I've got the service manual on my 2000 Dodge Dakota v8 4.7l 5 speed standard shift. The current coolant has got to be every bit of 8+ years old by now.

Is there any precautions I should take when doing drain and fill? Or should I flush it? It's only got 12k on the clock.

Other than that.. it seems like clock work to me.

What type of coolant is recommended? Should I just stick to the Mopar stuff?

 

if it were me, id get a prestone flush and fill kit and follow the directions on the package...i have used them in a couple different cars and my truck and they worked well for me. i also really dont think it matters what kind of coolant you use as long as you use your flush kit once a year like i do. i have never had a problem with my cooling systems doing this.