Hey All, I'm coming here from the Dakota-Durango forum; my old truck is an '01 Dakota 4.7l 4x4 QC. It seems like there's more discussion of the 3rd gen dakotas over here...

I'm about to buy a certified pre-owned 2008 Dakota Laramie from a local Dodge dealership in Denver. Its got ~58k on the odometer. I've negotiated what I think is a good price, and they've agreed to fix a few issues I identified. One of which is a noticeable vibration above about 50 mph.

Before I drive it off the lot, I'm wondering if there's any other issues I should look for (and urge them to fix)? Is the suspension the same on the '05-'07 models? Sounds like there is potential for issues there...

Thanks, and please redirect me if I missed a thread that covers this. From what I saw, it seems that most info is on the '05-'07 models and less on the '08-'11 models...

 

Suspension is the same on 05-11..the struts are pretty horrible and will probably need replacing soon. I have an 06 and love it. 102k on the odometer and she runs great. Right now it does need exhaust manifold gaskets and bolts replace but it is common on all 4.7 and 5.7 V8's

 

As stated, front end suspension components are pretty crappy from the factory. I believe they made the sway bar end links a little beefier on the 08's. I would check the ball joints, sway bar end links, outer tie rods and struts. If any are suspect, you can try and have the dealer replace, but they will be replacing with the same crappy parts that will likely fail in short time. Then just replace the parts yourself with quality aftermarket stuff (Moog, Monroe, Rancho, etc) and they will last forever. Other than that, these trucks are pretty solid and dependable. There have been a few Monday trucks in the mix that have oddball problems, but that is true for every make out there.

Vibration could be wheel balance or alignment. Mine had a shimmy (vibration would come and go at a constant speed) that was caused by being out of alignment. I would have them road test with you so you can point it out. Most dealerships I have ever dealt with default to "Could not duplicate problem" and then charge you $100. I ALWAYS make sure I ride with a tech when I have a car in for any kind of service.

 

If that is a V8 model, you'll like the added power of the 08+ 4.7L V8 compared to your 2001. In 2008 they changed the V8 so that it was just over 300 HP, where as the pre-2008 units were about sixty HP less than that.

Make sure she doesn't "howl" at highway speeds (55+). Mine did that a little when I bought it, and got worse over the next six months, louder and louder. Bad wheel bearing on the front, passenger side. I also bought mine certified used, but with just under 15k on the odometer, so mine still had bumper-to-bumper at the time.

 

Thanks guys, for all the responses. Crazy that suspension parts wear out so fast. I didn't replace the ball joints on my '01 until almost 150k (although they had gotten real bad by then).

Whats the easiest way to tell if shocks or ball joints might be worn on the new truck? I didn't notice anything when I test drove it the first time... other than the vibration at speed, it seemed smooth and held a straight line.

 

I had to replace 1 Ball joint before 140km then All four went at 160km on my 2000, So we sold it and I bought my 05 which has since had both lowers replaced before 130km

 

Unusual noises from the front end is the biggest sign that something is going on for ball joints. Or jack it up and see if the wheel wiggles from sisde to side or top to bottom (ball joints and tie rods). Struts goin bad normally gives you that 'boat" feeling when going over dips in the road. Takes an unusually long time to settle back down, may have some side to side motions as well, excessive body lean, etc.