Hi everyone...I am new to this forum and recently purchased a used 2000 Dakota ext 2wd/4.7 V8 auto...loaded. I purchased this truck for the possibilty that I may want to tow a trailor. How can you tell if it has a limited slip rear end and any issues with that year? I belive the 4.7 had it's debut in 2000, how is that engine for durabilty,fuel,power....any ideas for getting the most mpg from this truck?

DC

 

Welcome to the broad.

 

Welcome

You can check the glove box to see if it has the limited Slip. Alot of info about your truck is on a card inside of the glove box.

To get some extra power + gas mileage I would add an intake and exhaust. If you plan on doing major towing though, check to make sure you have the tow package and if you don't have it, add a tranny fluid cooler.

 

That 4.7 is a badass motor. My dad had an 01 Dakota Quad Cab with it and I loved that truck. Pulled our boat all over the place with no problems. Its too bad he decided he wanted to sell it after I bought my truck..........

Welcome to the Forum!

 

Actually those 4.7L are sludge buckets... Keep the oil changes at 2000 miles and you'll get the most out of it.

 

Sludge bucket? Where is THAT coming from? My Grand Cherokee 4.7 has 103,000 miles, gets oil change every 3,000 and the valve train is still clean as a whistle. Plenty of grunt for me, I've pulled some pretty heavy loads on a tandem axle trailer and never a power issue...and it gets 19+mpg even with my heavy foot. The rear axle info should be on a sticker in your glove box. If the rear axle is posi, then the sticker should say something like "DSA: Axle - anti slip differe"

 

I have researched all over the net the 4.7's have problems with their seals and allow coolant into the oil. Maybe it is only an early Durango problem but that doesn't make sense...