Hi all,

Looking to get some final opinions before I start hunting for a 2nd Gen Dakota.

Looking through the forums and even this Reddit I have found loads of useful information but I have a few key questions that were harder to find a straight answer too.

1. Is there a most "problem free" year?

There are two combos that seem to be the best of the Dakota's as a daily/weekend hauler


5.2 liter V8 supposedly bullet proof but paired with a dud of a auto trans or a 4.7 V8 that could supposedly gum up and die but paired with a fairly good auto trans which one is the better gamble? (Side note which years had the 5.2?)

You can find Dakotas at the $2500 to $4000 cad with about 200-350k (kms) on the clock fairly plentifully.

I don't mind putting some money into them (2kish) to get them sorted but want to make sure I get the best investment for a longer life.

I have a 2003 F250 XL V10 right now so not concerned about the mpgs so much

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

I haven't personally had issues with the trans on my 2000 5.9 (The slightly bigger option than the 5.2) and they use the same trans. I'm sitting at ~280000 Miles atm. I DID however have lots of transmission issues with the 2001 4.7 Dakota that I had before that. Keep in mind that when dealing with trucks this old, maintenance history is going to matter more than anything. The 4.7 is better at cruising and has the newer more modern interior with electronic controls. The older ones <2000 used the older body style that used more vacuum options. In 2002 or 3 they updated the front brakes to a much better design so if your towing you will like that. The 4.7 doesn't like missing oil changes but be smart and take care of the truck and it will easily do 300k miles. As for the 5.2/5.9: They are low, grunty and full of low end power. They aren't nessecarely the best at the upper end though. The stock manifold has an serious issue with the hi capacity oil filters that will leave you with a head scratcher on how to get them in/out. I don't really know of any major concerns with them honestly but they take quite a bit to break. Keep in mind the Dakota is going to be a large weight decrease from your ford. You'll need to be careful your not swing too much weight around as you won't have near as much damping for your trailers. I would go with the one that is in the best condition for its mileage out of the V8's.

 

I like the style of the 2nd gen better than the first. I prefer the reliability of the early Magnum engines (3.9, 5.2 and 5.9) I've dealt with the later, specifically the 4.7, engines and they are decent, but a bit dainty for my tastes. As for transmissions, I got my truck are it got its third transmission. The first transmission failed at around 60K. The second died right before I bought it when the PO tried to do a burn out with his buddies. A heavy, 4X4 truck with sur-grip rear end does NOT like to do burn outs. He spent $3K on a new transmission and decided to go with something newer and sold it to me for $3K. Basically, I bought the transmission and the truck came with it.

If the transmission has been serviced and not over heated or used for towing a lot, Especially if it has a dip stick and the fluid looks and smells good, I'd go with the 5.2 or 5.9 engines.

 

I'm at roughly 334K mi on my 03' now. I'd go with 03-04 just for the improved brake design alone (improved front calipers + rear disc). The 4.7L and 545RFE are original. Never done any work in the tranny and the most work I've done to the engine was replace the lifters and valve stem seals a few years back. Original chain in the motor too. The 4.7L ain't dainty. As long as you take basic care of it (keep oil and coolant in it) and run full synthetic, it's a tough hombre. Personally I don't like fooling with cap & rotor + wires. COP design is so much more reliable, in my book.

I'd look for a truck with the tow package because it comes with extra cooling which might help things to last a bit longer. Completely agree with previous maintenance being the most important thing. Whether 5.2, 4.7 or 5.9, if the drivetrain was trashed, you'll have a bad experience.