Looking at a 08 dakota, new to dodge, help!
So I am currently a Chevy owner, I have a colorado. I found a really nice 2008 Dakota sxt quad cab v6 (it says big horn on the gate also) with 28k on it at my local dealer and I'm seriously thinking about it. I have found some threads online that there was electrical issues w/ the 08's?
So I just wanted to reach out to actual dodge owners and see if these trucks were good and if there are any issues to look out for. After looking at it I really like the fit and finish of the truck over my colorado. Thanks, I really appreciate the help !! |
I will move this to the 3rd generation Dakota sub-forum.
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what electrical problems r u refering to, i havent an 08 and i havent had any
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I havent heard of any electrical issues with them. Other then when the battery goes bad it can cause lots of issues, that are resolved by replacing the battery.
The most known issues with 05's and up are Front End related. Tie-Rods, Ball-Joints, Struts, Sway Bar, and such since OEM are non-greasable, and even most Aftermarket are not, other then Moog's Problem Solver Line (that I know of) I have a 2005, and have owned it 2 years now, and have replaced. Both Sway-Bar End Links, Wheel Bearing, 1 Tie-rod, Both Lower Ball-Joints, Struts, Shocks, Resonator, Both Wheel Cylinders, Both Calipers, Rotors and Pads (Now keep in mind, my truck is also 7-8 Years old) 1 Sway-Bar link broke replacing the struts because it was rusted on, Rust also caused the Resonator delete (Had a straight pipe installed), and Wheel Cylinder and Caliper Replacement The Struts and Shocks where both still ok, Struts where replaced when I added my Leveling kit, and Shocks just because I wanted to put in Monroe Sensa-trac Load Adjusting Ones I dont think anything was replaced before I bought the truck, Other then the oil, Or if it was it was replaced with OEM crap |
I love my 08 SXT ext cab. I have the V6, gas milage is not great but it has a fair bit of power. It tows my boat fine!. the 4x4 works good too
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Factoid: UNLESS you happen to have the Colorado with the 5.3L V8 potion,
the 'Kotas ( Even the "Puny" 210 HP V6's) will outpull ANY Colorado!!! Dont know if you are or are planning to tow much at all. If so, be SURE to get the Dakota V6 with the 3:93 rear axle! OR, OR, better yet, hold off on trading and find a 300HP 4.7L V8 Dakota! Those things are a BEAST! :-) I made the HORRIBLE mistake of test driving a 2010 black ext. cab 2wd 4.7 V8 WITH THE 3:93 AXLE! Saturday. DAAAAADGUUUUMMMMIT!!!!!! 0-60 in, like, NOW!! Good GOD that truck was FAST!!!!!!! So when I got back into my white '08 V6 ext cab 2WD with it's lowly 3:55 rear axle and left the dealership, I put that bastard to the FLOOR and it now feels like I am driving around in a GEO METRO everywhere I go! I am now perminately RUINED! lol |
No issues with my 08, have almost 80k. Still on stock suspension as well. Love the V-8, its just to big for a v6 in my opinion, but it would probably be a nice step up from your old truck.
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Thanks for the info guys. I found a thread online somewhere that said there was issues w/ the cluster going bad. But that was just one guy, so it must have been an isolated issue. I dont plan on doing any towing with it at all actually, more just for hauling around my bike but I would really like the quad cab. My truck is a regular cab w/ the 2.9 4 cyl in it, so I don't need a lot of truck. I drive about 7 miles to work so the fuel usage is not a big deal either I just dont want to get this thing w/ less than 30k miles and it will only come with a 3 month warranty from the selling dealer.
Also, i have no idea what rear end it has in it. Its the big horn if it matters. But it sounds like its a solid truck, thanks a ton for the info! I'll def be back to let you know if I got it. Have to wait until wed to test drive it tho :( |
shortly after sending this reply I got a reply back from dodge on the build sheet for this truck. This is what they said:
According to our records, the 2008 Dodge Dakota was equipped from the factory with the following: Sales Code Description *G5 Cloth Seat -DD Dk Slate Gray/Med Slate Gray ADJP Heavy Duty Service Group AHCP Trailer Tow Group AM8 Utility Group APAS Monotone Paint BAZS 136 Amp Alternator BCQP 750 Amp Maintenance Free Battery BCSS Battery Run Down Protection BGJS Pwr Disc/Drum Rr Anti-Lock Brakes CABP Bucket Seats CBZS Prem Vinyl Door Trim w/Map Pocket 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 CUCP Floor Console DGV 4-Spd. Automatic VLP 42RLE Trans DH5S Elec Shift-on-the-Fly P/Time T/Case DJDS 205MM Front Axle DMHP 3.92 Rear Axle Ratio DRAS Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle DSAP Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle EKG 3.7L V6 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 GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors GXRS Keyless Entry HAAS Air Conditioning JAAS Instrument Panel JAYS Instrument Cluster w/Tach JBHS Instrument Panel Black Bezel JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet JKWP 12V Center Console Power Outlet JKYS Power Accessory Delay JPBS Power Locks JPDS Power Windows, Driver One-Touch JP8S Manual Adjust Seats LABS Tire Pressure Monitoring Warning LP LAFS Key in Ign/Seat Belt Warning Buzzer LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes LAMS Door Ajar Warning Lamp LCDS Map/Dome Reading Lamps LCHS Rear Dome Lamp LMBS Halogen Headlamps LNJP Fog Lamps LPES Cargo Lamp LPSS CHMSL Lamp MBAP Painted Front Bumper MBDP Argent Rear Bumper MFLP Black Headlamp Bezel w/Chrome Trim MF5P Bright/Accent Color Grille MGAS Ram's Head Badge MHAS Black Windshield Moldings MUMS Dakota Badge MWKS Dual Function Tailgate MWTS 4X4 Badge MYFA Bighorn Badge NAA Federal Emissions NFBS 22 Gallon Fuel Tank NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler NHFP Power Steering Cooler NHMS Speed Control NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling NZDS Next Generation Engine Controller PXR Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat QXRS Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat RCDS 4 Speakers RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna RESS Uconnect 130 AM/FM/CD/MP3 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 SUAS Tilt Steering Column TBBS Full Size Spare Tire TBMS Tire Carrier Winch TP5P P265/60R18 BSW On/Off Road Tires TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires WF1P 17" Steel Spare Wheel WPBP 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels XBNP Tip Start XBSS Pickup Box XDXS Scissor Type Jack XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness XFUS Trailer Tow w/4-Pin Connector Wiring XMEP Under Rail Box Bedliner XSLS Brake/Park Interlock XXRP Pickup Box Utility Rails X81S Instrument Panel Parts Module X88S Tire & Wheel Parts Module YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications Some of these options I don't know what they are, but I don't see anything that looks to be a downfall to the truck. |
Originally Posted by jgilbert
(Post 2932169)
shortly after sending this reply I got a reply back from dodge on the build sheet for this truck. This is what they said:
According to our records, the 2008 Dodge Dakota was equipped from the factory with the following: . We LOVE our 08. BFN Randy |
It is a good truck overall...the V6 is a little lacking but if your only gonna be doing 7 miles its not bad and since you are coming from a small 4 cyl it should be a little better...the big horn is only a higher package its the model that is 2 above the base but is a one below the top option but hope you like the truck personally i prefer the larger trucks. My truck is a 21 foot long beast but for a small truck the power should be just right.
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Originally Posted by jgilbert
(Post 2932169)
DMHP 3.92 Rear Axle Ratio
DRAS Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle DSAP Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle TP5P P265/60R18 BSW On/Off Road Tires WPBP 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels AHCP Trailer Tow Group XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness XFUS Trailer Tow w/4-Pin Connector Wiring XMEP Under Rail Box Bedliner Oh and... :icon_worthless: |
After looking at that build sheet seems as though you found a great truck! It also seems as though you found with the factory tow package; 3.92 gears, transmission cooler, class IV hitch, 7 pin connector, and the 4 pin harness. All in all seems like a good truck. Let us know how it rides after the test drive.
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i have an 08 slt quad cab v6. to be honest the v6 is nice and i do get good gas mileage. pulls my quad and jet ski no problem. put a leveling kit on it and youll love it. but you WILL have to replace the front end. just get nice parts like moog and you wont have to do it again. it rides a litttle stiff stock but i prefer it that way, all preference. but the new front end that we have 08+ is awesome. its a cool truck. i think perfect size and will do anything you need it to. i would love the v8 but am happy with my v6
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I plow residential driveways with my 2008. No problems, knock on wood.
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Seahammer. What series snoway. R u running.
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Smitty - It's a Series 26, 7'6" Blade, Down Pressure, and a Wireless Pro Control.
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