CQBer’s 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab

I am now dubbing this project SSLT or the Super Sleeper Light Truck.  With some changes to my budget, a diesel swap is out of the question. So I am going to make, arguably, the most efficient and powerful 4.7L. The ole' Dak just turned over at 200,000 miles, so first on the list is a rebuild kit.   Up coming mods/ Upgrades: -Rebuild- H.O. Pistions and rings (Bumping the compression to 10:1) -2008 Intake manifold (I already have a true 68mm ported throttle body) -High flow balanced injectors (I'm thinking 32lb) -Upgrade the fuel rail to pump gas more efficiently -2008 Camshafts (Better numbers than the KRC 212s and much cheaper, plus they still make these) -Ported and polished heads -Performance headers ( I'm thinking gibson) -3 inch y-pipe without cats -3 inch Cherrybomb Vortex muffler -Aluminum radiator -Megasquirt 3X (For fuel and ignition tuning) -2002 Jeep cherokee TCM -4.56 gears front and rear -Limited Slip Differential -Rear disc brake conversion   Now even though this is going to be a Sleeper and a, hopefully, fast truck, I am classifiying this truck in the budget build section. So some things will be second hand and all will be installed by myself and friends. No shops to do it, except for the IFS gears ( I do NOT want to deal with that).   So stay tuned for hopefully and extremely fast and cheap truck!  

I went and found a VE pumped 4bt. The engine is completely torn down and we are now replacing everything. Pistons, injectors, valve springs, gaskets, cam, intake, exhaust, turbos. And those are all going to be racing quality. We're hoping for 700 rwhp.

I also plan on getting some new Bilstien shocks, custom 15,000lb hitch (cut down from a Ram), put the Class IV hitch on the front bumper and attach the tow hooks, one piece headlights and LED lights all around, Spray in Raptor Liner, (I'd like) custom welded bumper that leaves the top chrome (Restore the bad dings in it though) that has steps (Kinda like the Xterra), and finally custom track bars. Oh and the gutter guard grill (If I ever get around to it). With all that, I think She'll be able to handle ANY-DAMN-THING that is thrown at her.

Upon further research into the high performance engine and tranny world, it occurred to me that it would be easier to hit my HP goals with.... Wait for it.... A 4bt Cummins! I have been on a hunt for the perfect engine and tranny combo for over 500 rwhp and I believe I found it. A 4bta with an inline P Pump paired with a built 47rh tranny out of an older model ram. The hunt for the right set of twin turbos, high performance cam, push rods, intercooler, governor springs, head studs, and injectors is still in progress, but I do have leads. I'm hoping to accumulate all the parts and do the swap before next summer, after my wedding. With all that, I should be hitting over 500 rwhp with close to 800 or 900 ft/lb of torque and getting around 25-30 mpg. I will post pictures of EVERY part of the build and make sure it is well documented. 

I had always liked the look of black wheels, but never really wanted to be committed to that color for the whole life of the part if I didn't like it. So I ripped the wheels off and Plasti-Dipped them! Overall I think it gives the truck a much better look than the old metallic color. More upgrades to come!

1. Well, the tow hooks I bought won't work with the frame, so I picked up some universal hooks. BUT I am waiting to head to the local junk heap and try to mind a hitch to mount up front, and THEN I'll get the hooks on. 2. A buddy of mine at work wants to put a turbo on my truck, and I said why not make it a twin turbo?? So when the funds come in, hopefully, I will have 500 hp at the wheels. CRAZY RIGHT?3. After I get the gutter guard grill on, I'll get ALL the lights on.Well that's all for now. Stay tuned!

Finally! After a month of collecting supplies, it's finally done! I built it from the back to the front so I knew how much ABS tube I needed to cut. The end result: it looks pretty professional to me!

Part 1 of 2: I wanted picture documentation of the installation!

I have finally acquired all the materials to build my CAI. I am also going to change the air filter as well for an extra boost of power. Next up: Gutter Grill mod, and a hellova lot of lights..

The tow hooks and D-Rings are in the mail today! I have all the materials waiting for the intake, except for the filter. I just need a switch and I can install the bed lights. After I get paid, I plan on getting a over-load spring system to stop squating while towing, and a K&N air filter. Maybe later on I will Plasti-Dip the wheels to a dark grey, brake dust look, so I never have to clean my wheels! :D

Homebrew K&N Cold Air IntakeK&N Air FilterPlasti dip- Wheels (Dark Grey), Rear bumper (Light Grey)Bed lights (Blue LEDs)Tow HooksAdding driving and fog lights to the front bumperGutter Guard grill mod

What's on your mind?

What's on your mind?

Finally! After weeks of rolling around in the bed, I finished the Plasti Dipping of the Deflector! I'm going to buy some of the glossifier and put a few coats on just to try and match the OEM paint job.

What's on your mind?

What's on your mind?