okay guys. i am lookin for my first vehicle, and a dodge dakota caught my eye. ive heard really bad about dodges from 97 and later and i think this one is a 2000. has anyone had any major expensive probs with their 4x4 dakota that i have heard about

 

There are issues with the 4.7L engine. Do some homework before you buy one.

 

I've got a 99 Dakota and my dad has a 00. Both never had any more problems than a sensor, and I know my truck has been through quite a bit. Make sure the transmission is flushed and the fluid looks pinkish. 4.7 isn't too bad of an engine, plus it makes for an easy new hemi swap. I have a 318 in mine.

 

4.7 had an oiling problem in the heads. Look it up.

 

Do not get one with a V6/auto/t-case. I had one and went through 3 trannies. The v6 motors do not have enough power for the 4x4 Dakotas in my opinion. If you have a manual tranny, that would be better. Also, the V6 motors have issues with the freeze plugs corroding out and leaking badly (ask me how I know).

 

okay thanks guys. those are all the problems i heard about, the one i was lookin at has 43 some thousand miles on it, 2000 3.9 manual 4x4 reg. cab for 6500. if i get to go check it out i'll check the trans. and look at the carfax. thank you guys again

 

The tranny will be either a AX15 or an NV3550 (you can google some pics to see the difference between the two). The NV3550 is a little stronger than the AX15 but both are great trannies.

 

AX15 tranny


NV3550 tranny