To: dakota@csclub0.cs.fredonia.edu@INTERNET; mikel@superior.net@INTERNET
From: Clement_D on Mon, Jun 24, 1996 7:56 AM
Subject: RE: Information on circa '88 dakota's
From: mikel@superior.net@INTERNET on Sat, Jun 22, 1996 7:06 PM
>I am thinking of buying a small or midsize truck to do light occasional
>chores and pull general duty as second car.
>I have been looking a little at early model dakotas as I don't want to
>spend more than around $4 - $5k.
>Any info on potential trouble spots to look for or options that are
>desirable would be great.
>I am interested in the v6. I know it's derived from the venerable 318
>and was wondering about it's longevity. The ones I see for sale all
>have going on 100K or more miles.
>Also longevity of the 4x4 system is another question.
>Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.
I have an 89 4x4 LE short bed. it now has 198,000 miles on it. The engine is
solid uses no oil and sounds as good as a new one. There is no rust on the
body, the paint still looks great (normal dings and scratchs only - color
black) and and no squeaks or rattles under normal driving (there are a
couple when you get off road). The interior still looks new. Other than
fluid changes the rear axle has not been touched (non posi). The front axles
has had both outer CV's replace (actually it was cheaper to buy complete
rebuilt axles half shafts), one axle seal and now the pinion seal is
starting to leak. The transfer case has been trouble free except for the
vacuumn switch that operates the front axle disconnect (it has been replaced
twice). The automatic tranny started acting up just before it went off
warranty and was eventually replaced under warranty at 90k miles. The
replacement has been trouble free.
If you can determine the maintainence record, a vehicle with 100k miles is
no big deal. I regularly put over 200k miles on a vehicle without major
repairs. It is usually the body self destructing that casues me to get rid
of a vehicle.
Dave Clement
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