It's a forum alot of people seek answers to problems,go check the Chevy and Ford truck forums you'll wonder how they make it out of the driveway.I heard a psychologist say about marriage if you have any major doubts don't get married because at the first sign of trouble you'll be going, damn I was right,A great attitude to start off with before you pick up the 07.

 

Some of the GM's Vortec engines had piston slap, they would sound like diesel engine on start up for a few minutes. Of course, GM didn't really own up to the problem. Evidently, they did release a TSB stating that using 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles on an engine with less than 36,000 miles was "normal." They did buy back some of the vehicles. Sounds loud on start up, not owning up to the problem... sound familiar? (Not saying its piston slap, nothing shows thats what it is)
Chrysler really just needs to drop the 4.7L and come out with something with more power (which the 4.7L needs more power) and no crappy problems.
I mean, all it takes is someone to read the Gen 3 forums. Engine noises on new engines (and replacing all kinds of parts doesn't help), brake problems that don't seem to be solved (replacing all kinds of parts sometimes doesn't hep), and smaller problems people have.
I'd be lying if I told you I'd recommend anyone to buy a Gen 3 Dakota, especially one with a 4.7L, until Dodge can find out whats wrong with these things and actually fix them.
Those who deny there are problems are living in a fairy-tale land, and I know I would be outraged if I spent my hard earned money on a troublesome truck. It's ridiculous actually. Engineers have a job to do, and these trucks should go thru a lot of road testing before their given the "ok" to be produced. There is no excuse for these problems. Period.

 

So you're saying me and other members that don't have engine problems are the exception not the rule,I have no problem with the power of my 4.7 of course I would like more just like the guys with Hemi Rams want more,I guess you think it's fine for Gray to hang around like the Grim Reaper at a ICU waiting for chance to whine about his Dakota expierence,thats healthy for this forum?then I guess it's just me,I'm very satisfied with my Dakota,I'm sorry Dodgerules that my truck doesn't measure up to your standards,when a Moderator says my truck is crap it must be gospel,thanks for opening my eyes,silly me I thought that Dodge Forums was for enthusiast,maybe changing this section name to Lame *** Dakota will clear up some of the misunderstandings.

 

Was there some major change to the 4.7 from the Gen2's to the Gen3's? because I don't see anyone in the Gen2 forum with these engine issues unless they are someone with a high mileage engine and they are having normal breakdown of parts over time......mine makes no strange noises I start it up and I can heard the vacuum of the CAI and the rumble of the exhaust....sounds perfect to me.

 

I've stated previously my 02 Dak w/non-HO 4.7 was flawless from the day I drove it off the showroom floor brand new to the day I traded it in w/160,000 miles. I have not lost all faith in Dodge due to this engine noise I am having at startup, it just really puzzles me as to why it is happening.

 

Does every engine have these problems? No. Why are only Gen 3 Dakotas, particularly the H.O. motors, more prone to these problems? Who knows.
At no point did I say that your Dakota was "crap."

Enthusiast does not mean brainwashed. I like Dodge, I wouldn't buy another brand, but along with that, I admit they do have problems. Their not perfect.
Maybe the next post I read where someones asking for advice on a problem I should just say, "no, you own a Dodge, their perfect, you actually don't have a problem."

I think what is unhealthy is for people to go on and on with having their trucks in the shop (all the while their still making payments on them) just to have part after part replaced, and the problem not go away. Oh yea, that will win over the hearts of people looking for info on the new Dakotas.

As far as the power portion I was talking about, I'm not talking about how some people say their 4.7L lacks the power to get up a hill. I'm talking about how a 4.0L V6 gets about the same HP (and closing in on TQ). Liter for liter, the 4.7L is not very powerful. Yes, its got a little more power than competitors V6's, but think about what your saying... a V6 vs. a V8.

Now, to close out on a positive note: the Dakota is the most capable mid-size truck out there (and has been for years). It's (by far) the best looking. And, in the event you let your g/f borrow it, 5 star frontal and side crash test ratings. And you can't go wrong with a hydroformed frame.

 

"I think what is unhealthy is for people to go on and on with having their trucks in the shop (all the while their still making payments on them) just to have part after part replaced, and the problem not go away. Oh yea, that will win over the hearts of people looking for info on the new Dakotas."


Why is it unhealthy to inform those FEW who are having a similar problem? I don't understand your logic. I've heard from those FEW that are having a similar problem and were very thankful of the info I have posted. All I can hope for is it might save at least one other person all the steps I've been through at this point to get it resolved. If someone is stupid enough to think that everything they read on some internet forum must be true for EVERY SINGLE product they are looking to buy then they need some serious help. I would have never bought my 02 if that were the case.

 

Glk21 my remarks are aimed at one person,Evolutions just had a buyback,he didn't jump on here at every chance he had and say what POS his truck is and carry on, obviously the powers that be believe it's fine for Gray to go on and on about his dissatisfaction with the Dakota and DC.Personally I can't see whats the point,after reading his replies in this thread,he's got a buyback and is getting a 07 Dakota,I can see it now,well if you bought two $32,000 POS you would be on here whining to,that sounds like a selfish and lame excuse and adds nothing to this forum,Glk you and Evoulutins shown more class about your problems,when you could be doing the samething Gray does,personally if I was dissatisfied with my truck as Gray appears to be, DC couldn't pay me to take another,I'm NOT saying you shouldn't talk about your problems with your Dak,I'm just saying Gray made his point along time ago,It's like dog crap attracts flies,there's subjects you know he can't resist on replying to,atleast the Moderators stopped his Toyota promotion.

 

got it

 

Hey, hey now... I never said I'd buy a Toyota. Don't put such hypocrisy in my mouth