So this happened.....

Thankfully it is fixable. But I've decided to go ahead and look for a 4x4. After some research I settled on looking for a Dakota. I'm looking for any wisdom and experience on what to look for when shopping for a Dakota.


So what I'm looking for is

Extended Cab - so I can carry 4 people. Bed on the quad cab is too short.
4x4 - so I can take it offroading. We have 20 acres and neighbors that slide down and get stuck on our property when it snows.
V8 - so I can tow stuff. And horsepower of course.
5 speed - so it will be fun to drive


I've decided to look for a 4x4 00-04 Extended Cab 4.7 5 speed. They seem to be hard to find. If I'm correct it seems the weaknesses on Dakotas are the auto transmissions and the ball joints. And what I've found is after 2000 they fixed the ball joint issue.



I have some questions I would like to ask.


First question I have (I have been trying to read some topics on this). I'm interested in the engine swaps that people do on these trucks. If I'm correct I think its like this.

Dakotas with the 5.2 V8 can swap in a 5.9 V8
Dakotas with the 4.7 V8 can swap in a 5.7 Hemi

If I find a 5 speed Dakota with a blown 4.7 is it realistic to contemplate swapping in a 5.7 hemi? Can anyone give a rough estimate on the cost of swapping a hemi in?



Second question I have. Do all 4.7 V8 4x4 Dakotas come with the limited slip 9.25 rear axle?



And third question. Is there anything in particular I should look for or check when I go to look at a Dakota?




I appreciate you reading this! Thank you!

 

Get a 4 door Ram 4x4 with the Hemi , you would save alot of time , money, and cuss words .

 

I think all quadcabs come with the 9.25 axle , mine did, but, I also have the 5.9, check for frame rust,and especially leaf spring shackles! those fender flares hold water also, if you see a small bubble of rust just above those flares, I can assure you its rotted out really bad underneath!..

 

Thank you for your tips. I found a truck the other day with a non starting 4.7 with all the options I was looking for. After some back and forth with the seller I got a picture of the interior and the truck was actually an automatic not a manual as listed. But I was doing more research on what it would take to drop in a hemi if I couldn't fix the 4.7. I think dropping in a hemi is a little outside my budget and cabability. I would like to build the truck for to be able to tackle moderate off-roading. But would be fun to have some good street performance.

We have a Jeep ZJ with the 5.2 that I really like. I've always wanted the Limited 1998 5.9 Jeep Grand Cherokee. But since I need/want a truck I think I might try to find a Dakota with the 5.2 with the possibility of dropping in the 5.9. That would be sweet and seems to be a much easier swap.

@LIZZRD I don't think the Ram Hemi came with a manual and I think I'll have more enjoyment from a Dakota.

@44Dakota Thanks for the tips. Where did you get those fender flares?

 

[QUOTE

@44Dakota Thanks for the tips. Where did you get those fender flares?[/QUOTE]

the flares are for 2002 to 2008 ram 1500, and there not a direct fit, the fronts weren't bad with just a little trimming of the flares, but, the rears are a completely different story, I had to cut 2 to 3" of the wheel well out of the bed, but, since mine were rusted anyway, I didn't have any proplem doing this..

 

Get 2003-2004 (maybe 2002 also) with factory tow package, but preferably has not towed much. That comes with heavy duty cooling, which means larger radiator, dedicated transmission cooler, power steering cooler and rear disc brakes. Also has a plug for a trailer brake controller under the dash. The extra cooling really helps in the longevity of the transmission.

 

Got the truck I've been looking for! Drove four hours to pick it up.



1999 Dodge Dakota Sport Plus 5.2 V8 w/ 5 speed and 4x4

Runs and drives. No real rust. Needs new tires and I'm going to put some Cragars on it. I'm also going to be painting it. Going to do a full tune up before I start driving it. Trailered it home.

 

Not bad. I hope you understand that the club cab isn't exactly roomy in the back seats, but if you only plan on extra bodies on rare occasions it won't be bad. The Sport gives you a better rear for towing (3.91 IIRC)