Been in and out of the bigger trucks forums for a while. I am thinking about buying a used Dakota, 97 to 99, only particular reason, I like the way they look. Any pros or cons about these years???? I want an ex cab, 4x4, and I think the auto with the 318 might serve me best. Is 136,000 miles a lot if it has been a 1 owner, well cared for?

How hard is it to get an inexpensive 2" lift on one of these? I want to be able to accomodate tire chains.

Thank you for all suggestions and comments.

 

420k on mine, i haven't had any issues

 

All you need to do is crank the torsion bars and get alignment. Thats what I did and got about 2 in out of mine. As far as mileage if it was well maintained then 136k is not much for them. The 5.2s are a good strong reliable motor.

 

Can you explain this?



Thanks!

Appreciate the replys!

 

a quick google search will or youtube will show you exactly how to do the t-bars. then just get it realigned and your good to go

 

Thanks Ryan. I appreciate all the info.

What do any of you think of the v-6 versus the v-8 318 matched with an automatic? The v-6/auto combo, powerful enough to drag you through deep mud and snow with chains on? I have found more v-6 for sale than v-8's, but am leaning towards the 318, if i can find one.

 

take your time and find the 318 that you really want. the v6 just does not have the power that would satisfy you. and it is funny because the v6 and v8 dakotas get approximately the same mileage, so it is a no brainer to go with a 318. it is a great motor its solid and reliable, and the aftermarket for them is HUGE. there is just way more torque and hp with the 318 that it is the way to go, and wont be sacrificing hardly anything in fuel economy over the v6. find the 318 and you will be alot happier

 

I am learning as I go. When did the 4.7 come into play. The 4.7 is a newer v-6 correct? I have even found a few listed as v-8's, but the owner couldn't tell me if it was the 4.7 or 5.2! One of the best engines I have ever owned is the 318, it was in a 84 ramcharger. It was a great set up.

 

the 4.7 came into play in 2000 and is still offered in dakotas today. it is a V8 NOT a v6. it is also used in grand cherokees starting around 1998 i think all the way up to today as well and also ram 1500s. the 4.7 was the replacement for the 318. it is newer technology and i think it is more efficient, but still nothing against the 318! i have a 2002 4.7 with the auto multi-speed transmission. i like it, it gets the job done for me, but i dont abuse my truck or race it or anything. like all dodge V8s it gets crappy gas mileage in the city when it is constantly stopping and going, but i have seen highway trips come out to 20+ mpg around 67-68 mph. my motor is stock the only mod i have is a flowmaster super 44 muffler, and i wouldnt really call that a mod, it just makes the truck sound bad ***. as far as the auto trannies go, im not sure which one is better: the one behind the 318 or the 4.7, im not a tranny expert so maybe someone else can answer that question. but mine has almost 130k and still runs like a champ. basically, the 2nd gen dakotas (what you are interested in) ran from 1997-2004. the 318 was offered from 97-99 (and obviously in the first gens as well). the 4.7 was introduced in 2000 and continued on to the 3rd gens. as far as hp goes, i think they are pretty similar in the amount of power they put out, you are not going to notice a huge difference between the two motors. they are both strong V8 motors and i would be happy with either one, i just found a good deal on my 4.7.
you mentioned you want an extended cab, and the extended cab (or club cab as they are also called, abbreviated CC) was offered with both motors. you can only get the quad cab starting in 2000 i think, but thats not an issue for you.
also, both motors were offered with 5 speed manuals just an FYI.
hopefully that covers any questions you have let me know if it doesnt

 

you will also see listings for the 3.7 v6 that i think only came in 2004 and then 3rd gens, which is a 4.7 with two cylinders chopped off, but i would still definitely find a v8 you will be glad you did