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Greg
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
10:02:50

Subject: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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I have seen many of these same posts about how the Dakota transmissions are prone to early failure as well as the tie rods. Yesterday, I took my Dakota to the local dealer in Columbus b/c it was revving high and shifting late. I had already replaced the TPS, thinking that may be it. It turned out to be a kickdown band causing the problem. The dealer was generous enough to offer to fix it for $975.00! The truck only has 55,000 miles on it so I contacted Chrylser, and they kindly said they could not do anything. I love the Dakota, but have to say this will be my last. Anyone else had this great experience lately?



fastyz400
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
12:22:12

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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Hey me, but at 50k, it was the heater core. I made it to around 65K with the transmission and torque convertor. The owner of the Trans shop has a 99 Durango 5.9. He did his at 55K.

I opted for the aftermarket heavy duty torque convertors and heavy duty internals for the trans. Plus, replacing the junk ATF+3 or ATF+4 and going with Amsoil.

I love the way my 2000 Durango Drives and looks. However, this will probably be the last. Unless, Mercedes straighten Dodge's quality out. Hey, the new Durango's uses a Mercedes Transmission. Gonna Keep an eye on that. Because, if, the transmission problems goes away. I may buy another Dodge. If, not, Dodge can kiss my A$$$$.



Greg
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10/27/2004
18:35:25

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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I wonder what is so magical about the 50k mark with the Dodge trannys? It is very disappointing that they don't last any longer. I'm thinking along the same line as you Fast, if the whole thing goes out, I'm going heavy duty parts. It still beats buying a whole new truck, but I hate dumping money into something this early. Mine is a 2000 R/T cc, and I really like it, but the jury is still out if I go with Dodge next time. Now a Benz tranny and other good components could sway my decision.



Hurl
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
19:37:48

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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My Dak is my first American car since 1987... I love the way my 04 QC AWD drives and performs, but I have a huge fear that I've gotten back into the domestic market earlier than I should.

My second car is a 1991 Miata with 236.5K miles. The Miata has the original battery, hoses, ball joints, engine, trans, rear end, axles, drive shaft, etc. The only replaced parts to date are 1 top, two clutches, 1 slave cylinder, struts/springs (for lowering and performance). The car always works and works well.

I fear the American vehicles are still not up to the Japanese standard.



fastyz400
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
19:42:24

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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Ya, i could have purchased another tranny from Dodge. Another 46RE. But, i chose the rebuild. Because, i didn't want the junk back in there. Where, i have to get a rebuild in another 50k. I even change ATF & Filter every year since i got the truck new.

I've seen some of the full-size truck forums, with the 5.9 Magnum, same trans. Seems like everyone's torque convertors go out at around the 50-75k mark.

Plus, I don't have to stay with ATF+3 or ATF+4 because, that crap is junk.

Since the truck is paid off, i chose for the rebuild, otherwise, i would have traded it in.



Greg
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10/27/2004
21:50:48

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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Just in case (knock on wood), I ever have to replace the trans, what kind did you go with Fast?



tony
Dodge Dakota
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11/01/2004
18:22:59

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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If you ever have to replace your tranny, I recommend a 5-speed. Have yet to see an auto outlast a manual.



fastyz400
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2004
20:04:09

RE: Dodge Not Standing by Bad Product
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Greg,

If, i had to do it all over again, i would have gone with APS (http://www.apsprecision.com/menu.html). They specialize in 46RE Transmissions.

Instead, i just told the transmission shop to put some heavy duty clutch packs & torque convertor in there. I Told them, i didn't want Dodge OEM crap.

Anyway. I'm just going to cross my fingers that it will last longer than the OE. Otherwise, i will be giving the finger to my Durango and trading it in for a foreign job. :(



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