I'm going to be trading my 03 ram 1500 3.7 in on an 07 dodge dakota slt 4x4 3.7, the last dakota I owned (91 model) made it to 815xxx miles before it died, aside from the 3.7 being under powered are there any common problems with the Dakotas? The one I'm looking at seems solid at 70k miles but I'm sure it won't be as reliable as my previous dak. Any input is appreciated .

 

I'm not certain as I've only had mine a few weeks but I do know you will like the difference between the 3.7 on the ram and 3.7 on the Dakota. I had a 2006 ram 3.7 I bought new, went to a Hemi Ram, then Wrangler and now the Dakota. It had been awhile since I had the 3.7 on the Ram but from what I remember its much better on the Dak.

 

The only issues are the weak front end parts. If necessary, just replace them with aftermarket parts which will be an improvement over stock parts. Aftermarket support is lacking, compared to your Ram, it will seem like nothing is available.

 

If it were me, I'd try and find one with the 4.7. Mileage is practically the same, but performance is much improved. The 3rd gen Dak is a heavy truck and the 3.7 struggles. (not hating, stating fact). Plus, if you are into modding, at least there is a tuner available for the 4.7. And as Dakotaff mentioned, struts, tie rod ends, ball joints and sway bar end links are all weak and will eventually require replacement.

 

It'd be nice to have more power the my 3.7 ram however as much as I've wanted more power I've never really needed it, I guess it's just a dodge thing to have a weak front end as my ram is starting to show signs of needing front end parts. The only real modding I'll ever do is the exhaust and maybe a cold air intake so mods don't concern me to much the truck after all is going to be a work truck for the most part. I've read that in 05 the 3.7 got a major update but can't find out what they did to it to "boost power and economy" how are the 4 wheel drive set ups on these Dakotas? Keep in mind I won't be doing major off roading but the deer camp gets awful muddy and my 2wd ram struggles to get through it after a good rain.

 

I like the shift-on-the-fly 4WD these trucks have. I haven't done much if any off road-ing except maybe a no winter maintenance road and it did well for itself. I have relied on it every winter with no concerns in getting anywhere either. I haven't had any issues with my driveline that I can think of. I think we've seen maybe one split front differential and a couple guys with shift solenoid issues in the front, but that's all I recall on the 4WD side.

I went from the 3.9 and jumped straight for the 4.7 when I bought this truck pretty much because of the fuel mileage and the better than limited aftermarket. I am happy with thte 4.7.

 

Well the deal fell through do to some carfax history I wasn't told about, they did however say they had an 07 dak 4 door 4x4 trx4 with the 4.7 ho lamarie on the way to the dealer and I signed papers on it pending it's in good shape. What's the difference between the 4.7 and the 4.7 ho ?

 

A few HP. Someone correct me, but dont the HO's have 8 plugs?

 

The 4.7-liter V-8 was rated at 230 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm, while the 4.7-liter High Output V-8 further eclipsed the competition in both power and torque (thanks to added tuning features) with 250-plus horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. plus of torque.

Hopefully the TRX4 will be to your liking.

 

It'll be nice having more power. Does the high output respond well to mods? What does the trx4 come with as opposed to the regular dakota? Again sorry for the questions.