I am currently looking at a 1997 Dakota sport ext cab P/U w/5.2
Liter@99,000 miles at a used car dealer. The truck is in good shape and
I observed no leaks but the spare tire and the bottom rear of the truck
have a thick layer of oily dust, like a pretty serious petroleum leak
was happening for a while. I want to have my mechanic check the truck
out but I was wondering if any of you guys could give me a clue as to
what system is the most likely to leak. Transmission, or motor. Also
there is quite a bit of play in the driveline with the drive to reverse
transition giving a loud clunk. Is this typical? Or should I have a
closer look at the U joints. Also the oil smelled of gasoline (from the
dipstick) is this typical for a truck with high mileage Or should I be
concerned about it.
I had a Plymouth Satellite with a 318 that was awesome, I can't imagine
what that same motor will do in the lighter Dakota, any idea why Dodge
abandoned this powerplant?
What automatic transmission do they use in the Dakota? Is it offered in
any other Chrysler products? I have read a lot of horror stories about
trannys in Dakotas, can they be beefed up??
Thanks again for
any input any of you can offer.
Leroy Grider
Fresno Ca
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