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05:55:30 - 04/25/2024
V8 Dakotas
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NewRTowner
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
19:12:49
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 Subject: 5.9 Reliable? Durable?
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Message:
I just picked up a used 1998 Dakota R/T Regular Cab. This truck looks good and runs good. It has 65,000 miles on a 5.9L Magnum engine. What I was wondering is what to expect in regards to reliability on this engine and how long do they typically last with good routine upkeep? My last car was a honda that had 225k miles on it when I got rid of it. The last V8 I ever had was a 1976 Chrysler Cordoba and it was a great car but not all that reliable.
So anybody have a high mileage 5.9? What's the key to longevity?
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2003
21:36:57
|  RE: 5.9 Reliable? Durable?
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The entire line of Chrysler smallblocks is incredibly solid. The line goes back to late '67 with revisions over the years being very few til the Magnum upgrades. So, the 360 is structurally, very solid. All that electronic crap they put on the engines? I can't speak for that stuff. Anyway, change the oil. Synthetic oil will help a bit, but if you don't change it every 3000 miles, it'll do no good. It's the combustion by-products (acids) that build up in oil and speed engine wear. It also tends to speed wear if they're driven hard. Basically, run it like a race engine, it'll last like a race engine. I've read numerous posts on another board about 175,000+ mile Ramcharger 318's and 360's that are still going strong. Keep this in mind. If you open up the major choke points, you'll get better mileage and the engine will run easier in all situations, thus extending lifespan. Basically, running a good intake with a fresh air filter, and a good flowing cat-back exhaust will make a remarkable difference. Beyond that? Hey, how much money ya got? :-)
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/16/2003
00:21:57
| RE: 5.9 Reliable? Durable?
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Dodge V-8 are built like tanks. Actually, better than tanks. Just do the maintenance as described in the manual and it will last forever.
Change the oil at whatever interval you feel is appropriate depending on the oil you use and the type of driving you do. If you drive hard and use the cheapest oil you can find, then change every 3K. If you spend $8 a qt on Amsoil and drive moderatly, change it every 10K. If you only plan on keeping the truck for 20K miles or less, never change it. Personally, I use Mobile 1 and change it every 7,500 miles.
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BrianY 02 R/T
Dodge Dakota
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10/17/2003
11:59:58
| RE: 5.9 Reliable? Durable?
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We had a 93 ram with a 360 come in to our shop for a water pump a few months ago. It had 450,000 kilometers on it, I think thats just under 300,000 miles and it was the first major repair the truck ever had.
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