Hello all!

I'm looking to get myself a 2nd gen dakota, I've always had Jeeps and Hondas, so i do not know anything about these, but i like the styling of them.

I'm looking to get an extended cab, not 4 door. What should I be watching out for? any common rot areas? common engine issues? tell tale signs of issues?

thanks all!!

 

The 4.7 is the "better" engine, as long as you don't plan on modding it. It also gets better gas mileage. You're looking at about 19-22mpg on the highway, depending on your speed.

Ball joints are the only real problem on the truck. Get the bigger bed if you plan on actually using it as a truck, the 5.5 foot bed is not really good for anything.

 

4.7 is the same in the jeep as dakota. the 4.7 5.2 and 5.9 are all good engines. dont bother with the v6. all the v8's have decent modding potential but the 4.7 is a little less, but you can still have fun with it. as for mpg, dont expect anything stellar. as for 20+ mpg? ehhh thats a stretch, even if you hypermile it.

 

gas mileage isnt a big concern for me, it be great, but not a big deal since i use my civic as my commuter car.

i been looking locally, not too many v8's to be found. 4x4 is a must for me, but it seems every 4x4 i find is a v6. if i have to settle for a v6 is there anything to watch out for that engine?

 

the lack of power, lol.

 

that's true! you got me there.

 

loled

I'm not going to start this gas mileage debacle again, but I just drove home albeit at 60mph and got 22mpg. ANY unneeded acceleration drops it, FAST.

 

is there any body rot issues with these trucks?

 

rusty bumpers, and bad paint

 

not too bad. coming from a comanche with a hole for a drivers side floor, that's not too bad at all!