Hi all, im new to Dodge's but not to Mopar, i have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport and a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport, and my dad is looking to upgrade from a 1995 Ford F150 with 330,000 miles. we found a 2001 Dakota (http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/3238405724.html)
Im used to Jeeps, not Dakota's so i was hoping yall could give me some helpful info on what to look for? My dad says hes heard the "dodge rear end" thing so he's a little iffy about the rear axle, what axles are offered on this truck and whats the strongest? Is this a good buy? What are some common problems with these trucks? Any info will be much appreciated, thanks in advance

 

Welcome,

Ball joints were a weak area to watch out for. Most have been replaced by now but it is something to be aware of. Heater core problems and of course some sludging complaints are others but a lot of these are just dependent upon how well maintained the vehicle was.

On the rear, the 8 1/4 and 9 1/4 are offered. The 9 1/4 is stronger but the LSD version had an issue with the clutch pack retaining clips failing. When that happens, these clips can dig a groove into the housing. It is not an issue with the open rear. Check the build tag in the glove box to find out if it has an LSD, DSA is the code for the "anti-spin differential."

The blue book price looks about right.

 

Sorry for being a noob but let me double check: so if it has an 8.25 there is no LSD option, therefore nothing i need to be concerned with, but if it has the 9.25 i need to see if it has LSD?

 

While I haven't seen one I think you could get the 8 1/4 with an LSD.

Look at the cover. 10 bolts is an 8 1/4 and 12 bolts is the 9 1/4.

There are LOTS of 9 1/4" LSD's out there. They did redesign the clips in later years. It's not a bad rear end, it actually can handle a lot of power. It's just one of those things. If you are worried, replace the carrier with something else.

I have the 9 1/4 LSD and the clips failed. I caught them when I changed the fluid. No damage.

 

whats the tow capacity of these trucks? we're debating on selling out boat if it cant tow it. my 98 Cherokee can pull it but its a big strain on the 4.0

 

That's a really nice looking truck..

 

6k is about the max on them with the v8. I had a 8 1/4 rear end in my 98 dak and with everything I hauled,pulled and off roaded a lot I never had a problem with it. Biggest thing to look for is ball joint issues

 

Ball joints should not be a deal breaker.. Just something to get checked out.