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Mike
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
08:57:20
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 Subject: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Okay, so I'm admittedly new to this board, and to the Dodge Dakota itself, having just bought a used 2000 4wd QC 4.7 about 3 weeks ago.
I've been reading the boards and forums here as with great interest, and have found a whole series of posts from people speaking of their efforts to "hurry up and 'grenade'" their automatic transmissions while they're still under warranty, because they "know they're going to go soon anyway"
Do the Dakota auto transmissions mated to the V8's not have a whole lot of long-term durability? I've got a 3/36 service contract on my used Dakota, which already has about 50,000 miles on it from the previous owner, should I be seriously expecting tranny problems from this beast?
These trucks certainly have their quirks, but I love 'em completely. Just want to know what to be aware of as I both have fun with, and take care of my 'new' 2000 Dakota.
Thanks!!!!
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Major Woods
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
09:36:28
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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I have a 2000 QC 4X4 4.7 auto with 80k. The only problem I have had with truck is the breaks warping every 7k miles. Had to get aftermarkets to fix problem. Other than that great truck. I also tow a 22' boat long distances (2 hour trip one way) during fishing season.
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Ctdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
10:29:11
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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I have a 5.2 with an auto with about 100K. There are some small problems, but nothing major. It's a hit or miss deal with the dakota trannies, just keep an eye out.
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Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
20:48:47
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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(Mike) The history of dodge auto trannys has some low points.
Usually failures have been traced to either NOT using the special fluid that dodge auto trannys need or by towing in overdrive.
I see that you have the 4.7L V8 hemi engine. The autotranny on this engine (45RFE) is a brand-new design. It was first seen in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and that first year was plagued by internal mechanical problems. By the year 2000 (your Dak) most of the problems were corrected and the 45RFE has been relitivly reliable.
(Sure... there are the ocasional problems as with any mechanical device)
There have been some folks complaining of "hard shifts" but many of these problems can be traced to the fact that the 45RFE is a "learning" transmission and it can be confused if your driving habits change or another driver uses the vehicle.
The main reason I do not like the 45RFE transmission is because the scheduled maintenance for it is EXTREEMLY frequent and pretty expensive.
(as compared to other automatic trannies)
YES... the 45RFE may "self destruct" if the frequent servicing is not attended to.
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Correctimundo
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
21:16:52
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Jeez, what's with the 'mission impossible' tranny? Sorry the 4.7 is not a hemi, the 5.7 is a hemi.
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sandman
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
21:44:16
|  RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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What do you mean by frequent service? I was only aware of changeing fluid and both filters every 30,000 miles. I am sure the price will come down once other places beside dealer start carring atf+4, and filter kits.
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CW
GenIII
2/19/2002
22:07:24
|  RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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I am sure that dodge doesn't recomend it until 30,000. That is hardly frequent.
2001 RC 4.7 5sp 9.25" 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm throttle body, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" cold air, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat. Electric fan Convertion, Awaiting HO cams.
Working on adjustable fuel pressure with return.
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Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
22:12:43
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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30,000 OR 24 months (12,000 schedule B) The cold Vermont weather puts me squarly into SCHEDULE B. (that is 3 services every 2 years)
As I said... as compared to other auto trannies, this is excessive. Over the 12-year lifespan I expect to keep my Dak this would cost MORE THAN THE TRANNY OPTION when I bought my Dak. I figure I saved over $2500 dollars by ordering the manual tranny (and will have MUCH more fun driving it too.)
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Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
22:22:33
| OK... SEMI_HEMI
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(Correctimundo) You are mis-informed.
Several recognized "hemi experts" have examined the heads of the 4.7L and blessed it as a "semi-hemi"
I too have scrutinized at the heads of the 4.7 and found just a small 'hump' in the head. Other than that, it meets the critera of having HEMIspherical heads (central sparkplugs between the valves too.)
Considering all of the design limitations that the engineers had to contend with... the 4.7L V8 hemi deserves respect that the Dodge engineers were able to get that close to HEMIspherical heads with a SINGLE OHC and some valve geometry tricks.
What criterial are you using to deem the 4.7 as non-hemisapherical heads... that little hump?
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CW
GenIII
2/19/2002
23:08:01
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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I have the book right in front of me and the cylinder head in the next bedroom. Schedual A is 100,000 miles between auto trans fluid changes. Schedual B is 30,000 miles. When I look at the cylinder head of a 4.7 it is a wedge. 1: The pistons are perfectly flat, just like a wedge not domed like a hemi. 2: There is a large quench area on the head not a round area like on a hemi. 3: The intake is only canted 18° the exhaust is flat. It is way more like a polispherical than hemi. If you have ever seen the inside of a polyspherical motor it is identical to the 4.7. NOT A HEMI!!!
2001 RC 4.7 5sp 9.25" 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm throttle body, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" cold air, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat. Electric fan Convertion, Awaiting HO cams.
Working on adjustable fuel pressure with return.
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jesse
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
00:04:58
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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I have a friend that has a SC on his R/T and has constant problems with his transmission.
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jj
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
00:35:59
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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More Like A DEMI 
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jj
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
00:38:22
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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HEMI 
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DakotaCC
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
03:42:53
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Hemi, schmemi.... the question here is long-term durability. I just bought my first Dak, but have two friends with over 100k on their Daks and they have had NO troubles. ('95 and '97 models). Prior to buying my Dak I ownded one of the much-vaunted Toyotas. At 150k miles the engine ran just fine, tho down on power, the tranny was "loose", and the rear end had a howl. Mechanically, I could understand and live with most of that--given the mileage. What I couldn't handle was that the bed and body sides were RUSTED THROUGH AND THROUGH. I won't buy another Toy just because of the poor quality of their body and interior work.
Drive your new Dak and enjoy it, it should be a great truck!
Best,
DG
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motorman
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
08:21:33
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Anyone who insists on calling the 4.7 a HEMI is obvoiusly blind or just plain stupid.
It is NOT a HEMI, close but not quite
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handi2
GenIII
2/20/2002
09:11:06
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Shown below is a quote from the 4.7 liter engine head constuction.....
The intake valves are 1.89", and the exhausts are 1.46," in keeping with the latest Detroit theories regarding Intake: Exhaust valve diameter ratio. With the intake splayed at 13 degrees, the 64cc combustion chamber is approximately hemispherical in shape.
Maybe it's half a hemi...! Anyway when they come out with the hemi Dakota I will have a whole hemi.
2002 Quad Cab SLT 4.7 Every Avaiable Option
Bed Rug/Access Tonneau Cover/2"by3" drop
Airaid Intake/Jet 2/Roadmaster Suspension/Bed Extender
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philip burnet
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
10:49:37
|  RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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2001 4X4 4.7L Magnum xcab Auto jet chip cat back
I have had my truck for five months. during the recent service a fluid leak was discovered. I was
told the rear end was shot. (4230miles!) When I brought it in the next day for this repair I got a call the tranny was not aligned properly too.
I have not even used the 4H or 4L yet!!@!!!
I have been working alot and not driving what the heck is this all about????
bummed in Maui
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Joel
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
13:47:29
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Install a B&M trans cooler in addition to the one in the rad (unless there is one already), that will help extend the life of your trans.
Also, if you have a 3 year 36k mile warranty, I believe your out of warranty with 50k miles. Or are you saying its a 3 year 80k mile warranty?
Joel
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Mike
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
16:15:32
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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No, I'm not out of warranty!
I just purchased the extended warranty on this for an ADDITIONAL 3/36 coverage.
I'll have until the odometer reads nearly 86,000 miles, or three years, whichever's first.
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Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
20:31:45
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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(CW) The original appender was asking about a 2000 Dakota with a 4.7L engine. (45RFE transmission)
I have the factory shop manual. Directly from this document the 45RFE automatic transmission is;
Sched. A = 30,000 miles
Sched B = 12,000 miles
What document you you quoting from that has the 100,000 and 30,000 numbers for the 45RFE transmission?
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Bruce P.
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2002
20:55:38
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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URL for 45RFE tranny
http://www.atra-gears.com/gears/mar01/24_dr_dr.html
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CW
GenIII
2/20/2002
22:11:54
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Right out of the owners manual. That may be a typo on the transmission service intervals. There are a ton of typos that are corrected each year. The minivan diagnostic procedures are terrible might as well throw it out. I will try to remember to look it up at the shop and look at several years. The tech video that I watched last year said to service at quite long intervals. Can't remember exact milage but I do remember it was longer than the 42, 44, 46re transmissions.
2001 RC 4.7 5sp 9.25" 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm throttle body, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" cold air, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat. Electric fan Convertion, Awaiting HO cams.
Working on adjustable fuel pressure with return.
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CW
GenIII
2/20/2002
22:15:07
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Message:
That info is now quite dated as well. For 2002 the programing in the 45rfe allows for five forward gears with a alternate second gear. Just a double O/D.
2001 RC 4.7 5sp 9.25" 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm throttle body, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" cold air, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat. Electric fan Convertion, Awaiting HO cams.
Working on adjustable fuel pressure with return.
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sandman
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2002
17:55:28
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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(Bruce P)Schedules A requires that 45R.. be serviced at 30,000 and all other tranys get serviced at 37,000 miles on this Schedule.
Schedules B requires that ALL I repeat ALL Dodge truck automatic transmissions be serviced at 12,000 miles. So if you follow schedule B the service requirments are identical!!!! If divide 120,000 by 37,000 you get 3.24, If you divide it by 30,000 you get 4. So this means if you actualy get to follow Schedule A you have to do one more trany service. If on the other hand you do alot of short trips, cold weather driveing, ideling, tow anything or do alot of off roading you must follow schedule B which is requires equal service for all the truch automatic tranies!!! I have never understood why people will change their motor oil regularly but what to try to be cheap and skimp on tranny service???????? I am in the Auto industry and I have to tell you most transmission failures are caused by not serviceing the fluid and filters and then from towing in overdrive. Cost on an OEM transmission runs between $870.00-$1500.00 + $$250.00-$550.00 Core + Tax. I like to keep my trucks for at least 10 years I have one that is 16 years old and going strong.... The frequent service makes all the difference in the world. P.S. This post was not a flame against anyone. I am just putting my $.02 cents in!!!!
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shiftyman
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2002
18:19:43
| RE: reliability of dakota drivetrains...
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Sandman, I like your math!
I hate math, thanks for doing the numbers for me and making it crystal clear!
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