I feel like I bought a ticking time bomb after I did some research on the 'net about my low oil pressure. I see numerous complaints about the engines seizing up due to the engine sludge issue, transmissions going bad, dramatic ball joints faliures, minivans bursting into flames etc etc. However, almost all were 98+ models (Durangos, Dakotas etc)

In the few days that I've had my truck I like it but not if it's going to be unsafe (ball joint failures) or a money pit (oil sludge, transmission etc).

So are the 1st gen Dakotas better? Or ask another way what parts should I refresh and be concerned with? What have been the more common issues for you guys? I'd appreciate some feedback from those who've had these trucks for a while.

transmission failure is overrated with these trucks imho. 3.9 is a pretty solid motor and the 318 is one of the best motors dodge has ever made. frames are heavey duty compared to what new full sized 3/4 ton trucks have today. any good mechanic will find a wheal bearing or ball joint, or tierod type problem during the yearly inspection if your state has one before any real problem occurs. i would rather get in an accident with my old 89 than in my dads newer toyota tundra, they fold up beyond belief at low impact speeds. had a chevy in the shop, town plow truck, year and a half old and the frame was rusted to the point it needed replacement, never seen a truck rot out that fast

My truck has been hell and back and the gas was cheaper in hell! When I got my dak it had 189,000 miles on it guy told me he drove it all up in down the mountains here in CA towing, hauling, etc.. So of coarse the tranny had been rebuild at like 180,000 mi and after I gotitI beat to helland I think the only problems id ever had was EGR valve, radiator, water pump, cap & rotor, and a coil. When I tore my motor down at 208,000mi , cause id been burin some oil but it still ran like a champ, the motor had no sludge just some bad varnish issues, but heres the thing id hardly had any ring ridge if any.

My truck has been hell and back and the gas was cheaper in hell! When I got my dak it had 189,000 miles on it guy told me he drove it all up in down the mountains here in CA towing, hauling, etc.. So of coarse the tranny had been rebuild at like 180,000 mi and after I gotitI beat to helland I think the only problems id ever had was EGR valve, radiator, water pump, cap & rotor, and a coil. When I tore my motor down at 208,000mi , cause id been burin some oil but it still ran like a champ, the motor had no sludge just some bad varnish issues, but heres the thing id hardly had any ring ridge if any.

211,00+ and still going strong, only problems thus far are the motor mounts need replacing, EGR, and clutch replaced shortly before I got it. LOL, and much like fox, I beat mine to pieces. As long as you take care of the basic maintenance issues, I doubt these trucks will ever die.