Tundra Wookie said:
>
> Vehicle: 2002 Dakota SXT 3.9L V6 5 spd. 3.55 gears, A/C. 17K mi.
>
> 1) Is the V6 it really as much of a dog as it seems or does this one have
> issues?
I'd say it has issues. Granted, my V6 has the 3.9 gear ratio, but even
loaded down it's always held its own. I don't race it or anything, but it
has enough torque to climb any reasonable grade at whatever speed I want.
If there's a Dodge dealership convenient to your location, you could
always go test drive one of their V6 models for comparison.
> 2) Is there a problem with water intrusion in the rear diffs? This one had
> problems with water in the rear diff a couple of times, the only issue I
> could see was that the end of the vent tube for the diff was laying on the
> rear spring, which has since been corrected.
Yeah, that would definitely cause that problem. I extended my vent tubes
and I've never had water in mine <knock on wood>, even when doing this:
http://www.dakota-truck.net/MEET/daktoberfest2001/pics/jon/06.jpg
I wouldn't worry about it if the vent tube is hooked up properly. After
'97 the factory design was changed to be much better than what I
originally had on my '95.
> 3) The shift light seems somewhat erratic,
The shift light is useless. Take out the bulb and stomp on it.
> 4) Longevity issues: what wears out, such as ball joints and stuff.
Ball joints are a common complaint. Keep a close watch on the front brake
rotors, I've chewed through them in each new Dakota I've had.
> 5) Any issues with the electronic 4x4 stuff?
Haven't had any with our 2001, but that truck doesn't go off road.
Haven't heard of anyone else having problems.
> Most of the German auto manufacturers use this place as a winter testing
> ground.
Funny... I didn't realize Wookies lived in the tundra... :-)
Good luck with your decision. Hope this was of some use.
-- Jason Bleazard http://www.bleazard.net Burlington, Ontario his: '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 3.9 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white hers: '01 Dakota Sport 4x4, 4.7 V8, Auto, Quad Cab, black
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