Re: GenIII 'Bugs'

From: Andy Levy (andylevy@bigfoot.com)
Date: Fri Jan 05 2001 - 23:49:39 EST


Another one to watch out for on 98/99 is the light switch. The original
design was very prone to the foglight part breaking; You'd pull the knob
out, but no light would come on. If it's already been replaced by the
original owner (if you're buying used), they most likely got the new &
improved design.

I haven't had the steering column problem, and I'm pretty sure my ball
joints are all fine. Also no cab bushing popping. Most likely they
slipstreamed some fixes in mid-year; My '99 was built on March 3rd or so
of 1999, so it was pretty close to that year's run. No misfiring, but I
have had the dreaded ping (I think it's resolved now).

I have had paint peeling problems on my front bumper. First time, the
dealer repainted under warranty, the second time (small area) I Kryloned
it myself.

Don't assume the 4.7L has fewer problems. Look at numbers as well.
We've had 3 years of GenIIIs with the 318, only 2 years with the 4.7L
(and '01 is only a partial year). I don't think you can go wrong with
either engine, but I have my preference (and it's sitting under the hood
of my '99)

The engine compartment is much more cramped than on your GenII
regardless of which engine you have. Bad news, it's not "anything like"
your girlfriend's '00 Durango, it's EXACTLY like it.

Kyle Kozubal wrote:
>
> Here is the rundown I can remember of various problems with various years:
> -1998/99= Popping Sensation/Noise In Steering Column While Turning......what
> fixed this problem?
> -1998/99=Ignition System Cross Fire; doesnt really bother me, just would
> slap on some MSD wires anyways
> -1998/99=Ball Joint Failure; is this upper ball joints and/or lower ball
> joints
> -Light Spark Knock
> -1998/99=Popping Noise when turning, wasnt this the cab bushings? Once
> fixed........did the problem get 100 30944669636770862754365499681275096772096448310502834499027563233352175763432476560080828763144888251703239439794226325324156003717057799703554444902644270292738121421934857767121322214875373297919656538128100127193757604166841693266594353715900514217110932553728.000000ixed?
> -1998/99=Timing Chain Noise
>
> Bernd.......what are the top 5 types of Dakotas(4WD only) with the dreaded
> pinging problem, broken down by year, engine size, etc? I looked for it on
> your website and cannot locate it. Thanks.
>
> The 2000 Dakotas were the first Dakotas to have the 4.7L V8s in them, right?
> They also seem to have the least engine related problems. I just am not sure
> about the 'service-ability', meaning how easy it would be to work on them.
> If the engine compartment is anything like my girlfriend's 2000 Durango 4WD
> 4.7L, I am shying away from it. Didnt some GenIII owners complain of the
> rear LSD making rather loud whining noises? Maybe? Even though these
> 'problems' may seem to be excessive, I still know Dodge Dakotas are the best
> made truck's and one of the most capable offroad 'stock' vehicles. I just
> want to make sure what years to avoid, if any, but basically what to look
> for. Not saying I am looking or anything though! Please let me know what
> else I should add, what is wrong, or little tips on GenIII 4WD Dakotas.
> Kyle
> 93 Dakota 4x4 V6

-- 
-andy

http://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@bigfoot.com ------------------------------------------------------------- modesty, n.: Being comfortable that others will discover your greatness -------------------------------------------------------------



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