Welcome! you've joined the best group of folks with lots of helpful hints and guidence to help you love and understand your new dakota. GO WITH THE V8! for sure!

 

I don't know about transmission problems. Chrysler used to have some issues with their front wheel drive transmissions but their rear wheel drive transmissions always had an excellent reputation. I used to work in a trans shop and saw quite a few FWD's go through there. But that being said, I used to lurk a few Chrysler Turbo forums and those guys were putting some good power through the FWD transmissions without any major complaints of breakage.

As far as the rear drive's though, I have allot of confidence in the Chrysler transmissions. That's not to say there isn't a chance of trans failure. A few people here had problems but I wouldn't say to epidemic proportions.

Just my two bits. As far as the engine, I chose the V8.

 

Excellent, thanks for the warm welcome, people!!

I expect a few tales of problems, every manufacturer has spuratic scattered problems here and there, but for the majority, sounds like the prevalent problems the rams had in the 90's is history.

Good to hear. Anymore thoughts, keep them coming.

 

I have the V6. Would I have rather had the V8? yes. The V6 is bulletproof and with some money can make decent power. Nothing spectacular but I have noticed a significant increase in mine. The V8 has a lot more mods and options but with creativity the v6 can come a long way. Check my sig to see what I have done.

 

You will hear some horror stories from some guys. These are what we affectionally call the "Monday" trucks, trucks that were built by folks possibly recovering from weekend activities...lol...Depending on what you like comfort wise, I'll put a plug in for what I have, the Laramie trim package, top of the line, all options. SLT is the mid-level package and ST is the base package. My truck just went over 70k. I just put new struts on it this past weekend. Other than that, the rear driveshaft u-joint went out and thats it for mine. Do your homework and research whatever it is you decide to buy. Get a carfax and all that. This is the best truck I have ever owned.

 

Definitely get the V8, you'll kick yourself in the a$$ down the road if you get the 6. That being said, if I had the V6, I would probably be happy with it. But since you can go with either engine, the choice is obvious. My SLT (V8) is rock solid and love driving it, sounds great too (Magnaflow), really great.

Welcome aboard future Dakota owner.

 

Ok, ladies and gentlemen, I got it, V8 and all!!! Loving it so far. 19,000 miles only, on this puppy with leather heated seats, remote starting, 6cd disc changer, serius sattelite radio, power everything!!!

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Awsomeness, now buy a superchips tuner, exaust, or an intake. Because it not really your till you mod it.

 

Sharp truck! Let the mods begin!

 

I don't know about mods. I don't really have a lot of spare time for adding on toys.

Well, maybe some magna-flow dual exhaust.