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mitch
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
06:14:07
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 Subject: Dakota common problems?
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I've been thinking long and hard about getting an '03 Quad Cab Dak, SLT Plus, 4.7L auto 5-45RFE.
I'd really like to hear some feedback as to what the common problems are...what should I pretty much expect to have to fix?
So far, I've heard of injectors going bad very quickly, A/C evaps failing, engine oil seals failing, and transmission seals failing. Please confirm or dispell these for me.
Also, does anyone have any REAL mileage(MPG)figures for a 4.7 quad cab vs. the 3.9?
Thanks guys,
Mitch
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mitch
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
06:23:49
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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Forgot to add that it's a 2WD.
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
08:09:15
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Real MPG's for a QC, The 4.7 WILL get better gas mileage, and have way more reserve HP and tq to boot! Don't EVEN think about a 3.9, espec. with a QC!
Funny, I haven't heard about those things you posted going bad to ANY regularity, in fact most of all of them have never been mentioned, till I read your post.
I have a 01, QC, 5speed manual, with lots more stuff like trailer towing, tire and handling package, etc.
To each has own, but I think you'd like this alot better with a 5spd, a manual that is.
See my post about mileage on the 4.7's, lots of replies so far, little to NO engine probs.
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BigBlue QC
GenIII
3/05/2003
08:17:39
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Mitch, don't know who you are talking too but they got problems.
As with anything else, take care of it and the DAK will give you lots of dependable service. Going on 54000 miles and the truck is damn near as good as the day I drove it home from the dealer. I avg. 15-15.2 overall MPG.
Forums are like most surveys people take, the majority of people who respond are the ones with problems, probably caused by their own neglect.(Of course this IS NOT ALWAYS the case, some problems are legitimate manufac. defects) Good luck
2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
09:40:22
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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MItch,
my 4.7 5spd, etc., gets 16mpg pulling my boat, and 20+ on the hwy w/o it.
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Steve-o
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
09:50:15
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Mitch,
It's like BigBlue said. You really only hear about the bad stuff that people have with their trucks most of the time. And then you have to weed out the defects that have been fixed since the older trucks ran into those problems. I had concerns like you do before I got my truck. But when I bought mine, they were having a holiday special and I got the 7 year, 100K mile powertrain warranty for free. So that eased some of my concerns. But the only problem that I've had with mine so far is the Airbag light coming on when I turn sharp. I've heard about several people having this happen and it's an easy fix for the dealer...I just haven't gotten it fixed yet. But they are just like any American made vehicle, the quality can sometimes come into question. Sad to say, but true.
Now as for the gas mileage, I usually fill my truck up when she gets to around 1/4 tank. And with the QC's that a 24 gallon tank. So I put around 18 gallons in it each time. And I always reset my tripodometer. And when I fill it up, it's usually anywhere around 250 and 280 miles. But that's with town driving (tons of lights) and since I got a cold air intake. It just sounds so good when I mash the gas. So that doesn't help. But when I go on long trips, I've gotten 19 almost always and near 20 once or twice. Oh, guess it would help if you knew what I had...
2002, QC, 4x4, 4.7L v8, Heavy Duty Package, Tow Package, Tire Package, and aftermarket Cold Air Intake by 360AirIntakez
Hope that helps out a little.
Steve
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Steve-o
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
09:51:00
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Oh yeah, forgot to mention...it's got an auto tranny.
Steve
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chaximus
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
09:57:36
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Problems? Well...rotors would be one popular pop-up on dakotas. They wear down fast. My stock rotors went before 10k miles. Sad but true and others have experienced this. (even my dad's s-10's rotors rusted at 5k miles) hehe. I checked my brake pads at 32k and the brackets were rusted and some missing so those had to be replaced. Other than that, no problems at all. (except for the $@#@ that goes bad when u wheel too much) :)
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AL
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
10:00:13
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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1. must be a small boat you have there. Is it a dingy?
2. 20 mpg on the highwy is bull crap. Why would you tell him that? Are you selling him the truck?
16 mpg on the highway is more common. Todd is full of crap as with many other peeps on this board.
These trucks get poor milage, I dont know why you people need to lie about it.
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chaximus
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
10:27:37
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Doing my math from my most recent highway trip, i would get approx 14.5 mpg on the freeway going 60 mph. 320 miles is mainly the average distance i can go. Of course, mine's lifted 8 inches with 31's so that could contribute to the poor mileage:)
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
10:52:34
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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Al,
NOw why are you saying that? He$$ NO, I'm not selling him my truck!
It's a 6meter (20 ft catamaran sailboat), Boat, trailer, and equipment weigh about 1200 lbs.
Al, do you have a 4.7, with the options and mods that I have?
Al, I don't have the computer, and I CAN do simple 3rd grade math.
Al, don't believe me, next time you're in the HOuston area, e-mail me, we'll take a drive and divide by the miles by the gas used, and you'll see, YOU"RE AN A$$HOLE, for calling me a liar.
What a lo$er!
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
10:54:26
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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And Al,
Others with similiar engines and mods, have posted they get the same MPG.
I guess you're calling them a liar also?
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sandman
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
12:41:31
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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So far the 4.7 is the problem free child in terms of gasket/seal problems. THe leak machine are 5.9 and 5.2. The only routine problem if you want to call it that that I have heard of is the rear trany seal. Mine is tight as a drum but my service guy told me that mine was rare and that most of them leak on the 45RFE. I know that the 2000 models had some wire splice problems and rotor problems but mine is a 2001. I would say check the paint really well because they have horrable paint and check fit and finish. My truck has been about 6 time but so far none of my problems were related to a recall or TSB.
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Hurl
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
13:01:42
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Todd,
I don't know that he's calling you a liar. There are too many variables and not enough info provided. My '03, 4x4 CC, 4.7, 5sp auto, SLT+ does not get anywhere near the milage you're claiming. I might get 16mpg hwy if I don't have a head wind. Your truck might be a 2wd with a 5sp manual and a bed topper. BE SPECIFIC PEOPLE.
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Mikey_mo
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
13:17:06
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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My 2001 CC r/t gets 15 - 16 mpg on the highway at 70 - 75 mph. At 80 it drops to about 13. I've had this truck since Nov 2001 and have put 41,000 miles on it, mostly highway.
No mods other than cold air intake and running Mobil 1.
Mike
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
14:05:44
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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Hurl,
You're right, that's why I didn't say every 4.7 gets 20+ on the Hwy. MIne does. When it does, it's with my:
01, Quad cab, slt (w/chrome bumpers), tow tone paint, tire and handling pack, Trailer towing pack, Infinity sound, a cab high 'Leer shell' over the bed,
a 5spd manual, (the 4.7), HO cams, Ported stock 68mm TB, homebrew true cold air intake with K&N drop in filter, NO viscous clutch/fan, 3.55LSD rear end, every thing including plugs, etc. original, MObil 1 for oil.
I've gotten this MPG on several occasions, doing the math after a fill up, on hwy trips, with my wife and child,(do you realize how much extra 'things' you have to take with a young child?), luggage, coolers and gear, a small TV for my child with DVD player, etc., doing 70-80mph mostly, usually with the a/c on as well.
Oh, I did say it's a Quad cab, slt interior, right?
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Timberwolf
GenIII
3/05/2003
14:33:09
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Todd. How can we accurately gage whether or not your mileage figures are legitimate without knowing what color interior you have? Actually Mitch, Todd isn't the only one with a 4.7 I've heard of getting that mileage. As far as problems go, some common Dakota problem areas may include: ball joints, brake rotors, crazy auto door locks with a mind of their own, squeaky suspensions. Overall, they are excellent vehicles and I would not hesitate to buy another one.
"I'd rather be fishing"
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Steve-o
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
15:04:47
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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I'm not on here to doubt anyone's claims about mileage. The thing to remember is that the best MPH for fuel comsuption is a constant 55mph. Any more or any less and you're mpg drops off. Most of my trips are on the back highways of Virginia where the cops just feed off of speeders. So I usually stick to the 55. That's the only time I've seen 19 or 20 mpg. When I take the interstate, I usually see around 17 or 18. And remember, every time that tac turns clockwise when you stomp it to pass some slow person that cut you off, you're hurting your mpg. And besides, we're not testing this in a lab or anything close, so we're all going to come up with different numbers.
Steve
2002, QC, 4x4, 4.7L v8, Auto Tranny, Heavy Duty Package, Tow Package, Tire Package, and aftermarket Cold Air Intake by 360AirIntakez
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
15:14:47
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Oh, I forgot one more minor mod-
a robert shaw 180 t-stat!
For those of you who have gotten the same, or realize I'd have no reason to lie about this, thanks for your support.
OH yea, and did I tell you it runs 12's in the 1/4?.....NOW, I'm kidding!
Todd Bouton
01 QC 33K miles
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Dave W
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
16:24:15
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Sorry to harp on this mileage thing but I average about 16mpg pulling a 2000lb camper and about the same around town, however, lightly loaded highway trips at 65-70mph I average about 21mpg..... At least that's what the overhead computer tells me.
Not to shabby for a 2002 Dakota CC sport plus 4x4 w/4.7/5sp/HD PKG
14,800 and not a single mechanical problem, just paint chips from the neighbors wild kids.
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AL
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
18:41:53
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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I found that i also get the best highway milage at 65-70. But here in PA there isnt a flat spot for miles. My computer is constantly changing even for the slighest change in grade. The difference between going slightly uphill to slightly dowhill can make a huge difference. But for average milage i still think 20 is a little too good. Is there any other mods you guys haven't mentioned? Spinnaker maybe?? :)
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danny
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
19:06:40
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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Just for the record.....
3.9L., 5 spd., 3.92 ratio, regular cab,
Astro cap(cab high), stainless steel
hood and fender shields, dropped 2"
in the rear (get it out of the wind)
Lund sun visor
V-8 TB, K&N drop in filter
All syn's, tires at correct psi
235-60-16 front, 285-60-16 rear
driving like I have a BRAIN
16/17 city
22/23 highway
22,000 NO PROBLEMS
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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3/05/2003
19:21:03
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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the 03 has bigger rotors and i think duel piston calipers,i was so happy to find this out. someone mentioned it on a thread and compared mine to a co-workers 00 and the rotors are bigger.
the rears do groan when cold in reverse but i can live with that. (4 wheel disc)
the bushings sqeak like hell (i assume bushings) when cold and exposed to salt and dirt. thought it was just when cold but after rain they were quiet for a couple days even when very cold,now coming back. sounds like suspension going to fall off,most of it goes away when it warms up.(see thread"frozen and stiff".
will be looked at when i know i can "duplicate problem" at dealer.
as far as mpgs i get about 14.5 all around driving.
buy it!
03 qc 4.7 auto 4x4,deta packer 60 poly box(fits perfect,portable),amsoil, 4400 miles.
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modain
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
02:39:42
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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I get very good MPG from my truck. It's completly stock except for a custom built flush tonneau cover. I get 17.5 MPG if I keep my foot out of the throttle, 17 with the periodic stomp (for the fun of it). I picked up 1 MPG after putting on the cover.
I drive mostly freeway at a 65/35 mix. My usual speed is 75-80 MPH. I live in southern California. On street driving I try not to use 1st gear as often as I can.
I am very pleased with my numbers. Maybe Al could get better numbers if he kept his throttle foot off the floorboard...
2002 QC SLT Plus, 4.7 5-speed (stick, of course!), 3.92 LSD, tire and handling, towing, heavy duty packages.
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Walt
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
09:18:44
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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AL, Just thought I would put my two cents in on this one. I have a 99 QC, 5.2, 5SPD with cap and I drive home from Maryland to Virginia Beach each weekend (380 miles round trip) and I get about 18.5 to 20 mpg. Getting in behind a Big rig will help with milage but can cause paint damage from the sand kicked up by the rig. I set the cruise (60 mph) and keep the foot out of it.
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Walt
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
09:24:08
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Currection on what I drive, its a CC not QC, sorry.
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
09:26:00
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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This mileage thing is killing me...
I get 12 - 13 MPG city or towing on the hwy! I've never seen even 14 and I babying the thing :(
'02 4.7l QC SLT+ auto w/3.92 LSD running Mobil 1
You forgot to mention the low idle problem. Other than that... no complains and I'm almost to 12K miles now, most of them towing.
http://home.mindspring.com/~jntmoore/truck/home.html
- John
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Walt
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
09:43:19
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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JM11 Don't get me wrong I to get only 12-14 in city driving, but my earlier post is highway only mpg.
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
11:02:28
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Al,
NOW what do you think?
And YES, I forgot about the spinnaker! It's asymetrical 270 sq ft! BUT, it's on my catamaran!
Al, you owe me an apology, or are you going to call the others with similiar results a liar also?
MY heavy quad cab, is 2wd, and 5spd, 3.55 rear end, and around these parts, it's pretty flat terrain also.
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Dave W
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
11:16:24
| RE: Dakota common problems?
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Alright! enough about the mileage thing. I think the reality of it is we are not comparing apples to apples. We all have different driving styles and geographic conditions. Evrything from air temperature, altitude, humidity, terrain and fuel additives can effect mileage with the same truck let alone different optioned ones, heck, even the day of the week the truck was manufactured could have an effect on mileage. All I know is I'm thrilled with my Dakota and would buy another one in a heartbeat. The only complaint I have is the lack of low end torque which would help when pulling a camper. Above 3000rpm the thing pulls as hard as anything I've ever driven
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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3/06/2003
11:26:38
|  RE: Dakota common problems?
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Dave,
If you have the 4.7, and haven't already, the HO cams really brought out more low end tq!
You probably knew that though.
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