You're comparing apples to oranges. Magnums were mopars improved v6. In 93 gm hadn't fully incorporated they're improved v6. The 4.3 vortec (the real vortec, not ones merely lablyed with an engine cover) had 195-210 or 215 HP. 5.2 magnums are right about 220. AFAIK, when the 3.9 was dumped for the pos 3.7, they hadn't done anything to make it better.

Again, Dakotas are heavier then rangers and s10's. They need the bigger engine to competitive. Especially in the older Dakotas since as the Dakota line went on, they got lighter and lighter.

 

So what you're saying is, it just took GM a little longer to update their V6. OK, but we were talking about a '93 Dakota, and a V6 built in that time frame (keeping it apples to apples).

Also, the '93 Magnum 5.2 was rated at 235hp not 220.

 

Right, that waa 93. And 235 was only two years. Then it got bumped down. As the vortec went on and on, it got more power.

What I'm saying is, Mopar **** all over the magnum engine compared to what they could have done with it.


I'm not talking about singling out the 93 Dakota mentioned here. Its the whole 3.9 in general. Great engine, but gutless.

 

OP, pay little attention to this motor talk. It's really a non issue. Find a solid truck, test drive it and buy whatever v shaped motor it comes with. If you want to know if the 6 has enough power then you can decide that when you drive it.

More important is rust and rot. A mildly rusty frame may have very serious rot in specific prone areas. You must check the frame very, very carefully.

 

I was able to get some pics of underneath the truck and the leaf springs in general. I was not able to tell where the cracks could be but it didn't look as bad as I was expecting. What do you guys think?

 

Not too bad, looks pretty solid. Yeah I can't see where the leaf is broke

 

Rust wise you think it may be ok?

 

Yeah from the pics it looks pretty good but id like to know where and how the leaf spring assembly was damaged. I see a tiny hint of fender rust but that's superficial unless you live in a super strict state with inspection it would be an issue if it's bad enough (probably not judging from the pics). Overall it looks alright but always check all the new nooks and crannies on the frame for rust.

Edit..no good view on the rear leaf hangers which always rust worse than the front. Check those out in particular

 

Not too bad, in fact its probably better rust-wise than mine. Rear half of the frame usually gets the worst of the rust, other than the front where the shocks attach. I can't see a spring crack either, does the truck sag on one side at all? That would be typical of a broken spring.

Sorry about diverting your post by engaging in the engine debate. It was way more than most anyone would care about.

 

Thanks tbugden, you have been a huge help. No inspections here which is good. I will see if I can get it on a lift. The only other area of concern is a rusted hole in the drivers floorboard but that can be fixed. Seems like for $400 this thing might be a decent deal.