I've got a 92 Dak that I love to death, the thing is an absolute tank.

I'd like to get another first gen dak, but I'm having trouble finding a decent one at a decent price.

Found this 99 Dak here, but I'm not familiar with the second gen, and would rather stay in my comfort zone of first gen... so I came here to ask opinions of the differences between them mechanically.

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/2231111561.html

They're both 3.9l, but as I understand, the 99s are different. Is there more electronic bull**** (o2 sensors and whatnot) going on with the 99s vs the first gens?

Any advice/direction/tips would be appreciated.

Thanks
-Geoff

 

I have a 2001 with the 3.9, have never owned a first gen Dakota, but I used to own a 2000 SLT Club Cab, also with a 3.9. Between that Dakota and my 2001 I had a full size Ram 1500 single cab. I would think there has to be some major differences between the first and second gen Dakota's as far as electronics are concerned.

7 years is a long time between models. The 99 probably has a lot more regulatory electronics, it should have four O2 sensors, but I don't know how many O2's are on a 92. I think the 99 should have a Central Timer Module to control all the electronic accessory functions like the lights, blinkers, radio, cruise control, power windows and locks, etc. I don't believe the 92 had anything that. The 99 probably has a much more sophisticated electronic control system with a PCM, TCM, maybe has ABS too.

My own opinion on it is you would probably be moving up in terms of reliability and performance if you bought a second gen Dakota, just because of the advances that were made back then in parts quality and overall performance and relaibility of the truck and its components. I guess anything can go wrong with any truck, but as long as you take care of it, learn and know how it operates and what to watch out for, you should do alright with it.

That truck on CL doesn't look too bad. It's banged up cosmetically but if it runs well, doesn't leak any fluids and has been maintained on schedule by someone who cared about the truck, it's probably a good deal. A 3.9 will run for 200,000 to 300,000 miles as long as you take good care of it. That one has an automatic tranny, I don't know much about the longevity or reliability on those. If the fluid has been flushed and filters changed/bands adjusted on schedule and the fluid isn't burned, and it shifts like it should I guess it would be OK. Personally I just don't care for automatics.

That one might be a good truck, but there was a recent thread here with some discussion about how some people may be using CL to dump off trucks that have serious problems on unsuspecting buyers. I would be wary of anything on CL myself. If you do buy it, I think $1800 might not be not such a good price, given the body work the truck needs. I would try to bargain down to $1200 or maybe at most $1300 if it were me.

I will say this much, the Second Gen Dakota is my own personal favorite of all the Dakota models. I love my truck, it is like an old and trusted friend to me and it has never let me down or left me walking. I think Dakota's are the best mid-sized truck you can buy.

Jimmy

 

Thanks for the well-thought out response, Jimmy.

I was a little leary about switching gens, but I should be able to handle any differences. Guess I'll need another Haynes manual.

As far as first gen go, my 92 has been a real tank. 242k miles, all beaten out of her. It's been reliable as anything, only time I got left sitting was due to some idiot leaving the lights on... doh.

And as for people on CL selling duds... I'm pretty much assuming this truck needs at least another $1k to be a viable DD. The auto trannys suck, and if it hasn't been replaced/rebuilt by 145k, it's going to need it real soon. I don't care much for the looks of the truck, it'll get scratched to hell in my employ anyways.

Found a first gen, long bed 4x4 for $1500 ... but it's been sitting for 3 years. If it isn't rotted to hell, I'll have a hard decision between the two trucks.

 

The 99 will also be OBDII instead of the earlier OBDI models.

 

i just recently purchased a 98 dakota club cab 3.9 5 speed. its my first vehicle and seems to drive pretty nice. no complaints so far, besides the fact of not having power windows or locks, as well as a cruise control. but those are luxury items. its a huge difference going from my dads 2008 silverado crew cab 6.0 to this. ;P

 

Had a 96 3.9 when it got wrecked I went out and bought a 99. Frankly the difference in night and day between the two. The cab on the 99 has a much better lay out than my 96. For example the front cup holders since mine is auto is in between the two front seats not all the way on the passenger side. The cab feels much larger as well. I can actually think about putting someone in the front seat, I wouldn't do that with my 96. If you are looking for factory upgrades there are also a crap ton more for this body style then the 1st gen. Mechanically so far I believe they are about the same. There are some more computer elements as mentioned above. As well as the engine bay is a little tighter on the 2nd gen then the first but all in all its the same for the more part.

So my opinion go with 99.