new to the Forums but not new to dodge, SO before you start in, yes i have searched for this topic and couldn't really fined anything. but if i missed something tell me...

im looking to buy a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4x2 Club Cab 131.3 in. WB ST, it has 96k miles hears a link http://www.lithia.com/index.cfm?acti...oryID=18374918

So i was wondering if there is anything i should really be looking for to be wrong? or things you guys like or don't about this type of truck???

thanks Aaron

 

Yeah, suspension. Period. Mostly front. Ball joints, tie rods, struts. Sway bar links. Check them all. I love my Dakota. Don't care if it throws something at me. I don't mind a little money being put into it or hard work. Also check the tires.

Some would suggest getting the 4.7l v8 if anything. Hope you don't care too much about MPG. These trucks aren't that great in that department. Or in suspension LOL.

 

cool thanks! ill look out for that, i have been looking for the v6 to help out on mpg but... am i missing anything big buy buying the base model? other then the 4x4...

 

I believe the v6 gets less that the v8 models(Not entirely sure). Honestly if I had to choose. I would have got the entire package. 4x4, power the whole nine yards(v8 too). That's just me though.

And that truck you listed is literally bare bone model. No rear seat. Or anything fancy. I have just a touch over that. I have a rear seat. No power anything. No tilt or 4x4.

 

My 05 Quad Cab has been a very good truck, bought it new. Front struts usually need replacement if they are stock. As stated above, fuel mileage is what you'd expect from a truck, not great but not awful. Dakotas have never been well insulated from outside noise, that can be fixed with some sound deadener.

 

Mine is an 05 and just rocks, 123000 miles now, only issues is wheel bearing at 100000 miles, so those maybe an issue, if you swap out the struts go with rancho, also purchase the strut mounting kit, really helpfull, as all vechicles, just the frt suspension,

 

my quad is an 05 and I have 104,000 miles. The pics look good. I'd get some spray in bedliner ASAP. I've had no front suspension issues (yet). But I'm getting new tires in a week and will check it all out then.

Beyond that, I've had mine for 5 years and have loved it.

 

Mine has a tick over 75k, replaced the outer tie rods and struts. Nothing else. As stated above, if not already done, the outer tie rods, ball joints, struts and sway bar end links are all junk on these trucks. If they do go out, replace with quality aftermarket parts (Moog) and you wont have any more trouble. Replace with factory stuff and expect on replacing them again. I love my truck. Mines the loaded Laramie model, 4x4, V8 and I get a respectable 17 mpg. Welcome to the forum! Nice wheels on that truck!

 

I have a 05 Club Cab ST 3.7L, I have replaced, Both Sway Bar Links, Tie-Rod, Wheel Bearing, Lwr Rad Support (Rusted off), Entire front brakes (Pads, Rotors, Calipers)
Need to replace my entire rear brakes, and Intermite Steering Shaft to.
Ive only had it a year. It has 109k km (67k miles)
Both bed sides over the rear wheels are rusting from the inside out.

My brakes, Rad support and Bedsides are all due to Salt and **** poor design.

Id get a V8 over V6. The V6 doesnt save gas, or if it even does very slightly.

 

yes, there are monday trucks and there are friday trucks.