Hello I am new to this forum. So i'll get to my problem.

Ok so I recently found a 1998 Automatic Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT and it has about 72,000 miles on it. I want to buy it because it's 4x4 and has everything i need. BUT when I did a test drive I found that the steering box wasn't right. So I had them fix it before I would buy it. A lot of people say that dodge dakota, especially that year, has had a lot of recalls and that i shouldn't bother buying it since I could end up injuring/possible killing myself if I where to purchase it. Bottom line is that I'm wondering if it's true about how dodge dakota has a lot of recalls and if it is even worth getting it since i found out about steering box when test driving it.

It would be really helpful if you folks could help me. =] thank you

 

not sure what the price tag is but I think it's silly to worry about recalls - chances are that they were all repaired. Just have it go through a thourough inspection.

 

It's worth 7 grand. I just don't want to buy a truck and worry about it messing up. I don't want it to be a risk on the road. I'll buy it if the recalls aren't so serious but I looked and many of them were like the steering box and some other transmition stuff.

 

If are worried about recalls than check those items see if they have been repaired. I think any vehicle will have a certain amount of recalls. I believe for the most part the Dodge Dakota is great truck.

 

I wouldnt worry about recalls, if anything does happen you get free parts! So i would go for it! Low miles and 4x4 which you said you need!!! Go for it and drive the truck with a little caution for a bit like any normal person would but it shouldnt give you any problems

 

What is not right with steering box? I have a 98 with 123K on it and the only thing I feel is the intermediate steering shaft. Has a slight clunk occasionally. Rather easy and inexpensive fix. There is a place where you can get on the Dodge site and put in the last 8 of the VIN and see all the recalls for this truck. It will show if they have been repaired or not. http://www.moparownercenter.com/oc/U...nersLogin.aspx scroll down and you will see where to type in VIN. Good luck!

 

I had a 98 dakota 5.2 v8 4x4 bought it with 73k on it in 2008 for 5,900. I beat on it a lot of the times and never really had a problem till my tranny went out at 96k. Replaced normal things,water pump,calipers,brake lines,fuel pump,serpentine belt,hub bearing. Its really all expected when buying something that used.

 

I am sure Chrysler would have all records showing which recalls were repaired and all that are outstanding on that truck, they just need the VIN

 

When I go in reverse and turn left or right pretty slowly you can feel the steering wheel hitting something like. bump......bump.....bump..... And the same thing happens when i go forward slowly left or right. Bump....bump.. Or something like that. Not sure if hitting anything but you can defiantly feel something

 

It's a great truck. I love dodge dakota's but when i felt that, it kind of got me alarmed. I'm buying it from a dealer. I mean everything else works great. I'm not sure if it's the steering box, it's just what my mechanic friend said.