I have a 2004 quad cab 2wd with the 4.7 and full tow package, have it since new. It now has 240,00 miles on it, burns oil, and I feel its time to do something. I had not replaced it because I dont like the looks of the next generation Dakota, and was waiting for a new model to come out. Of course, now its discontinued. Non of the trucks out there appeal to me because of their size. I am considering a replacement motor and trans, plus going thru the suspension, u-joints, etc. Am I crazy to throw I think around 10,000 into this truck? If I decide to go ahead, am I better off looking for a low mileage motor and trans out of a later model Dodge truck? Would it work with my computer, etc? Are there good crate motors? Good quality rebuilds? The trans was rebuilt 170,000 miles ago after it got dunked in a lake and took in water, so I would have the same people rebuild it again.
Opinions, please.

 

Well if she stills runs Id keep adding oil oil till the day she dies.

That'll give you some time to save up. If you love the truck then why not. But take into consideration that your truck is 10 years old and you're also gonna have the problems associated to that: rust, electronics start to crap out, suspension, coniditon of your rear axle etc.

In the next few years a lot of mid sizes are coming back. Like the 2015 Chevy Colorado

 

I hear you completely on all the trucks out there now. Unless you get a full size you are crunched into an uncomfortable truck, it was a big reason why I got a Dakota in the first place and then again after my first one was got ruined during Sandy, I wanted a V8 but didn't want (or need) to be in a huge truck all the time, needed a back seat and didn't need a huge bed, the Dakota was perfect.

I do like the 3rd gen ones though, I really like the front of the later 3rd gen's, not really the '05 but I think they changed it again in '06 even though it was still the 3rd Gen..

Really not sure why Dodge wouldn't come out with an updated Dakota or a different midsize, unless it's because they don't need to bother seeing as how every 3rd truck you see on the road is a Ram, at least by me.

I don't like any of the makes out there right now, Tacoma is OK but looks dumb on the inside and is cramped as well.

I agree that the 2015 Colorado looks cool and they ditched that I5 for a V6 which is nice, just wonder if it will be comfortable at all.

Also agree that I'd just run it until it dies, just keep a case of oil around. I'm not sure I'd drop 10K + into a truck that old, even one I love.

 

I don't see it costing 10K to do that stuff


If everything else is well maintained and its in good to excellent shape than I would do that, you probably couldn't buy a used truck that would be darn near perfect for what you are going to put into yours.

 

Welcome to the forum Dirtdad,

I hear and agree with your feelings for your Dakota. I'm not looking but there is NOTHING that appeals to me. As I've said in other posts - I'll never own a GM product - ever!

IMHO you don't need to spend 10K to fix your truck. Especially on a 2wd version.

What is wrong with the engine? If it's just burning oil do you know the source? You can rebuild it. Since you've had it since new you know the history. Find someone you trust to do the work OR get a crate engine from someplace like Jasper. I wouldn't swap in any engine that required modifications such as the later model 4.7's would require - drive by wire, dual plugs, etc.

There are lots of good transmission shops out there too - if you need one. You don't indicate that you are having any problems.

The u-joints aren't expensive and can be done in less than an hour.

 

How bad is it burnin' oil? Had an old ford that would go through 5 quarts in a 90 mile trip. Think it had a small leak, rear main. Got my oil from a buddy at a local garage. Every day on my way back home I'd get all the oil changes he did that day. Saved him money and me too. Loved that POS until I flipped it New Year day 2000.

Crate motor would be the way I'd go if you wanted/needed to replace motor. Wouldn't do anything with the trans until I had to. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

I know I'm a little late to this party, but I use to be in your position. I own an '01 Dodge Dakota, 4.7, 4x4, QC. It had 245,XXX miles on the original engine when replaced, unknown on the tranny (I'm the second owner). My engine was replaced with a new 4.7, not rebuilt, not used, was an '01 or '02 that was in a crate on a shelf. The truck was purchased cheap and we've basically overhauled it. They guys here have been a great help along the way and I've made a couple of friends. They're patience and smart, and have taught me a lot about diagnosing my truck. My total cost for overhaul was about 5-6 grand (engine included), some I've done myself to learn but most was done by a mechanic shop (parents were paying). The truck has a new lease on life and I'm probably going to get another 60k or 6 years out of the truck before I retire her and sell it. Okay that depends, if my current relationship progresses, I might keep it for my future kids to enjoy as a farm truck. I've grown fawned of this little truck. I like both GM and Dodge. I don't love either but when it comes to truck I'd take them over a Ford (exception: old Fords) or import truck. Your only viable new replacement for your aging Dakota is the up an coming Colorado I'd wait till the '16 or '17 model year. The full-size trucks now have gotten out of hand, the Ram is a car, the Ford is overly technical and a numbers game, only one I'd consider right now is the baseline silverado/sierra. Even with that I'm still going to miss the small size and comfort of the Dakota. Just remember, soon enough we're only going to have self driving cars

I hope this helps you in your decision.

 

Thanks for the replies. My truck is in very good shape, no rust (california), never in an accident. Paint looks pretty good, with minor door dings and a couple of scratches. Rear bumper has dents, one cracked tail light, drivers seat is in need of new padding, door panel is worn out in spots. I think it would be worthwhile investing what would probably amount to less than a third of what a new truck would cost. I still think it would be about 10,000 for everything. This would buy me 3 to 4 years with hopefully not many breakdowns. I think I will start with suspension repairs, and keep an eye on the rest of the drive train, and be ready to do both a rebuilt engine and transmission when things get a little more iffy. I would do both at once, plus a radiator, since this is my daily driver, and I drive around 23,000 miles a year, and need it to be reliable. Hopefully 3 to 4 years down the road I will have more to choose from, and maybe trucks will be more fuel efficient.

 

Depends how you feel about never making your money back on your truck. Cost is gonna depend how you go about parts. A create engine and trans will set you back about 4 grand(i think) I think you would be better off to pull you motor and trans and have a specialist just rebuild it or buy a junk yard motor with lower miles and have it rebuilt. I think going that route will bring you in at about 2,500 for both engine and trans. Total overhaul of suspension(bearings,brakes,shocks,ball joints,u joints) will prob run you about 1,000-1,500. Now it depends if you do most of the work yourself(minus the engine rebuild) Im saying 5 grand should get you a really decent truck which should be like new.

Now the other way to look at it prob 1,000 for the current truck if you sold it and you are gonna have to dump at least 8 grand and a newer half decent truck.

I had a 98 dakota 318 4x4 ext cab really liked that truck. Ran good and would go just about anywhere. I knew a needed to upgrade to a ram. When my tranny went that was the perfect time. Im so much happier having the extra room of my ram. They are a little bit longer and wider than a dakota but not buy much. Def nice when you have passengers. Tho If I had the chance to buy another cheap truck I would get a dakota for a work truck. They are tough little buggers.