Hey guys,

I am currently thinking about buying a 2nd gen Dakota to be my DD and project truck, and just wanted to hit you guys up for some advice on anything specific to look out for or be aware of on these trucks.

I'd like to get a 00-07 quad cab 4 x 4 with the 5 spd.

Are there any specific years or engines or trannies I should look for over the others due to issues?

Are there any known major defects or problems I should make sure to check or inspect when looking at a truck prior to purchasing?

Thanks in advance,
Caleb

 

As with most other people, I say "Find the newest, best example that you can".

Generally speaking, the 4.7 sohc motor walks all over the old 5.2/318's, so that would be my 2 cents.

 

yeah, do yourself a favor and get one with a v8....... i got a 3.9, and kinda wished i'd shopped around more and got one with a v8. from experience, worked on an 05 dakota, and sadly to say it had more rot than my 03, and i took my 03 in the mud..... and i don't mean a puddle.... it was buried past the bottoms of the doors...... but newer would be better.

 

Any of them with the 5 speed cept for the 4cyl will run decent. The v6 isnt too bad with the 5 speed but the v8's are def better. Front end problems(ball joints,tie rods,bushings ect) Rust in the in the front fenders,cab corners and rear wheel well.

The 4.7's will run a tad bit better and get a little better mpg than the 5.2's but the 5.2's are just as reliable and have more aftermarket support since they have been around forever. Pretty simple engine over the 4.7.

 

I love my 318 Mag.
But the guys with 4.7's love them.
I like the abundance of low cost parts and aftermarket performance parts for the 318.
But my 99 ex cab 4x4 is a hog on fuel.
Its a 318 thing. LOL.

 

If you can live without the 4x4, I'd say skip it for better gas mileage, less complexity and lower car insurance. You're in San Diego, are you going off road?

 

Since you asked, I think I'd find a shop that can do a stem to stern inspection--seems like the steering and front suspension components develop issues. With any manual transmission, you're gonna want to know about the clutch. Pulling the trannie in 10,000 miles to replace the clutch isn't gonna be a good thing.

Brake pads and shoes? They're inexpensive to replace, but it'd be nice if you don't need to do them right away.

I suspect finding a 5 speed 4wd could be tough. With the price of gas in California, you might want to favor a 3.9, too. 4.7 is a good engine, but very complex when it breaks. And even harder to find with the 5 speed.

In the SD area, you want a rig that hasn't spent any time on the beach or near it. East county, Otay Mesa, etc. aren't as likely to have ocean salt exposure. Same with the Inland Empire--up around Riverside and Burdoo. If you're able to travel a little, I'd suggest looking in the Phoenix or Tucson markets (CL,) the desert can be hard on paint, but you can get a seriously rust free rig.

 

I don't think Dodge made the quad cab with a 5 speed. QC guys can correct me if I am wrong but I do not think they were able to offer a manual in a QC because of the length of the cab and also the floor console in the QC would not allow for the manual gear shift. I know you could get a Club Cab with the 4.7 and 5 speed though.

I don't know much of anything about the 4.7. The guys that have them seem to really like them. I am very happy with my 3.9, it is plenty good enough for me both in power and gas mileage. It's pretty straightforward to work on it too. The 5.2 engine design has been around for a very long time and my 3.9 is the same design just minus 2 cylinders.

Jimmy

 

I've saw a few quad cab 5 speeds for sale. Dont know if it was factory but the ones I saw never mentioned 5 speed swap.

 

i get around 14 to 16 mpg with my 3.9. club cab 5 spd. 4x4. but i do have bigger tires on it. being in UPSTATE ny with snow, i wouldn't go with out them. v8 tb swap, cold air intake, 3" cat back exhaust, with duel 40 series muffler. i did get 20 mpg once with 245/70r16s on the highway. i also drilled my tps so i could improve throttle response, by adjusting it. i have a hard time trying to not spin my tires in 2nd gear while accelerating. the v6 can be a nice runner if it's opened up so it can breath, but all the bolt ons won't put 2 more pistons under the hood, lol...... comes down to personal preference. i changed my ball joints, but as far tie rods still oem at 118,xxx miles.