Buying '01 Dakota
 

I am about to purchase a 2001 with manual transmission. Once I get the truck, I'm going to service the transmission fluid and radiator. I have heard that these trucks have a tendency to blow head gaskets. Any input on what I should look for would be helpful

What engine does yours have?

Welcome to the forum!

I moved your post to start a new thread.

Take off the radiator cap and make sure it's full. If it's not full, could be a bad sign.

What motor? How many miles?

While you're at it, I would change the rear diff fluid and the transfer case & front diff if yours is 4wd. There's a good chance it has never been done.

If it's a 4.7, I haven't heard of many people blowing head gaskets on them. In fact, the motor is probably one of the most reliable pieces on the truck. Mine still runs like a top w/ 160k miles on it.

I know of like 2 or 3 guys that blew a head gasket on the 4.7. I know former dakota owner thunder did.

It's not as notorious as the 22re or the 4.0 I6 is but there have been a few

Nope it's good

being a manual tranny I doubt you will have to do much with tranny fluid...

I've had a 2001 Dakota for 3 years now and have never had a head gasket problem but my truck only has 181000 actual km on it and was very well taken care of with previous owner who bought it new