Dodge Dakota Future Models

141 messages, Last post on Sep 03, 2006 at 8:58 AM

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#92 of 141 More Questions by ron35 Oct 04, 2004 (4:43 am)
Dusty - The spec sheets I have seen list the 4.7 HO as requiring premium fuel. I have heard of some having sucess with the mid-level grade. Ron
#93 of 141 New Dakota Engines by captjohn Oct 06, 2004 (9:49 am)
My old 1988 Dakota just went to the junk yard, so I'm in the market for a new truck. I drove the new 2005 Dakota last week, and I was impressed with the overall quality, and how it handled. This truck represents a significant improvement at least in the seat and dash materials over recent Dodge models. Since my old 3.9L V6 never gave me any problems, I am looking for anyone's experiences with the newer 3.7/4.7 family of engines. My experiences with older Chrysler engines that have a iron block with aluminum heads has made me very cautious of this engine family. I've had to pay for head gaskets twice on the old 3.0L Mitsubishi built V6 and their old 2.2L 4cy. Can anyone summarize the recent experiences with this new engine family? Replies to this message: dustyk (Oct 06, 2004 3:12 pm) goboilers (Nov 10, 2004 5:20 pm) dustyk (Nov 11, 2004 2:13 pm)
#94 of 141 Re: New Dakota Engines [captjohn] by dustyk Oct 06, 2004 (3:12 pm)
Replying to: captjohn (Oct 06, 2004 9:49 am) Capt, So far the 4.7 has proven to be bullet proof. The 3.7 hasn't been out quite as long, but should be just as reliable. I have not heard of one head gasket problem yet, and some 4.7s are over the 100K mark. I'm familiar with the older 2.2 Chrysler-built 4-cylinder engines and head gasket problems. But keep in mind that towards the end of that engines life head gasket failures became much less of a problem. My wife had a 2.5 Plymouth Acclaim that got to 130K on the engine with no engine repairs...ever. With respect to the Mitz-built engines, yeah. Those appear to be a problem. Best regards, Dusty
#95 of 141 The mitsu by mopar67 Oct 10, 2004 (6:20 pm)
6 bangers were also notorious for dropping the valve guides. Follow any Chryco minivan, Dynasty, or Acclaim and if its spewing blue smoke, it has the mitsu 6 cyl engine. Not to mention the dist cap wiring was a nightmare as was water pump replacement. From what I reall, the pump was driven by the timing belt of all things! Certainly not a sturdy design!
#96 of 141 Re: More Questions [demoncleaner] by fishkiller Oct 12, 2004 (8:24 pm)
Replying to: demoncleaner (Sep 30, 2004 6:40 am) Empty, 17+ on hwy 70-80; 15+ in town. W/ 1300# cabover camper + small boat, 12-13 on flat roads 70mph.
#97 of 141 Re: New Dakota Engines [captjohn] by goboilers Nov 10, 2004 (5:20 pm)
Replying to: captjohn (Oct 06, 2004 9:49 am) Captjohn, I have an 01 quad,4X4,4.7 with 97,000 miles. I have had no problems (knock on wood)with the engine and it runs as good today as when I bought it. I have done nothing but change the plugs, oil and put gas in it. The one complaint is gas mileage, I get about 14 miles per gallon with mix city/highway driving and about 10mpg towing my 3200# boat. But with the performance of the engine it's hard not to have a heavy foot. Replies to this message: dustyk (Nov 11, 2004 2:13 pm)
#98 of 141 Re: New Dakota Engines [goboilers] by dustyk Nov 11, 2004 (2:13 pm)
Replying to: goboilers (Nov 10, 2004 5:20 pm) John, At what mileage did you think that 4.7 was finally broken in? Best regards, Dusty
#99 of 141 Trucker newbie needs help! by amoreano Dec 10, 2004 (7:42 pm)
I almost bought a '05 Toyota Tacoma this afternoon (extended cab/long bed). The biggest drawback to this truck is the old style on-demand 4 wheel drive system. You have to choose bewteen locking rear diff/open diff when unlocked, or a limited slip diff. Each has its pros and cons. I'm very excited about the Dakota'a full 4 wheel system. I also like the fact that the Dak's short bed is almost 5" longer than the Taco's short bed. This truck will be on the streets 90% of the time/10% in the woods. I am NOT a true 4 wheeler, that is, no boulder hopping, tree stump climbing stuff. My wife and I are avid hikers and we often travel long distances on some pretty rough Forest Service roads to get to trailheads. The one thing that I find disturbing about the Dakota is the 7.9" ground clearance. I'm accustomed to the 8.1" ground clearance in our '97 Pathfinder SE (prior to that we had a really crummy '84 Jeep Cherokee- don't know what it's ground clearance was). I noted that some of you have actually BEEN in the F.S. so you're intimately familiar with the kinds of roads I frequent. Do you think that this '05 Dakota will meet my needs??? Thanks loads for your experienced opinions! Replies to this message: dustyk (Dec 15, 2004 3:30 pm) spike50 (Dec 15, 2004 5:44 pm)
#100 of 141 Re: Trucker newbie needs help! [amoreano] by dustyk Dec 15, 2004 (3:30 pm)
Replying to: amoreano (Dec 10, 2004 7:42 pm) I think the new Dakota is a very good contender when compared to any of the less-than-full-size trucks. Considering power alone, it is even competitive with some full-size entries. The 7.9 inch ground clearance may be an issue for you if you think ground clearance is of vital importance. For most 4-wheel drive work that I've seen it would be fine. Then again, I am not a died-in-the-wool four-wheeler. For the average use of a 4-wheel drive I think the new Dakota will be okay, but for the more serious off-roading it will not be. Maybe in a few months someone will offer a lift kit for those that like all the virtues of the new design but need extra height. Good luck with your decision. Best regards, Dusty Replies to this message: spike50 (Dec 15, 2004 5:44 pm)
#101 of 141 Re: Trucker newbie needs help! [dustyk] by spike50 Dec 15, 2004 (5:44 pm)
Replying to: dustyk (Dec 15, 2004 3:30 pm) After 4 yrs, I'm still waiting for Energy Suspension to offer alternatives for those "squeakers" Mopar used on the sway bar and rear leaf springs. I guess it's a volume thing so don't hold your breath on many lift kit offerings.