| From | Message |
another mark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/14/2004
01:53:39
|
 Subject: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
just wondering what some of the shortcoming are on the 97 and newer dakotas only, i know the catalytic converters go bad prematurely, ball joints are suspect, the rear wheel speed sensor and crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor don't last too long either, and those without the tensioner built into the timing chain have reason to worry, what else is out there?
tie rods? any bushings in the front suspension that should be replaced? etc?? since i've almost got my dak paid off i want to start doing some serious preventive maintenance and replacing inadequate parts
thanks for any helpful input
|
Nick
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/14/2004
03:08:27
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
I have worked at a parts store for a few years, and actually have never had any real problem parts with the dakotas only the rams...the only real problem is the crappy champion plugs that the trucks come with from the factory.
|
TGI
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/23/2004
12:48:12
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
i got a 99 extended cab sport 4x4 with 86,000 miles... i can vouch for the cat going out im on my third one. so far the third is the lucky one is a universal fit aftermarket. but all the rest i havent had a problem with. its never let me sit. knock on wood...
|
tin-knocker
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/23/2004
21:33:27
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
iv got a 97 cc 4wd 3.9 74,000 tranny went replaced the cat only got luke warm heat but outher than that the truck is great ( i bought an extended warrnty that covered the tranny)
|
Nick
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/24/2004
01:32:30
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
My 2000 r/c 2WD sport has 49,000 miles and the cat is just as good as new. All of my friends that have these truck are all on their original cats also..most have way more miles than i do.
|
all I know
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/24/2004
07:40:11
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
on the "advice of the know it alls" on here I put in the acdelco plugs in my truck the thing ran like crap, I went back to champions and it now runs much better, tried bosch autolites too, the thing still runs better on champions. Nick just 'cause you look up parts and take money for them does nor mean you have "real world" actual use experience. Most times clowns complain about something because it is not their "favorite brand" and for no other reason.
|
disaster
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
15:47:16
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
i have a '97 2WD V6 w/ 5-speed. i intentionally avoided the auto for durability reasons.....
the in-tank fuel pumps are trouble prone. these fail quite regularly. they're known to fail w/out warning. you just get stuck. mine went at around 65K.
the steering racks have been another problem (2WD only). when the seals go and they start to leak you're stuck. they'll work for a while if you keep adding fluid. but eventually they have to be replaced.
i'd also be warry of the bypass hose from the water pump to the intake manifold. if you have A/C this hose isn't visible and it doesn't get replaced when the other hoses do. it'll blow out and leave you stuck. i'm told that there's an "O-ring" on a nipple in the water pump. the nipple is on the heater hose from the fire wall to the water pump. the O-ring is on the nipple where its installed into the water pump. since ya don't know its there it also doesn't get replaced. i'm told that these will also blow out and again you're stuck.
you should also keep an eye on the differential. the seals don't hold up very well and they leak. you should have plenty of warning before all the fluid goes, but you should check it anyway.
lastly keep an eye on the front wheel bearings (2WD only). these fail way early and are $$$$ to replace (just the parts are $$$$). you can tell they're gone when you see grease around the bearing lock-nut. you won't have long until they seize.
|
Greg
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
17:24:57
| RE: known shortcomings of v6 dakotas 97 +
IP: Logged
Message:
HHHHHHMMMMMM, the things that have been replaced on my 99' truck with 80000 miles are ---
powersteering pump "my fault for flying and blowing leaking cracked return line off"
powersteering lines
5 speed syncro's stick and are just about gone
water pump to intake hose "got before had much time to cause damage"
catylitic converter
muffler rusted in two pretty bad "soon to be replaced in the performance upgrade list"
That's really it and most of them other than the water pump to intake hose and cat are really when I think about my own fault due to lots of abuse... "I,E, popping clutch driving and revving high in my trouble gears and of course driving with bad powersteering lines while jumping the hill and on the impact blew line off, must have put some serious stress on powersteering to blow off return line or wheels were cut when hit and so forth stuff like this"
I've never had any bearing trouble "that's a big surprise" always check when I have it up on the lift... Oh and I had to turn my rotors due to warpage, but didn't have any grooves so left on pads and went to driving with no trouble...
But it all be good after I get my performance work done, may be getting myself a nice 6 speed to replace the 5 also :))
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
