Dakota likes gas

[TPringle]

Hay all, does anybody know why the Dodge Dakota w/ the 318 uses so much gas? I had always seen the 318 (5. 2L) as a very good running, economical engine. Case and point, our 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 gets low 20's, and tickles mid 20's if I treat it right, with the 318 engine and auto trans w/OD. I had been considering seriously to buy a Dakota with the 318, however after hearing mileage claims of around 12MPG, I am a little at a loss. I have heard the full size truck gets around 14-15... I have run other vehicles with the 318 engine, and always been impressed with the fuel economy.



I have also had experiance with a 1999 Durango, 4x4, loaded with the 360, and it consistantly knocks down 17-21 MPG. This is about as good as our 2003 Grand Caravan!



Any knowledge on the Dakota? The way it's geared? Maybe aerodynamics? A fluke? I like this truck - a small truck with a V8! I dont like the 12 mpg!

 

[WMonroe]

I used to own a 98 dakota ex-cab 4x4 auto 318 v8. In mixed driving (some city but mostly back roads, no highway) it would get between 14. 2 and 14. 8 consistently. Occasionally a little higher or lower but 90% of the time it was in that range. On an all highway trip the best I ever did was 21. 5, but usually around 19-20. Those numbers were at 75+. Never did drive a whole tank at 65. Only towed a couple of times, 18' car trailer with a small car probably in the 4000-5000 lb range netted about 9-10mpg.

Wish I could have kept that truck and bought my first diesel. It was a blast to drive and was very capable.

Will

 

[Drewhenry]

making sense

Just my opinion. What rear-end ratios are we talking about here. I have seen too many Dakotas with 3. 92 rears. Totally unnecessary. What would have made more sense would have been the 4. 0 inline gasser from the Jeep line in the Dakota. That engine delivers consistant fantastic mileage, has power, and is quick.



I suspect the problem is in the rear-end and the heavy foot of the driver.

Andy

 

[WMonroe]

Forgot to put it in my post. Truck had 3. 55 gears.

Will

 

[WDixon27]

the guy i work with use to have a 94 dak with a 318 he bought new and it got around 12 if i remember right, he had a computer and a couple other goodies on it and it hauled butt but was "capable of single digits around town" he replaced it with a couple year old 02 durango with whatever the small new v8 is and nearly paid for it with the fuel savings, funny thing is it's faster stock then the bomb'd dak was while getting maybe 10 mpg better

 

[DodgeWarlock]

Consider a 4cyl Dakota. I had a 93 with a stick and 3. 55 gears. It got 30mpg, would jump a 6cyl mustang, and could tow a 75 chevelle wagon on a trailer. The downside is the 7-1/4 rear that can't take much abuse. In 93 they had the same power specs as the 350 v-8 in my chevelle.