hello to all. Lets get to the point.

I bought a 2004 dodge Dakota SLT quad cab 2wd with the 4.7L V8 in it just recently. Bought from an old man who only put 28k miles on it. So pretty much i have a very fresh V8 and that i am taking care of. From what i know this is what has been done currently to the truck for maintenance recently.

** All fluids flushed (brake, power steering, tranny, oil, radiator)
**new brake pads
**New Monroe struts in the front (left front had been bent)

I don't have a owners manual. So on these Dakotas, its there anything i would have to replace down the road as part of preventive maintenance?? I want to make sure that i am taking care of my truck properly.

also, how often does the differential fluid in the axle gave to be replaced? thanks

 

engine every 3K
trans and differential every 25K or every 3 years unless it goes through water often
steering intermediate shaft every 75K or 5 years or so (joints in it stiffen easy)
balljoints and control arm bushings every 50-100K or so (some last longer than others)
radiator flush every 3 years, make sure to reverse flush the heater core as well.

I'd call that a starting point knowing the history on these trucks.

 

I never go by the service schedual I inspect everything every year manual transmission should be around 5 to 7 years or longer. Rear Diff 50 or 75K

 

If you have the Trac-Loc differential change the fluid AT LEAST every 30k. You don't need/want the clutch material destroying bearings.

 

Wow, 28K??? I bought my 03' with nearly 250K! That truck must've sat a lot, so check the hoses and belts for cracks + oil leaks at seals. Also check tires for dry rot, if original. I would convert the PS fluid to ATF+4 and change both filters in the transmission.

Be sure to post up some pics and check the sticky above for factory service manual in PDF format.

 

Inspect the brakes as well. If it still has oem pads/shoes, they probably need to be changed or at least inspected.