1998 Dodge Dakota opinions please
#1
1998 Dodge Dakota opinions please
I'm looking at a used 1998 Dakota, it is 2wd and has the 2.5 4cyl 5 speed transmission.
I am driving it this weekend before deciding and was hoping for pointers in what potential issues I should look for. I want it for a work truck so I expect to put a little money in it but dont want to get into a mess, especially since im no mechanic.
I notice it seems to leak a little power steering fluid, a friend said it looked like it could be from the rack & pinion?
The electric radiator fan does not work, could I mount a belt drive fan on the water pump?
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
I am driving it this weekend before deciding and was hoping for pointers in what potential issues I should look for. I want it for a work truck so I expect to put a little money in it but dont want to get into a mess, especially since im no mechanic.
I notice it seems to leak a little power steering fluid, a friend said it looked like it could be from the rack & pinion?
The electric radiator fan does not work, could I mount a belt drive fan on the water pump?
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
#3
#4
The 4 cyl engine is pretty stout. This is the same 4banger they use in the jeep & I've seen them run for well over 300k with nothing but an oil change.
Power steering leak - rack & pinions can be pretty expensive - not sure what one costs for a dak - but labor will be in the $500 range to install. Think $900 to $1k if it needs to be replaced. Unless you can do it yourself.
Check that it isn't just a hose -
Otherwise - things to check are the AC - the blend door that moves the air between the defroster & front vents seems to break on each & every dakota they ever built. I just had mine repaired for $700
Ball joints - they are cheap & easy to replace - but a Dodge wouldn't be a Dodge unless it had worn out ball joints!
Power steering leak - rack & pinions can be pretty expensive - not sure what one costs for a dak - but labor will be in the $500 range to install. Think $900 to $1k if it needs to be replaced. Unless you can do it yourself.
Check that it isn't just a hose -
Otherwise - things to check are the AC - the blend door that moves the air between the defroster & front vents seems to break on each & every dakota they ever built. I just had mine repaired for $700
Ball joints - they are cheap & easy to replace - but a Dodge wouldn't be a Dodge unless it had worn out ball joints!
#5