Info on 2002 Dakota....

[thrashingcows]

Might be picking up a 2002 Dakota super cheap. Supposedly has a dead motor and the people want it gone. My friend had one of his co-workers ask if he knew anyone who might be interested....since he's into old cars. My friend thinks he said it was a club cab, sport edition, V6/auto? But was going to ask more questions today.

I did a little research last night and it seems that they used that same basic V6 from about 1994 to about 2003. Just want to ask those more knowledgeable then I, if there might be anything specific to watch out for in engine, fuel system, etc???

I'm thinking of getting it, do a motor swap, then possibly sell, or hold it for a first vehicle for my daughter in just over 2 years....Sheesh can't believe the first one will be driving that soon!!

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Depends on how it blew if it went bang, bang, bang and still turns I would work with what you have, if it went BANG!........... and doesn't turn then your putting in another high mile motor that is ? who knows I looked at a Durango just like this block cracked piece missing no saving, makes me not want to offer the money for the brand new tires.

 

[thrashingcows]

Hope to have more info tomorrow. Maybe check it out next week?

 

[Zymurgy]

I had a 2000 Dakota with a 318 and a 5 speed. I loved that truck. It gave me no troubles but I needed something bigger for work. I just saw the truck 1 year ago and it still looks brand new. The 2nd owner is retired and this is his "Sunday" truck. He has another 4x4 Dakota he drives in the winter. He said it has been a great truck and no problems but he only has 80,000 on it.

 

[thrashingcows]

My friend didn't have time to talk to his co-worker today. But he said they were a bit unsure of the truck, since it was their sons. Son said the motor died, then bought a new car. Now they want it gone. Maybe I'll luck out and it will be a 318 (5.2)?

 

[67Monaco]

We had a 97 club cab 4x4 in magenta with the 3.9L magnum and 5spd. It'd chirp in to third most days. Loved that truck. 3.9L is pretty much as reliable as the 318.

 

[saforwardlook]

I have an 89 Dakota with the 3.9 V6 automatic that I inherited from my dad when he passed, and that he bought new. It now has 166K miles on it, and I would say that it is a bullet proof truck - utterly reliable and still steers and handles like new (hard to believe, but it really still feels great with nothing ever replaced on the suspension except the shocks - not even the bushings). It doesn't even have a single rattle, and has never required much maintenance. It is my "beater" but I really love that truck for its really well-built toughness. That engine seems like it will go forever. For one to "blow up" it seems someone had to really abuse it.