truck . Thats why I bought mine . I don't like the styling of the 05-07's at all . But unlike alot of what I have read , I think the 08's new styling is an improvement . I like the new grill and headlights . I hope the body gets an upgrade next . I just don't like the body lines . Next couple of years should bring a re-style . Can't wait!

[01Motorsport]

I work on the Colorados , and I can tell you they don't hold a match to the Daks - no v8's , for starters , very underpowered . I also find them a very uncomfortable ride . I , personally , have to agree with most of what has been said - the 97-04 Daks are a great looking truck . Thats why I bought mine . I don't like the styling of the 05-07's at all . But unlike alot of what I have read , I think the 08's new styling is an improvement . I like the new grill and headlights . I hope the body gets an upgrade next . I just don't like the body lines . Next couple of years should bring a re-style . Can't wait!
The 2007 Colorado I-5 only has 7 ft. lbs. torque more than a Dakota 3.7 V-6. On the other hand, the Colorados weigh less than the Gen IV/V's. The 2009 Colorado is SUPPOSED to get a V-8 (don't hold your breath :nana:).
The Gen II ran 6 years, the Gen III 7 years. "Gen VI" will probably be 2011 or 2012, based on history.

[chiabate]

That's assuming there's another Dakota in the future. More configurations would be possible if the model sold better, an 8' bed would only sell if they offered a good TurboDiesel for it. All body styles would sell better with a TD. Why DC couldn't put a slightly stroked version of the Sprinter motor in it was beyond comprehension. They only did away with any interesting colors. Typical reverse-logic germans! If a Sublime, turbodiesel ext cab Dakota becomes available, that might get me out of mine. Maybe I'd have to get a TD Sprinter motor from a boneyard and paint my '03 Sublime to get what I want!

[HemiDak]

Why DC couldn't put a slightly stroked version of the Sprinter motor in it was beyond comprehension. They only did away with any interesting colors. Typical reverse-logic germans!

DaimlerChrysler is no longer, it's back to being just Chrysler.

[chiabate]

I'm well aware that Daimler is out. Again, instead of getting rid of somewhat interesting colors (impact blue, amber fire, jade, etc.) they could have been busy doing what germans do best. Engineering! Their marketing prowess, or lack thereof, blows big time! A quarter century with VW here, after again shooting themselves in the foot it was goodbye for good!

[maddest_hatter]

YUCK! Ugly! If you are gonna make em square, go back to the Gen 1s and 2s. They also look very fragile. Plastic everywhere! No thanks. I'll keep my 93. Only thing plastic on it, is the front grill.

[ic3man05]

Hmmm...nice power increase for the 4.7, but like what was said.....too bad the truck weighs so much though :(

The styling....it doesn't really look that much different. But (to me) it's got the front end look of a Nitro. The headlights look sweet

I do like it still though

I agree the truck is just too slow, and if it isn't it feels really sluggish with the slow throttle response, horrible torque management, weight, and weak low end rpm. I couldn't imagine a 2007- dakota with the 4.7L 230hp design. Oh yea it does keep up with a 2008 ram with a Hemi in it.

[larstrak]

gravedigger

[spshultz]

I gotta agree with ic3man05.

I have 18" wheels and the 3.55's on my QC. From idle up to around 2800 - 3000 RPM this thing is just real weak. However, from 3000 - 5000 it pulls pretty hard. It's almost like having an itty bitty turbo in it. But most of my driving is not between 3500 - 5000. So it always feels like a dog for having 302HP. Hell my wifes Hyundai Sonata 4-cyl can out accelerate me on an on ramp up to around 40 mph.

I'll be throwing some 4.10's (front/rear) in this summer with the hope that it will help in the RPM band where I always seem to be. I'll lose some Hwy mpg but should do fine with city mpg.

I wonder if the older 4.7's make their power lower in the RPM's than these newer engines? Anyone got any dyno graphs of the two engines?

[fawsonj]

i own both the 08 nitro and the 08 dakota both in black i love the new styling dodge is doing as far as ride quality the dakota by far rides better

[ic3man05]

I gotta agree with ic3man05.

I have 18" wheels and the 3.55's on my QC. From idle up to around 2800 - 3000 RPM this thing is just real weak. However, from 3000 - 5000 it pulls pretty hard. It's almost like having an itty bitty turbo in it. But most of my driving is not between 3500 - 5000. So it always feels like a dog for having 302HP. Hell my wifes Hyundai Sonata 4-cyl can out accelerate me on an on ramp up to around 40 mph.

I'll be throwing some 4.10's (front/rear) in this summer with the hope that it will help in the RPM band where I always seem to be. I'll lose some Hwy mpg but should do fine with city mpg.

I wonder if the older 4.7's make their power lower in the RPM's than these newer engines? Anyone got any dyno graphs of the two engines?

instead of the 4.10s I think I'd try cat back exhaust, cai and tuner to wake it up instead and if that doesn't work I'd then go with higher gears. hypertech claims 50+ hp with theirs for this engine which I believe cause the dyno on this engine is a joke.

[spshultz]

I've got a new exhaust system on it now and just ordered the Hypertech yesterday. I also have a MIT tube from Airaid for an '07 sitting in my garage. I thought it might fit but it looks like the IAT sensor position changed between '07 and '08. :( Not sure if I want to try and make it fit or just order a proper one for more money. And I don't really want to cobble together a CAI from Lowes/Home Depot parts although I've done it in the past.

On a side note, I was checking out the (gas engine) dyno graphs on the Hypertech site for some Ford's, Chevy's and Dodge's in addition to my Dakota and noticed that this particular engine makes a lot more HP with a Hypertech than all the others. What I mean is that some Fords, Chevys and Dodges make 0 - 6 HP with the Hypertech on the premium setting. Some made up to 20HP. But I didn't see any that came near what the '08 Ram/Dakota/Durango makes. Again this was only gas engines not the diesels. And I wonder why this is? I'm sure about 10 HP of that is marketing but if they were just doing this for the '08 Ram/Dakota/Durango then why not do it for all the others makes and models?

[ic3man05]

I've got a new exhaust system on it now and just ordered the Hypertech yesterday. I also have a MIT tube from Airaid for an '07 sitting in my garage. I thought it might fit but it looks like the IAT sensor position changed between '07 and '08. :( Not sure if I want to try and make it fit or just order a proper one for more money. And I don't really want to cobble together a CAI from Lowes/Home Depot parts although I've done it in the past.

On a side note, I was checking out the (gas engine) dyno graphs on the Hypertech site for some Ford's, Chevy's and Dodge's in addition to my Dakota and noticed that this particular engine makes a lot more HP with a Hypertech than all the others. What I mean is that some Fords, Chevys and Dodges make 0 - 6 HP with the Hypertech on the premium setting. Some made up to 20HP. But I didn't see any that came near what the '08 Ram/Dakota/Durango makes. Again this was only gas engines not the diesels. And I wonder why this is? I'm sure about 10 HP of that is marketing but if they were just doing this for the '08 Ram/Dakota/Durango then why not do it for all the others makes and models?

I've never seen a dyno dip up and down like this engine does. Its called horrible tuning by DC + trying to keep the engine super quiet. Thats why I recommended replacing exhaust and intake as those are probably really constricting. As a side note the truck accelerates "smoother" with E-85 and I want to say faster. Also you can almost hear the engine wanting to backfire on WOT shifts, it makes the truck sound bad. To bad there is no standard like OBD for being able to adjust tuning parameters.

[spshultz]

As a side note the truck accelerates "smoother" with E-85 and I want to say faster. Also you can almost hear the engine wanting to backfire on WOT shifts, it makes the truck sound bad.

I haven't tried E-85 yet. I have a few stations around with it so I may have to give this a go. I just always assumed that E-85 in a flex fuel vehicle would net you less MPG and less power. But then again the compression has been raised on these engines so maybe they are better tuned to use E-85 than previous engines?

[Silver Bullet]

Still not enough power to move that overweight pickup. I'm putting almost that much power to the wheels of a lighter GEN III. Now if they'd put the 5.7 HEMI in there, they might be on to something.

...fixed it:D

[Silver Bullet]

i was under the impression that the 4.7 always had semi-hemispherical heads:huh:

[ic3man05]

i was under the impression that the 4.7 always had semi-hemispherical heads:huh:

it always has been like that, its more of a "HEMI" then the actual HEMI regarding the shape of the heads. The new 4.7L has the compression increased (9.0 to 9.8) and the air flow of the heads are better. The dual spark plugs is pretty much for emissions, and the accessories spin slower. I recall headers and exhaust made a huge difference on the old 4.7Ls and I can only imagine it being even better on these engines.

[ic3man05]

Chrysler heard my complaint and decided to take action with a weight reduction kit:
http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt177/ic3man05/2008%20Dakota/th_IMAG0057Custom.jpg (http://s609.photobucket.com/albums/tt177/ic3man05/2008%20Dakota/?action=view&current=IMAG0057Custom.jpg)