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jon
Dodge Dakota
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4/12/2004
21:43:14
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 Subject: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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I am interested in buying a Dodge Dakota 97' or newer. I was wondering what everybodys opinion is on what engine and transmission I should get.
I would like to find one with the 4.7 liter engine because I was told it does better on gas than the 3.9. But I know that dodge didn't use that engine until 99 or 2000, which I really can't afford anything that new right now. So which engine does better on gas between the 3.9 and the 5.2?? Are there any common problems to either of the engines??
Automatic or 5 speed? I don't really mind shifting, I guess its nice to not have to shift once in a while, but I know the five speed can be more fun to drive. I used to have a ford Ranger so that kind of scared me away from automatics for a while. So are the any common problems to the automatic or the five speed? Also does any one know if you would see a difference in gas mileage between the two transmissions??
Thanks for your help and opinions.
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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4/12/2004
23:33:04
|  RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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jon-
What's your mix of city vs highway driving, and how much (if any) towing or hauling do you plan on doing?
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Chiz
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
00:41:38
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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The 3.9 I assume has got to be better on gas based on the simple fact that it is a smaller engine. Some would argue that the 5.2 has more power and therefore does not need to be driven as hard, resulting in similar mileage, but that argument does not make much sense to me when dealing with these two engines. I assume that you are at least gas-conscious, as I imply from your question, so driven the same, the 3.9 would be better on gas. I have the 3.9 and I get 13-14mpg in the city and 20-22mpg on the highway, only with a muffler and an air filter to help those numbers.
The automatics usually are rated at poorer mileage than the standards, but that difference is usually negligible.
As for common problems, if you count the engine usually outlasting the rest of the truck, then you've got one problem. Some will say that bellypans can be an issue (which I won't speak to because of ignorance), but for the most part, my understanding is that those engines hold up pretty dang well.
Again, like 99DAK says/intones, consider your primary use for the truck before buying and you will be happier with it. If gas is too much of a concern though, I strongly reccommend against a truck.
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Mr. Big
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
08:47:30
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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I vote for the 5.2 automatic. I have owned both the 3.9 and the 5.2 and there really is no comparison. The mileage is very similar(15 MPG AVG-V8 vs. 17 MPG-V6) I actually averaged about 2 MPG more with the 3.9 auto. The power difference is immesureable. These are great trucks, make sure that it has been maintained. Check the front end for balljoint deficiencies. I have owned both a Ranger and Dakota and the Dakota blows the Ranger away, hands down
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b1llyw
GenII
4/13/2004
08:57:14
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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3.9 and 5.2 mileage won't vary much. The 5.2 is bigger but the 3.9 has to work harder to move the truck. Try to find a 5.2, 5 speed.
Bill White - KRC Performance
'95 CC 4x2, SLT - 408 is done, truck isn't
'03 Neon R/T - No mods...yet
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
12:11:35
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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jon-
As to gas mileage, the 3.9 has the potential for 22-24 mpg highway (I get 23 @70mph with a 4x2 CC auto, only lightly modded). I doubt the same can be said for the 5.2. If MPG is your biggest concern, I'd look for a 3.9 5-spd 4x2 with 3.21 or 3.55 rear gears (LSD if you have a choice). However if towing/hauling is an issue you might be better off with the V8.
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
12:37:27
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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Put it another way:
Regular cab = lightest, best mpg.
Club cab = ok but not as good.
Quad cab = fugedaboudit.
4x2 = best mpg.
4x4 = more weight, more gas.
5-spd = best mpg.
Auto = good hwy, not as good city.
3.21 = best highway mpg, worse city.
3.55 = good compromise
3.92 = great for towing/launching, worst hwy mpg.
As Mr. Big said, make sure the truck was driven and maintained right. At the very least have a mechanic - or yourself - do (among other things) a compression test. And make sure you budget for the inevitable things you'll probably end up doing after the sale, stuff like ball joints, brakes, timing chain, etc.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
15:24:11
|  RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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With those choices, only one answer!
5.2, and the manual!
If you can't drive a manual in some traffic, you shouldn't have one anyway!
Mine's no problem in Houston traffic, in fact, it's a pleasure to drive.
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Joe.C
Dodge Dakota
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4/13/2004
15:30:04
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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REally a 3.92 rear gear would get better fuel millage in the city or when towing becuase you not lugging you engine as much and theres better use in engine power.
But I would go for the NV3500 5speed.
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Dave Mitchell
Dodge Dakota
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4/17/2004
12:50:05
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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99DAK:
Put it another way:
Regular cab = lightest, best mpg.
Club cab = ok but not as good.
Quad cab = fugedaboudit.
What is that supposed to mean? My '01 Quad w/4.7. manual trans and 3.55 just got me 23.6MPG freeway with a full load of firewood causing it to squat over two mountain ranges (Coast Range and Siskyou) on 6-7% grades. I'm not fudging. I live in the Sierra Foothills and get 19MPG average since it was bought (pump gals/odometer, not computer display).
Off course, I don't drive liek a 16-year old, either.
Dave
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
12:08:04
| RE: Automatic or 5 Speed? 3.9 or 5.2?
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Dave-
God bless you for getting 23.6 mpg. I hope you realize that your experience is not typical. (BTW, most people don't consider cruising @70mph, when and where that's the legal limit, to be "driving like a 16-year-old.)
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