does anyone on here own a newer (97-00) dodge dakota 4x4. I am thinking of getting one and need some info on them. I would like to have a v8 but can't find one around where I live.

How good and powerful are the v6 engines

How good are they in mud

What is the cheapest lift for them even if it is a 1" lift or up

and last are dodge 3.9L engines as good as or better than chevy 4.3L

Also does anyone know a web site I can go to to listen to a dakota with a v6. thanks

 

Also does anyone know a website i can go to and listen to a dakota with a v6 with performance exhaust.

 

come on guys I know some one is on here you don't even have to own a dakota just answer me the best you can.

 

I don't know much about Dakotas. I have not really heard many people have any major complaints. I am not sure if Dodge had problems with the transmission in the Dakota like that had with the Full Size Ram trucks. As for a Dakota with a V-6. They move pretty decent. The 3.9L V-6 is no comparison to the Chevy 4.3L Vortec V-6. The 4.3 out powers and has more torque than the 3.9L. A throttle body injected 4.3L Vortec engine would out power a 3.9L that was multiport injected, so a 4.3 with multiport injection would easily over power the 3.9L. But in a Dakota the 3.9 does just fine, but in a full size truck is another story.

 

Hi,

If your using it for light duty the dakota is suitable, don't quite need the ram. Its weighs more, and your not going to want that. Your not going to want the 4 cylinder 2.5L Dakota, not much power at all. The V6 3.9 is pretty descent and lightweight if your going to go mudding. The V8 5.2L is a great light duty pick up. Consumes a little more fuel than the 3.9, but a lot more power for your money. In 1998 Dodge added a 5.9L V8 to the line up, that thing can haul some azz. Lightweight plus a 5.9L. But it all depends what kind of conditions you will be using it for. As for the chevy, The frame on the chevy weighs more than the dodge, The chevy is the same body as the larger chevy's. There is a performance difference, but I wouldn't worry about it. Personally I would go with the dodge, either one of the V8's. I dont know too much about the lifts, a friend of mine, instead of lifting it 2", he just put bigger tires. Hope this helps.

Sporkbomber

 

FInd yourself a used chevy S-10 xtreme if you want a fast V-6. Otherwise I dont know much about dakotas and yes the V-8s' are hard to find. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

its a dodge dont get it most of the cars u find on the road are either dodge chevy or ford no offence to owners

 

I have a 99 5.2 5 speed Dakota, it goes real good and is allot of fun but the reliability has been questionable. Go to "dodgedakotas.com" you will find just about anything you will want to know.

The 3.9 is the same block as the 5.2 and 5.9 minus two cylinders, so it should sound OK, but its not a V8 so its not going to scare anyone.

 

I bought a new 2000 Dak 4X4 V-6, here's my spew. Junk !!!!!!!! 16 times back to the dealer, 6 times for the tranny alone. My new V-8 Ford 4X4 gets the same gas mileage with a ton more power. 2000 on & maybe 99s had electric shift trannys & everyone I know is looking for another tranny repair!!! The trannys don't blow up they just quit shiftin properly. Nice truck to drive but sure don't ride as nice as my new one. I heard the V-8s had a diff trans but don't know for sure, I would NOT recommend a V-6 Dakota.

 

Most of the Automatic Transmission on the Dodge dont last from 96-01, I would always go with standard, less problems, better gas mileage. Hope this helps