Taking my newly purchased '98 Dakota 4x4 reg. cab. with the 5.2 L and auto. trans. to be checked by my mechanic. What common problems are there with these trucks? Do they have the plenum problem? Steering problems? This truck has some play in the steering but not as bad as my '95 had. What about peeling paint? Did Dodge have this fixed by then? '95 had rear main seal leak and transmission seal leak with 140,000 on truck, '98 has 108,000. Any advice and input appreciated.

 

paint isn't fixed still fades
one of the most common issues is ball joints

 

I have had my 2000 SLT 4x4 4.7 for 7 years.BRAKES&WHEEL BEARINGS.

 

transmissions

 

yes plenum issue is all the magnum engines im pretty sure like everyone else, trans, ball joints, wheel bearings, some guy told me half shafts on his but i haven't had a problem yet, rear diff if you have the chrysler 9.25 with lsd the stock unit likes to kill the clips in it

 

Since you are having a mechanic inspect, I am assuming you are going over this vehicle with at least some heightened level of scrutiny. As such, I thought I could make a pretty detailed list. Not that you will necessarily worry about all of these things, but if you are picky like me, you might want to at least consider them.

Front end components (hubs, ball joints, etc)

Speed sensors (look for ABS / Check Engine Light / speedometer not working or working erratically at low speeds)

Bearing on the steering shaft (is that what it is called?? The one that is inside the cab, way down by the firewall - it might click and clunk if you turn fully in one direction while driving and slightly push down on the steering wheel)

Plenum / Belly pan gasket

There was a recall on the catalytic converter on my '99. It is since expired. The exhaust on mine was just generally garbage, so I fixed it myself

Now, if you are really being picky...

Check out where the front fenders meet the hood. There is a little rubber piece there between the hood and the fender. Pull that back (be careful not to tear it off) and look under it. I have seen many Dakotas that show their first signs of rust at that spot. Also, look where the front fenders meet the bumper. Poke your finger up between the bumper and the fender (but be careful because if there is rust it might be jagged and result in you needing a tetanus shot) and feel the backside of the fender. If there is rust there, you will feel it or see it on your finger after. I have not witnessed any "peeling" paint, but rust seems to be pretty common in my locale.

You can pick up on ball joint / suspension problems by examining the tires. My failing ball joints led to premature wear on the inside of the front tires. It was really easy to spot and developed well before my first tire rotation on new tires.

Can't speak to the auto transmission issues. But, there are LOTS of people on here asking about their transmissions...

I have a very slight oil leak from the backside of my engine. Not even enough to cause a drip, but it is noticeable if you get under the truck. Don't know if this is an "issue" generally or just a product of time, but it is there on mine.

Lets see, what else? On the really, really picky level...

My rear bumper was rusting out, but some lady rear-ended me at 50 mph and paid to get the whole backside of my truck fixed, so I don't know what rust issues there might be back there.

My speakers took a crap.

The headlights will turn yellow.

I have an intermittent issue with the climate controls. Sometimes, when I move the fan from the third setting to the fourth, it just stops. It has never failed to work when I turn it back to the third setting and then move to the fourth again.

Even if you don't give two craps about all of the super picky stuff, you can always point it out and use it as a bargaining tool

I think that just about covers everything I have experienced, from the relatively important, all the way down to the level of "this crap will only affect you if you think you are buying a 3 month old car instead of a 12 year old truck."

 

and you can always check the sticky at the beginning here and there's some info there too.

 

I've mad my 1998 dakota 5.2 auto 4x4 for a year now.
There is 210k km on it

The paint is in great shape, looks like a new truck when I was it. (the previous owner waxed it occasionaly, i do it every 6 months and it has a brilliant shine)

I think I need a new drivers side ball joint, so ill replace both in the front soon.
Brakes ill need to do within 3-6 months or so.
The only problem I've had is a small coolent leak due to a bad waterpump.

These are great trucks, fun to drive, lots of power, great size truck for urban mobility; the only downfall is the gas mileage- however most people who buy a truck don't have "the gas mileage of a prius" on their priority list.

If you drive this truck like a normal human being without doing burn outs at every light and keep up with your maintenance it will last you a long, long time. My buddy has a 96 dakota 5.2 auto with 325k km on it, he **** kicks it, hasnt changed the oil in 15k or so, and its still running strong with an original tranny&engine.

 

Heater core!! Atleast on my 3.9 not sure about the rest... I've had my truck for almost 6 years, I've went thru 3 heater cores! That has been along 6 years of abuse though! Now I drive it easy and all the past abuse is catching up with me..

 

How do you abuse a heater core????