Dodge Dakota

airhog · June 1999

Replacing the check valve on the torque converter did not fix the problem with my '99 Dakota. Still the next day after pulling a small trailer the drive train won't "hook up". Lots of RPM but no go. The problem clears up after a moderate delay - from 1 to 5 minutes. The truck also "feels" different each time I drive it - almost like a totally different vehicle.

I do have to give the local dealer high marks for continuing to work with me on this problem!

bwt · June 1999

I am in the market for a small pickup to pull a small camping trailer and have become very interested in the crew cabs that are comming out. The Nissan looks good but will barely meet the towing needs. The magnum V-8's in the Dakota look like they should do a lot better.

I have heard a lot about transmission problems with the Dakota. I'm interested in hearing from someone who has been using the Dakota for towing, and if the transmission problens are with the standard or automatic.

Dmat · June 1999

It was done and they were very tough to sell. They stayed on the lot for ages. Most opted for the full size version.

You can have one done after market, but I think you would be better off going the full size route as well.

Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm

mike23 · June 1999

I am thinking of leasing a '99 Dakota 4X4 Club Cab Sport for 3yrs/36k on Chrysler's Gold Key Lease. I was wondering about the resale value at the end of the lease for this truck. Has anyone recently ended a lease with an older model?

jasnicol · June 1999

I am thinking of purchasing a 99 Dakota Club Cab,
but I have a weird question. Does anyone know if
a child seat or baby carrier seat (I don't know the proper term; my wife and I don't have children yet but we are pursuing that endeavor) will fit in the back seat??? One salesman at the dealership I am working with says yes, another says no, so I thought I would look for input in this forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

davido · June 1999

Jasnicol
I find the 99 Dakota Club Cab to be fairly roomy.
Naturally, not as roomy as the full size. I would
think there would be enough room. I would suggest
borrowing a seat to check it out. Make sure the
seat belt configuration is OK as well as sufficient room.

Daggett · June 1999

Funny you should ask that question. I tried one in the back of my '98 club cab Dakota this past weekend. I'm in the same boat, don't have kids, but it won't be too long. The seat sat in there fine. If behind the drivers side, I had to move the seat forward a couple clicks (usually back max. distance). Behind passenger seat - no problem. Getting it in there without 3rd door wasn't much fun, though.

cc1 · June 1999

I thinking of purchasing a 99 Dakota. Im thinking about V-8 or V-6 can anyone out there tell me the average gas mileage

pcervenak · June 1999

I have a '99 RT with the 5.9 V8. Just had an adjustment made to my auto trans. and I get around 15 mpg in city driving. Living in Arizona, that reflects the AC on most of the time as well. Haven't had it on the highway much to know what she'll do as far as gas mileage. Anytime there's a choice between the "6" and the "8", pay the extra bucks and get the bigger engine. Resale is a lot better too.

rotorray · June 1999

I agree with the v-8 choice. even a smaller one is better than a 6. Watch chrysler's 318/5.2l v-8 though. they run a little rubber hose right under the air cond on top of the water pump. replace it at 30K miles or no one will be able to do it if it fails on the road

kekic · June 1999

I'm new at this but from what I've read so far Chrysler's doing away with the clubcab and going only to the crewcab in 2000? Can anyone confirm this for sure? and if so does anyone know where I can find a photo of it? I'm not sure I like the sound of it, smaller box is definitely lame. If this is true, anyone know where I can find a 1999 V8 clubcab?

benjee · June 1999

I am looking at a 97 Dakota. 5.2 V8 CC SLT auto. 23,000 miles. They are asking $14,000. I have two questions.
1. I've heard lots of talk about problem with the 98-99's but I haven't heard anything about the 97. Could some one give me a little feed back on this vehicle?
2. Most of the online appraisal site say this is a good price, but what do you think?

jbauer · June 1999

I continue to read of the bad gas mileage from both V-6 & V-8 Dakotas. Try using Prolong oil treatment. My wife's Mitsubishi Galant (4 cyl.) went from 27mpg to 31 mpg., highway. Not dramatic but it helps. I've also been in the market for another truck, thought I wanted a Dakota but all of the articles are beginning to make me wonder. I know every manufacturer puts out a Lemon now and then but what I read here makes it sound like engineering design problems in Detroit. Doesn't sound like most of the dealers want to stand behind their product either.
If you all knew then what you know now...would you still buy a Dakota? I'm 50 and don't have a lot of desire to spend time at the repair shop, not that younger and older buyers do either but as we all know..who has the time or money? Would appreciate your input and sincere recommendations.

dpatton · June 1999

Hey there folks. I used this forum to help me decide on what truck and configuration get. About a month and half ago I took delivery on Dakota 4x4 SLT extended cab, V6, manual. I heard the stories about the automatic trans and decided not to take the chance. I got the V6 for better milage. I simply don't do the towing right now to justify the bigger engine. So far so good. No problems. The 4WD works fine in high and low. I do a mix of hiway and city driving. I'm getting between 17 and 18 mpg. That's better than advertised. I installed a Roll 'N Lock cover for the bed. Works great. The interior room and bed are perfect for my needs right now. I would recommend the Dakota. We'll see how it works out in the long run. I hope that helps some of you out there.

DP

mbayon · June 1999

I have a '99 Dakota, V6, 2WD manual transmission. Closing in on 15K miles. Mostly city driving. No noises, no problems. Get about 20 mpg. Great looks, great driving, great truck!

cc1 · June 1999

Thanks for the input on the gas mileage. I guess everything you hear about how bad the Dakota MPG isn't true

bigalan63 · June 1999

I have a 99 Dakota club cab V8 (5.2) auto trans 2wd. According to overhead console guage, I'm getting 16.8 mpg (mostly around town---no lead footing). Happy with it (no problems whatsoever). Prior to this, I had a Ford Explorer V6 4X4 (17 mpg) and a Ford F150 V8 4X4 (14 mpg). So, I am used to getting gas mileage in this range.
Hope this helps somebody in their decisions.

cheffy · June 1999

my 99 Dakota is only getting about 15 mpg but I only have about 1560 miles on it... I have the 3.9L V-6

when should I see it improve or will i??

rexallen · June 1999

Any news on the Dodge Dakota Crew Cab coming out in August

asta · June 1999

is the roll 'n lock bed cover what it sounds like? Like a rollaway desk cover that you can slide back to use the bed for upright stuff, then slide close for longer rides to seal off the bed? Oddly enough, my main gripe with getting a pick-up is to cover or not cover the bed. I had a ford ranger rental for awhile which had a hydraulic cover on the bed. the lock was worthless and the bed couldn't be used to its fullest, obviously, with the cover. taking off this thing was not fun. anyone else with any bed cover options for the dakota let me know. haven't purchased yet - still deciding between a gas guzzling SUV (jeep grand) or the dakota with the small V8 (also a gaz guzzler). Finally, is all this talk about discountinuing the old xcab for the short bed 4 door really true. that 4 door is a mutant and worthless as a truck or a sedan/suv or whatever they're trying to push it as.

thanks!

dpatton · June 1999

Thanks for the note. The Roll 'N Lock cover is pretty much as you described. It is an all aluminium design. It locks to the tailgate, so it's very secure. It's water tight except for a couple of small areas at the tailgate. Very little water gets in. The whole thing scrolls up in a 9"x9" box next to the cab. I am extremely happy with it. It gives the security of a solid cover, and the payload flexibility of a removable soft cover. It was kind of expensive. But, in my opinion, it was worth the investment. There is another roll cover design out there. It is the Pace Edward's Roll-Top. Good luck. I hope that helps.

Jon99 · June 1999

Regarding the questions some people have had about whether DaimlerChrysler will continue to build the Dakota Club Cab after the Quad Cab is introduced, I found this sentence in a product blurb on the DaimlerChrysler media web site:

"In addition to the Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations currently offered, a new Quad Cab style will be added to the mix."

The full document is at this URL:
http://media.daimlerchrysler.com/special/99/rtmodels_03_e.htm

The key word here is "added". (But of course, nothing is final until DaimlerChrysler releases information on the 2000 models.)

gschmidt · June 1999

My 97 Club Cab is now up to 22,000 miles with the sole problem of a dead battery (replaced under warranty, of course). I tow a small sailboat through the mountains of Arizona with my V6/5speed and have been very pleased with the performance.
I assume most of the tranny concern has to do with an auto? I keep close track of the mpg between fills, and find 20+mpg hiway without the boat; 17-18mpg with the boat, and 17-18 around town. Compare that to an Explorer! This has been one great, quiet, reliable truck!

hartman1 · June 1999

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/detroit/dakquad1.htm

durbien · June 1999

I'm running the 3.9 V6 Auto through the low 3.92 rear gears in mostly city driving (I got it for the occasional tow, but haven't used it yet). I'm getting around 13-14 mpg. Ouch! I went with the V6 because I thought it would be better than the V8's mpg-wise and I don't tow anything really heavy. But I think the 3.92's are eating up whatever advantage there was.

I'm curious if anyone else has this combination and what their mpg is. 13-14 is within the range on the sticker, and I live in Southern California where there's a lot of start and stop highway driving. Do you think this is why it's guzzling so much? Or do you think my auto trans needs "adjusting" as well?

The person above with the 99 R/T has the 3.92 gears (and the 360!) and is getting better mileage than I am! If that's the case I should put in a 360 crate motor and be done with it. Then I could tow a battleship! (albeit at 10 mpg)

Don't get me wrong, I love my Dakota. I just wish it wasn't so thirsty.

ericg · June 1999

First i would like to than whoever thought of this type of "chat" it has really helped me a lot.

I am planning on ordering a 2000 dodge dakota, 5.2L v8, 4x4 sport. i have been noticing alot of problems with transmissions. Would it be less of a problem with a standard? i just learned how to drive one and i didnt want to get one because i have little experience.

One more thing is the 4.7L v8 going to be offered in all the dakotas not just the crew cab?

Thanx

gschmidt · June 1999

Postscript to #490: Two items I failed to mention are that my `97 V6 5spd is only a 2WD and that it has the 3.92 rear-end. So, I can't see how the higher gear ratio can be the culprit for poor mileage. My AVERAGE mpg for all 22,000 miles I've driven it is 17.90.

My guess is that the biggest factors affecting mileage for a given engine size are the type of tranny and traffic/driving habits.

wolff · July 1999

It is always important when changing tire sizes to maintain the original circumference because of the computer and all that.
I have the same OEM combination, 215/75 on 7 inch rims. I went to 255/60 Pirrelli Scorpion Zeros which fit perfectly and are a real joy.
If you want to stick to a 235, go to a 235/70 rather than a 75 which will keep the circumference the same. That would work well.

Dmat · July 1999

You do get a little better gas mileage if you have a 3.55 vs. the 3.92. The real benefit to the 3.92 is towing. I encounter this all the time with the 3500 series trucks with a 3.55 vs. a 4.10. Keep in mind that there isn't much of a difference in the MPG.

For those who are considering bigger tires be aware that the odometer must be adjusted to be accurate. You can run into a big problem when you go to trade in or sell the vehicle.

Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm

durbien · July 1999

Thanks for all the mpg info guys/gals. Dmat, do you think I should complain about my mileage or is it simply the auto trans and my driving style? Believe me, I'm not dragracing a V6. But I'd say most of my mileage has been city driving (and crawling on the 405). I guess living in So Cal DOES have its disadvantages...

deerhunter2 · July 1999

I would like any information on the dakota. I just bought a durango in Jan. but my wife has figgured out that she likes it better than her car, So the storie goes. Any way now I'am in the market for a new truck. I really like the dakota looks. I need to know how it runs I'll be using it for hunting (hauling around a camper with a 4wheeler in the bed), fishing (pulling around about a 5000lb fishing boat), and just driving it around town. Any info will be great thanks.

dave40 · July 1999

Show your DAKOTA pictures at Topic #775 Truck Pictures

damish003 · July 1999

My 95 Dakota 4x2 now has 86,000 miles on it, and I've been thinking hard about replacing it. I'm quite happy with the truck, and I want to replace it with a new Dakota, but this time a Club Cab. My only decision at this point is 4x4 or 4x2. I'm hoping for some help in making the decision one way or the other. Mainly, my truck is driven at highway speeds...lots of travel in my job. I don't tow anything, and likely won't anytime soon. MPG is a concern, and it seems as though there isn't much difference between the V6 and the V8. What makes me lean towards a 4x4 is handling in the snows of Pennsylvania, and the extra height for visibility purposes. Truthfully, I would likely only use 4x4 perhaps a dozen times a year. But I really prefer the extra ride height of the 4x4 over the 4x2. Any thoughts to help me decide would be appreciated.

jbauer · July 1999

Dear Damish:
Get what you really want. Everyone will have a different thought and preference. Always go with your "gut" feel. You don't want to kick yourself after the fact. Be happy with your decision and don't say....I should have bought what my heart really desired. Go for it..life is short...enjoy!

dave40 · July 1999

Need some Dakota pictures in Topic #775 Truck Pictures

eskinner · July 1999

Durbien- I also get about 14mpg and I do mostly highway driving. I live in the mountains so I'm sure the steep grades take their toll on my gas mileage. I've also been in the shop 7 times since I bought it 6 months ago. I have 98 v6 dakota. I've had numerous problems with my steering wheel and had a bad problem with my engine short circuiting. I love driving my truck but I put at least 50-70 miles on it a day and the gas mileage is killing me. Let me know if anyone suggests something to improve the mpg.

pberryman · July 1999

I have a serious problem with moisture building up on the floor of the passenger side of my 1996 Dodge Dakota. I can't see any sign of leaking, and I can't understand where the moisture is coming from? Any thoughts?

bobs5 · July 1999

Is this water or antifreeze?
Do you have air conditioning? If so, maybe there is a clogged drain hose from the housing where the a/c evaporator core/heater core resides, which would not allow excess moisture drain off.
I had a ford ltd station wagon that this situation
happened to.

charelle · July 1999

Interesting forum. I am a new Dakota owner, '99 extended cab 4X4, just rolled over 1500 miles. I had thought the auto trans. was a bit quirky, and after reading some responses, I find I am not alone. My truck occasionally lags in first and sometimes catpults into OD on normal acceleration or hills. Do I understand there is some adjustment that can be made to correct this; or is there a risk the "correction" will only make it worse. It is annoying but that is about it. Thanks for any input.

charelle · July 1999

Sorry for the typo. Shoulda used Spellcheck. I meant catapults.

deerhunter2 · July 1999

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE 4X4 EXT CAB I,M IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW TRUCK, I LIVE IN SOUTH MS, WERE I WILL USE IT TO HUNT, PULL A CAMPER WITH A ATV IN THE BED, AND ALSO US IT TO PULL MY BOAT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. I'M WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY PROBLEMS THAT ANYBODY MIGHT HAVE WITH THE 4X4 SYSTEM, TOWING THROUGH THE WOODS, OR OVER THE OPEN ROAD, AND WITH THE TEMP OF AROUND 99DEG WITH A HUMITY OF ABOUT THE SAME. IF ANYBODY COULD GIVE ME SOME HELP WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS I WOULD BE GREATFUL.

msman · July 1999

I am in the market for a new dodge dakota V-6. It has 2 axle ratios to pick from 3.55 and a 3.92. Can anyone tell me the difference in gas mileage?

ppoulin · July 1999

I've read in this forum that the Dakota Club Cab manufacturing line is shut down for retooling. Has anyone heard when the line will start back up? Hopefully, Jon99 is correct and they will continue making the Club Cab.

mayems · July 1999

Background: On third Dakota. First was '93 SLT CCab w/V6, 3.92 rear. Son now has it @110,000 miles, no real problems except new starter. Second was '98 Sport CCab w/5.2, 3.92 rear, tire and handling group. Both were 2WD w/limited slip and tow group, auto tranny. Pulling a 3,000lb 24ft pontoon boat. All the V6 wanted, V8 did O.K. but not great. Traded '98 yesterday on one just like it except 4WD, no limited slip. And by the way, tranny on '98 was starting to "hunt" bad on 1-2 shift. I'm post #7 on the other side. Truck had 50,000 miles on it in 23 months of ownership. Got extended warranty on new truck to 75,000 miles. Dealer is friend who sold me warranty @ his cost, $485, on a warranty that retailed for $995.

Question #1: 200 miles (interstate) on new truck today. Seems to "wander", especially @ speed. Is this normal for 4WD since it sets taller or should I have alignment checked. I'm sure I'll have to pay if nothing is wrong. I test drove a friend's '97 4WD Dakota and didn't notice it, but I didn't drive it very far. Mainly was just checking for ride.

Question #2: Note new truck doesn't have limited slip rear. Dealer swears I won't need it. I recently bought some property with a lake and the boat ramp is a fine gravel. '98 w/limited slip couldn't horse the boat out without some "help" (650lb 4-wheeler in back and boat pushing to help get things started). Isn't 4WD without limited slip rear about the same as 2WD with it? I realize taller tires and more aggressive tred pattern will make a big difference, but am I liable to have trouble? Would have got it on new truck but I had to take what I could find (dealer had to swap)since it is end of model year and I didn't want to wait on a 2000.

Buy the way, who would want one of these with a 63" bed? (i.e., the new Quad Cab). My 4-wheeler barely fits in this one. I think Dodge missed it on this one. I would love a Quad Cab but no way with that bed!

davisl · July 1999

I have had a 87 Dakota V6, and sold it for a 92 club cab 4x4 V8. Sold that and bought a 98 Chevy Z71. I want a Dakota back. Mine have been great, am really disappointed in the Chevy. The question is, do I try to find a 99 V8, or wait for the 2000 4.7? Sounds like wait. I want the performance of my 92 5.2, will the 4.7 be as good?
Great site, appreciate all the opinions and tips.

ohfarmer · July 1999

I just ordered a 2000 Dakota Club Cab 4x2 with V8 engine and 5 speed manual transmission. In response to previous posts, the Club Cab version will be offered in addition to the new Quad Cab. Also, the 4.7L engine replaces the previous 5.2L engine in all Dakotas. From the information I have read (Jeep), the 4.7L engine has more hp, more torque, and improved fuel mileage over the 5.2L V8. Can anyone tell me what fuel mileage (highway@65mph and city) they are getting with the 5.2L V8/manual trans/3.55 axle?

telgenh2 · July 1999

to ohfarmer: if you just ordered the 2000, do you happen to have seen the prices yet or did you order it without knowing the exact price? I am going to order one but I am waiting because the dealer I am working with said that he does not have the prices yet and I want to make sure I know how much I am paying first. If anyone knows of where I can get the invoice/MSRP prices for the 2000 club cab 4x4, could you let me know. Thanks for any help.

ericg · July 1999

Ohfarmer,

when did they say your dakota would be in? Did you get the 4.7L?

I am planning on ordering one soon, how does the process work? I have never ordered a vehicle before. What kind of deposit do you need? Is there an obligation to buy? If you decide not to buy when your truck shows up do you get your deposit back? When do you start to make payments? Do you have to get approved for a loan before you can order?

Anyones comments would be very helpful

telgenh2 · July 1999

I have not ordered mine yet, but the dealer said I need to put down $250 when I order it. I don't start making payments until the loan starts (when I take possession of the vehicle). I am assuming that if I decide not to buy when it comes in, they can't force me to buy it but I am sure they would not give me back the deposit. It would be best to be sure you want it before ordering.

woodyman · July 1999

I will purchase my first Dodge product tomorrow. A 99 Dakota Ext cab 4x4, 6cyl, automatic, and loaded up. I have seen a lot people complaining about the transmission and the engines. I have operated a lot of different types of vechicles and equipment. It does not matter how well built a piece of machinery is, it has to be operated in a common sense matter. If you are in to towing, buy a vechicle that will do the job one step better. It is always better to have to much power than not enough.
I had a 95 Chevy 4x4 LWB, had it for 3 years and put 100,000 miles. Never had a bit of problem with except for the usal replacement parts, a battery, belt, and ect.. I but about 15% off- road use. But did not drive it like tank. Pulled a travel trailer with it, sure it did not operate the same, but what should you expect?
Bottom line take care of what you got and treat like you wanted to be treated and it will take care of you for a long time..

Dodge Dakota

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