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Tim West
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
00:15:24
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 Subject: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Hey guys,
Selling my G/F my 1998 S-10 pickup and thinking about a
Dakota for a replacement. manual tranny desired ( I like to shift )
and V6 probably. I need to know what to look out for and what
goes bad on the 2000's and up. Whats the 411 on these rides?
Thanks
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aj
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
09:37:16
|  RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Ball joints, and get the v8. I owned a 2002 3.9 and the 4.7 makes it a completely different truck. I am not sure about the 3.7 magnum v6 but just get a v8 and be done with it. You will not regret it. I owned the v6 for 16 months and forever regretted buying it. I am a happy v8 owner now.
the one bad thing about the v8, when you put on an exhaust you will be getting offers to race from mustangs. Why I just don't know but it has happened to me several times and the truck is 5 weeks old.
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eddy
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
10:42:00
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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There's plenty of people on here with V6s wishing they got a V8. But you never hear anybody sit wound with a V8 going "Boy, Im sure sick of this higher towing capacity and smooth, effortless accelaration, I really regret not buying a V6."
If performance means nothing to you then don't worry about it. But if you're just doing this because of the money, I always tell everybody the same thing. You might be saving two grand and maybe 2 mpg now, but it's a wash at best when you consider how much you loose trading in a truck with a less than desirable powertrain combination only a year into the loan to get one with a V8.
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v6
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
11:07:53
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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I have a 97 Dak and I have had it for 4 years. I have no complaints about it. It has been great for me.... Once I put my dual exhaust on I was getting race offers from anything and everything on the road. It is not just because you have a v8.... it is because you have a dakota and they are bad-ass! No matter what this guy does.... v6 or v8... it will be much better power than the S10. I would say do what ever is in your price range Tim. Once again my v6 has been GREAT for 4 years....
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Nick
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
18:00:11
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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What to look out for? Look out for the EXIT sign and get as far away from that Dakota as possible. I bought a new DAK only 4 weeks ago, and every single week I've been sitting in the garage waiting room with problems. First two trips were because the truck's front end alignment was way off. Then I had to get one of the Goodyear's replaced because it was defective. Now I'm having trouble with the steering column. I'm already kicking myself for buying a Dodge.
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Mr. Big
Dodge Dakota
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4/18/2004
18:49:07
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Tim, Great choice. I would buy the V8, for it has better acceleration and the MPG is comparable. I would check the front end for warped rotors and any ball joint problems. These trucks are fantastic and will run forever. I have owned Rangers and Dakotas and I will take a Dakota every day of the week.
Nick, sorry for your problem, it looks like you got a lemon (everyone has them) Hold tigt. Once it is corrected, you will be very happy.
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Perfection
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
12:31:53
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Hey Nick, guess you should have spent twice as much and got that BMW instead.
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black2003
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
12:50:30
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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20000 on my 4.7 reg cab 2003. Not one problem. Warning you will have to change your shorts quite often if you get the 4.7 5 speed. You get about the same gas mileage with the v6 so go for the eight.
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99bluedakotap
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
09:59:31
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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well the v6 is less power than the 4.3 i had a s-10 an like everyone said the v8 is the way to go better all around . #1 thing bad about the dakota is the ball jionts mine went at 47,000 . an now i have to get tires the goodyears lasted to 52,000 an they are bald not to bad a tire. There is alot more elbow room in the dakota as well. More room haulling too an alot better for haulling @ss too. I have to say the v8 dakota is a truck the s-10 no comparison.
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rgathright
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
11:41:42
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Tim, you really should special order that dakota. I test drove a v8, 5spd auto and the thing drove like a tank. They load those poor kotas down with so much junk on the lot that you pay over 25K for a v6 on the lot! I (you can to) ordered a v8 with every racing option including limited slip and a stick for less than $17K and had it in less than one month!
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Mik
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
16:47:27
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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My brother has a 99 dak V6 4x4 and his gas mileage is way worse then my 92 V8. It seems like he changes the ball joints all the time too.
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stic
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
17:49:00
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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i bought my 01 QC used with 64k miles.5.9 auto.ive owned it 1 mo and 1 day.its been in the shop 4 times in the 1200 miles since ive purchased it.2 times were evap system leaks and 1 was fr shock replacement and 1 time for a loose component in the front end.
they couldnt find anything.
i actually have an appointment to take it again tomorrow for a noise in the pumpkin and swaybar bushing replacement.its under warranty so why not have them do it.
other than that...i like my dak,its powerful and looks good.i would get the 4.7 with a 5spd and 3.92 rear, if i could do it again.i drove a 01 with a 4.7.the acceleration when you hit the gas was unreal for a stock 4x4.
i like the truck more and more everytime i drive it.if i could just get past the probs.
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one guy
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2004
18:32:02
|  RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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love it 97 sport with flow masters
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sam
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2004
03:56:57
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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I am currently on my third dakota. My first was a 2wd reg cab v-6 5-speed and I was wishing for the v-8 the whole time even though it was a good truck. I ordered a 99 reg cab 4x4 5.2 5-speed with 3.92 trac-lock it was great and I wish I still had it. I put 58,000 miles on it and replaced the transfer case at 5k, a bum chain in the t-case (strange problem not common), ball joints at around 35k (unfortunatly they are the weak link). The upper ball joints fail often and are about the only serious problem with these trucks. There have been some problems with the automatics (42RE-46RE) the 00 and newer autos are much better, especially the 45RFE which is paired with the 4.7 is extremely reliable. I now have an 02 cc 4.7 auto 4x4 and it has been great except for the brakes which warp easily. Although the upper ball joints are getting loose now after 30k. I really wish I would have bought the regular cab though, lighter and a little more agile.
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99bluedakotap
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2004
07:47:11
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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hey sam where can i find out witch transmition i have 42RE or the 46RE i have a 99 5.2 sport just wondering if i might have a tranny problem.
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5.9 R/T
Dodge Dakota
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5/04/2004
20:01:01
|  RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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I purchased a 1999 Dakota R/T. It has almost 50K miles on it now and was back to the dealer one time for a brake line recall. I havn't spent a dime on repairs and there were none done under warranty. It doesn't get any better than this.
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Burrhead78
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2004
03:07:17
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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i have 97 dakota 2.5 liter with 75,000 miles i love it but this year i bought a 2002 4.7 extended cab fully loaded and i love the v8 better not had much problems with either but 97 needs new a arm bushings
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Jack
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2004
13:59:16
|  RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Tim, If you satisfied with your S10 and thinking about moving to a Dakota, you'll probably be just as satisfied with the smaller V6 option of the Dakota. The V8/Dakota mix is a totally different class of truck than the S10. It's a big truck in a small body. If you want to bring back the exileration to driving again, go for the V8. I've owned my 01 Quad Sport with the 4.7L for 3 years and I still get a kick every morning when I climb in and drive it to work. I've got 50K miles on it and in three years, never had a mechanical malfunction. If you go for the dakota I would look toward the 4.7 with the limited slip diff, and even though some may not agree, go for the manual 5 speed over the automatic. I listened to several reviews before I bought mine and went with the automatic. Even though it runs stong and the shifting is smooth and effortless for performance reasons wished I had gone for the manual. By the way this was my first dodge truck. All indications are pointing to my next truck being a dodge. Hope this helps
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aj
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2004
00:48:20
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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I owned a 2002 4wd CC SXT 3.9. The 3.9 is not the magnum motor it is called 3.9 SMPI. I have no idea what that means but I do know this, that 3.9 motor isn't that strong. They also make a 3.7 Magnum motor with 210 HP, the 3.9 has 185.
The problem with the 3.9 and an automatic is the truck doesn't know what gear it wants to be in, it shifts alot from od to drive. I always disabled the od unless I was on the freeway.
I own a 04 sport plus CC 4wd 4.7 5sp auto. It came fast right out of the box. A few minor changes and i now have what i consider to be a throwback to the feel of the old 383. The 4.7 is surprisingly a torque machine. Just a freeflow muffler, Kn drop in and the snorkle replacement with the fennco 4" no hub. And all you people who think the fennco is 'dukes of hazard', think again. That fennco coupled with just the exhaust modification makes all the difference in the world. It sounds like a big block and acts like one also.
I live in california and the freeways are hilly, very hilly, I cruise in 5th on the freeway. Many hills around my area are 4th gear hills, my truck downshifts to 4th, that how hilly it is. And I know I am in the top 5% when it comes to freeway cruisers. I hang with the Ford 250 diesels and all the trucks.
I was in San Francisco on Saturday, that fckin truck pulls the steepest hills in SF with very little throttle. I know a torquer when I feel one.
I destroyed a Tundra on a big hill going to sacramento a few weeks ago. This truck has 3000 miles on it and I know from experience that these new motors get faster at about 8000 miles. You can really feel it in the v6's, its a bit more subtle in the v8's but it is there.
I believe the next gen 4.7's have some roller rocker configuration, plus the fact it is overhead cam makes it a very efficient motor.
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Redline
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2004
11:23:03
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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I just went through the ordeal of 'trading-up' from a good '98 Ranger to a 2002 QC Dak. What a bitter disappointment! It's bigger, bulkier and it's plain-jane interior gets old in a few hours. To make matters worse, I can't sell my old Ranger. I even put this Dak back for sale and have not gotten a call.
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Mr.Sleepy
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2004
12:09:38
| RE: Buying a Dakota what to look out for?
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Heres the Clift Note version for those with short attention spans....
Buy the 4.7 or even a 5.9 and you will be much more happy than if you got a V6. Trust us, I sold my first Dak because I wanted the 8 over the 6 i had. Got tired of Mini-vans blowing my doors off.
Watch for Ball joints, have the truck inspected by a suspension expert that knows what to look for. Dakotas have problems with front ends, and sometimes it extends beyond the ball joints.
Check for musty smelling Air Conditioning, this is a sign that the HVAC needs to be cleaned or is already rotting out. This leads to $1000 worth of a repairs later down the road. Make sure the air is clean smelling or at least has a service record regarding cleanings of the condensor coil or AC service in general.
97-98 models - check for rust/rot around front window trim, this area is prone to problems for body deterioation.
97-98 models - test the head light pull knob, this is a $30 repair that happened to me 3 times in a row. The new mopar replacement for it works just fine, but if its original keep that in mind.
00-02 models - check to see if it has been brought in to the dealership to fix the recall on the faulty fuel line placement. There was also a small recall on the brakeline placement. Inquire at your local dealership for details on your trucks service history.
Other than those items, the Dakota is a fine truck with a reliable history. The first and only true mid-size pickup on the market. Buy a V8 and don't get the 4x4 unless you are a true offroader, this will save you a couple mpg on your tanks every week.
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