Hello all,

So I'm undecided as to which one I should buy:

2006 4.7 RWD Dakota 6-Speed

or

2008 3.7 RWD Dakota 6-Speed

I know both of them sit around the 19mpg on the highway mark - my drive to work is ALL highway and I'm just curious, can some current owners of v6 and v8 2 wheel drive Dakotas chime in on their mpg numbers they see?

I'm swaying towards the v8, but if the 6 is going get me consistently better mpg, I may go that route...

 

I can't speak for the 6 Speeds as mine is the 5 speed auto, but one of the reasons I chose the v8 over the v6 was because the mileage was practically the same between the two and for the little difference, I decide the v8 would give me more options for hp, torque, towing, resale, aftermarket, etc. Also note I owned a 3.9 prior to this so I kind of understood the even less attention it received as compared to the others

 

Mad,

If you want a build sheet on either or both of these PM me the vins and I'll send them out. I will also check for recalls and warranty restrictions.

 

Yeah, there's only a minor difference in mpg's. I would definitely get the 4.7, you'll be kicking yourself later if you don't.
There's not too many 4.7 manuals around, it seems, you're lucky to have found one.

 

3.7L V6 here...
If I could I would get the V8, and I said "if I could" 'cause the V8 is not for sale where I live.

 

So I was reading the car fax on the 4.7 2006 and the previous owner had tie rod ends replaced in 2007 2009 and 2011....what is that all about?!?

 

the factory tie rods are absolute Crap, and they were probably replaced by the dealer under warranty (possibly) so they kept replacing crap with crap.

there's no way around it, The factory front end components (bushings and tie rods, ball joints) are not built to last.


Get the v8, Its just cooler.

 

That's why all my stuff has been replaced with Moog. Once and one.

 

So replacing with Moog will take care of the early wear issues? If that's the case, I will make sure I do that if they fail again.

 

They're a better quality part, and have grease fittings that you need to grease as needed for everything to last. I don't mind greasing everything. It's a lot better, and cheaper than replacing parts again.