AlphaShark, here is a Dakota UPDATE: Curmudgeon boutht the truck from a neighbor and updated it as explained in your video. Sold it a few years later to Dave's dad to pay unexpected medial bills. This late August/early Septermber I'm buying the truck back from Dave's dad. I"m exciteed got get my dakota back. OBTW, Dave and his dad can keep a set of keys to use the truck whenever they want. I think the truck is becoming a "trust" more tnan just a cool 1999 restoration. Dave's dad gave it a lot of TLC. The TLC will continue. AlphaShark, just throught you and your followers would want to know the "old girl" has quite a life left.
You're right... I remember when the 2 generation Rams came out. All the boys were thrilled at how it looked. I wound up buying a 2000 Dakota, with the V6 and manual xmission. I still have it, and I am actually working on restoring it. I hate all the new pickup trucks, and I love my Dakota. It has never required much maintenance and has never failed. It deserves a resto. My friends think I'm nuts, but it's my truck and I'll do what I want.
I'm kinda in this boat, I don't like the new trucks and would rather resto mod a 90s midsize truck. My grandmother still has her 99 Dakota Sport with the 3.9, and while it has some issues its a rather good truck. If it eventually falls into my lap, I think it would be a great candidate for a r2.8 diesel swap, as well as 4x4. It's a single cap with an 8ft bed and makes a perfect work truck imo.
@@brysonfrantz4740what issues does your grandmas 3.9 have? Looking into purchasing one with 104,000 miles! Very clean truck interior and exterior and under the hood! Just doing my research and trying to see if its worth dropping the $3500 on! Would be so grateful to hear your experience with the truck
Had my grandpa’s 97 Dakota single cab in high school went 310,000 miles (lost it in a hit and run). I had an 06 Dakota club cab with the 4.7 v8 for 8 years, was a good truck, still miss it. 👍
Seen your comment and had to ask. I'm looking at the same truck to pull my zero turn for lawncare. Do you think this truck will do the job. It's got 138000 on clock.
@@danielholtzapple7124 so long as they kept up on the maintenance it should be good. Mine had the tow package 3.55 rear with limit slip and was 2wd club cab with a tow rating of just under 6,000 lbs. and auxiliary trans and oil cooler. 3.92 rear ends could do 7,000lbs. I suggest doing an aftermarket air intake to do away with the resonator box (causes it to stall) and look at the transmission (they like to act up when it’s about 95 degrees and above out, it causes the trans temp control to go into limp mode thinking it’s overheating. You’ll have a manifold tick most likely but mine would go away after it warmed up. I moved a horse trailer once with it not problem so it should do fine with lawncare. Hope it helps!
I’ve got a 2003 4.7 manual. Bought it in 2010 with 60K, now close to 225K and still going strong. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Plan to teach my son to drive stick and then pass on to him.
Nice dakota gang. I've got a 02 club cab sport with the 4.7. Wish mine was a 03 or 04 so I would get the bigger brakes upfront and disc's in the back, I guess I'll do it aftermarket
My daily driver [read: only vehicle] is my 2000 Dakota R/T club cab that I bought in '04 with just over 20k mi on it. I absolutely love the 2nd gen Dakotas and still think they're one of the best looking trucks ever - the styling has aged well and they still look good compared to even modern trucks. I don't plan to ever get rid of it unless something disastrous happens (like getting absolutely mangled in an accident). They're also super easy to work on, which isn't really the case with most modern vehicles.
I have an 04; 4.7L; quad cab; 4x4 also. I love the truck, I’ve always had full size trucks and came across this for sale and liked it because of the 4.7L V8. It has 175,000 miles and 18yrs old, so little things are breaking down on it but it’s very easy to work on! The only thing I’m not happy with it was not manufactured with cruise control, but that’s ok, it is a very tuff truck!!!
Just acquired a 98 SLT 4x4 5.2L Loving it so far! It Sat for roughly 6 years and after a couple fixes it’s back on the road and runs sweet!! It’s a keeper!
Just bought a 2004 with only 40k miles and zero luxury features. No cruise control, no powered windows or seats, stock radio. I absolutely love it. It's like I'm going back in time to the good old days
Love the 318! I have a 1996 Dakota with the 5.2 318 cu. in.in it. Wonderful engine, I pull a Wolf Pup camper with it, no problem. The power is there when you need it. Towing I get 11-12 mpg and just the truck and the bed empty I get almost 20mpg on the highway. At 70 mph the engine is running at less than half its max rpm.
I drove a 2001 Dakota with a 4.7 V8 in it before I bought my Tacoma. It was tough truck. Drove it for 10 years with no issue with 190,000 miles! ! Sold it to a guy who is still driving it!
@@danielholtzapple7124quite a bit. Moving trailers. Dune buggy trailers. Pull ppl out of mudholes. Or stuck. Bogged it down with weight with flooring materials. Rebuilt trans once at 200k
I found a 1999 dodge Dakota 5.2 V8 Magnum SLT with 129k miles. Took it on the spot. Well maintained had the receipt for ever oil change since it was bought from the dealership. Paid 3k for it.
I have a 2001 Dakota slt quad cab. It is 2wd, 4.7l v-8, 45rfe automatic transmission. All the options. I love the truck. That being said, it does have problems. I got 358,000 miles on it with regular maintenance. It dropped a valve seat and I found it cheaper to rebuild the engine with the updated HO heads, pistons, and cams. The drivers seat bottom has had several replacements. No OEM parts available. It still has original transmission, but has started making a crunching noise in reverse engagement. Needs a heater core and had to be repainted after factory paint "fell off". I have rebuilt the control arms in the front end 4 times and it doesn't like to hold alignment. The bolts tend to loosen. I changed the front coil springs to the manual transmission option ones that had a higher load capacity. The brakes were much better than my gen 1, but still barely adequate. I installed a '03 Durango dual piston caliper front knuckle with huge rotors and an '04 Dakota rear disc brake axle with post-track 3.55 gear. The brakes are now amazing and super easy to do with minimal to no changes to the original brake system. I changed the TCM to a grand Cherokee 545 RFE to give me the extra gear. Some roads in AZ are 75mph. It does about 1800-2000rpms at that speed. have stainless street headers to magna flow cats and flow master dual exhaust. It still has the original fuel pump. I installed chevy Saturn 12 hole fuel injectors for a nice power gain and increased mileage (Kudos to Martinbuilt). The other issue is the window regulators have had to be replaced 4 times now. The TYC brand seem to be holding up well and have a lifetime warranty. It also seems to eat cam and crank sensors from Autozone (25 replacements). The OEM ones work great. I still carry a spare of each. Just recently gave it a Superchips tune and it really woke up. It gives Mustangs a good run.
The 1997 to 2004 dakota , full size rams, and Durango are now easy to do a hemi swap . Holley came out with complete kits from engine mounts , cables, wire harness, transmission adapters to direct swap. So if you have a junk 3.6l , 4.7l , hard to find 5.2l, 5.9l can keep truck alive with a 5.7l hemi.
My 98 dokota has a 3.9 v6 5 speed manual rusted at 2500 lbs towing capacity. I put a car trailer on it that you would pull with a 3500 and loaded it down with 8500 lbs of scrap drove 20 miles to a scrap yard to get some extra money and that truck pulled up hills no problem and went down them with no problem. Dakotas are the best trucks for almost everything
I have the exact one you have but a automatic it's really good trucks mine was used in mostly delivering goods but it was really clean with 80,000 miles although i really hate typically this engine because of the weak power steering and bellows that wear out easily I'm kinda looking forward to get another one that is a v8 & manual & 4x4
I just bought my first vehicle 2 months ago its a dodge dakota sport 2 door 6ft bed v6 3.9 with 134k miles and it's still in new condition I love it and I'm glad I got it, It's gets up to speed fast to.
I’ve been looking at trying to buy a nicer example of this truck for a while now. I do have a 2000 Dodge Dakota right now with the 4.7 but I bought it about 4 years ago now with 200,000 miles and a lot of issues because it was extremely cheap, even for a first car, but I didn’t know any better at the time and also couldn’t afford anything nicer at the time. Even with all the problems that I have had with it because of the previous owners abuse, it is still really fun to drive and it will still get moving when you put your foot on the floor. I love these trucks and I don’t think I’m ever going to get rid of mine, even with the problems, because the only thing I hear from people who have gotten rid of them is regret.
@@rajanrairealty8979 Get ready for an essay lol: If you don’t feel like reading all this, basically I have replaced every conceivable thing that you can possibly imagine would be wrong with a $1500 truck, but I have loved it and it has been a great learning experience since I have always wanted to work on cars. Also, if anyone reading this has a 5’3” bed for a 2nd gen dakota for sale with no rust, please let me know. catalytic converter needs to be replaced, but my state doesn’t do yearly inspections so I haven’t really done anything about it. Basically the entire cooling system has been replaced because the water pump leaked and it overheated. After I replaced the water pump the radiator got a hairline crack and overheated again. I have replaced the front and rear bumpers and then got rear ended less than a year later so that was fun. The back window began falling out so I took it out and used new sealant to put it back in place. Power steering fluid leaks out of somewhere but I have yet to be able to find where because of everything else that my truck leaks. I don’t think there is a single fluid that it DOESNT leak except brake fluid because I also replaced all the brakes. I also replaced the driver side rear axle shaft because that was bent. I also replaced the heater core about a year ago and I’m planning on replacing the starter soon because it’s beginning to go out. I know this is a huge laundry list of problems that I have with it, but I truly don’t believe that it’s really the truck’s fault. It used to go through any type of fluid pretty quick but the more stuff I replace the slower it leaks. When I first bought the truck I had to check fluid levels every couple days but now it’s to the point where I only check about once a month and most of the time the fluid levels are still fine. I think the problem with my truck is that the previous owners abused the hell out of it and never performed any regular maintenance or replaced anything at proper time intervals. When I replaced the spark plugs, they were literally falling into pieces as I pulled them out and I had to use a friend’s borescope to make sure no pieces fell into the cylinders. I also have replaced all of the coils on top of the plugs and the fuel injectors. I plan on getting new cab corners and maybe a new bed if I can ever find one for cheap enough because I got a lot of rust on the body.
I have a 2002 SLT Quad Cab V8 4.7L Dakota and holy shit does that thing got some power.. I’m 18 and got the truck when I was 18 when an uncle of mine sold it to me for 2000 with it ONLY having 87k Miles which is crazy so far I’ve fixed its window motors, Got new off road tires blacked out rims and I’m looking to get a wrap on it aswell as a lift and new lights all around I’m so excited for this build especially since it’s engine and internals are running great and I’ve only put 10k miles on it since. There’s def some pride when driving it around town becasue it’s a rarer pickup, my goal is to make it look dirty and sound dirty so I can make Tacoma Drivers jealous even with their brand new 22s with v6s 🤣🤣
That's awesome! I have the same truck, 2002 SLT Quad Cab, 4x4, 4.7L, 5-speed manual in Patriot Blue. My first new vehicle, which I ordered from the factory with all the options I could afford at the time. Wish I had ordered a few more options like limited-slip differential though. It's been my daily driver for 21 years and it's still going strong. It's had a few minor issues of course, but given it's age, I can't complain. I have the factory fender flares, so have some rust under them and my rocker panels are rusted through in a few places (Canadian winters with salted roads are harsh). I get it rust proofed every year though which has slowed the rust. I'm at the stage where I need to decide if I will fix the body rust or drive it till it drops. I know I can get many more years out of it as long as I treat it right. I'm teaching my kids to drive standard with it too; the truck is older than they are. One thing for sure is I will never, ever sell this truck.
I currently own a 97 318 dakota 5 speed manual that is in the same condition except it don't have cats. Another thing for mine being a little older that this one mine has power windows. but for the creaking noise its either the dash or the center console making the noise. And a few common dakota experiences I have had is the fuel pumps like to go out and the glove box latches break easy but other than that they are really good truck but horrible on gas.
My dad bought a 4.7 V8 Dakota quad cab 4x4 slt new back in 2004. Great truck and it's still running great at nearly 200,000 km. Other than the body rust, never had problems!
My every day driver currently is a 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab with the 4.7 L V8 with 86K! It was my grandfather's and he's was the original owner and I'm the 2nd owner! I have had to put some money into it and I'm getting it undercoated next! Not great gas mileage but I love that old truck. I wish they never stopped making them. I hope to drive it for another 20 years!!!! At least 8 years lol.
I currently have the 1999 5.2 4wd Ext cab with 101k! I love this truck... It's a true classic! I was lucky enough to get this one at a steal due to my Nephew moving overseas and won't be able to take it with him. During his short time Station in the Army b4 transferring out... He took care of it and replaced so many new parts in the truck. The inside is super nice with no rips ! I never been a truck person until this was basically given to me!! Love this Dakota Classic!
I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T 5.9L standard cab and I love it. It is also painted solar yellow like this one, but the clear coat is fading and needs to be repainted.
My father's 2000 dakota had over 260,000 miles. V6. Was the most reliable vehicle in history. It never had a single problem in over 20 years of ownership. Regular cab 3.9 v6 sport with the 5 speed manual in intense blue. Someone's still driving it. Not a speck of rust on it either
I always like the Dakota, buddy of mine had a yellow RT and I loved the look of it. My dad had the durango which was the same from the front doors forward. He had it 10 years with 0 issues. I had the Ram with the 5.9 and like driving his 5.2 Durango more as it was more responsive and felt more powerful then the 5.9 in my Dodge Ram regular cab.
I have a 99' with a v6 originally currently a v8 and my DD. 4x4 box rotted real bad so i built an aluminum flatbed. New cab corners rockers and cab mounts. These are notorious for front cab mounts going. My truck is a truck an SLT manual windows and locks manual trans. Truck has 440k on the body. i rebuilt a 5.2 for it at about 310k on the v6 and did the swap. For what i paid to rebuild that truck i would never touch a new pickup
I took my truck to the plant that I work at (wood manufacturing plant) to pick up 101 2x4x8 and let me tell you, if I swung this wood we make and a regular 2x4, that 2x4 will get dented up and break. I know this because I've done it lol. While waiting for the forklift driver to bring the wood out the QA tech was sitting on my tailgate as we were talking and asked how many cylinders it had, 4 or 6. I was a bit taken back because that surprised me but the even funnier part was when I said "8" She just turned around with such a look of disbelief 😂
I had a 2001 Dodge Dakota SLT club cab with a 3.9 L V6 Magnum with 16" inch stock rims. It was an amazing truck Sadly I lost the truck in a accident 2 years ago. I miss it so much that truck was my baby.
Ill die with my 1st gen 1996 Dodge Dakota single cab 4x4 5.2 V8 with NV3500 5 speed. Ill sell my land n all my belongings as long as my dakota still with me. Lived off the grid for 10+ years no power water etc and the 94 dakota 5.2 my mom had went over 350k miles then she wanted to upgrade… Worst mistake we made was selling the dakota 5.2 5 speed! Mom got a isuzu trooper too light in 3-4 ft snow where dakota just perfect weight so always got stuck n walked back to property in isuzu, had a 95 chevy 1500 too light in the snow also and more in gas then dakota was, got a ram 1500 5.9 auto and it was gas hog but did okay for a winter still not like the dakota, even had few 4runners/toyota pickups with 22r/22re and mom kept her 86 toyota pickup 4x4 and just sold it recently with almost 400k miles but she’s had a couple motors in its life. Even still we always said man the toyotas were good but it got about same mpg as the dakota 5.2 yet half the power. If your a toyota 4x4 5 speed fan you will love the dakota 5.2 5 speed i assure it, just as capable yet more power and hauls more and personally as a little kid i fit in the back seat of ext/club cab vs other trucks like 90s rangers/tacoma
I have this engine in my 2001 dodge ram 1500. Bought from local university at 60k miles last year for 5k. Replaced all the sensors, but it also runs on propane or gasoline.
The last Dakota Platform was the most modern midsize platform until 2018/2019, those whereabouts. The Colorado and Ranger were based on a global platform from before 2004. The Tacoma and Frontier platforms were only recently updated. It's also still one of the most robust mid-size platforms with a fully boxed frame and V8 option. Arguably the Gladiator is the successor for the Dakota.
i got three of um. i first got a 95 with a v6. it took everything i through at it and it runs fine. then i got a 96 slt 4x4. its waitin for parts. and my yard car is a 98 slt v8. well it needs work but the drivetrain is solid. all 3 are good trucks n i wouldnt trade um in.
Honestly just the plastic around that screw by the handle is sturdy. I recently got a 97 with the v8 and in spite the fact the automatic window controls are popped out and a lot of the actual clips are pretty dried out on the panel borders, the handle itself still pulls solid. Lol.
my 2006 Dakota that I still drive to this day is up to 266k miles and keeps going. She is not long for this world and I will be heart broken when I finally have to put her down
Been doing motors and trans since 96. I own a 03 ram 1500 4.7. I'm not trying to be a dick but alot of variation can cause differences between the dakota you drove with 4.7 and the 5.2. Mileage is one thing. How hard was both engines worked. My ram has a jasper rebuilt 4.7 and I weigh 8 thousand to 10 at scale in Junkyard. That motor pulls as hard as I need it with a load up hills. I'm looking at a dakota with a 4 .7 and I might buy it. If a motor is wore out it doesn't matter the cubic inch or liters it has. There's alot of other things too like the gearing the transmission the rear and front end diffs. You can't judge 2 trucks even with the same motor because those 2 lived different lives also
I have a 2 wheel drive and a 4x4 Dakota, they both have the 4.7/automatics. The 2 wheel drive is very peppy, the 4x4 not so much. Its obvious the gearing is way higher on the 4x4. At 60mph, the 4x4 is only turning 1,500 rpm, at 80mph, its at like 2,200 rpm. Maybe the tires on it are bigger than stock too, causing even higher gear ratio/less acceleration. The 2 wheel drive is fast, on a big hill on a two lane highway on my way to work, have had all kinds of cars and even the dodge hemi trucks try to pass going up that hill... punch the gas and the 2 wheel drive eats them up. It also takes off fast.
I had a 98 red one two other things a 360 5.9 l was an option that I didn't have and there was no prop rod for the hood there were hood hinges that went up without a prop rod
Also had six bolt pattern lug nuts vehicle was still running well for its new owner couldn't drive anymore because of bad vision vehicle has over 200,000 on it sadly it did need a torque converter at 160,000 but did haul a lot of things One of my favorite vehicles ever
2wd is nice and low. Reminds me of when you had to get a heavy duty work truck to get a factory lift kit. Now every Colorado and Ranger rolls off the factory floor ready for 20 inch wheels. Wish I didn't live in a high crime neighborhood as the truck tends to get vandalized a lot. Open diff makes people think I'm going fast when I'm just trying to get up to speed
Um news flash most cars and trucks pre 2000s had lights under the hood because back then most people worked on there own vehicles. That's when men where men and they did not question if they were a man or a woman 😂
I own the same truck it has been probably the best truck I've ever owned. It has 250000 miles on it but still running strong. It does need some body work but well worth fixing
Got a 98 sport 318 with the 4speed auto 47rfe odometer quit working 08 with 194000 she’s been drive a lot since then I drove it steady for two years after I bought and the guy before me had drive almost ten years with no odo it’s hard to tell what miles are on it still runs a shifts just fine and when you punch her she’s side ways amazing trucks but it had six of them have two currently
You could get the newer generation dakota with a V8 and you could get the 5.3 V8 in the 2009-2012 Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. One of my buddies has a 5.3 Colorado that has a T-56 manual 6-speed swap. Its a really cool, and surprisingly quick truck.
Still trying to figure out why the 6&8 Dakota is a six lug but the ram is only a five lug but the bigger truck🤯 If I’m not mistaken, the harness for power windows locks and mirrors are already in the doors. Just need switches and actuators regulators.
I wish I could go back to 2010 and buy some of the last V8 mid sizers. The Hummer H3T, the Sport Trac Adrenalin were the best looking. The Dakota got ugly after the restyle. And the Canyon Colorado also were available with a V8, but the first generation was hideous.
I have a 1998 Dodge Durango 5.9 L V8 Magnum engine a red color I just got my belt to stay put today I have a four-wheel drive and this thing can hold up to seven people and it runs good so there
Interesting to see the differences between the SLT and the Sport model, I've got a 1999 Dakota SLT 4x4, which gives you a overhead computer by the domelight which tells you fuel milage and temperature and trip times and distance until empty and such. And of course it gives you power locks and windows and an infinity audio system with tweeters and such. They technically did make some form of luxury model. I do notice though that I've never seen a dakota with a spray in bed liner so I don't think that's a factory thing
Not much changed till 01. They had a complete dash remodel and in 2000 they put the 4.7 in them. I currently have the top luxury model it's a 2000 club cab 4x4 SLT+ 4.7 and no problems at all even had a 2000 Durango identical specs and it lasted me 10 yrs besides ac issues it got to 256k and still ran good.
Not tryingto blow anyones mind but they put the 5.9 in the dakota too and not just in the RT. You could order one in a special towing package with the slt but i dont think it was offered until after 1999. Chevy was actually the first to put a light under the hood
I've seen a nice one for sale for less than 10k and I'm really struggling bc we already have 3 cars, one of which is a 93 S10 Blazer, but that one is... rough.
Man how did these trucks got much more expensive when i got my 1998 Dakota sport slt back in like 2009 or 2010 i bought it from an auction that had electrical company cars and they had so many clean Dakota's there and they were going for dirt cheap the most expensive one there sold for like 1200$
Not many left in decent or great condition. Even less yet in the R/T tirm; which came with the 17s being more of a higher performance trim level. Later model years got goodies; power seat, heater power mirrors, rear anti-lock (4 wheel disc) mostly in the SLT and Laramie trim levels. While the Sport later had the added Stampede appearance package, which had the ground affects. The SOHC 4.7 replaced the 5.2 (roughly same power figures) and the 5.9 died out in 03/04 when the R/T trim was dropped. Obviously once everyone jumped on the full size daily truck, it was more finacilly sound to spend roughly $40k on a full size that got same mileage as the Dakota and other mid sized trucks (can't tow the toy haulers, campers or take your kids to school in - for those who still wanted a truck and not an SUV) Been rumors of FCA bringing the Dakota back under the RAM Banner for the last few years. Last pic/article I saw was it basically looking like a Honda Ridgeline (like the Maverick) obviously today, it won't be a V8 but probably their new TT I-6 or some other FCA/Stelantis powerplant. It might have 4-500hp, but let's be honest a mid-level Kia has 300hp and the Horsepower wars died in 2010 to be replaced by the torque war with the big 3 and their Diesel powerplants. Worse now with the fuel prices, the old school truck V8 is gone for good, best we can do is keep them running and keeping the smiles per gallon.
the engine is fantastic ...its awesoem...never let me down....get a good quality water pump though ...the ac delco ones made in china suck...1 year old doing snow wheeling the engine blew the waterpump cuz it sucks......and the throttle position sensor tends to go...I filled the engine compartment tis year with snow.....FILLED going around jacknified idiot rigs on hills in canada...right though deep snow in ditches......20kilometers later the engine started to complain and overheat...i pulled over in a stupid place on an embankment hill ....the belt tensioner was froze loose and belt was loose...so no waterpump oir power steering ect....30 mins to clear the snow and push tensioner tight.....had to deflate the tires and clear a path to get unstuck...that old 5.2 with cold air intake was just fine... need to put better skid plates to protect the engine bay.for getting shit in it LMAO.....
That flexplate desing is and flywheel built into the tourqe converter is what I found in a 98 5.2 engine change at 260000 miles.....do yourself a favor and pull the beam across the front!!
The only mistake ram ever made was discontinuing the Dakota. It was a great truck and always stood out to the others. I have a 4.7 in mine but it's kind of unnaturally weak and bad on gas, i'd like to get a 318 or a 5.9 in it.
I wouldn’t replace that engine unless you have terrible miles I also have a 4.7 and it’s a gas monster but those engines are strong and built to last I wouldn’t even think about changing my engine only thing mechanically I’m thinking abt changin is the exhaust make it sounds faster than it is lmao
I prefer and love my 1st Gen 92 Sport V6 AX15 5 speed single cab short bed but these body style Dakotas are fine too, lol. I'm just biased even though I'm technically an OBS Ford guy, but I have always had a love for the 1st Gen Dakota especially since Carroll Shelby had a hand in the Shelby Dakota which is why I prefer the 1st Gen Dakota, lmfao.
AlphaShark, here is a Dakota UPDATE: Curmudgeon boutht the truck from a neighbor and updated it as explained in your video. Sold it a few years later to Dave's dad to pay unexpected medial bills. This late August/early Septermber I'm buying the truck back from Dave's dad. I"m exciteed got get my dakota back. OBTW, Dave and his dad can keep a set of keys to use the truck whenever they want. I think the truck is becoming a "trust" more tnan just a cool 1999 restoration. Dave's dad gave it a lot of TLC. The TLC will continue. AlphaShark, just throught you and your followers would want to know the "old girl" has quite a life left.
Yes! Thank you for the update, I really appreciate it!
would like some more info on the hood light! have a 04 I'm rebuilding wanting to add this on for sure.
You're right... I remember when the 2 generation Rams came out. All the boys were thrilled at how it looked. I wound up buying a 2000 Dakota, with the V6 and manual xmission. I still have it, and I am actually working on restoring it. I hate all the new pickup trucks, and I love my Dakota. It has never required much maintenance and has never failed. It deserves a resto. My friends think I'm nuts, but it's my truck and I'll do what I want.
Not blaming you at all
Is the 2000 dakota the one with the old dashboard like the one in the vid or the new one
I'm kinda in this boat, I don't like the new trucks and would rather resto mod a 90s midsize truck. My grandmother still has her 99 Dakota Sport with the 3.9, and while it has some issues its a rather good truck. If it eventually falls into my lap, I think it would be a great candidate for a r2.8 diesel swap, as well as 4x4. It's a single cap with an 8ft bed and makes a perfect work truck imo.
I have a 2006 dodge Dakota with the 4.7l magnum v8 and it came stock with the same hp as this dodge Dakota
@@brysonfrantz4740what issues does your grandmas 3.9 have? Looking into purchasing one with 104,000 miles! Very clean truck interior and exterior and under the hood! Just doing my research and trying to see if its worth dropping the $3500 on! Would be so grateful to hear your experience with the truck
I’d love for Dodge to bring back the Dakota, especially with a V8. That would be a perfect pick - up for the Midwest.
Theres rumors its coming back as a 4cyl turbo maverick competitor. I like you idea better, a man can dream though.
I have an 01 Dakota with the 5.9 v8 it's a beast
Still drive my bought new 98 SLT 4 x 4 5.2 l V8 with 195,000 miles. No regrets, a great ride, with one of the last great 318 cid engines.
Had my grandpa’s 97 Dakota single cab in high school went 310,000 miles (lost it in a hit and run). I had an 06 Dakota club cab with the 4.7 v8 for 8 years, was a good truck, still miss it. 👍
Seen your comment and had to ask. I'm looking at the same truck to pull my zero turn for lawncare. Do you think this truck will do the job. It's got 138000 on clock.
Oh this dakota is a 06 with 4.7 and auto
@@danielholtzapple7124 so long as they kept up on the maintenance it should be good. Mine had the tow package 3.55 rear with limit slip and was 2wd club cab with a tow rating of just under 6,000 lbs. and auxiliary trans and oil cooler. 3.92 rear ends could do 7,000lbs. I suggest doing an aftermarket air intake to do away with the resonator box (causes it to stall) and look at the transmission (they like to act up when it’s about 95 degrees and above out, it causes the trans temp control to go into limp mode thinking it’s overheating. You’ll have a manifold tick most likely but mine would go away after it warmed up. I moved a horse trailer once with it not problem so it should do fine with lawncare. Hope it helps!
I’ve got a 2003 4.7 manual. Bought it in 2010 with 60K, now close to 225K and still going strong. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Plan to teach my son to drive stick and then pass on to him.
I’m building my 01 quad cab into an overlander! I’ve had my truck since high school and I love it! I put a 5.9 in it too
Have you looked into the gen III hemi swaps out there? I got an 03 quad cab and wanna put a 6.4 in it but I'm not giving up my 4x4 lol.
We need more Dakota reviews, I love my Dakota. 2004; 4.7L; quad cab; 4x4
Hey ben, I got an 03, same specs. What trim do you have? Mine is an SLT
Nice dakota gang. I've got a 02 club cab sport with the 4.7. Wish mine was a 03 or 04 so I would get the bigger brakes upfront and disc's in the back, I guess I'll do it aftermarket
My daily driver [read: only vehicle] is my 2000 Dakota R/T club cab that I bought in '04 with just over 20k mi on it. I absolutely love the 2nd gen Dakotas and still think they're one of the best looking trucks ever - the styling has aged well and they still look good compared to even modern trucks. I don't plan to ever get rid of it unless something disastrous happens (like getting absolutely mangled in an accident). They're also super easy to work on, which isn't really the case with most modern vehicles.
I have an 04; 4.7L; quad cab; 4x4 also. I love the truck, I’ve always had full size trucks and came across this for sale and liked it because of the 4.7L V8. It has 175,000 miles and 18yrs old, so little things are breaking down on it but it’s very easy to work on! The only thing I’m not happy with it was not manufactured with cruise control, but that’s ok, it is a very tuff truck!!!
Looking to grab one of these myself! What's your thoughts on pulling a mid size landscaping trailer?
Just acquired a 98 SLT 4x4 5.2L
Loving it so far! It Sat for roughly 6 years and after a couple fixes it’s back on the road and runs sweet!!
It’s a keeper!
Just bought a 2004 with only 40k miles and zero luxury features. No cruise control, no powered windows or seats, stock radio. I absolutely love it. It's like I'm going back in time to the good old days
Love the 318! I have a 1996 Dakota with the 5.2 318 cu. in.in it. Wonderful engine, I pull a Wolf Pup camper with it, no problem. The power is there when you need it. Towing I get 11-12 mpg and just the truck and the bed empty I get almost 20mpg on the highway. At 70 mph the engine is running at less than half its max rpm.
I drove a 2001 Dakota with a 4.7 V8 in it before I bought my Tacoma. It was tough truck. Drove it for 10 years with no issue with 190,000 miles! ! Sold it to a guy who is still driving it!
How much towing did you do with that truck.
@@danielholtzapple7124quite a bit. Moving trailers. Dune buggy trailers. Pull ppl out of mudholes. Or stuck. Bogged it down with weight with flooring materials. Rebuilt trans once at 200k
I found a 1999 dodge Dakota 5.2 V8 Magnum SLT with 129k miles. Took it on the spot. Well maintained had the receipt for ever oil change since it was bought from the dealership. Paid 3k for it.
That’s insane! Good find!
@@AlphaShark thanks got lucky
I have a 2001 Dakota slt quad cab. It is 2wd, 4.7l v-8, 45rfe automatic transmission. All the options. I love the truck. That being said, it does have problems. I got 358,000 miles on it with regular maintenance. It dropped a valve seat and I found it cheaper to rebuild the engine with the updated HO heads, pistons, and cams. The drivers seat bottom has had several replacements. No OEM parts available. It still has original transmission, but has started making a crunching noise in reverse engagement. Needs a heater core and had to be repainted after factory paint "fell off". I have rebuilt the control arms in the front end 4 times and it doesn't like to hold alignment. The bolts tend to loosen. I changed the front coil springs to the manual transmission option ones that had a higher load capacity. The brakes were much better than my gen 1, but still barely adequate. I installed a '03 Durango dual piston caliper front knuckle with huge rotors and an '04 Dakota rear disc brake axle with post-track 3.55 gear. The brakes are now amazing and super easy to do with minimal to no changes to the original brake system. I changed the TCM to a grand Cherokee 545 RFE to give me the extra gear. Some roads in AZ are 75mph. It does about 1800-2000rpms at that speed. have stainless street headers to magna flow cats and flow master dual exhaust. It still has the original fuel pump. I installed chevy Saturn 12 hole fuel injectors for a nice power gain and increased mileage (Kudos to Martinbuilt). The other issue is the window regulators have had to be replaced 4 times now. The TYC brand seem to be holding up well and have a lifetime warranty. It also seems to eat cam and crank sensors from Autozone (25 replacements). The OEM ones work great. I still carry a spare of each. Just recently gave it a Superchips tune and it really woke up. It gives Mustangs a good run.
The 1997 to 2004 dakota , full size rams, and Durango are now easy to do a hemi swap . Holley came out with complete kits from engine mounts , cables, wire harness, transmission adapters to direct swap. So if you have a junk 3.6l , 4.7l , hard to find 5.2l, 5.9l can keep truck alive with a 5.7l hemi.
Is the price (minus the donor hemi) reasonable?
Available on 4x4 models?
My 98 dokota has a 3.9 v6 5 speed manual rusted at 2500 lbs towing capacity. I put a car trailer on it that you would pull with a 3500 and loaded it down with 8500 lbs of scrap drove 20 miles to a scrap yard to get some extra money and that truck pulled up hills no problem and went down them with no problem. Dakotas are the best trucks for almost everything
Epic
I have the exact one you have but a automatic it's really good trucks mine was used in mostly delivering goods but it was really clean with 80,000 miles although i really hate typically this engine because of the weak power steering and bellows that wear out easily I'm kinda looking forward to get another one that is a v8 & manual & 4x4
I just bought my first vehicle 2 months ago its a dodge dakota sport 2 door 6ft bed v6 3.9 with 134k miles and it's still in new condition I love it and I'm glad I got it, It's gets up to speed fast to.
I’ve been looking at trying to buy a nicer example of this truck for a while now. I do have a 2000 Dodge Dakota right now with the 4.7 but I bought it about 4 years ago now with 200,000 miles and a lot of issues because it was extremely cheap, even for a first car, but I didn’t know any better at the time and also couldn’t afford anything nicer at the time.
Even with all the problems that I have had with it because of the previous owners abuse, it is still really fun to drive and it will still get moving when you put your foot on the floor.
I love these trucks and I don’t think I’m ever going to get rid of mine, even with the problems, because the only thing I hear from people who have gotten rid of them is regret.
wat probs
@@rajanrairealty8979 Get ready for an essay lol:
If you don’t feel like reading all this, basically I have replaced every conceivable thing that you can possibly imagine would be wrong with a $1500 truck, but I have loved it and it has been a great learning experience since I have always wanted to work on cars. Also, if anyone reading this has a 5’3” bed for a 2nd gen dakota for sale with no rust, please let me know.
catalytic converter needs to be replaced, but my state doesn’t do yearly inspections so I haven’t really done anything about it.
Basically the entire cooling system has been replaced because the water pump leaked and it overheated. After I replaced the water pump the radiator got a hairline crack and overheated again.
I have replaced the front and rear bumpers and then got rear ended less than a year later so that was fun. The back window began falling out so I took it out and used new sealant to put it back in place.
Power steering fluid leaks out of somewhere but I have yet to be able to find where because of everything else that my truck leaks. I don’t think there is a single fluid that it DOESNT leak except brake fluid because I also replaced all the brakes. I also replaced the driver side rear axle shaft because that was bent.
I also replaced the heater core about a year ago and I’m planning on replacing the starter soon because it’s beginning to go out.
I know this is a huge laundry list of problems that I have with it, but I truly don’t believe that it’s really the truck’s fault. It used to go through any type of fluid pretty quick but the more stuff I replace the slower it leaks. When I first bought the truck I had to check fluid levels every couple days but now it’s to the point where I only check about once a month and most of the time the fluid levels are still fine. I think the problem with my truck is that the previous owners abused the hell out of it and never performed any regular maintenance or replaced anything at proper time intervals. When I replaced the spark plugs, they were literally falling into pieces as I pulled them out and I had to use a friend’s borescope to make sure no pieces fell into the cylinders.
I also have replaced all of the coils on top of the plugs and the fuel injectors. I plan on getting new cab corners and maybe a new bed if I can ever find one for cheap enough because I got a lot of rust on the body.
I really respect these trucks. I always dreamt about having a V-8 Tacoma but it never happened, so I settled for the V6 I have now.
There has never been a Tacoma V8
@@1983jblack that’s the whole point. “It never happened” 🤦♂️🤷♂️
Sometimes you have to really space things out for people to understand lol. That’s why I never responded 🤣
I wanted one of these V8 Dakotas in high school!!
I have a 2002 SLT Quad Cab V8 4.7L Dakota and holy shit does that thing got some power.. I’m 18 and got the truck when I was 18 when an uncle of mine sold it to me for 2000 with it ONLY having 87k Miles which is crazy so far I’ve fixed its window motors, Got new off road tires blacked out rims and I’m looking to get a wrap on it aswell as a lift and new lights all around I’m so excited for this build especially since it’s engine and internals are running great and I’ve only put 10k miles on it since. There’s def some pride when driving it around town becasue it’s a rarer pickup, my goal is to make it look dirty and sound dirty so I can make Tacoma Drivers jealous even with their brand new 22s with v6s 🤣🤣
That's awesome! I have the same truck, 2002 SLT Quad Cab, 4x4, 4.7L, 5-speed manual in Patriot Blue. My first new vehicle, which I ordered from the factory with all the options I could afford at the time. Wish I had ordered a few more options like limited-slip differential though. It's been my daily driver for 21 years and it's still going strong. It's had a few minor issues of course, but given it's age, I can't complain. I have the factory fender flares, so have some rust under them and my rocker panels are rusted through in a few places (Canadian winters with salted roads are harsh). I get it rust proofed every year though which has slowed the rust. I'm at the stage where I need to decide if I will fix the body rust or drive it till it drops. I know I can get many more years out of it as long as I treat it right. I'm teaching my kids to drive standard with it too; the truck is older than they are. One thing for sure is I will never, ever sell this truck.
I had a single cab Dakota 4.7L. man i miss that thing would run like a banschee!!
I currently own a 97 318 dakota 5 speed manual that is in the same condition except it don't have cats. Another thing for mine being a little older that this one mine has power windows. but for the creaking noise its either the dash or the center console making the noise. And a few common dakota experiences I have had is the fuel pumps like to go out and the glove box latches break easy but other than that they are really good truck but horrible on gas.
I have a 1993 Dodge Dakota Club Cab V8 5.2 has 111,000 miles on it. Bought it brand new in September 1992
Really great truck, worked on 1000's of them.
01 Dakota V8 4.7 217,000 miles only problem worn out bushings great truck ..I'm from Los Angeles these v6 can't keep up here lol
My dad bought a 4.7 V8 Dakota quad cab 4x4 slt new back in 2004. Great truck and it's still running great at nearly 200,000 km. Other than the body rust, never had problems!
My every day driver currently is a 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab with the 4.7 L V8 with 86K! It was my grandfather's and he's was the original owner and I'm the 2nd owner! I have had to put some money into it and I'm getting it undercoated next! Not great gas mileage but I love that old truck. I wish they never stopped making them. I hope to drive it for another 20 years!!!! At least 8 years lol.
I currently have the 1999 5.2 4wd Ext cab with 101k! I love this truck... It's a true classic! I was lucky enough to get this one at a steal due to my Nephew moving overseas and won't be able to take it with him. During his short time Station in the Army b4 transferring out... He took care of it and replaced so many new parts in the truck. The inside is super nice with no rips ! I never been a truck person until this was basically given to me!! Love this Dakota Classic!
I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T 5.9L standard cab and I love it. It is also painted solar yellow like this one, but the clear coat is fading and needs to be repainted.
My 02 Dakota R/T is basically my sidechick.
My father's 2000 dakota had over 260,000 miles. V6. Was the most reliable vehicle in history. It never had a single problem in over 20 years of ownership. Regular cab 3.9 v6 sport with the 5 speed manual in intense blue. Someone's still driving it. Not a speck of rust on it either
I always like the Dakota, buddy of mine had a yellow RT and I loved the look of it. My dad had the durango which was the same from the front doors forward. He had it 10 years with 0 issues. I had the Ram with the 5.9 and like driving his 5.2 Durango more as it was more responsive and felt more powerful then the 5.9 in my Dodge Ram regular cab.
I have a 99' with a v6 originally currently a v8 and my DD. 4x4 box rotted real bad so i built an aluminum flatbed. New cab corners rockers and cab mounts. These are notorious for front cab mounts going.
My truck is a truck an SLT manual windows and locks manual trans. Truck has 440k on the body. i rebuilt a 5.2 for it at about 310k on the v6 and did the swap. For what i paid to rebuild that truck i would never touch a new pickup
I took my truck to the plant that I work at (wood manufacturing plant) to pick up 101 2x4x8 and let me tell you, if I swung this wood we make and a regular 2x4, that 2x4 will get dented up and break. I know this because I've done it lol. While waiting for the forklift driver to bring the wood out the QA tech was sitting on my tailgate as we were talking and asked how many cylinders it had, 4 or 6. I was a bit taken back because that surprised me but the even funnier part was when I said "8" She just turned around with such a look of disbelief 😂
The 4.7 is definitely not a downgrade. It is a much better engine. Producers better numbers
I had a 2001 Dodge Dakota SLT club cab with a 3.9 L V6 Magnum with 16" inch stock rims. It was an amazing truck Sadly I lost the truck in a accident 2 years ago. I miss it so much that truck was my baby.
Ill die with my 1st gen 1996 Dodge Dakota single cab 4x4 5.2 V8 with NV3500 5 speed. Ill sell my land n all my belongings as long as my dakota still with me. Lived off the grid for 10+ years no power water etc and the 94 dakota 5.2 my mom had went over 350k miles then she wanted to upgrade… Worst mistake we made was selling the dakota 5.2 5 speed! Mom got a isuzu trooper too light in 3-4 ft snow where dakota just perfect weight so always got stuck n walked back to property in isuzu, had a 95 chevy 1500 too light in the snow also and more in gas then dakota was, got a ram 1500 5.9 auto and it was gas hog but did okay for a winter still not like the dakota, even had few 4runners/toyota pickups with 22r/22re and mom kept her 86 toyota pickup 4x4 and just sold it recently with almost 400k miles but she’s had a couple motors in its life. Even still we always said man the toyotas were good but it got about same mpg as the dakota 5.2 yet half the power. If your a toyota 4x4 5 speed fan you will love the dakota 5.2 5 speed i assure it, just as capable yet more power and hauls more and personally as a little kid i fit in the back seat of ext/club cab vs other trucks like 90s rangers/tacoma
They actually have a 6 1/2 ft bed on the club cab and single cab. Quad cabs had a 5 1/2ft bed and an 8ft bed was optional on the single cab 2wd.
My 97 Dakota 416.000 still going.my 98 darango has 507.000.off road more than highway.tough man I run the hell out of mine
I have a 2003 Dakota 4 door 2wd with the 4.7. Former Florida truck in Ohio with 60k on the jasper motor. Truck is a beast
I came across this channel by accident and I must say your review was excellent. Great job.
My 2000 4.7 Dakota just hit 301k miles, love it.
Currently own one
2003 crew cab 4x4 v8
Love it
To my knowledge this is the only truck that I’ve ever seen that was available with i4 v6 and v8.
In Brazil, we have had a diesel too.
Our RT are 5.2 L (318 pol).
I have this engine in my 2001 dodge ram 1500. Bought from local university at 60k miles last year for 5k. Replaced all the sensors, but it also runs on propane or gasoline.
All my 90s trucks had lights under the hood. It wasnt just this truck. Why they stopped? Just like anything else. Cheap out
I had 97 Dakota 5.2 4x4 sport in flame red. Awesome truck! I would love to find one in good condition! Died at 285k miles. Miss her
The last Dakota Platform was the most modern midsize platform until 2018/2019, those whereabouts. The Colorado and Ranger were based on a global platform from before 2004. The Tacoma and Frontier platforms were only recently updated. It's also still one of the most robust mid-size platforms with a fully boxed frame and V8 option. Arguably the Gladiator is the successor for the Dakota.
I have a dodge Dakota 98 v8 magnum with 18804 miles on it I was wondering what do they go for sale wise?
i got three of um. i first got a 95 with a v6. it took everything i through at it and it runs fine. then i got a 96 slt 4x4. its waitin for parts. and my yard car is a 98 slt v8. well it needs work but the drivetrain is solid. all 3 are good trucks n i wouldnt trade um in.
I saw this truck after track practice yesterday and I was shock it had a V8 as well lol
The back seat is cramped, but unlike the new trucks, you can actually haul plywood sheets in the bed.
Nice would of been cool to see my lifted 4 door dakota next to this thing ! Still a good truck to review awesome video bud!
Honestly just the plastic around that screw by the handle is sturdy. I recently got a 97 with the v8 and in spite the fact the automatic window controls are popped out and a lot of the actual clips are pretty dried out on the panel borders, the handle itself still pulls solid. Lol.
There was also a 5.9 liter Dodge Dakota.
my 97 has electric windows
my 2006 Dakota that I still drive to this day is up to 266k miles and keeps going. She is not long for this world and I will be heart broken when I finally have to put her down
I still have my 99 Dakota RT . Perfect body and only 134 thousand miles.
My 1990 dodge b250 has a light light that but the bulb actually pulls out and can be used like a flash light that’s connected to the power
Been doing motors and trans since 96. I own a 03 ram 1500 4.7. I'm not trying to be a dick but alot of variation can cause differences between the dakota you drove with 4.7 and the 5.2. Mileage is one thing. How hard was both engines worked. My ram has a jasper rebuilt 4.7 and I weigh 8 thousand to 10 at scale in Junkyard. That motor pulls as hard as I need it with a load up hills. I'm looking at a dakota with a 4 .7 and I might buy it. If a motor is wore out it doesn't matter the cubic inch or liters it has. There's alot of other things too like the gearing the transmission the rear and front end diffs. You can't judge 2 trucks even with the same motor because those 2 lived different lives also
I have a 2 wheel drive and a 4x4 Dakota, they both have the 4.7/automatics. The 2 wheel drive is very peppy, the 4x4 not so much. Its obvious the gearing is way higher on the 4x4. At 60mph, the 4x4 is only turning 1,500 rpm, at 80mph, its at like 2,200 rpm. Maybe the tires on it are bigger than stock too, causing even higher gear ratio/less acceleration. The 2 wheel drive is fast, on a big hill on a two lane highway on my way to work, have had all kinds of cars and even the dodge hemi trucks try to pass going up that hill... punch the gas and the 2 wheel drive eats them up. It also takes off fast.
I had a 98 red one two other things a 360 5.9 l was an option that I didn't have and there was no prop rod for the hood there were hood hinges that went up without a prop rod
Also had six bolt pattern lug nuts vehicle was still running well for its new owner couldn't drive anymore because of bad vision vehicle has over 200,000 on it sadly it did need a torque converter at 160,000 but did haul a lot of things One of my favorite vehicles ever
Had one loved it. wish I never sold it. A '99 5.2 with a few mods...
2wd is nice and low. Reminds me of when you had to get a heavy duty work truck to get a factory lift kit. Now every Colorado and Ranger rolls off the factory floor ready for 20 inch wheels. Wish I didn't live in a high crime neighborhood as the truck tends to get vandalized a lot. Open diff makes people think I'm going fast when I'm just trying to get up to speed
Um news flash most cars and trucks pre 2000s had lights under the hood because back then most people worked on there own vehicles. That's when men where men and they did not question if they were a man or a woman 😂
Just bought an 04 . V6 . Its a decent little work truck .
I own the same truck it has been probably the best truck I've ever owned. It has 250000 miles on it but still running strong. It does need some body work but well worth fixing
I have a 5.9l kota and I love it. Im getting the headlights done on it. I hope I get it back tomorrow
Got a 98 sport 318 with the 4speed auto 47rfe odometer quit working 08 with 194000 she’s been drive a lot since then I drove it steady for two years after I bought and the guy before me had drive almost ten years with no odo it’s hard to tell what miles are on it still runs a shifts just fine and when you punch her she’s side ways amazing trucks but it had six of them have two currently
I own a 94 dakota and a 03 dakota both got v8s love them both
Good on you brother for sharing from the good book.
You could get the newer generation dakota with a V8 and you could get the 5.3 V8 in the 2009-2012 Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. One of my buddies has a 5.3 Colorado that has a T-56 manual 6-speed swap. Its a really cool, and surprisingly quick truck.
I wish they'd bring back a V8 midsize and larger rear doors.
My name is Dakota, so I rather enjoyed this review a lil more than I feel I should of for not being a huge car guy 😂
You forgot the Explorer Sport Trac also had a V8 from its second gen between 2007-2010.
Still trying to figure out why the 6&8 Dakota is a six lug but the ram is only a five lug but the bigger truck🤯
If I’m not mistaken, the harness for power windows locks and mirrors are already in the doors. Just need switches and actuators regulators.
I wish I could go back to 2010 and buy some of the last V8 mid sizers. The Hummer H3T, the Sport Trac Adrenalin were the best looking. The Dakota got ugly after the restyle. And the Canyon Colorado also were available with a V8, but the first generation was hideous.
Youre right i don't like the last gen Dakota but i would buy the TRX trim of it
Everytime I see a new gen Dakota I cringe and get depressed becasue the potential was there but they had to make it all Lego lookin
Watching this rn because my Dakota got totaled by a big ass f150 in the parking lot. I’m just reminiscing 😢 miss this Fing truck..
I have a 1998 Dodge Durango 5.9 L V8 Magnum engine a red color I just got my belt to stay put today I have a four-wheel drive and this thing can hold up to seven people and it runs good so there
Great review 👍God bless you my brother!
A lot of trucks from pre-2005 or so had lights underneath the hoods. I'm assuming they got rid of it as part of cutting production costs.
Interesting to see the differences between the SLT and the Sport model, I've got a 1999 Dakota SLT 4x4, which gives you a overhead computer by the domelight which tells you fuel milage and temperature and trip times and distance until empty and such. And of course it gives you power locks and windows and an infinity audio system with tweeters and such. They technically did make some form of luxury model. I do notice though that I've never seen a dakota with a spray in bed liner so I don't think that's a factory thing
It’s probably a dealer thing with the Bedliner, most dealerships now add them after they take delivery.
Not much changed till 01. They had a complete dash remodel and in 2000 they put the 4.7 in them. I currently have the top luxury model it's a 2000 club cab 4x4 SLT+ 4.7 and no problems at all even had a 2000 Durango identical specs and it lasted me 10 yrs besides ac issues it got to 256k and still ran good.
Not tryingto blow anyones mind but they put the 5.9 in the dakota too and not just in the RT. You could order one in a special towing package with the slt but i dont think it was offered until after 1999. Chevy was actually the first to put a light under the hood
There was a V8 option in the Colorado up to 2012 I believe. I know someone who has it. Not that I think they were great trucks. Lol
Great truck! Better times.
Have 2010 dakota bighorn, with a 4.7, so many suspension promblems unreal
Dodge in the late 2000’s early 2010’s had a lot of build quality issues
Thanks for this!
very very very nice Dodge Dakota
my back seet is small so im gona use it for tools and targets
4th dakota since 1987 ( first v8 )
I've seen a nice one for sale for less than 10k and I'm really struggling bc we already have 3 cars, one of which is a 93 S10 Blazer, but that one is... rough.
Man how did these trucks got much more expensive when i got my 1998 Dakota sport slt back in like 2009 or 2010 i bought it from an auction that had electrical company cars and they had so many clean Dakota's there and they were going for dirt cheap the most expensive one there sold for like 1200$
Not many left in decent or great condition. Even less yet in the R/T tirm; which came with the 17s being more of a higher performance trim level. Later model years got goodies; power seat, heater power mirrors, rear anti-lock (4 wheel disc) mostly in the SLT and Laramie trim levels. While the Sport later had the added Stampede appearance package, which had the ground affects. The SOHC 4.7 replaced the 5.2 (roughly same power figures) and the 5.9 died out in 03/04 when the R/T trim was dropped. Obviously once everyone jumped on the full size daily truck, it was more finacilly sound to spend roughly $40k on a full size that got same mileage as the Dakota and other mid sized trucks (can't tow the toy haulers, campers or take your kids to school in - for those who still wanted a truck and not an SUV)
Been rumors of FCA bringing the Dakota back under the RAM Banner for the last few years. Last pic/article I saw was it basically looking like a Honda Ridgeline (like the Maverick) obviously today, it won't be a V8 but probably their new TT I-6 or some other FCA/Stelantis powerplant. It might have 4-500hp, but let's be honest a mid-level Kia has 300hp and the Horsepower wars died in 2010 to be replaced by the torque war with the big 3 and their Diesel powerplants. Worse now with the fuel prices, the old school truck V8 is gone for good, best we can do is keep them running and keeping the smiles per gallon.
Ive got an RT myself, looking at a 5.9 and 5 speed swapped quad cab right now. Gonna buy it if its in good shape
Bless the Lord, the Dodge looking good God bless you 🙏
the engine is fantastic ...its awesoem...never let me down....get a good quality water pump though ...the ac delco ones made in china suck...1 year old doing snow wheeling the engine blew the waterpump cuz it sucks......and the throttle position sensor tends to go...I filled the engine compartment tis year with snow.....FILLED going around jacknified idiot rigs on hills in canada...right though deep snow in ditches......20kilometers later the engine started to complain and overheat...i pulled over in a stupid place on an embankment hill ....the belt tensioner was froze loose and belt was loose...so no waterpump oir power steering ect....30 mins to clear the snow and push tensioner tight.....had to deflate the tires and clear a path to get unstuck...that old 5.2 with cold air intake was just fine...
need to put better skid plates to protect the engine bay.for getting shit in it LMAO.....
That flexplate desing is and flywheel built into the tourqe converter is what I found in a 98 5.2 engine change at 260000 miles.....do yourself a favor and pull the beam across the front!!
Nice review, I am fixing up a 99 Dakota as well, installing a lift kit on it, and some other goodies!
What other midsize had a v8? All I can think of is the first gen tundras. Old half tons were smaller but categorized as full size.
Colorado & Canyon had V8 options as well
@@AlphaShark Nice, had no idea. That’s cool. Are they common?
The only mistake ram ever made was discontinuing the Dakota. It was a great truck and always stood out to the others. I have a 4.7 in mine but it's kind of unnaturally weak and bad on gas, i'd like to get a 318 or a 5.9 in it.
Well, 2023,2024 they will be offering a Ram Dokota.
@@imaslowlerner hope so but it wont be the same
I wouldn’t replace that engine unless you have terrible miles I also have a 4.7 and it’s a gas monster but those engines are strong and built to last I wouldn’t even think about changing my engine only thing mechanically I’m thinking abt changin is the exhaust make it sounds faster than it is lmao
Dude stright ripped Doug's review style.
I'm watching a Doug video rn
I love my Dakota so much I rebuilt it
I prefer and love my 1st Gen 92 Sport V6 AX15 5 speed single cab short bed but these body style Dakotas are fine too, lol. I'm just biased even though I'm technically an OBS Ford guy, but I have always had a love for the 1st Gen Dakota especially since Carroll Shelby had a hand in the Shelby Dakota which is why I prefer the 1st Gen Dakota, lmfao.