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Dan S.
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2004
13:06:47

Subject: What to look for on a used Dakota
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Hello all. I am considering the purchase of my first Dakota. It is a 1996, V8, 4WD, auto, with 120k miles. Are there any problem areas with these trucks that I should inspect before purchasing? How many miles does the drivetrain typically last? What kind of fuel mileage can be expected (approx 20mpg?)? Any feed back is appreciated.



Dann
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2004
15:43:56

RE: What to look for on a used Dakota
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I won't comment on too much here, but I wouldn't count on 20 mpg. You're probably looking at more like 15 with the V8 and 4x4. Ball joints are a known issue with these trucks. They can be great trucks, but looking through these boards they seem to be hit or miss when it comes to reliability. How much you're paying will impact how good a deal you're getting here. Good luck.



Dan S.
Dodge Dakota
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5/18/2004
13:32:56

RE: What to look for on a used Dakota
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Thanks for the insight. Does the ball joint problem happend on 96's also? I found info on the newer ones, but haven't found much on the older style.

Right now, I'm leaning towards a different truck instead. Seems that a lot of people are unhappy with their Dakotas. Anyone else have opinions?



daffydak
GenIII
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5/18/2004
15:01:26

RE: What to look for on a used Dakota
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I dont think the ball joints are an issue on the gen 2 dakotas. I think the tranny is the only thing you need to be really critical of. also I know the gen 3 dakotas, have problems with the factory brake rotors warping. again I don't think this affects the gen2 dakotas. the engines are tanks though!!

One other thing, is the intake plenum (belly pan) gasket. it can blow, and cause heavy detonation and high oil consumption.... I think thats a magnum engine thing, not year dependant (please correct me if i'm wrong)

just my .02

Dan

MOPAR=More Power!!

EyeTrip
R/T
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5/18/2004
18:22:46

RE: What to look for on a used Dakota
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Fuel gauge sender likes to wig out around half tank on the gen2's. And like was said earlier, intake manifold plenum gasket. That’s the only real problems that I know of.

2000 CC R/T 52mm TB, M1, 2.02 R/T heads (polished chambers), headers 3.5" exhaust, flowmaster 40 single, MP PCM, removed engine driven fan(It's back on now Damnit), MSD ign-BTM, Taylor "409" plug wires with boots, Keith Black pistons, 5140 rods, ARP head studs, Hotchkis suspension 2/3 drop, Transgo shift kit, lot's of little stuff! More to come!

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