I do a lot of towing so my number one gripe is the poor turning radius. My ex purchased a 97 Dakota 318 CC 4x4 and I swear it had twice the turning radius!

The Cat is really annoying, needs to be gutted.

Bad gas mileage, it's pretty pathetic that the new big, heavy, 1500 Hemi's make so much more power while getting 39% better mileage! I was crunching the numbers yesterday, if I get a 2500 cummins it will make 54% better fuel economy than my Dakota and be way more capable, such a big truck though

Edit: I also wanted to add that despite a few let downs, this has been the most reliable vehicle my father has ever owned. Of course he use to be a ford mechanic which might explain a lot of things.

 

try finding a self serve auto salvage around you because i couldnt find parts either but there were over 18 dakotas sitting in the take a part a found

 

This one has NOTHING to do with an oil change. You probably need a second gear syncro and associated parts, but for reverse, BRAND NEW they will grind. When you depress the clutch, wait a few seconds for the trans to wind down, then put it in reverse. There is no syncro on reverse, so yes if you try to put it in while its still spinning, it will grind.

 

Before I forget, the Seat Belts are just awful, they keep falling apart on me.

I think the 2nd Gen seat belts will fit the first gen, anyone know for sure?

 

I had a feeling that was it after all, was just going off what the mechanic said. First does it when it's cold and second does it all the time now, reverse I'm used to. I'm not too worried about it right now, just picked up an NV3500 with 500miles on it for $250 for when the clutch or trans goes. And I have a few Jeep guys who want the AX-15 even if it needs rebuilt.

 

2 things. The 3500 is not a direct bolt in, there will be some necessary mods, and the AX-15 you have is a D, not a J. They are different transes, not going to bolt into a jeep. But maybe the jeep guys could use it for parts.

 

Knew the first part, I'll tell my buddy the part about the AX-15, thanks.

 

Shocker here but the interior of the 89 Sport is still like new while the 94 is shot. Yep 89 headliner is stapled but the 94 is gone and have material to replace it. Windows on the 89 need re glued to the frame not a big deal but like previously mentioned that will be a thrill getting door panels off, other than that the 89 has much better upholstery and springing in the seat. The 89 runs like a clock and is the daily driver the 94 sits until needed and probably is going down the road.

 

Plastic window guides.....SUCK!!!!!! What a horrible idea..

 

Well that might be a sign to lay off the beers. JK JK but no seriously are they not bolted on right? One of my worst pep peeve about the dakotas besides all the regular crap about them is that when my truck came out of factory the driver door is slightly warped just enough that when driving down the road you get a wind whistle that can drive even a sain man nuts. No body hit the door or pushed anything back but came out warped. I have done weather stripping, pushed the door back, spacers in the hinges and even went as far as to bend the door itself to fit snug, but unforutanly all failed.