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Bones
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2002
09:36:47
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 Subject: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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Hey guys, I'm a big ford guy, but I think I'm going to make a switch to a 97 or 98 Dakota. I was wondering if you guys had any advice on what options to look for, common problems, etc that I should look for when I'm buying the dakota. I want the 318, 5 speed in black... other than that, what is good/bad in your mind?
What kind of an aftermarket is there for this vehicle? I want to keep in somewhat stock height (maybe a 1" drop), but I basically want to improve it's handling and torque.
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critick
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2002
11:01:07
|  RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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dont waist your money on the 3 gen daks. they have to many brake,suspention,trans,and detail problems. if you or anybody else thinks i am full of sh--, take a look at the archives. Its fuuny how A LOT of 3 gen owners always are complaining about their brakes or their suspentin parts going out to fast. One guy even said that his tie rod broke on him. If that doesent make you thingk I dont know what does. BUY A RAM INSTEAD.
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Dak03ta
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2002
12:05:01
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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I had a 98 with the V6. I spent no money on repairs during the 5 years, 60k miles that I owned it. Cat and ball joints were replaced under warranty. I have no clue what people are doing to warp their rotors every 5k miles. They must not know how to drive.
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mnkybrs
GenIII
9/25/2002
12:22:55
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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Message:
I have owned my 98 since it was new. I love it. No major problems what so ever. I have 86K on it now. Brakes, rotors, and suspension are all still in great shape. Nothing has ever broke. There are a lot of after market stuff out there to make it look and run better too. I think the Dakota is a great looking truck and the perfect size.
98 Dakota Sport C/C V6
Deep Amethist
Clear corners
Home Brew Intake Custom Made Grille
3923's DynoMax 17748
ASA TRS Wheels on 235/55R16 Kumho Tires
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97_blk_dak
GenIII
9/25/2002
14:13:04
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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I bought a 97 5.2L 4X4 a year ago and have had absolutely no problems! It has been by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have about 53,000 miles on it now. It had 35,000 a year ago when I bought it. I highly recommend you to buy one. I love mine more and more every day.
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John Cassell
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2002
15:55:17
|  RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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Bought a 98 Club Cab new. Rear end has gone out and plenum gasket went south. Did replace upper ball joints. 40k on truck now, not been too bad. Had an S10 before, water in the motor, auto trans failed, rotors. Short warrenty, I had to pay for it's repairs. As for Dak rotors, they are thin but what gets them is over tightening the lug nuts. Dealers are bad for that Iv'e found. Don't follow TSB on that.
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SHarper
GenIII
9/25/2002
16:05:46
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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I bought a '98 CC SLT w/ the 318, 5sp combo. I now have 93,500+ mile on it (I drive from Richmond, VA to NW Florida several times a year). I have had no major problems. It has been most reliable vehicle I have ever owned & I have owned several in over 30+ yrs of driving. The brakes and master cylinder have just been replaced, but with over 90K miles that's not unusual.
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Dakota657
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2002
00:40:56
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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This is my first car. and thank GOD IT has has no huge Problems, and everything wrond, i have fixed my self, in less than an hour with help form this page. I love it, My 97 318 CC. It is a tough little truck. Just do yoru home work, and get a good deal.
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Lesley
GenIII
9/26/2002
13:22:03
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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Message:
I have the 97 3.9 litre Club Cab, and it is the best vehicle I have ever driven. I plan on keeping it forever.
The stock ball joints are terrible, I had mine replaced, upper and lower, with Moog. These are greaseable, unlike the stocks ( don't let the dealership replace them, they will just use the same crappy parts).
I just replaced my brake pads with no dust titanium, no problems there.
My suspension is just fine. I bought new shocks, but haven't replaced them yet - they were for performance not necessity.
Exhaust (except for muffler) is stainless steel, I upgraded my muffler to a Borla last year and there was still about a year left in the stock one.
These are nice solid trucks. The frame is a good solid box construction. There is minimal rust on mine, and I live in Canada where we salt the roads. (Pumpkin, rear leaf springs are the only rust prone areas, I sanded mine and painted them).
There are loads of upgrades and mods for the 318. Good luck!!!!
97 3.9 CC Sport. JBA stainless headers, Borla Turbo XL stainless muffler & tip, 17 x10 Boyd Coddington Smoothies
FMS injectors, V8 TB, Quick D stainless air intake,
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schmitty
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2002
20:32:35
| RE: Advice on buying a used 97-98 Dak?
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"""AMEN""""""" It's about time I heard from you guys with your 97's... I've got almost 150000 on mine and had absolutly no major problems with it. It's definitly one of the most reliable vehicles I've owned.
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