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BrianZX3R
Dodge Dakota
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11/22/2004
21:38:42
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 Subject: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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OK, I am planning on buying a Dak Quad Cab. I know the build quality is not the best but I don't want a full size and I didn't care for the ride of the Tacoma (it was a TRD, maybe stock is better? Gutless either way).
From lurking around the board's I've seen some major problems. Can anyone list any additional ones? Will help people to shop for one and be prepared when problem arises.
This what I got so far and the solutions...
-Ball Joints: Drive it until these go bad and replace with Moog, ~$200 DIY
-Seat rocks slightly back/forth: I noticed this in a used one I sat in right away. This would severly annoy me, is there any easy fix? Can you just tighten down the floor bolts or is it an internal seat problem? Just bench or buckets?
-Gas milage: Buy a civic, exhaust.
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Slow4x4Dak
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
03:00:57
|  RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Brake Rotors tend to warp easily. My stock wrangler tires died on me at 28k miles. Water on the passenger floorboard (Mine was fixed with a 2 dollar fastener that popped out of my windshield) others have had seals break. Ball joints like you said. Had a wiring harness recall because of my 5spd clutch rubbing it. Somehow my passenger side tie rod broke ($20 DIY junkyard).
Other problems consist of multiple handprints on your vehicle from spectators. Lots of civics and neons wanting to race you. And don't forget the $1200 in tickets I've gotten so far.
Other than that, the motors are EXTREMELY reliable, just keep up on your maintenance. Few have had problems with the 4x4 transfer case lines. It's just a good looking vehicle, and it is the most powerful midsize truck.
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matt
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
03:33:28
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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LOL.. tickets... yeah I have an R/T... totaling $2400 in speeding tickets, wreckless driving ( tire spin on turns thru intersections!?!?)and failure to yields... ( can you say careless driver?) one more I loose my license... not many probs other than whats been listed, except that I would add that if you end up doing ball joints, do the upper and lower control arm bushings at the same time.. the uppers tend to get cooked by the exhaust, energy suspension sells them all together, so its best to do top and bottom at the same time. highly improves ride too...
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dakotaowner01
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
05:45:32
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Problems I have had with mine though I do not think are common. My average drive is five miles, very hard on a vehicle.
3 Cat's
2 Skunks
and 1 Deer
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Knucklehead
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
08:02:06
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Brakes are really only an issue up to '02. In '03, the brakes were upgraded as well as the rear drums were swapped for discs. This makes a big difference in stopping power(I had an '02CC before trading for an '03QC)and I haven't heard of brake issues since.
I haven't encountered any problems so far.
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Figols
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
11:42:06
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Doing a search of the archives you can come up with.....
BALL JOINTS, LSD rear end, steering rack, rotors, tie rod ends, SQUEEKING, 4.7L sludging, oil pump failure, valve train ticking and head gaskets to name a few of the more common ones. I'm not sure about the 5.2, 5.9 and 3.9 engines. The 4erfe and 545rfe transmissions are pretty much bullet proof, which is good because nothing else on the truck is. Lucky me I've had just about every common problem with my '00 QC except the major engine problems. I do have the valve train ticking and plan to replace the hydrualic valve lash adjusters. The truck is a nice powerfull comfortable truck though.
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nwf_snake
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2004
14:54:47
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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water pump
rear speed sensor
rotors
belly pan gasket
ball joints
tie rods
bushings
intermediate steering shaft
rack and pinion
heater core
fuel pump
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Izzy
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
09:17:53
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Slow4x4Dak
What and where was the "2 dollar fastener" that popped out of your windshield? I have all but given up on my Dakota's leak and my wifes 2003 Durango leak. Dealship says they cannot find the source of either vehicles leak.
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Jimmer
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
12:48:52
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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AC Evaporator
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deerridge
GenIII
11/24/2004
14:48:44
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Fixed mine with a little elbow out of the firewall drain. Cost about $20 to have it done. That's the only problem I've had in 50000 miles on mine. Oops I forgot. The tail gate cable broke too. It tows alot more than its supposed to too (up to 9500lbs so far). Mines a 03 RC AWD with the 4.7.
Real Horsepower
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Izzy1665
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
15:22:40
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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* I have done the boot thing after replacing my evaporator core and I still leak
* I have had my windshield resealed and I still leak
* I have watertested the door seals with no problems there....and I still leak
* I have sealed as many seams as I can get to along the firewall and under the cowl....and again, I still leak.
My Dakota & Durango leaks only happen when it rains
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
15:54:27
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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Just a long shot....but have you made sure the drain for the a/c box is clear? Those can build up some debris and cause insufficient draining.
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99dakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
16:28:36
| RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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99 dak cc 4x4 5.2L 5 speed 102.000 miles and I'm the 2nd owner all I've done are brakes everthing in the front just shoes in the back, all balljionts, pitman arm, pleanum gasket, and waterpump other than that its been a great truck and taken all the abuse I've thrown at it and yes its ambarassed a ton of ricers including a WRX from a roll and on the highway.
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WS 1500
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2004
17:56:43
|  RE: 97-03: Reoccuring problems list
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I have a 2001 fullsize 1500 with the 3.9 and five speed (the same drivetrain the Dak uses) and have not had a single problem. This is by far the best truck I ever owned.
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