New guy here! Been in a Dodge Truck family and finally looking at purchasing.

So are there any 2nd gen dakota specific issues, or truck issues in general I should watch for? This will be my first foray into truck ownership.

I'm looking at a 2002 Quad Cab 4x4 with a 4.7L V8, there bringing it in from out of area so I haven't been able to see if its an auto or manual, the online listings are crappy for detailed information.

Truck has 131,000 miles and was only owned by 1 person.

Thanks for your help.

 

ball joints...

 

Ball joints for sure.

The biggest thing is if it was taken care of. Usually a truck that has had one owner and has 130k on the clock was probably taken care of but make sure to go through everything.

The 4.7 is an awesome motor. I love mine. Good power and reliable.

 

agreed, ball joints. Lower steering shaft U joint. ball joints. Ball joints again (did i hear somebody's done 3 sets in 150K miles?)

oh, and typical chrysler transmission = suck.

 

the 45rfe tranny pared with that 4.7 is actually decent and isnt old technology like our transmissions : 3.9 v6- 42re, 5.2 (318) v8 - 42/44re (depends on application), 5.9 (360) v8 - 46re. these transmissions are slush boxes

 

Im sick of this question...

Im making a sticky for this question...

 

I second the vote

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...re-buying.html


feel free to add things guys, i just covered the basics...

 

you should lock this thread too maybe

 

ditto, i thought he had already.