Used 2000 4.7 4x4 5spd Dakota
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Used 2000 4.7 4x4 5spd Dakota
Hello All
I have never owned a dodge but found a used dakota I like. What are some things to look for or red flags that may cost serious money down the road? Is there anyway to check for the sludge issue without pulling the oil pan? Has 200k miles on it
I have never owned a dodge but found a used dakota I like. What are some things to look for or red flags that may cost serious money down the road? Is there anyway to check for the sludge issue without pulling the oil pan? Has 200k miles on it
Last edited by variable70; Jun 8, 2016 at 11:25 AM.
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From: MA
Welcome to the forum.
Pulling the pan is not easy on the 4x4. Pull a valve cover instead.
Check for rust underneath, including the fuel tank straps and the rear shackles. Check the cab mounts too. The front fenders and rear fenders also tend to rust.
Ball joints are the weak spot in the front.
It is also NOT a full time transfer case. You can't drive it on a dry road. Make sure it goes in/out of 4x4 easily.
You can pull codes without a scanner. With the key off, turn it to run (do not start it) then back to OFF, back to RUN, off again, and finally leave it in RUN. Any codes will display in the odometer window.
Check for oil in the coolant. An overheated 4.7 often will blow a head gasket.
Good luck.
Pulling the pan is not easy on the 4x4. Pull a valve cover instead.
Check for rust underneath, including the fuel tank straps and the rear shackles. Check the cab mounts too. The front fenders and rear fenders also tend to rust.
Ball joints are the weak spot in the front.
It is also NOT a full time transfer case. You can't drive it on a dry road. Make sure it goes in/out of 4x4 easily.
You can pull codes without a scanner. With the key off, turn it to run (do not start it) then back to OFF, back to RUN, off again, and finally leave it in RUN. Any codes will display in the odometer window.
Check for oil in the coolant. An overheated 4.7 often will blow a head gasket.
Good luck.
Along with all of the above, check the brakes, exhaust, rest of the suspension, all the fluids, air filter, ask if there is any documented maintenance history. It's a risk buying something with that many miles. Unless most major items have been replaced or rebuilt recently, expect something to fail. It's not a question of if but when.