I'm jealous.... where I lived finding a Dakota was near impossible, they were surprising in high demand. Every vehicle we found, we were pulled into a bidding war. Unless it was a dealership, no one wanted a dealership truck, the prices were outrageous.

 

id say the 4.7 and 5.2 are easy to find, if you find one with the 5.9(360)then you will have defiantly found something, I think im the only guy in my area with a 5.9 Dakota, and its got more than enough power for pulling as well..im sure the 4.7 is better in the fuel economy department though..

 

Hi guys, I have an 03 quad cab 4.7L with 237k miles and I have had no engine issues!! Had to do ball joints, hubs, and little stuff, but so far she's been a great truck!


Chris

 

I disagree strongly on the 3.7 being a good engine. I've owned (2) vehicles with this engine. Both bought new.

The 3.7 engine is a grossly under-powered POS (dinosaur poop) IMHO.

My 98 Dakota has the 3.9 and it's nothing like the 3.7 dog engine. The 3.9 is surprisingly peppy and has more than enough power throughout the powerband.

I've never owned a Dodge/Chrysler product with a V8, (street raced against many!) but I do know the old 318/360s (5.2/5.9) are almost indestructible. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one myself.