I too have been impressed with the lack of maintenance beyond regular stuff required of my '99 3.9l 5-speed. Oil changes, air filters, brakes and that's about it in 156,000 miles. Hasn't lived a rough life - lots of firewood, gravel, household stuff. White paint still in excellent shape. It's not a torque monster, but it's been a dependable motor. It'll probably be for sale in a couple months - the motor, not the truck. Switchin' to diesel...

 

definatly get a V8 i got a 5.2L V8 in my dakota and my friend has a 3.9L in his dakota and we get the exact same milage. and the 5.2L has a lot of ***** for a small truck

 

if your looking for a 4x4 then you need to decide what transfer case you want be it a manual shift or electronic shift. the manual shift only comes in the 5.2 and 5.9 and 3.9, the electronic shift comes in the 4.7 and some 5.9 with awd.
i prefer my manual shift tcase there is not extra parts or wiring to get messed up on them. i would never buy a truck or rear wheel drive vehicle in awd because i like to spin the tires now and then
just my 2 cents

 

I agree with getting a manual t-case, less electrical to worry about messin up

 

Yep, what others have said go with a V8. I used to have a '94 with a 3.9 V6 and while a great motor (never took oil or had any probs) it was pretty doggy power and torque-wise. As for the 4X4 shifting mechanism the mechanical as others have said would be the safer way to go. My truck has the electric shift and I have never had a problem with it. And in the winter I can be flipping it on and off a fair amount. Best of luck finding your rig.

 

You can't get the HO in 2nd gen daks unfortunately those only came in the grand cherokees and 3rd gen daks....or in Thunder's dak hahaha

But while the 5.9 may have better horsepower numbers, I don't think it uses it as efficiently. I say this because I have a 4.7 Quad Cab AWD (heavy truck) and my buddy has a Durango with a 5.9, both are completely stock except for each of us has a Flowmaster muffler, and we raced from a stop and I smoked him. I think the 4.7 uses its power a little more efficiently but just my .02 I'm not saying the 5.9 is a bad motor its just something to think about.

 

Both are auto trannies by the way ^^^^

 

V-8, 5sp. Mine has over 270k miles and i finally had to replace the transmission when 3rd gear went out. Since i was in there i went ahead and replaced the original clutch that still worked fine. The 5.2 4.7 and 5.9 all work well in these trucks. I would stay away from the 6cly though. Just not enough engine for the size truck.

 

i got a manual 4x4 shifter with my 4.7l could be cause mines a 2000 tho.

and unless you got kids i'd get the reg cab with the 4.7l v8. from what ive seen the cc dont have much room anyway. and its just fun to drive such a little truck with that much power.

 

I have a 98 5.2 club cab and I beat on it pretty good. It has great power for being a old motor. Auto trans suck but if you get one with a 5 speed they are tons of fun. I have 90k on mine and its only needed a water pump(engine wise). I would go with a cc tho your not talking about that much of a difference in weight between the rc and the cc. I can still sit 5 in my truck fine. I just need to move my seat up a little. Its nice to be able to throw what you want in your back seat instead of the passenger side.