I'm looking at an '06 ST 4x4. What known problems are there with the 3rd gens? It's been awhile sine I owned a Dodge and have never had a Dodge truck.

 

Quick update for more info...

3.7L V6 (kind of important detail)
Will be a daily driver
Will probably stay stock (would like to improve gas mileage tho)
Will also play towing duty for as of yet unbought boat

Just flipping thru the topics I saw something about not wanting to run out of fuel due to filter/pump issues. I saw something about upper control arms being hard to find. I don't know if that was an upgrade issue or the stocks suck.

 

The fuel filter and pump issue is not just on our trucks but on all vehicles... running out of gas is bad for the feul pump... I can't comment on the control arm as I haven't had any real problems with my 2006 Dakota.

I have a 3.7L V6 Club Cab and I love it... Alot of owners complain that our acceleration is kinda slow...Personally I haven't noticed much as it is mainly with Auto transmissions and I have a 6-SPD Manual. I personally haven't towed anything with my truck, but again I've heard nothing but good things about our trucks capability to tow. Most everyone who has towed on this site claims the Dakota tows like a Champ!

Hope this helps!

 

Problems with the trucks: Overall they're quite good, the one thing is the factory shocks suck HARD. Unless you don't mind floating/bouncing more than a 60's buick with original suspension you won't like them. Good news is Bilstein will be releasing shocks for our trucks towards the end of the year. I can't comment much on the V6 since I have the 4.7 but from what I've seen the V6 guys don't really get any better mileage than we do so if you can find one I'd say go for the 8, I love it. Other than that I've got no real complaints.

 

+1 on the 4.7L V8... if you had the option I'd go with the V8... ofcourse I'd also suggest a Mannual Trans because well lets face it manny's get better response... :-P... No offense guys...

 

None taken, I have occasionally scared a friend or two by screaming at the truck to "SHIFT DAMNIT!!!!"

 

Thats okay I've scared a friend or two throwin' em back in their seat at the light... :-P

 

I can't say anything about the 4x4, but I have the 2006ST automatic, w/ 3.7 V6. I have no complaints. I do a mix of in town and highway, but mostly intown. I am filling up this morning and I have 245 miles with the gauge sitting at just a hair under 1/4 tank left. I don't know what that equates to for mileage, but I'm okay with that. I haven't towed anything, but hauling stuff in the back has been no problem. There is a sagging issue when it gets loaded down and like Altair said the front end bounce annoys the heck out of me, but over all, the truck has been great. Hope that helps!

 

Hi,

Glad your looking to buy. I have an 06' here, and had not one issue so far. I have over thirty thousand kilometres on my truck. I personally say get the V8 if you can. If your a straight hi-way driver with little traffic concerns, fuel consumption will not be that big between the 8 and 6. The only thing I am leary about on our trucks are these very cheap door panels. Mine have not come loose yet, but I have this dire feeling its going to. Aisde from that, I cannot think of anything wrong with this truck line. I was a huge Ram fan, and I just could not get one with my driving situation. I drive 150 kms to work everyday, and the gas in Canada is just screwing us. So, I went for the smaller version, its a decision I am GLAD I made.

The comment on the shocks, this is true, and this bounce can get very annoying when your driving at 100. Aside from that, its a truck, so it behaves like one. Take care of it, and she will take care of you!

 

+1 on that!