Dodge Dakota 4X4 Purchase Advice Wanted

[55 Fargo]

Hey all, looking to buy a late 90s early 2000s Dodge Dakota 4X4 extended cab. I am looking to spend up to about 5 grand, and a vehicle with no more than around 100k miles or so.

What should I be looking for in these trucks, besides the obvious wear and tear items, and of course rust up in these parts.

My goal is to find  decent older well maintained vehicle, that hasn't been beaten to death....thanx for any info or advice

Edited November 19, 2014 by Fargos-Go-Far

[Brent B3B]

Don't have a 4x4, but for what it's worth I have a 2000 quad cab with the 4.7L. Front wheel hub assembly bearing has been an issue. I have read others also having front end issues. Knowing the possibilities, I would give the front suspension a good look over.... Good luck

[Dan Hiebert]

Front axle u-joints on the Dodge 4X4s from the late 90s / early 2000s with the straight front axle tend to go out.  Especially in our environment.  Steering will be "kicky" if that's the case.  Relatively easy and straightforward fix, tho, compared to the other makes.  I've also heard that the transmissions can be a bit weak and prone to failure, although I've towed my old cars across the country a few times with mine, and haven't had any issues at all. 

[wayfarer]

They are pretty decent trucks. The front hub/bearing assembly is an easy R&R (2-3 hours on my '02) and replacements are relatively cheap on ebay. If you are looking for a manual trans they are quite good transmissions...If TF then consider how much use the trailer hitch has had and check the condition of the fluid.

The 4.7 is an excellent engine! At 155k mine still runs hard. If you don't mind the issues of getting one from the states then you might be able to avoid the rust issues.