Hi, I'm researching the 1998 3.9 V6 and I haven’t seen anyone state the engine is a poor design sow I’m optimistic on reliability. What are the problem areas for this engine and transmission? If properly taken care of do you think most of these models could see 200,000 miles on them with no major engine work? The truck I’m looking at has 122,000 (some towing a travel trailer I think) any opinions on this would be grate.

P.S. what is the payload capacity on these? Can the bed hold one yard of dirt if the weight restrictions are met?
Thanks

 

From what i have read, the 3.9 is virtually bullet proof. Very reliable and good design. Of course, long-term dependablity depends on the driver also. If you do your oil changes religiously (i change mine every 2500 miles) and keep up on other maintenance, just about anything will run for 200,000. But then again, every maker has thier lemons- not to discourage you.

My bro is a transmission tech. He says the Dodge manual is a really good transmission. Hes only rebuilt one of them in 6 years.Not too sure about the autos, but from just reading the posts here on the forum, i dont see too many people withtranny problems.


Not sure if this is the one your looking at, but it will get you pointed in the right direction:
http://www.carbuytip.com/car-specs/0...ota/index.html

 

The 3.9 is just a 318 with 2 cylinders lopped off. Millions of 318's were built as the base V/8 for years and years and they were bulletproof. So it goes without saying owners of the 3.9 will enjoy the same reliability. These are not high performance engines however even though they were given the "MAGNUM" moniker. If you're looking for something with great power you'd better get the V/8. If you're looking for something to do ordinary truck duties such as haul a load of dirt or lumber the 3.9 will do fine. The trannys hold up well behind the 3.9 because they are not a high output powerplant. If you take care of it and don't drive it like it's a race car it'll last.

 

3.9's are bulletproof, they do seem to have a plenum gasket problem and a knocking problem, but that can be fixed. other then that you cant kill the thing.

 

Thanks everyone. I'm looking to close the deal next week.

 

drive the thing for a hour or two first...dont jsut go around the block..

 

umm yea the 3.9 is indestructible, no matter how you drive it, ive got 200,000 on mine and i drive the damn thing like i stole it and no serious problems yet, id say go for it if the price is right, take care of it, and run it till the body rusts out

 

i had a 1998 dak with the 3.9 in it and i bought it with 106,000 and got rid of it when it hit 298,000. ran great the entire time. that 3.9 motor is amazing. the only reasoni got rid of it was to get my 1st gen cummins....