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Billy
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
10:12:06
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 Subject: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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I have a '98 Dak 4WD Club Cab Sport with the 5.1
It goes through gas like maybe I own an oil well in the back yard (I don't). Have been through the "adventure" of getting the balljoints replaced (at 58,000) and also one bout of warped rotors. It now has 67,000 on it and is ready for another rotor job, and maybe some more balljoints.
Was considering a 2004, with the 4.7. Can anyone comment if any of the problems I've experienced are still present on the '04s? Thanks.
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Breadman
GenIII
2/12/2004
10:29:56
|  RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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5500 miles and no problems yet 15.5 city 18+ on a 700 mile trip. I consider this good for a pickup. Front end is still tight. Overall I'm very pleased with it's looks, performance and handling. Club Cab 4.7L, 5sp manual, lsd 3:55 rear, Trailer tow pkg, HD service gp., C package w/power windows,locks,16x8 wheels, etc. Patriot Blue/ Taupe interior. Glad I got the '04. The '05 will have to grow on me for awhile. A Hemi would make up for the looks however if I ordered one it would also be a 4 door.
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eddy
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
10:55:14
| RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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5800 miles on 04 purchased 10/31/03. No problems whatsoever, just had it in to dealer for regular checkup a couple weeks ago and front end is fine. Gas mileage? Well, I think I might have almost touched 16 mpg on a 350+ mile high way round trip the day after I bought the truck. And there was one other tank wherre I managed mid 14s by never, ever accelarating hard and never going over 65. Other than that It's been almost exclusively 12.5-12.9 mpg.
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
11:07:51
| RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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Message:
I have a 02 Dak 4x4 with the 4.7. I didn't
figure I'd get the best mileage. It is a truck
you know plus the added weight of 4x4. I'm about
to find out what the best mileage will be because
I'll be taking it on a 700 mile round trip this
weekend on interstate routes at 65 to 75 MPH but
this time not pulling my 26' travel trailor.
I've owned Dak's with 5.2's and one had a 5.9.
I never bothered to see what the milage is. I knew
I'd get sick over it! lol
As far as brakes, mine has 20k on it now and the
rotors are warped. I don't plan to let Dodge
replace them. I'll do the job myself with better
aftermarket parts as soon as the weather warms up
here in Ohio.
So far, no ball joint problems and ANY Dak I've
ever owned, (knock on wood).. It is a mistake
that ALL auto makers don't use greasable ball
joints anymore...
Good luck
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01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
11:15:47
| RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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I've got an '01 with 73K miles. I've got aftermarket lower control arms, but the upper ball joints are original. I'm getting my front rotors turned for the first time tomorrow. I'm pleased with my Dak so far. Only thing out of the ordinary is one O2 sensor and rear pinion seal to fix.
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
2/12/2004
11:32:02
| RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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I routinely get 19 MPG at 85 MPH on mid distance runs (200 miles so). I've never gotten below 15 MPG average on a tank of gas. This is with a 2002 clubcab automatic 4.7L w/ plenty of mods...
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
Custom tranny VB Mod
Demon long tube headers
Ported/polished heads w/ 1.92" Intake/1.60" Exhaust Valves
One dead stock LSD unit (POS...)
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Billy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/12/2004
19:38:43
| RE: Are these problems in the 2004 Dak
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Message:
Thanks for your replies.
From what I can gather, the 4.7 might be a "touch" easier on gas than the 5.2. After doing a little digging, it appears that rotor warping might be a combination of poor quality rotors and pads that NO LONGER contain any asbestos. The non-asbestos pads are responsible for holding heat longer, and consequently may be a big contributor to the warping problem. Just a guess, maybe someone else could comment.
As to the ball joint problem --it is well documented but DC is NOT admitting anything is wrong, or are they any closer to a full-blown recall on the problem.
In summary, I guess there is no reason to believe that the '04 Dak is any different from my '98, with respect to the ball joint and rotor problems. Perhaps the 4.7 is just a little easier on gas, maybe???
Any other comments?
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