I'm looking to get out of my Silverado into something smaller and 4 doored. I was thinking of a Dakota quad cab. What are the common probs with the Dakota? I need honesty here I don't have alot of money here. Can you guys help me out?
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PolishedMetalz
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I'm looking to get out of my Silverado into something smaller and 4 doored. I was thinking of a Dakota quad cab. What are the common probs with the Dakota? I need honesty here I don't have alot of money here. Can you guys help me out?
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Common problems on the dakota are the transmission taking a shit on you, Ball joints. I prefer the 5.9 but they are hard to find in quad cab configuration, most are 4.7s. 5.9 is better for towing and the 4.7 is higher revving and newer technology. I like the 5.9 because they last forever..
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Also what year and motor is in your silverado?
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Welcome to the site. :wave:
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isnt the 45rfe or 545rfe with the 4.7 stronger then the ones with the 5.2 and 5.9?
the dakota should be the same as my durango but my durango has been reliable since day one when my parents bought it in 02 now it has just over 100k on it and it goes strong, ass long as it had maintnece it should be good
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I have no idea about the transmission being better. Dodge just makes shitty transmissions haha. Its all about maintaining the transmisson. My truck was beat on before i ever owned it so that explains the trans grenading lol
Most common problem with the 4.7 is they really like good oil and to be changed often. Find one thats well cared for. The 4.7 is a good engine, but not as reliable as the 5.2/5.9 mechanically if neglected. 4.7 performance is better IMHO fuel economy however isn't the best.
In all honesty might want to keep the chevy unless you really like dodge
In all honesty might want to keep the chevy unless you really like dodge
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My chevy is an 2003 LS ext cab, with the 5.3L, 2wd with 155K. I love the truck, I really want a little more interior space for the kids. But I can't afford a crew cab Silverado.
I test drove a V6 dakota the other day. Quad cab with 136K, 2wd, and auto. I think it had a blown head gasket. It was the slowest thing I had driven in a long time. But other than the motor it drove great.
I test drove a V6 dakota the other day. Quad cab with 136K, 2wd, and auto. I think it had a blown head gasket. It was the slowest thing I had driven in a long time. But other than the motor it drove great.
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Well There's Your Problem.
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Best bet, look to trade your Silverado for a same year Dakota. Find a good one, chat it out, do a good inspection and you won't spend much.
V6 motors in these trucks are dogs, you're using a small engine to pull something almost the same weight as a full-size truck, it's going to be bad. If you can, 5.2 or 5.9 engine, don't get anything with the 4.7 (all personal opinion here on), they shit out coils like it's going out of style, timing chain slop all over the place, and more electrical problems than you can count on your hands.
V6 motors in these trucks are dogs, you're using a small engine to pull something almost the same weight as a full-size truck, it's going to be bad. If you can, 5.2 or 5.9 engine, don't get anything with the 4.7 (all personal opinion here on), they shit out coils like it's going out of style, timing chain slop all over the place, and more electrical problems than you can count on your hands.
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Welcome, I got an 01 quad cab and just make sure you check the oil cap for any signs of a bad head gasket. Dodges are notorious for transmissions and ball joints as chevys are to cracked frames and front ends haha. My truck came with a rebuilt tranny and new ball joints along with a ton of other new parts and all maintenance records so I was ok with the 4.7. They are great trucks and my gas mileage isnt bad at all really but everything I have ever really owned either has a big block or if its 4WD its lifted so I am used to shitty gas mileage.
The 4.7 is fine as long as its been maintained. They like to snap the rear lower exhaust manifold bolt if its got more than 100k on it but thats an easy fix. Mine has treated me great but I am looking into a 5.7 hemi swap.
EDIT: and yes the 545FE is more reliable than the 46RE from what I have seen and hear.
The 4.7 is fine as long as its been maintained. They like to snap the rear lower exhaust manifold bolt if its got more than 100k on it but thats an easy fix. Mine has treated me great but I am looking into a 5.7 hemi swap.
EDIT: and yes the 545FE is more reliable than the 46RE from what I have seen and hear.
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His 5.3 silverado is probably still faster than either v8 quad cab dakota but i still like the dakota more
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I very highly doubt a 5.3 Silverado is faster than a 4.7 Dakota of any configuration.
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Not a heavy ass 4x4 quad cab, a 2wd Regular cab yes.
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Eh, when my truck was stock I raced my buddies 5.3 02 silverado extended cab 4x4 and beat him up to 60. Didnt beat him by much but it still counts, the 5.3s are beast but even a quad cab is probably a little lighter than a fullsize chevy
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My truck is faster than an extended cab 5.3 with a lame catback haha
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thanks for your help everybody. Now how can I tell which ones have a 45rfe or a 545rfe transmissions?
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