I have 2004 Dakota with a 4.7 engine. My problem is when the engine is cold it dosent start right up. The starter turns the engine over but it dosent fire off until it has turned the engine for several seconds. Its like the fuel has leaked down and it takes a few seconds for it to build up enough pressure to crank. I have been told it could be the fuel pump or fuel filter. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

have ur fuel psi checked, proaly a fuel pump you run it down lower than 1/4 tank of gas alot??

 

Yep, do a leak-down test.
My bet is it's the Fuel-Pressure-Regulator.