[theternaldragon]

hello everyone my name is chris and i am in the market for a 97-04 dakota. i am going to go look at one tomorrow and was wondering if anyone could tell me what i am looking for in terms of rot or rust or even mechanical. i have been looking around here for a little while and couldnt really find much of what i am looking for. the one i am looking at tomorrow is a 97 dakota 5.2L 4x4. thanks for any info anyone can give me.

 

[Tex]

Welcome aboard

 

[blkjak]

:hello: blkjak

 

[DAKSPORT1PA]

Welcome to the site. :wave:

 

[kavisiegel]

Check the rear differential for rust, check if it's missing exhaust hangers, check to make sure the heat shields aren't falling off, check for oil leaks.

I bought mine off a guy in Sutton, couple exits up 146 from Rhode Island, it had all of the above.

 

[theternaldragon]

thanks everyone for the welcome

kavisiegel thanks for the tips

any info is helpfull!!!

 

[ALipper]

:wave:

try not to buy one for RI. that's what i've been told.

 

[theternaldragon]

i am buying it from CT lol

 

[ALipper]

i am buying it from CT lol

i guess RI vehicles are more prone to rust issues because of the saltwater.

 

[durangokid]

I bought mine in RI cause I live there, and it has one tiny spot of rust on the firewall, thats it.

 

[theternaldragon]

i am only buying it from CT because it seems like a good deal so far!

 

[durangokid]

mine was totaled and I paid 300 for it so I couldnt complain!!! Make sure you test drive and feel the trans..... They arent known to hold well to abuse, ask me how I know...

 

[kavisiegel]

or just try not to buy from the northeast in general haha, lots and lots of rust. some people just don't take care of their trucks.

If you got the budget, get a 1 way ticket down south and take a road trip home with a rust free truck.

Edit: I guess I was beat to that?

 

[KotaChuk678]

Anyhow :welcome:

 

[ALipper]

or just try not to buy from the northeast in general haha, lots and lots of rust. some people just don't take care of their trucks.

If you got the budget, get a 1 way ticket down south and take a road trip home with a rust free truck.

Edit: I guess I was beat to that?

or get one that has been POR-15'd. like mine.

 

[rollers888]

Welcome to the site!

 

[kavisiegel]

or get one that has been POR-15'd. like mine.

or break the thing down to the frame, sand every single part, por15 them, replace every nut and bolt on the thing.. haha, like me. rust isn't worth the hassle that some go through over it... like me, again.

 

[ALipper]

or break the thing down to the frame, sand every single part, por15 them, replace every nut and bolt on the thing.. haha, like me. rust isn't worth the hassle that some go through over it... like me, again.

i got lucky. i bought mine w/ 150K miles, zero rust.

end thread jack...

 

[viperx7]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site.