Hello I'm a 2-nd gen 1998 Dak owner love the truck but think its time to get a newer model.

Upkeep is mounting and paint is going FAST

I Like this one LINK

Is the 3.7 and auto a decent combo and what problems to look out for?

My 98 has the small 2.5 engine so a 3.7 should be a nice upgrade for me

Thanks for any input

 

Get the 4.7. 3rd gen's are too big and heavy for the 3.7. IMO

 

I kind of disagree there Jkeaton, I'm running an O6 quad-cab with the 3.7... Mine does pretty good. HOWEVER! I am looking in to buying a tuner so I can rid the poor thing of the BS, power limiting settings. LOL (If you get more go at 2/3 throttle than you do at full... Something isn't set right).

Now, 98Dakaz, If you are looking at the 3.7 thinking higher fuel mileage. You aren't going to see it vs. the 4.7.. Keep your foot outta the gas, and the 4.7 can get just about the same mileage as the 3.7.. I'm averaging 16mpg with my truck running around town. But then I'm not always that nice to it. Best I've ever gotten around town was 18.


Problems??? Only true problem I've been reading about here on the forums is mostly how much a PIA it is to get the front end apart first time things need replacing. I've had mine getting close to two years now with no bigger annoyance than the cold engine lifter tick some others here have reported. I'm still quite pleased with my truck.

 

Do it. As far as the motor, it depends on what you need it for. I have a family and don't really haul much except for bikes on a hitch. I have a 3.7 RWD and it feels fine for me, plus i've been averaging 20mpg w/ all terrain tires.

 

Not hating on the 6, there's just more mod potential with the 4.7.

 

Just basic city driving almost no hauling especially nothing heavy


What kind of rear gearing do these have 3.55 3.75 or what?


Kind of sucks to sell off my 98 as I just replaced almost everything on the front suspension new brakes all around W/ new tires a good chunk of time as I did all the work. But my paint just started pealing off in gobs like crazy before that it looked great.


Now my Dak looks like a sick blistered up old man

 

It will have 3.55 gearing, unless they upgraded to the optional 3.92 gears. The only way to know for sure is to get a build sheet on it, and since you have the VIN, you can.

Coming from a 2.5, I think you'll be fine with a 3.7.

 

i've had the 3.7 now for some time, for me personally I have regretted having the 3.7... simply because of performance parts are all but limited, power is for a lack of a better word vacant, towing wise, it does alright *(mine does have the towing package... but never came with connections for trailer brake lights, but a simple aftermarket kit solved that right up)

if knowing then what I know now about the issues with having the 3.7 and its heavy truck with little torque to get me off the line *( I do 4 miles to work and 4 home in traffic light to light stops, ie city driving, i get 10-12, however I do have lager than stock tires, as well as a cold air intake, and exhaust... )

I would have with out a doubt bought the 4.7 1000000%

I just wish I had the v8 power, because I'm getting the v8 gas mileage right now. I have to put foot to the floor to pull out into traffic.


thats my two cents, I think either way I LOVE MY 3G

 

I have 2005 Quadcab 4.7 v8 with just over 200000 miles and still average 15.7- 16.3 mpg city driving v8 is worth it

 

I would never get the 3.7L again, I had a gen2 with a 3.9L Auto, and it wasnt bad but the 3.7L Auto seems to be more lacking since the heavier weight. The difference in the 3.7L and 4.7L in gas isnt much, you loss more with the 4.7, but if you do ANYTHING with the 3.7 you burn more then you would with the 4.7.