2008 Dodge Dakota

by Dodge Pickups
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Green Attributes:  Ethanol
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Styles

2WD Ext Cab ST

Pricing
MSRP $20,470.00
Invoice $18,818.00


Summary
Vehicle Name Dakota Pickup
Body Style Extended Cab 6'7" Bed
Body Code 131.3" WB
Transmission
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity 2
Weight Information
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs) 3100
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs) 3600
Curb Weight - Front (lbs) 2299
Curb Weight - Rear (lbs) 1881
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs) 6010
Mileage
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 16
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 20
Weight Information
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs) 7700
Trailering
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 3250
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 325
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 3250
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 325
Engine
Engine Order Code EKG
Engine Type Gas V6
Displacement 3.7L/226
Fuel System MPI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 210 @ 5200
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 235 @ 4000
Transmission
Trans Order Code DEJ
Trans Type 6
Trans Description Cont. Manual w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.23
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.53
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.67
Fourth Gear Rato (:1) 1.23
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.79
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.84
Clutch Size (in) 11.9
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) 600
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 136
Frame
Frame Type Ladder
Suspension
Suspension Type - Front Independent Coil
Suspension Type - Rear Multi-Leaf
Spring Capacity - Front (lbs) 3100
Spring Capacity - Rear (lbs) 3850
Axle Type - Front Independent
Axle Type - Rear Semi-Floating Hypoid
Axle Capacity - Front (lbs) 3600
Axle Capacity - Rear (lbs) 3850
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear 3.21
Tires
Front Tire Order Code TVF
Rear Tire Order Code TVF
Spare Tire Order Code TBB
Front Tire Size P245/70R16
Rear Tire Size P245/70R16
Front Tire Capacity (lbs) 1903
Rear Tire Capacity (lbs) 1903
Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Front 713
Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Rear 713
Wheels
Front Wheel Size (in) 16 x 7.0
Rear Wheel Size (in) 16 x 7.0
Spare Wheel Size (in) 16 x - TBD -
Front Wheel Material Steel
Rear Wheel Material Steel
Spare Wheel Material Steel
Steering
Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), On Center 17.4
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) 44.0
Brakes
Brake Type Pwr
Brake ABS System Rear Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 12.3 x 1.1
Drum - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Rear Drum Diam x Width (in) 11.6 x 2.25
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 22.0
Fuel Tank Location Inboard LH
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room (in) 39.6
Front Leg Room (in) 41.9
Front Shoulder Room (in) 57.7
Front Hip Room (in) 54.9
Second Head Room (in) 36.5
Second Leg Room (in) 32.1
Second Shoulder Room (in) 57.4
Second Hip Room (in) 56.9
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in) 131.3
Length, Overall w/o rear bumper (in) 218.8
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 71.7
Height, Overall (in) 68.7
Overhang, Front (in) 38.7
Overhang, Rear w/o bumper (in) 48.8
Front Bumper to Back of Cab (in) 130.4
Cab to Axle (in) 39.3
Cab to End of Frame (in) 88.1
Ground to Top of Load Floor (in) 31.2
Frame Width, Rear (in) 37.7
Ground Clearance, Front (in) 7.4
Ground Clearance, Rear (in) 7.4
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Box Length @ Floor (in) 78.8
Cargo Box Width @ Top, Rear (in) 59.6
Cargo Box Width @ Floor (in) 59.6
Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) 45.2
Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) 17.6
Tailgate Width (in) 53.3
Cargo Volume (ft³) 46.6
Ext'd Cab Cargo Volume (ft³) 30.0

Overview

The new 4.7L V8 that's available on the Dakota makes 302 horsepower-a 31 percent increase versus the previous V8-and 329 lb-ft of torque. With two spark plugs per cylinder, an increased compression ratio, a new electronic throttle, and improved airflow, the new engine actually gets improved fuel economy. The V8 is also capable of operating on E85 fuel.

The standard 210-horsepower, 3.7L V6 engine is essentially carried over, but it gets a new electronic throttle control and new EGR system for better throttle response and lower emissions.

A standard six-speed manual transmission comes with V6 models, with a four-speed automatic optional; V8 models all get a five-speed automatic.

A fully boxed, ladder-type frame, with hydroformed main rails for added strength, underpins the Dakota, and an independent front suspension with coil-over-shock arrangement helps yield a good ride. The Dakota is available with either rear-wheel drive or available full-time four-wheel drive with low and high ranges.

All Dakota models get new front fascias with integral fog lamps, new rectangular headlamps, redesigned hood and fender surfaces, and protective surfaces around the rim of the cargo box. Inside there's a new look, with a new instrument panel and center console, and fresh materials and trim.

Rear anti-lock brakes are standard on the Dakota and electronic stability control is not available. A security package, which includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, supplemental side air bags, and full-length side-curtain air bags, is available across the line.

There are two body configurations, extended cab and crew cab, and as with most pickups, the Dakota is available in a wide range of models and trims to fit the work environment. The ST isn't as stripped-down as other base-model pickups; it includes air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers. SXT models upgrade to popular equipment including 16-inch aluminum wheels, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, dual rear seats, rear cargo lamps, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. SLT models add more convenience features, such as a sliding rear window with defrost, power seats, an overhead console, rear-seat storage on the crew cab, and "Full Swing" rear doors on the extended cab. The TRX and TRX4 come with 17-inch Rugged Trail tires, tow hooks, and special trim, while the Sport has equipment similar to the TRX but painted silver wheels, bigger on/off-road tires, unique seats, and leather trim.

At the top of the range is the Laramie, which adds the V8 and five-speed automatic, along with a chrome grille and trim, automatic headlamps, leather bucket seats, and a premium audio system with steering-wheel controls. Top options on the Laramie include heated seats, leather bench seat, a navigation system, a trailer-towing package, and an upgraded sound system.

Value

The 2008 Dodge Dakota is one of just a few mid-size pickups, more practically sized for city driving yet almost as capable as the full-size trucks. It offers the only available V8 in its pickup class, and has a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,050 pounds. It is also the only mid-size pickup to offer full-time four-wheel drive, and has the longest and largest standard cargo bed among its competitors, at 6'-6" for the extended cab.

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