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 will move this to the 2nd Generation Dakota Sub-Forum.

 

if the e fan isn't working you don't know if its been over heated which is not good even once i can blow the head gasket check to see if there is water in the oil or oil in the water. if the rack and pion is leaking that is a big money fix
what are they asking for it

 

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!

 

Thanks all for the info; they are asking 1000 dollars. There is a rubber boot on the steering arms & the fluid collects on that but I cannot tell where its coming from, and it is not a large amount. I don't kow but maybe I should listen to my gut & run?

 

Yeah, if your gut opinion is to not buy it, don't. UNless you talk them down to about $500, then your gut might change.

 

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