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Richard
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2005
13:16:56
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 Subject: Buying '02 model
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Hey - I'm thinking of buying an '02 quad cab 4X4...about 30K miles and looks like it has been well kept. Slight lift kit and off-road tires, but not 'monster.' The ball-joint info I read here has me a little skeptical (dealer dude did not know whether they had been changed or not) and I don't know much about the 3.9 liter...I'm primarily a GM man. Would appreciate any info on the truck, the motor, and Dodge; horror and happy stories welcome. Thanks.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2005
13:25:41
|  RE: Buying '02 model
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the 3.9 is a great "LITTLE" motor. emphasis on little. in my opinion that's too much truck for a 3.9. if you gotta have 4x4 or QC get an 8. i have a '00 QC 4x2 w/3.9 & 5spd manual tranny. i wouldn't want an auto. that would be really have no power.
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BubbainGE
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2005
14:00:02
| RE: Buying '02 model
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I couldn't imagine a QC without a V8. I have a 4.7l in my QC (AT, full time AWD), & still wish it had more. Don't short change yourself.
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mpbronso
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2005
14:08:02
| RE: Buying '02 model
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just shootin' from the hip here, but it also seems like there are a lot less of the sixes out there ... that would have me worrying about different / more expensive problems than the eights have.
i have a '00 4.7l and agree with everything else that's been said.
also strikes me that the dealer doesn't know whether it's had the joints done. if they are a dodge dealer they should be able to check for sure. if not, you can always get the vin and check with dodge. i guess it doesn't matter a whole lot though since if they're done they're done, and if not you go get them done under the recall. i would be skeptical though if it was dodge saying they didn't know.
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mopower
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2005
18:30:35
| RE: Buying '02 model
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I have an 02 4x4 4.7 QC. I really like it so far. Don't know if I'd like a V6 since I haven't driven one.
I'd to look to see if the pass side floor is wet from an A/C water leak. I recently found mine was wet and have found this to be common on these trucks. You can pop the sill plate off easily (no tools) and check under the carpet.
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Richard
Dodge Dakota
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8/16/2005
08:10:45
|  RE: Buying '02 model
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You guys are the best, I appreciate your time and advice. It did occur to me that it was an awful lot of truck, especially with the big tires, for a V6 to pull. Thanks for your honesty, you are helping me to make an informed decision (it's an '03 BTW, my mistake). I also noticed last night that the after market Rancho shocks have overspray paint on them, as if someone blew some paint underneath to hide something or perhaps a black rust coating of some type was applied to the undercarriage. It's all kind of iffy, and is looking like one of those to-good-to-be-true kind of things. Asking price is $15.2K. All the bells/whistles, plus camper shell and spray-in liner. Interior looks immaculate. Have not driven it yet. A side-to-side pull on the front tires revealed very little movement. No obvious damage, but have not run it through CarFax yet. Would appreciate some more thoughts...thanks.
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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8/16/2005
11:26:29
|  RE: Buying '02 model
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Richard, to answer your ball joint question, if
the UPPERS have been replaced, they are BOLTED
not rivited. If you check and they are rivited,
have the dealer that has it replace them. It is
a 100% FREE recall even if the ball joints are
good right now! If you're dealing with a DC
dealership, THEY MUST REPLACE THEM BEFORE THAY
CAN SELL IT! Don't let them fool you!
The 3.9 V6 is a great engine. I had one in a 2WD
and it had plenty of power. I now have a 02 4X4
with the 4.7. I think you'll be happy with a 3.9
in the 02 you're looking at.. Drive it and see
what you think...
Good luck..
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Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
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8/17/2005
21:31:06
| RE: Buying '02 model
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I've the 2001 4.7 4x4 QC and love it.
If you're thinking you'll save gas with the V6, think again.
Real world figures show no difference due to the 6 having to work harder to move the truck. A legitamate concern in a Dakota in 4x4 QC form.
Check to see if the truck has the 3.55 or 3.92 gears in the rear end.(glove box)
If you tow or want better acceleration ,over mileage ,you want the 3.92's.
The 3.55's are fine in a V8 for all but frequent or heavy duty towing jobs.
In a V6 the 3.55 gears may just add to your frustration .
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