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doc_rage
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
22:28:37
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 Subject: RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Wow. I currently own an '85 S10 2.8 and came on this site to see what owners of the Dakotas thought of their trucks, and I find other S-dimers trying to start unfounded trouble. Get over yourselves. For those S10 owners coming on here and blasting these guys for owning the trucks they do, get a life.
My friend is having trouble finding an S10 that suits him, and he and I both agreed the Dakotas are the best looking trucks out there. For those that have the Dakotas, keep driving strong.
Now, any info, such as issues that are common to the various displacements of the V6 models of these trucks and the V8s available? I'm just trying to see if there's any further information I can give my friend about these trucks and their mechanical quirks or things that need attention.
Thank you to all.
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ben daily
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
05:02:49
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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i dont know but i do know that those little s-10's better waych out for the new 3.7 cause i got to test drive one the other day at my dads work and that thing hauls some serious anus..its quite a bit faster than my 3.9 and its a stick and the 3.7 was automatic and i beat my truck in the 3.7 and i already beat the s-10's in my 3.9 so those s-10's better watch out...
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Dangerous
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
08:14:41
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Doc_rage Thanks for being mature and understanding...most of the rival truck owners do come on here and just waste useful posting space. It is good to see some useful posts from rival owners.
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Ed
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
11:03:02
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Doc_rage,
I know I have had some problems with automatic transmissions. They are not very strong in the 3.9's I've owned. The new 4.7's have a redesigned transmission, my father purchased a Durango with the optional 5-speed auto and it is definitely stronger. I think I can say with some authority that the gas mileage in most Dodge’s is not as good as other makes. My 3.9 gets an average of 15 city and 18 highway. However, I have made it to 20 MPG on one long road trip (all highway), and chatting with some on this sight that was on the high end. That is my biggest complaint, there is a reticulating rumor that ball joints on these trucks are just not up to industry standards. I tend to agree, but most times all you have to do is have them replaced with a MOOG set and that will solve the problem for the life of the vehical. I would have to reserve comment about the new 3.7’s until I can test drive one, to be honest I can’t see why they downgraded the displacement in favor of an SUV engine, but I could be wrong. I have read one post that says that they are a lot better than the 3.9’s. The 4.7 my father has is an impressive motor, even hauling a two axle trailer and the added weight of the Durango frame, it is easy to make it in the mountains of Tennessee passing most other vehicles without a trailer.
Dodge no longer (at least I can’t find it on their website) makes R/T’s with the 5.9, so if your friend is looking to buy new, I think that engine is no longer offered. I would recommend the 4.7 V-8. The transmission has been redesigned to match with the power- plant, the engine has plenty of horses under the hood for hauling, towing, etc. and you will probably see the same milage as a v-6 so long as your friend does not stomp the petal hard every time they see a green light. They are also only another 500.00 or so dollars which is pretty affordable considering. That’s my opinion, but I would suggest you hear others before your friend makes a final decision.
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B-Dak1
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
12:58:53
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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2000 SLT club w/ 3.9 liter, and I am very doubtful if I would ever buy another Dakota. I love the room and the looks, as well as the ride, but have been less than impressed with the constant problems in the front end, especially ball joints and tie-rods. The brakes on my truck are also less than satisfactory with continual problems you will see discussed often on this forum, warped drums and rotors. I have had no engine problems, all steering and suspension related. I find the gas mileage acceptable 17-18 for daily driving, 21-23 highway depending on speed. I don't know about the newer 3.7L but I would be sceptical. My Dak came with the wife so I never test drove it, but I thought from day one, and still think that the 3.9 is not enough motor and the 3.7 would need to show some impressive improvement, otherwise I would agree with others that suggest the 4.7L. No tranny problems yet, other than the excessive noise at the low end. I would put the ear out about your local Dodge dealers service dept. mine has been terrible, they say they are 5 star but I wouldn't give them 1 star. Overall, I am less satisfied with the truck than I thought I would be, but many on this forum love their Daks to death. Like many brands it often is just the luck you have had with it, unfortunately mine hasn't been half the truck my old 4.3 liter S-10 was.
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doc_rage
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
18:10:16
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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I appreciate the honest answers and your taking the time to give a reply. Thanks again, I will pass along the information, hinting at the 4.7L as the best option for what he's looking for. Take care.
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Pepto22
Dodge Dakota
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11/25/2003
00:40:27
|  RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Ok, I am a chevy guy just curious in what people think. I own a 4.3 S-10 2wd,auto. I see people dogging on the 94-96 4.3's but those were not the vortec's. They didnt' come out until 98. My truck will haul ass and I can definitly feel the torque. I had 13 bails of hay in the back and the only difference in performance was the lean of the weight. I could have put more in the back but because of the ZQ8 suspension is would have bottomed out. happy posting
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slow97dakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/25/2003
02:21:30
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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---I own a 4.3 S-10 2wd,auto. I see people dogging on the 94-96 4.3's but those were not the vortec's. They didnt' come out until 98--
um vortec started in 94...the reason why the newer years have more power is beucase they changed the fi setup..
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Pepto22
Dodge Dakota
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11/25/2003
04:25:02
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Ok, thank you for the update. Its always nice to know the facts.
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Red03Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/25/2003
07:20:31
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Pepto22 you have the s-10 extreme? you knwo the funny thing too my brother is like that guy josh that was here ragging on kotas when he just bought and xtreme s-10.
he would not shut up last night i told him i was gonna push his damn truck into the ditch or hook a chain to the rear end and bust the d%$m thing off. he didn't think that was too funny but he kept talking s^%t
he can just wait his little xtreme might be a bit faster but i will get him >:)
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Pepto22
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2003
03:41:11
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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Ok, I was not trying to start anything controversial, but the reply to my last post caused me to say something. Did you forget the reason for the post in the first place. It was to discuss which engine is better not which truck is better. The S truck may be a toy but If I wanted something to haul my stuff around in I wouldn't waste my money on a small truck I would go fullsize. And to be honest it would be a dodge. But I like my little S (toy) because the 4.3 will kick any 3.9's ass. Lata
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john doe
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2003
17:54:55
| RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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ok vortec is the heads and they actully came out in 86 the high output vortec came out in 92 in 96 they changed the fuel set up but it loss power and in 2000 they changed it again just for the record
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Nathan Franc
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2003
20:23:28
|  RE: 3.9Mag & 4.3Vortec
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I have a 2000 dodge club cab with the 3.9 with 33,000 stock...and we have a 98 4x4 blazer with the 4.3 vortec its has like 190hp and 158 ftpd of torqe. I know for a fact that the 4.3 would not blow away but spank my dodge....but the blazer and st-10 have a lot of small to med problems...fuel delievery for one...somewhat weak tranny...dont get me wrong the 3.9 is a good engine for what it is....should get a lil better mileage
later nathan
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