im interested in buying a 97-04 dakota. i know i wanna get a v-8, and most likely an automatic. with that said, has anyone had any problems with the 4.7? i know the 5.9 should be ok though. my main concern is how good the 4.7 is (does it start well in the cold, does it cool well in the summer, and how many miles can be packed on it as compared to the 5.9 before big maintenance is needed, i dont really care if DCX says "its made for 150K" or whatever they say, you cant really trust auto-makers anymore anyways).. as well as the technology on it (im not a fan of car computers, and i wanna know if its reliable, seeing as my friend ruined his moms mitsu. diamante by jumping his pos taurus)... and my main concern is the tranny, as i would probably get an auto, i wanna know the transmission i should look for, and how to identify it, because i dont wanna get the truck and than have to replace the trans on it. anyways. thanks.

 

My new '04 4.7L comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission ... so did most of the other 04 Daks I was looking at ... in theory, a 5 speed should save you some life of both your tranny and engine ...

 

I have a 98 with a 5.2(318ci) the 318(push rod engine) pre 2001 and the 4.7(overhead cam engine) came in the 2001-present
I love my truck 98 ex cab sport 4x4 v-8 95,000 only probs ive had rear pinion bearings 65,000
injectors are getting pluged due to rust in lines
I think the 4.7 runs better
sorry short but hope this helps
Rick