I have always been, and probably will remain a standard-shift guy, but as of
late, the automatic transmissions are becoming more and more reliable. I
will say this: I have seen lots of people with 5.2/5-spds,and 4.7L/5-spds
that have had tranny problems. The NV-3500 seems like a real nice tranny, if
you get a "good" one. For example, Matt Barrett('00 4.7L/NV-3500/9.25"
3.92sg 2wd) cut a rear yoke seal, for which they replaced the whole
tranny.Chris Lambert(Y2Dakuda@) has a ext. cab 2wd 4.7L/NV-3500 and has had
hell with his transmission problems. I have transmission problems, but have
not had to have it replaced as of yet. My truck has 10,900 miles and it has
gotten progressively worse since I got it new. I remember what it was like
new, and compared to now, it feels like a piece of junk. I know 4 people
here in town that have had reg cab 2wd 5.2L(318)/NV-3500's and 2 have had
one tranny replaced, and the other two had 2, all before 18,000 miles.But I
also know people who have gone 100,000 and more trouble-free miles on their
NV-3500's Example-Sam Parthemer's '95 SLT, and several others on the list.
Considering that you are looking at a 2001 with the 4.7L, it would be a
choice between the wide-ratio NV-3500 and the 45RFE automatic. I have heard
of a few problems with the new autos, but cetainly not as many as I've seen
with the manuals. There were some problems with the dipstick being too
long(I'm pretty sure they have gotten that taken care of),and I heard of a
few just being failures from the factory, but that is rare.To make an
accurate decision, I would have to know what exactly it is you are going to
be doing with the truck, and under what circumstances. As far as longevity
goes, Most of the NV-3500's seem to need shift forks,synchronizers,bearings,
etc. by 125,000 or somewhere close. I think that the automatic would be
reliable enough to last that long and maybe more before needing an
overhaul.If you do go automatic, I would be sure of a few things immediately
after I got the truck. Such as be sure and use the correct fluid and a good
filter,and I would change it twice as often as the "heavy/severe service"
schedule recommends.Be sure and install a very large auxilary trans fluid
cooler,preferably fan assisted.Get a trans fluid temperature gauge to
monitor the fluid temp. If I was going to go order it as my truck(which I
would very much like to do), I would probably still go with the manual, but
the automatic is just as much a viable option as I see it. On the LSD issue-
I personally wouldn't and don't own a truck without a limited slip or locker
of some type. My factory sure grip does just fine, thanks.I change the
Valvoline synthetic gear oil at every oil change, and add mopar friction
modifier with it. Every time the cover comes off, I take measurements on
different things in the case to measure wear. Also be sure to clean off the
magnet in the housing to keep metal from floating around inside.I take a
little extra precaution and go around the whole case with a very strong
magnet to pick up any filings that may be loose inside.I am currently
investigating installing a gear oil temperature guage.It's all in how you
take care of one. On the 4x4 options- the removal of an actual transfer case
lever makes me absloutley sick! The only shifting option now is a dial on
the dash panel. I personally would stick with the part time system, but if
you intended to use the system on pavement any, you would need to go with
the full-time, because it would come with the heavy-duty New Venture
transfer case that includes a center differential. It's up to you and the
decision should be made with the purpose of the truck and operating
conditions in mind. If you have "longevity, durability, reliabilty,etc." in
mind, I would say that the part time is the way to go. Sorry this is so
long, but I'm just trying to help! If you have anymore questions,or I can
help you in any way, please feel free to contact me and I will do everything
I can to help you. Welcome to the list and enjoy!
Will Coughlin willcoughlin@hotmail.com
'00 reg.cab,2wd,4.7L/hd5-spd/3.92sg(9.25")
http://www.geocities.com/willcoughlin/index.html
----Original Message Follows----
From: stanley.deforest@valeo.com
Reply-To: dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
To: dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
Subject: DML: 2001 Quad Cab 4x4 4.7L powertrain questions
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 11:14:55 -0500
I'm about to buy a 2001 Dakota QC 4.7L 4x4 and am a newbie to Mopars. I
have a
few questions...
Is the manual tranny preferable over the automatic for longevity? I'm
reading
many tranny horror stories around... Plus I save $900.
Is the limited slip rear end a good choice for mud, snow, and ice or will it
make the truck fishtail more?
How much more stable is the full time 4WD and is it reliable? Is it such a
big
deal to flick the switch when I need it, should I stick with the 'normal'
4WD?
I'm in upstate NY where it is winter 5 months out of the year. No
slickrocks
here, just mud, swamps and snow. Thanks for the help.
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