The newest issue of TruckTrend magazine has the long term wrap up of their 14,000+ mile long term test of a model year 2005 AWD 4.7V8 Dakota Laramie.

Bad brake parts were the only problem besides an unknown 'clunk' in the drivetrain at times.

Average MPG = 13.6
worst tank 8 MPG
best tank 17 MPG

Since the "mother magazine" MotorTrend has tested a 5.7 Hemi in a 2500 Ram and found a long term average of 13.0 MPG the 13.6 of the Dakota is disappointing:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...fications.html

The 4.7 V8 in the Dakota was not much admired by the Truck Trend staff in their log book comments, and they mentioned that the revised and upgradedd 4.7V8 for 2008 was indeed needed.

This article won't be online until next month
but the inital introduction of the Dakota long term test is online at:

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/...dakota_laramie

OUCH!

I have 3.92 gears and the 4.7 HO, its not the full time transfer case though and I've seen 18 mpg during hwy only and average 16 to 16.5 in all around driving.
Not great but acceptable. My only complaint about the motor is the da@# computer that limits its performance in first gear, after that its a blast. I can't wait to try the new 290 HP motor though, it has to be nice. It would suck thoug if they hold it back in first again...lol

i still averg. over 18 around town with a heavy foot. seems any awd vecichle is a dog. unlike most 4.7 mine was a decent one right out of the box. has 36000 on it and seems only to keep getting better. once they put more miles on the awd it should get better. my next investment will be gears

I avarage over 14 MPG all city driving, they must have really lead foots. herkguy, your right first grear sucks, it seems to be nothing but a tow grear, I think it kills the trucks 0-60 and 1/4 times.

I don't quite understand what you are meaning about the first gear. I have 3.92 HO as well and I am not getting what you're saying....I think 1st gear is the stongest gear.

Mine takes off ok in first (it will light em up nice) but for the same rpm(around 3-4k) in second the truck really pours on the power, I'm talking a very noticable difference. Ive read on here that the computer has some kind of torque management system that limits initial torque. Based on my truck I think its true. I would love to have some facts on it but I haven't found anthing yet. If anyone knows about this I would love to get some facts.