Hey yall. New to the dodge forum. Just picked up a 98 dakota sport w/ 5.2L and 5 spd manual.Just thought i would introduce myself and i had a few questions.
#1. tow rating on my truck would be.......(its the extended cab)
#2. i should be able to run 31X10.50 right? (mom used to have a 00 durango and thats what i thought she ran)
#3. anything i should pay special attention to with the dakotas? especially since i just got this one? its got 80000 miles on it. i plan on doing oil, plugs, filters, etc. just to get everything on a schedule for me. but is their anything else to go over? typical problems???

Oh and in case yall were wonderin, i got this truck as a DD. Ive been building a 79 cj5 since i was 14 and now thats its been my dd for a few years its starting to become more and more of a trail only vehicle. i would of killed for a diesel but i really think im going to like this dakota. i can haul parts and fishin stuffand w/ the v8 and 5 spd it should be fun to drive. my jeep is also the reason i inquired about towing.......would be very nice if i could atleast flat tow it to the trail head.

thanks guys, sorry for the long thread, hope to hear from a few of ya!
Nick

 

You can run 31x10.5x15 some dakotas come stock with them

 

welcome to the broad.
The Dakota is a seet truck and im happy i own one. There many rumors of things to look for but from what I heard and can see is the trans. Keep her clean and cool and she will last

 

You won't have a problem flat towing your Jeep. Tow rating should be about 5000 pounds, although I'd take it easy on the downhills since most 5000 pound trailers have brakes to help you out. The manual trannies aren't known for having problems.

 

be prepared to change your timing chain...

 

Watch out for the ball joints. Regular maintanence wil ensure long life for your dakota.

 

You need to change fluids in the axle, trans, and 4X4 case fluid.

 

NGK plugs work best IMO