I am in the market for a 2nd gen dakota and I was wondering how solid of a truck are they? What kind of mileage do these trucks get with the different engines available for them. I was looking on consumer guide and it was listed as best buy but the mileage that they say isn't very accurate all the time.

I would really like to find an R/T but they aren't that common up here. I would like a fully loaded extended cab 4x4 between1998-2000.

So are there any real issues that these trucks have. I read that the 318 has some head issues and the thermostat leaking (whuptee do). But arethere any other issues mainly within the 318 and 360 within 98-00 and the mileage they get

Thank You in Advance

 

The 318 and 360 are pretty much the same motor, just one has a bigger bore. So for the most part, every design problem would show up on both for the most part. But besides small stuff, the motors are strong and have seen more then a few with 200,000 miles. I prefer the 98-99 models myself, but others will argue different. I don't have any stories of major flaws or anything, but do love dodge and feel they are very strong motors. I have owned many a dodge and only problem I have ever had was a bad power steering pump.

 

how about power between the 5.2 and 5.9. Not towing capacity but get up and go power when passing on the highway and the occasional light to light race. But I would also really like to know about the fuel mileage.

Anycomments or opinions will also be appreciated

 

I think an engine that you may be overlooking is the 4.7. I have a 2000 with it and it is strong and reliable, at least in my case. As for milage i get 13-16 for city driving. It has been worse recently becasue it is winter and we got 9 inches of new snow so I am driving in 4 wheel drive alot. The truck is great it is quick and powerful has done all that i have needed it to.

 

the 5.2 318 is one of the most bulletproof motors ever made. it also puts out nearly the same numbers as the 360. there are just as many aftermarket performance parts for the 318 as there are for the 360. also, if you're looking for a 4x4, pretty much your only options are the 4.7 and the 5.2. the 4.7 is also a very strong motor. The 3.9 is also a very reliable motor, but its a little underpowered in a truck. Take it from someone who knows.

 

I'll take a 5.2 over a 4.7 any day of the week.

 

Just as a point of reference: my 3.9L gets about the same gas mileage as the V8 guys. With my new BFG's I got 15 and change mpg on my last tank.

 

I've owned two 2nd Gen Dakotas: 2000 Sport Reg Cab 2wd V6 & 2001 Motorsports Edition Clubcab 2wd 4.7L V8

Both got an average of about 16-17mpg depending on the style of driving plus cruise.

The common things to look at for the 2nd Gen Dakotas are ball joints and transmissions. Fairly common problem from 97-2003 were the balljoints, which are a recall item and nothing you have to worry about. Check the VIN # via the Dodge website and if your due for a recall repair, it's free of charge.

The 4.7L V8 is the best middle ground V8 in the business. Plenty of power and decent gas mileage. The 5.2L is a very solid, dependable motor. The 5.9 was only available in an R/T from 1998-2003 and was a 2wd truck. You could get the 5.9 in a quadcab pickup in 03.

The 4.7L and the 5.2L both come with the same power rating of 230hp, but the 5.2L was only offered for like 2.5 years. The 4.7L took the place of the 5.2L.


Truth be told, get the best deal you can. Decide on what factors are the most important - Clubcab, 4x4, V8 or V6...etc.... and then make the decision to get that.

 

The 5.9 was available in the quad cab from 2000 until 2003, not just in 2003. It's a heavy truck, moreso with the 4wd, and I only get about 12-13mpg average. Part of it is that I've got 3.92 gears and I tend to drive 75-80mph on the freeway, at which speeds fuel economy plummets.

The difference between the 5.2 and 5.9 isn't just bore, it's bore and stroke, as well as crank bearing diameters and related other parts.

A common problem for these LA-based Magnum engines is the leaky intake plenum gasket. Pull the air hat off the throttle body and look down inside the intake manifold. If oil has puddled up, the intake manifold needs to come off and get sealed up again. It's several hours of labor, so it gets somewhat expensive if you don't do it yourself.

IMHO the 5.9 was a little under-rated. According to the dyno sheet included with the Hypertech programmer, a stock 02/03 5.9 Ram put about 290lb-ft and 210hp to the ground, while a 2001 Ram 5.2 hit about 240lb-ft and 175hp.

Those are approximates based off the dyno graphs provided. The numbers they quote are for peak gains only, not peak numbers, so I had to guestimate.

The curves for those two motors are pretty similar due to the fact that they run identical cams and whatnot, but the 5.2 seems to peak out a little bit higher than the 5.9.

 

get the 360... the bottom end is pretty tough if maintained correctly... things you should know... the intake manifold has an issue with the plenum gasket leaking when using the stock paper type gasket that they came with in the mid to late 90's... a felpro gasket will fix that right up. timing chains stretch and are considered junk, another good aftermarket chain and your set. Lastly, the heads are prone to cracking between the valve seats. toss in a 180 deg t-stat and keep the cooling system serviced like it should be and you'll most likely never have a problem with it.

mileage??? well, I had a 2000 Ram QC 4x4, lifted 2.5" with 295 tires on it and at 1 point was getting 14's. I would imagine if built right you should be able to get into the 16's with at Dak...

Welcome to DF...