I guess I will start saving for that. I have all the same symptoms. And like Wink said it really acts up in the rain.

 

yea, i think its protected with some kind of like foam padding or something... i forget what it is exactly, but make sure that when you get a new one whoever fixes it makes sure to "re-protect" it really good. otherwise the same thing will just happen again.

 

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

 

damn, figures that the only thing that has happened to it since i purchased it is something that i cannot fix myself. hey thanks a lot to everyone who replied to my post, it really helped...

 

hey a nother quick question, i just hit the 80,000 mark, is there anything that i should replace or keep my eye out for? anyone exeperience any breakdowns after that mileage. unfortunately i do not have any previous records of past history, so i do not know what has been done...

 

i would do a transmission fluid change with mopar atf4 and a new filter, change the rear end fluid also. if you have a limited slip rear, make sure to add the friction modifier. also, you may want to just break down and get new o2 sensors while you're at it. even if you're noticing any problems now, new o2's can help with fuel mileage. i think you're supposed to change them at 60-70k miles anyway. i would recommend going on hughes engines website for the o2's. they have NTK sensors that are supposed to be better than stock and i think they are cheaper anyway. plus they have a chart that will tell you exactly which o2's you need and how many if you dont already know. let us know how it turns out. and thanks for not being one of those people who just joins the forum so they can b!tch about something thats wrong with their truck. everyone on here knows quite a bit about these trucks and we like to help someone out, provided they dont come on here just to bash dakotas or dodge in general.

 

Yeah, check the front end components as well. 80k you shouldn't have a problem but its a good time to go through and take a look at your ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links in the rear. Although it may be early you want to keep an eye on this stuff and see what kind of condition it is in. If you have something powertrain related the worse that happens is the truck doesn't run. But break a tie rod on the highway and hold your going for a ride.

 

thanks for all the info, i purchased my dak about a year ago, used to drive a chevy, but didn't like all the problems. i love my truck, looks, comfort, and power. i couldn't be happier. done a few mods such as intake exhaust and flashpaq, but i do a decent commute each day, so i don't wanna go too crazy with my daily driver. as far as company bashing, my gf drives a honda, supposedly one of the most reliable and maintanance free cars around, but their egr problem, is ridiculous. 300 dollars for a new one, and have to damn near take the engine out to get to it. no company is perfect, but so far dodge has come close for me...

 

wink 2873, that friction modifier, is it a fluid additive?

 

You have the same problem as I do and so far its been my only problem as well. I really like the 4.7 and I think thats what you have too right? They are IMO the best midsize truck. Most power, perfect size, best looks, all around I love the dakota.