Planning to pick up a used 2005 or 2006 Dakota Quad Cab SLT 4.7 4x4 later this week. What are the common issues with this model, and items to look for when going over it before purchase?

Thanks in advance!

 

What to look for?probably a nice used 05 or 06 RAM instead,lol...just kidding.

Seriously though,some of these trucks have had front end issues,ball joints,struts,tie rods,sway bar end links etc...
some ,like mine, fairly early at 38000 miles,others go 100000 with no problems.

if they've been replaced with moog parts,not oem,then the daks can be nice trucks,especially if you pep it up with some performance enhancements.

plenty of threads here on those front ends & the pep department,browse around a bit cause there's plenty of helpful threads here,many complete with pics & how to tips from some good fellas.

enjoy & good luck.

 

Thanks for the response. I knew some of the earlier Dakota's and Durango's had front end part issues. Was hoping Dodge resolved that issue in this generation.

I would consider a Ram 1500, but I already have a Chevy 2500HD diesel, and just need something as a daily driver with 4 full doors. My kids are outgrowing my extended cab Chevy Colorado, and the Durango seems to be about the only option with 4 full doors and reasonable size bed in less than a full size truck.

 

i also want to throw in that if you can, get the 4.7 v8 model. Both get the same mileage so it wouldn't hurt to have some extra power. Keep the engine clean and well maintained and you will get upper 18s in mpg maybe 20 if your lucky, thats as long as you don't lift it and get bigger tires too. i was getting almost 17mpg, but after i lifted it and got bigger tires i am now getting 15.5-ish. So you can see the difference. Good luck!

 

Definitely do some searching around here on the front end. Also some people have had issues with rust around the rear wheelwells. The V8 is a must have, so good choice there. Struts, ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar end links are weak from the factory. You will love the truck otherwise. I miss mine every day.

 

Pa,

If you would like a build sheet on anything you are thinking about purchasing just PM me the Vin and I will send you one out.

 

Definately sticking with a V8. Window sticker was in the glove box of the 06 I looked at last night. 15 City and 20 Hwy is what was on it. When you say "Keep the engine clean and well maintained", what specifically do you mean by clean? I'm a maintenance freak and will do oil and filter every 3,000, air filter every 3rd oil change, and spark plugs every 25,000. Anything else you recommend?

 

I'm thinking of buying the 06 I looked at last night. It has a new right lower ball joint - greasable with a blue boot. Couldn't tell what brand. Both sway bar end links were also new with greasable joints. Can I assume the front end has been maintained? Is Moog the go to parts for the front ends on these? The front struts look original. The rear shocks are silver bodied KYB units. Not sure what the factory setup was.

 

Sounds like some work has been done on the front. Drive it a listen for any unsual sounds, clunks, pops, vibrations, etc which would indicate other worn components, drive over some parking lot sped bumps and stuff. You can tell if the struts are bad if you drive it and it bounces excessively. What are the specifics on the 06? Trim level? Engine? 4x4? Mileage? Moog is what most of us use for front end parts, just make sure they are the greasable Moogs as I think Moog has come out with a cheaper line of parts. I believe kjpark was just saying to keep the engine bay clean. If you offroad and get a lot of mud inside, or stuff like that. I used to give my engine compartment a bath and detaill about twice a year. Kept it nice and clean. Sure helps in resale value when you can show a nice, clean engine. Gives the appearance of being well maintained.

 

Here are the specifics from 'DodgeCares' - Thanks Chris!

Vehicle Description DODGE DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB 4X4
Model Year 2006
Body Model ND 5 H 84

Sales Code Description
*P9 Cloth 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
-D5 Med Slate Gray
ADJP Heavy Duty Service Group
AFHP Interior Convenience Group
AHC Trailer Tow Group
AJBP Security Group
AJKS Convenience Group
AJPS Power Convenience Group
APAS Monotone Paint
A82P 4.7L Eng (EVA)/5Spd A/T 5-45Rfe(DGQ)
BAZS 136 Amp Alternator
BCQP 750 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BCSS Battery Run Down Protection
BGJS Pwr Disc/Drum Rr Anti-Lock Brakes
CBEP 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
CBZS Prem Vinyl Door Trim w/Map Pocket
CDLP Manual Driver Lumbar Adjust
CFNS Rear 60/40 Folding Seat
CG3S Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags**
CKES Front Seat Area Carpet
CLES Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CSWS Driver Assist Handle
CUNP Overhead Console
CUZP Center Armrest Storage
DGES All 5-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGQ 5-Spd Automatic 545RFE Transmission
DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHTP Elec,Shift-on-the-Fly,P/Time T/Case
DJDS 205MM Front Axle
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBP Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
EVA 4.7L V8 MPI Engine
GACS Tinted Glass Windows
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEGS Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
GJDS Rear Fixed Window
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNDS Driver Side Sun Visor
GNES Passenger Side Sun Visor w/Mirror
GUNP Power 6X9 Multi-Func F/Away Mirrors
GXRP Keyless Entry
GXXP Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
HAAS Air Conditioning
JAAS Instrument Panel
JA2S Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JPBP Power Locks
JPDP Power Windows, Driver One-Touch
JPSP Power 6-Way Driver Seat
KRSS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
K1XP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
LACS Illuminated Entry
LAFS Key in Ign/Seat Belt Warning Buzzer
LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LALS Low Washer Fluid Warning Signal
LAMS Door Ajar Warning Lamp
LHES Rear Dome w/On/Off Switch Lamp
LMBS Halogen Headlamps
LNJS Fog Lamps
LPES Cargo Lamp
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
LSAP Security Alarm
MBAS Painted Front Bumper
MBES Bright Rear Bumper
MFDS Bright Grille
MGAS Ram's Head Badge
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MUMS Dakota Badge
MUZS SLT Badge
NAS 50 State Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NBQP Federal Tier 2, Bin 10A Emissions
NFBS 22 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
NHFP Power Steering Cooler
NHJP Exterior Mirrors w/Heating Element
NHMP Speed Control
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
NZDS Next Generation Engine Controller
PDM Mineral Gray Met. Clear Coat
QDMS Mineral Gray Met. Clear Coat
RCDS 4 Speakers
RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna
REFS AM/FM Compact Disc Radio
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCDS Luxury Steering Wheel
SDBS Heavy Duty Suspension
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SHFS Rear Stabilizer Bar
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBMS Tire Carrier Winch
TXVP P265/70R16 OWL All Terrain Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WDQP 16" Steel Spare Wheel
WD1S 16X8.0 Cast Aluminum Wheels
XBSS Pickup Box
XCAS Occupant Classification System
XDXS Scissor Type Jack
XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch
XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness
XGDP Universal Garage Door Opener
XSLS Brake/Park Interlock
X81S Instrument Panel Parts Module
X88S Tire & Wheel Parts Module
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications