I just bought a 1999 Dakota Sport 4x4 extended cab with the 3.9 V6 and 4 sp auto trans. I think the interior of the Dodge is the most functional of all the small trucks. The storage areas under the rear seats are especially useful. As far as the fog lights go, I activate them by turning the lights on and then pulling the switch out a little. They work fine.
I only have about 500 miles and I'm getting less than 12 miles per gallon city. I really didn't expect good mileage anyway. The V6 has great pickup and the truck rides very smooth.
The only problem I'm currently having is that the transmission doesn't want to shift into second gear when it's cold. The engine winds up as if I had the truck in neutral. The first few times it happened I kept checking the shift selector to see if I had it in drive. Letting it warm up a few minutes doesn't seem to help. Once I get past that first shift, the problem goes away. In later stop and go driving it doesn't do it. It seems like once the tranny warms up it's fine.
econard - I picked the Dakota over the Ranger after test driving both. I also had a 95 Ranger for 2 years so I was pretty familiar with it. I test drove the 99 to see if it changed any (it didn't).
The interior on the Dakota was much better than the Ranger. I liked the dark charcoal seats and carpeting. I think they'll be much easier to keep clean. The Ranger only offers a light gray. The same with the Nissan Frontier. The lighter carpeting soils easily and is very hard to care for (especially in the winter). I also didn't like the plastic on the doors in the Ranger.
The overhead console and storage bins under the rear seats also add to the appeal of the Dakota. I figured I would be spending most of my time inside the truck, so I wanted something that was laid out right. The Dakota is way ahead of the others.
I've added an under the rail Protecta liner that cost much less than the dealer add-ons. It has all of the loading indents and cutouts for the tiedowns.
has anyone experienced engine noise during acceleration similar to a spark knock from using cheap fuel? i have a 99 v8 4x4 ext cab dakota with this condition. i have had it back to the dealer and they say it's normal for the v8. ANY Help???? the vehicle only has 600 miles and has done this from day one. billman
You made some very good points. Sorry that I was away for a while folks. I needed a break from everything having to do with cars. Please keep the questions flowing.
BTW I put a picture of me on the www if any of you were wondering what I look like.
That looks like a cool old truck! Good luck with the restoration. I really like the antique vehicles. Years ago I went to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania where they have a major swap meet for antique and classic vehicles. There are acres of property with parts as far as the eye can see. Hope you will post more pictures of your truck through the restoration process. Bob
Has anyone used a Baby seat in the extra cab of thier Dakota? I am thinking especially of a infant seat which is longer then the seats used in later years.
I think I have my wife convinced to get a truck for the next 3 years(lease), but we don't know quite when a baby will come along (no plans for 2-3 years) but you never know.
Knowing how tough it is to get out of ANY lease early, I need to be able to assure her that, if a baby does come along, we can manage for a while. The only compact pick-ups with a forward facing rear seat are the Dakota and the Toyota Tacoma. I like both trucks, extra cab room will be the deciding factor I think. I also want to wait to see the new Nissan Frontier Crew cab with the 4' bed, that might be perfect.
I have had my new Dakota for several days and really like it. It is a flame red 5.2 , auto, c/c, 4X4. I included the sports plus group, tilt and cruise, pwr. conv group, anti-spin differential, and a sliding rear window. It was ordered from the dealer and arrived in about six weeks. For awhile I toyed with the idea of waiting for the 2000 crew cab, but the short bed/ 4 door look just seemed strange. Also, the chrysler rep at the auto show said that it was possible that the 4.7 won't be in dakotas until 2001 or later.
The only downside is that this truck is very thirsty...but I knew that going in. What are the best modifictions to make that will improve the gas milage? thanks
Hi. I'm new to your site. Am considering a Dakota to replace my 91 Explorer. Your comments have been terrific for my needs. Re #305, dodgeram, as to the 2K 4 dr club with small back porch, you asked how many times we would use that lost extra foot. I will haul a 5' lawn tractor and I won't drive it down the road with the tail gate open! I agree with #307, ladyblue, that I'd rather have room left over than not have enough. By the way it is featured in April Popular Mechanics.
Hi Tuck: The Dodge web site has some narrative and a couple of pics but says nothing about 4X4. The April Popular Mechanics says it can be ordered in "either two or four wheel drive." Both Dodge and PM say it will offer the 3.9 V6, the 4.7 V8, and 5.9 V8.
I just drove a 1999 club cab, 5-spd, 3.9, 2wd. Ride and handling are excellent. The cab is roomy and I like the available storage. The seat felt lumpy though and the gas pedal was very stiff. Can I depend on the rated 16 MPG and does the pedal ever soften? I think if I dorve it on a long trip that me leg would cramp up from stiff gas pedal.
Took my '99 in for a hissing in the steering column, tranny, and engine knock. Steering pump replaced, tranny yet to be looked at, and new 318 short block now being installed. Dealer has no idea what caused the problem? Abnormal wear found on one of the main bearings. All with less than 4K miles and the dealer indicated that it had been happening for quite some time. Extremely disappointed with Dodge!
So, which should I get, the Tacoma or the Dakota? I want extended cab & 4X4, but I'm not sure about transmission choice. I like the Dodge V-8, but I can't ignore the quality of the Tacoma. I've driven the Dakota and it rode great. My wife has a '97 4Runner and I love how tight it feels. I haven't driven the Tacoma, but I'm sure it will probably feel like my wife's SUV. So what should I do?
Not over 55 mph for the first 600 miles as specified in the owners manual. I treat my vehicles well. Finally got rid of my S-10 after 9 years to get more space and not one problem like this.
Just got my 99 dakota (4x4, v6 5sp, 3:55 axle) after a 7 week wait on a factory order. It doesn't feel anything like the 98 2wd I traded in. Shifting is very dump truck like with a vibrating sound coming up the shifter. Brought it back to service dept they said that it was normal for 4x4 to do this. Has anybody else expirienced this. Thanks.
poconojoe, congrats on your new truck. I got mine (same as your description) two months ago. Shifting is pronounced and can be stiff, (esp 2nd and 3rd gears) but after a little while, I was able to smooth it out thru technique alone. It certainly is a different feel from any car I've driven...my first truck, so I can't really comment on how it compares there. However, there is no vibrating sound, whatsoever; I would keep my eye (and ears) on that one. One interesting thing i've noticed, is that on startup, when the engine is cold, there appears to be an automatic idler to keep engine speed up..after shifting into 3rd it's just fine, until then it's a bit of a muffled roar. have you had this experience...normal, i take it. good luck and enjoy...
Anybody have problems with the shifting on their RT 5.9? Mine stays in 2nd up to 40 mph at easy gas pedal, goes to 3rd for about 500 RPMs, then into overdrive. First doesn't switch to 2nd either until 25 - 30 mph. It's really annoying and certainly doesn't help get the gas mpg up past 13 or so in city driving.
waynehodges, Thanks for the response. Yes I've experienced the muffled roar during cold running. then it warms up and sound better. As far as the shifting, I'm hoping it smoothes out during breakin. I don't think anything is wrong because I'm getting good mpg's (19 + 19.5 mpg first 2 tanks mostly highway). Also The vibration is whether or not its in gear. God luck with your new truck.
Something else to look at is a purge solenoid located just left of the steering column on the fire wall inside the engine compartment. It's a known problem that causes a knocking that can be felt in the steering wheel. Service Bulletin calls for it to be replaced, but it didn't fix mine. Dodge just took it off the firewall altogether and attached it to a nearby hose...all better.
If any of you notice a pretty solid "whump" when stopping or just after starting the truck, it may be the ABS system. Really annoying, as it can be felt rather firmly from the driver's seat (the lines run right below the seat). Can't be fixed without re-running the brake lines, and then it just lessens the "whump."
Is it just me, or are the Dakota 5 spoke aluminum wheels impossible to keep clean? Every one I see is (at least the fronts) are FILTHY with brake dust.
The factory pads are bad for the dust, I've heard they're softer for less noise. My 96 Ram made lots of black dust. Best bet, live with it until the pads need replaced and get Raybestos best pads. I put a set on my Dodge car with aluminum rims and the dust is now minimal.
I just traded my 96 Ram for a Dakota R/T. The dealer had three, 2 yellow, 1 red, all extended cab and loaded except 4 wheel ABS. I picked the red one. So far, I love the truck, except that annoying overhead display that tells me how bad the MPG is when I lay into it!!
I am envious of those of you with new-style Dakotas! I own 92 ClubCab V-6 auto with tow pkg., limited-slip 3.55, all hd equip. and have added KN airfilter, Dynomax cat-back exhaust, and rear anti-sway bar. Have 154,000 miles on vehicle with no major problems. eng./trans. still performing well, passes emissions no problem. body is tight, rattle free, but paint is deteriorating. I am looking forward to quad-cab version in fall and will consider 4.7 V-8 and auto. Wish they would add rear disc brake option as I feel current brakes adequate at best even with 10x2.5 rear drums. Hope those of you with problems get them resolved as Dakota seems very good over long haul. I have owned mostly Chevrolet and a few Ford trucks in past and am well satisfied with Dakota. This is the longest I have kept a vehicle in 20 years.
Congrats on the new order. I put in a Dakota order myself about a month ago. SLT extended cab, 4x4, V6, manual. Still no word on a delivery date. So, just beware that it may take longer than you expect. By reading some responses on here, looks like 2 months, perhaps. I was told the manual tranny is the cause for the delay. Just a head's up for ya.
If the CrewCab happens (and it looks like it will) then the ClubCab will cease to exist. If you need the back seat, but don't like the mutant look (or just can't stand to lose that much bed-space), it looks like it's time for a trip to the local Chevy/Ford/Toyota dealer for you.
From what I read, the ClubCab will continue even when the Crew Cab is on the market. Several auto mags have stated this and I believe Dodge Web site indicates same. The 5.9 will supposedly be available on the CrewCab without making it an R/T version. That would give pretty good tow capability.
Am interested in comments regarding club cab Dakotas. I need to replace my old survivor S-10 with something that the rug rat doesn't have to dodge the shifter in...He gripes too loud and is just too $%##^&* big to shift over top of any more.
How is the rear seat room? Generally to be occupied by a hyper 11 year old.
DP, Thanks for the heads up. Dealer told me that special purchases had priority on the trannies. We'll see. I have another question if anyone can help. Does the five speed get much better mileage than the automatic? I opted for the 3.55 gears for better mileage. I will be pulling a boat that weighs about 2000 pounds. I'm hoping that the v-8 will give me enough power without having to go to the 3.92. Any opinions?
Don't get the 3:55 rear end. Get the 3:92. My "99 4x4 V8 Auto is a dog on the freeway. Engine bogs at 70 mph on freeway hills and wants to hunt to a lower gear. Driving during heavy rain at 55 mph on the freeway the trans is in overdrive and the engine is about 1500 rpm, absolutly no throttle response! The computer strives to get the trans into overdrive all the time. This is terrible if you drive slow through city street, you accelerate and it 1)unlocks the converter 2) downshifts to third 3) downshifts to second 4) Goes. Nothing but constant shifting. It is possible to lock out the OD but it resets whenever you turn the key on again. Gas mileage is horrible and the transfer case shifter vibrates loudly. If it is supposed to be noisy,why was it quiet when I first got the truck? Told the dealer,response was,"You should have heard the 2500 4x4 transfer cases." So they are all crap? Maybe the lower rear end will pick up the response on the freeway. It is too late for me now. I bought it! The truck is beautiful but the computer controls on the drivetrain are a bit much. Also if you jiggle the shifter then the red selector flag in the dash disappears between the indicator letters. Any body else have these same problems?
sgrant, I just purchased 99 dakota 4x4 3.9L w\ 3:55 axle. My one complaint is also the transfer case vibration coming up the shifter.(see response #381) I was told almost same thing as you. "You should feel the vibrations on the rams" Was that supposed to be a consolation? If I could do it over I would probably get the auto tranny. Let me know if you here anything else on this. Thanks
What exactly are catback exhaust systems? Do they improve gas milage? Where are they installed? What is the approximate cost? What systems have other Dakota ownwers bought? I've had my Dakota (5.2, 4X4, auto)for two weeks and really like it. However, it's arrival coincided with a sharp increase in gas prices, and i'd like to do anything I can to improve the gas milage.
I am considering a new Dakota 4WD Club Cab. I want enough room in the back to put my son's baby chair and still have enough room to store a few things. I initially wanted the full size Dodge Ram but, I think this truck is too big for my needs. I do race motocross, and like to take my bike into some back country to pratice. I want someones opinion on wether or not the Dakota is the wise choice here.
If you're buying a Dakota 4x4 and you're expecting good gas mileage, you're making a big mistake. I have a 1999 V6 Club Cab with auto trans and it barely gets 12 mpg city. The sticker warned me (listed as 14 mpg city and 18 hghwy)so I have no complaints.
If you have a long commute on a regular basis and gas mileage is an issue, go for the Ford Ranger.
REgarding question on "catback exhaust", this is a low restriction exhaust system installed from the catylitic converter back. This modification is generally allowed in all states as it doesnot negatively effect emissions. I installed a system on my 92 Dakota 3.9v-6 auto, 2 wheel drive. I didnot get a real measurable increase in mileage. I also added KN airfilter. Truck runs well with most mileage figures 19-21 with predominantly highway driving at about 65mph. This is about epa figures on my truck. Wish they would offer a good diesel in Dakota!
I am holding off getting a Dakota until I know whether the 4.7 engine will be available. Does anyone know the facts on whether this will be available for the ClubCab 2000 model?
Having lots of fun reading all the info on the details everyone provides. It has been really helpful.
I would take your seat to the dealer and put it in the back of the Dakota. We do offer more room back there than any other P/U. I know how you feel about seats, I have a removable upper and keep the base attatched. I can't wait until my daughter is 66 LBS.
Some above mentioned ordering times. My order is arriving tomorrow after appx 7 wks. Not too bad. If you have any other questions you can reach me at the address below.
Poconojoe, I have the V8/auto trans. Do you now if the transfer case is the same for auto as manual? I talked to another dealer and he laughed at the "you should hear the ram" answer. He did take the VIN and said he would let me know. Probably to new to have any service bulletins on it yet. At least he was going to try. If this is the same drivetrain as the durango then they will hear about it. The noise started at about 2000 miles and is getting worse. It now has 13K on it and it is 4 months old. You can hear it over the radio now.
I asked the service dept. about the noise you are hearing. A good analogy is myself trying to describe Chopin's concerto No.2 for piano in F minor and I haven't heard the piece.
I did ask if he had encountered any of our customers bringing in Dakotas with noise problems. He hadn't, but thought that if he did have a vehicle come in with a sound, he would check the bearings.
I hope this may help you. I'm sorry that I couldn't do any more.
sgrant- I have a 98 4X4 V8 with auto trans and also had a noisy transfer case shifter. I took it to the dealer and they fixed it. It was a constant rattle that started when I had about 6 K miles on it. Especially bad upon acceleration. The dealer (Madison, WI) completely solved the problem. If you want, email me at daggett@chorus.net and I'll try to find the part number.
Other problems I have had since Oct, 97: poorly installed fog light switch, faulty door lock, rattling transfer case shifter, sticking front brake (replaced caliper under warranty), grease in front rims (overly-zealous quicky oil change guys overfilled zirks on front axles), and an engine knock I heard once (maybe bad gas?).
I currently have about 28K miles on the truck and I would give it an average rating. Most of those problems are small. My mileage has averaged around 16 mpg with a mix of driving. We'll see how things last over the next 3 years when I am out of warranty.
Daggett, Dmat Its almost worth it for me to drive to madison WI. to go to your service dept. My service dept likes to play stupid and say nothings wrong.
Dmat, Can you find out the exact name of that bearing. It helps if I can sound like I know what I'm talking about next trip back to dealer. Thanks
I have a '99 Dakota RT, 5.9, etc with about 7000 miles. I do not drive agressively and consequently have experienced an annoying feature of the 4 speed automatic trans. At "regular" gas pressure, the trans stays in 1st gear through 3000 RPMS (about 25-28 mph), jolts into second which stays through to 40 mph, goes to third for about 1 second and then on to overdrive. Besides the jolting between the lower gears shifting, the gas mileage obviously is negatively affected. Any one else with similar problems--suggestions?
I recently got a R/T 99 Club cab, no problems with the trans yet, but I know B&M ($80, about)makes an electronic shift kit that supposedly does not void the warranty, some folks say this thing has really made a difference, in gas and power, it has a couple of settings that can be changed while driving. Does your R/T jump a little when you release the brake, I know it's got horses but not that much at Idle? ---Also does the plastic ring around your Ignition keyhole light up? Mine doesn't, it just wasn't something I thought of at the dealers lot.
Thanks for the tip on the B&M tranny device. I'll look into it.
As far as the key illumination: To be honest, I haven't noticed if its lit or not. I'll check it out next time I'm driving at night.
No, mine does not lurch from a stop after releasing the brake pedal. The only lurches occur, as I had mentioned previously, when the trans shifts from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3.
Greetings, Anyone out there own the Dakota R/T? Am in the market for a New tow vehicle with some style and Torque. ( light race car&trailer 4000#) If you have experiences with the driveline durability or suitability for towing (5.9L) , Give me a few cents worth advice. Thanks, Amused One
You can have my '99 reg. cab RT, loaded, bright red, just turned 7000 mi. About $2000 below wholesale: $19,990 firm. You can have it shipped from Arizona to about anywhere on a car hauler for around $800.
Comments
I only have about 500 miles and I'm getting less than 12 miles per gallon city. I really didn't expect good mileage anyway. The V6 has great pickup and the truck rides very smooth.
The only problem I'm currently having is that the transmission doesn't want to shift into second gear when it's cold. The engine winds up as if I had the truck in neutral. The first few times it happened I kept checking the shift selector to see if I had it in drive. Letting it warm up a few minutes doesn't seem to help. Once I get past that first shift, the problem goes away. In later stop and go driving it doesn't do it. It seems like once the tranny warms up it's fine.
Anyone else have this problem.
The interior on the Dakota was much better than the Ranger. I liked the dark charcoal seats and carpeting. I think they'll be much easier to keep clean. The Ranger only offers a light gray. The same with the Nissan Frontier. The lighter carpeting soils easily and is very hard to care for (especially in the winter). I also didn't like the plastic on the doors in the Ranger.
The overhead console and storage bins under the rear seats also add to the appeal of the Dakota. I figured I would be spending most of my time inside the truck, so I wanted something that was laid out right. The Dakota is way ahead of the others.
I've added an under the rail Protecta liner that cost much less than the dealer add-ons. It has all of the loading indents and cutouts for the tiedowns.
away for a while folks. I needed a break from
everything having to do with cars. Please keep the questions flowing.
BTW I put a picture of me on the www if any of you
were wondering what I look like.
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/mattpic.htm
Matt D
Bob
I think I have my wife convinced to get a truck for the next 3 years(lease), but we don't know quite when a baby will come along (no plans for 2-3 years) but you never know.
Knowing how tough it is to get out of ANY lease early, I need to be able to assure her that, if a baby does come along, we can manage for a while. The only compact pick-ups with a forward facing rear seat are the Dakota and the Toyota Tacoma. I like both trucks, extra cab room will be the deciding factor I think. I also want to wait to see the new Nissan Frontier Crew cab with the 4' bed, that might be perfect.
Thanks for any information.
Matt D
The only downside is that this truck is very thirsty...but I knew that going in. What are the best modifictions to make that will improve the gas milage?
thanks
4 dr club with small back porch, you asked how many times we would use that lost extra foot.
I will haul a 5' lawn tractor and I won't drive it down the road with the tail gate open!
I agree with #307, ladyblue, that I'd rather have room left over than not have enough. By the way it is featured in April
Popular Mechanics.
congrats on your new truck. I got mine (same as your description) two months ago. Shifting is pronounced and can be stiff, (esp 2nd and 3rd gears) but after a little while, I was able to smooth it out thru technique alone. It certainly is a different feel from any car I've driven...my first truck, so I can't really comment on how it compares there. However, there is no vibrating sound, whatsoever; I would keep my eye (and ears) on that one. One interesting thing i've noticed, is that on startup, when the engine is cold, there appears to be an automatic idler to keep engine speed up..after shifting into 3rd it's just fine, until then it's a bit of a muffled roar. have you had this experience...normal, i take it. good luck and enjoy...
Thanks for the response. Yes I've experienced the muffled roar during cold running. then it warms up and sound better. As far as the shifting, I'm hoping it smoothes out during breakin. I don't think anything is wrong because I'm getting good mpg's (19 + 19.5 mpg first 2 tanks mostly highway). Also The vibration is whether or not its in gear. God luck with your new truck.
If any of you notice a pretty solid "whump" when stopping or just after starting the truck, it may be the ABS system. Really annoying, as it can be felt rather firmly from the driver's seat (the lines run right below the seat). Can't be fixed without re-running the brake lines, and then it just lessens the "whump."
Will the Club Cab still be offered?
When will we see the new motor?
Does this happen to everyone (Durangos included)?
Congrats on the new order. I put in a Dakota order myself about a month ago. SLT extended cab, 4x4, V6, manual. Still no word on a delivery date. So, just beware that it may take longer than you expect. By reading some responses on here, looks like 2 months, perhaps. I was told the manual tranny is the cause for the delay. Just a head's up for ya.
DP
How is the rear seat room? Generally to be occupied by a hyper 11 year old.
Thanks for the heads up. Dealer told me that special purchases had priority on the trannies. We'll see. I have another question if anyone can help. Does the five speed get much better mileage than the automatic? I opted for the 3.55 gears for better mileage. I will be pulling a boat that weighs about 2000 pounds. I'm hoping that the v-8 will give me enough power without having to go to the 3.92. Any opinions?
My "99 4x4 V8 Auto is a dog on the freeway. Engine bogs at 70 mph on freeway hills and wants to hunt to a lower gear. Driving during heavy rain at 55 mph on the freeway the trans is in overdrive and the engine is about 1500 rpm, absolutly no throttle response! The computer strives to get the trans into overdrive all the time. This is terrible if you drive slow through city street, you accelerate and it 1)unlocks the converter 2) downshifts to third 3) downshifts to second 4) Goes. Nothing but constant shifting.
It is possible to lock out the OD but it resets whenever you turn the key on again.
Gas mileage is horrible and the transfer case shifter vibrates loudly. If it is supposed to be noisy,why was it quiet when I first got the truck? Told the dealer,response was,"You should have heard the 2500 4x4 transfer cases." So they are all crap?
Maybe the lower rear end will pick up the response on the freeway. It is too late for me now. I bought it! The truck is beautiful but the computer controls on the drivetrain are a bit much. Also if you jiggle the shifter then the red selector flag in the dash disappears between the indicator letters. Any body else have these same problems?
I just purchased 99 dakota 4x4 3.9L w\ 3:55 axle. My one complaint is also the transfer case vibration coming up the shifter.(see response #381) I was told almost same thing as you. "You should feel the vibrations on the rams" Was that supposed to be a consolation? If I could do it over I would probably get the auto tranny. Let me know if you here anything else on this. Thanks
I've had my Dakota (5.2, 4X4, auto)for two weeks and really like it. However, it's arrival coincided with a sharp increase in gas prices, and i'd like to do anything I can to improve the gas milage.
If you have a long commute on a regular basis and gas mileage is an issue, go for the Ford Ranger.
Having lots of fun reading all the info on the details everyone provides. It has been really helpful.
Some above mentioned ordering times. My order is arriving tomorrow after appx 7 wks. Not too bad.
If you have any other questions you can reach me at the address below.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
I have the V8/auto trans. Do you now if the transfer case is the same for auto as manual?
I talked to another dealer and he laughed at the "you should hear the ram" answer. He did take the VIN and said he would let me know. Probably to new to have any service bulletins on it yet. At least he was going to try. If this is the same drivetrain as the durango then they will hear about it.
The noise started at about 2000 miles and is getting worse. It now has 13K on it and it is 4 months old. You can hear it over the radio now.
I did ask if he had encountered any of our customers bringing in Dakotas with noise problems. He hadn't, but thought that if he did have a vehicle come in with a sound, he would check the bearings.
I hope this may help you. I'm sorry that I couldn't do any more.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
I have a 98 4X4 V8 with auto trans and also had a noisy transfer case shifter. I took it to the dealer and they fixed it. It was a constant rattle that started when I had about 6 K miles on it. Especially bad upon acceleration. The dealer (Madison, WI) completely solved the problem. If you want, email me at daggett@chorus.net and I'll try to find the part number.
Other problems I have had since Oct, 97: poorly installed fog light switch, faulty door lock, rattling transfer case shifter, sticking front brake (replaced caliper under warranty), grease in front rims (overly-zealous quicky oil change guys overfilled zirks on front axles), and an engine knock I heard once (maybe bad gas?).
I currently have about 28K miles on the truck and I would give it an average rating. Most of those problems are small. My mileage has averaged around 16 mpg with a mix of driving. We'll see how things last over the next 3 years when I am out of warranty.
Its almost worth it for me to drive to madison WI. to go to your service dept. My service dept likes to play stupid and say nothings wrong.
Dmat, Can you find out the exact name of that bearing. It helps if I can sound like I know what I'm talking about next trip back to dealer.
Thanks
Does your R/T jump a little when you release the brake, I know it's got horses but not that much at Idle?
---Also does the plastic ring around your Ignition keyhole light up? Mine doesn't, it just wasn't something I thought of at the dealers lot.
As far as the key illumination: To be honest, I haven't noticed if its lit or not. I'll check it out next time I'm driving at night.
No, mine does not lurch from a stop after releasing the brake pedal. The only lurches occur, as I had mentioned previously, when the trans shifts from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3.
Anyone out there own the
Dakota R/T? Am in the market for a New tow vehicle with some style and Torque. ( light race car&trailer 4000#) If you have experiences with the driveline durability or suitability for towing (5.9L) , Give me a few cents worth advice.
Thanks,
Amused One