I am looking to buy a used 4x4 Dakota between 2001 and 2003. I have not decided yet between a 3.9 or 4.7. Is there any particular problem areas I should be looking for? Is there any particular issues I should look for with either engine, any tranny issues I should be aware of or specific parts I should check out before I buy?

Also, what's the general opinion on the V6's power?

Thanks in advance.

 

4.7L without question, better power and better gas milage than the 3.9L because of the trucks weight.
If you read some of the post most everyone with the 3.9L is unhappy with the lack of power and looking for mods to make up some of the needed power, you will see the same kind of things with the 4.7L but more along the lines of people wanting to break the tires loose for 300 feet or supercharge it....I have owned a 03 SXT 4x2 3.9L and now a 04 SLT 4x2 4.7L so I have first hand accounts.

 

Try and I mean TRY and talk in person to the old owner. Biggest
problem is the trannys. Seems DC has tons of problems with
trannys. If it was not a local trade and you really like the truck
and the stealership really wants to sell it, keep it for weekend.

If the old owner says he *had* some problems with the tranny,
DON'T BUY THE TRUCK!!! THERE ARE N O TRANNY EXPERTS
LEFT THAT KNOW A N Y T H I N G ABOUT THEM, PERIOD!!!
EVEN REBUILDS ARE J U N K !!!

Also make sure the upper ball joints have been replaced. There was
a recall and you want to make sure it was done.

3.9 or the 3.7 V6's have enough HP. It's NOT suppose to be a V8!
Both are darn good engines. I've had both and been happy with
them. I now have the 4.7 and happy with that one also.

Good luck on your find...

 

There is no 3.7L V6 in the 2001-2003 years and there is a big differance in horse power between the 3.9L that comes in the 2001-2003 and the Gen3 3.7L but I still say if you take the time to read the forums most V6 owners wish they would had gotten a V8 so save yourself the time and ignorance of making that mistake seeing you are doing research before the purchase like a smart person....I am sure you will enjoy your Dakota

 

Go with the V8 i have experience with both i have a 3.9 and my dad has a 4.7 and i would trade him any day. I agree with everything lil said and someday you will want that extra power there is no reason not to get the V8

 

4.7L for sure. Only downfall with the 4.7 is if you ever happened to want to run nitrous. The intake manifold is basically made of plastic and I've seen many self destruct with any backfire on nitrous. Other than that it's a great motor. If you end up getting any of the other magnum engines, 3.9L, 5.2L, or 5.9L. Check the plenum gasket. They almost always go bad. Open the throttle blades and look down inside the intake manifold with a flashlight, if you see a film of oil on the bottom, the gasket is bad. It will cause oil consumption and spark knock.

And of course the other problems, tranny, and ball joints.

 

Thanks for all the posts and the help!

 

go older and get the 5.2L or 5.9L V8's. Plus from what I have seen there are more lift/suspension options with the 97-99 4X4s.

 

What are you smokin cause I want some? Not sure about the pre 4.7L trannys but the tranny they designed for the 4.7 is very solid. Dodge hasn't had tranny problems since the mid to late 90's, those problems are long gone. This drivetrain combo is great. I have the 4.7 and have towed mid size cars, 16" camper and 2 place snowmobile trailer loaded with no problems. Most of the time I can't tell anything is behind me.

 

as far as the original question of 3.9 or 4.7 the choice is obvious. 4.7 any day of the week. i have the 3.9 and i wish i had purchased a 4.7, 6 years ago when i bought it. the 4.7 generates greater hp/torque numbers while still being mroe gas effecient than the v6 counterpart. as far as reliability, they are both solid motor/tranny combos which, if well maintained, will last you for well over 200k-250k miles. as far as my 3.9 v6; if i didn't know about the 4.7, i would be very pleased. it is a very torquey motor and it has served me very well with the abnormally high amount of offroading i do. it is a great truck, no matter which engine package you decide to go with. this next time around, i hope to find a 5.9 that was driven by a grandad that has less than 30k on it!

in the end, choose the 4.7, you will be a much happier person in the long run.

but that's just my $.02