Hi Aaron.You have the wisdom of many moons to check
with us first,although Mopar owners` opinions are
slightly biased (toward Mopars)! The ball joints are
an issue on the 4x4`s,but not the 2WD Daks,far as I
know.The brake rotors do have a tendency to warp
some,but of course less likely if you`re looking at a
5-speed.(Daks definitely have less brake issues than
GM trucks,that`s for DANG sure).Get 3.92 gears,not
3.55s,which (had?) a noise problem.Basically,most all
of us are very happy with our Daks,with occasional
annoyances that we mention here and there.But no
engine problems,and few transmission
problems,really.The 4.7 liter is definitely an engine
I would consider for power vs. mileage. Steve P.
--- Aaron Fuehrer <afuehrer@acuta.org> wrote:
> I am a new member to the list and wanted to get some
> answers from real
> Dakota owners prior to my next truck purchase. I am
> looking at a 2001 Club
> Cab Dakota with the 4.7, 5 speed, and limited slip -
> just the basics. This
> truck / configuration is great because its larger
> than say a Ranger but
> smaller than an F-150. I don't want to spend 28 to
> 30K on a full size 4X4
> GM or Ford truck, but for a few thousand more than a
> small Ranger or S10 I
> can purchase the mid-sized Dakota with a V8.
>
> My question is quality and reliability. I have
> heard of several quality
> issues with the Dakota such as rotor/break problems,
> electrical problems,
> ball joint wear, and overall build quality issues.
> I realize that no
> vehicle is perfect, but I don't want the truck in
> the shop more times than
> its on the road. I am a long-term vehicle owner and
> want to keep whatever
> truck I purchase at least 10 years or 200K miles.
> My basis for this is my
> current car, 89 Firebird 5.0 V8 with 207K on it.
> All of the consumer
> reports over the years never rated my Firebird very
> high either, but I'm
> still driving it today.
>
> Any input from current owners who want to share
> their experience is greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Aaron
> afuehrer@acuta.org
>
>
=====
Steve Preston 1999 Dakota Sport 3.9V6,4x4,3.92 Anti-spin,42RE auto,Intense Blue,regular cab.
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