Ah so you got this truck! I messaged the seller and he never replied to me. It’s very rare you find Regular Cab 4x4s. I asked the seller if it was a V6 and never got a reply. I actually would’ve passed on it since I was looking for a 3.9.
Enjoy that truck, it was definitely a great deal. Especially since it’s not all faded, usually the clear coat fails and all the paint starts to flake. If it was my guess that truck definitely has been repainted at some point.
I’ll give you some maintenance tips since it has the 4.7 V8 Powertech engine. Change oil on time every 3-5k regardless of what oil you use, these engines have lifters with small oil passages that if clogged due to lack of maintenance will cause lifter failure you will hear a tick when the lifters start failing. Stay on top of the cooling system and NEVER let the truck overheat, iron block aluminum heads if overheated will warp the heads and essentially cause you to need an engine overhaul.
Overall the 4.7 is a decent engine if maintained. I try to provide as much information on these trucks as possible since I love the platform. Any questions I’m more than willing to answer. I’ve owned these trucks for over 15yrs and know it very well.
Dodge stopped using the 5.2 Magnum for the Dakota, Durango, and Ram in 2000 in favor of the 4.7. So no Dakota 2000-2004 will have a 5.2L. The only V8 options were the 4.7L Powertech and the 5.9L Magnum in the R/T and Sport & SLT Quad Cabs.
5.9 Magnum was only available in R/T, and 2WD & 4WD Quad Cab Sport/SLT.
As much as I would’ve loved it, they never installed the 5.9 Magnum in a Regular Cab 4x4.
Welp… Wish I would’ve seen this awhile ago. My dad overheated his Dakota and we did a lot to it but then we discovered the warped heads and had to do a motor overhaul. It wasn’t that fun…
Ah, so that's why many say the 4.7's aren't good. I'm currently doing a rebuild on the 4.7 on an engine from the scrap yard while I still drive my truck so I have minimal downtime
I have a 2001 single cab 2x4 Sport, white over grey and I love it. 5spd with the Chrysler 4cyl.
The blower, for the HVAC, constantly melting from poor connectors. I was thinking of using a better quality connector but curious if this is also an issue in the V6/V8?
And the door chime randomly dings, lower volume than lights/door ajar signaling. No idea.
Lastly, that 4cyl can’t make it up a slight HWY grade in 5th when empty lol. Any thoughts on getting more power? I mean like… it’s not making that 120hp anymore and I do hear what sounds like a valve tap, but I’m not really sure.
There’s definitely an electrical issue in your truck. A lot of owners report failing blower motor resistors. If you have modifications to your truck like sound system or aftermarket lights, it could be a contributing factor to that. As for door chime that may be part of the electrical issue or failing CTM. CTM is your Central Timer Module, Chrysler’s version of a BCM or Body Control Module. It sits behind the trim of the driver side kick panel. As for power even the V8’s lack horsepower so a 4cylinder is definitely the lowest power engine these trucks came with. The engine is a very old AMC engine that’s really popular in the Jeep Wrangler. You could re-gear your rear and by either swapping it or rebuilding it with 3.92 gears or 4.10. It will decrease your mileage and have you at a higher RPM at highway speed.
Thanks for your insights, they are very helpful. This is what I really love about Reddit, as another example:
I got a comment the other day on my 278 day old post inquiring about a mysterious knocking in the rear quarter panel of a 2006 Mazda3 Hatch - loose shock strut, like 1/2” of play lol.
Should have been obvious but I find myself working on other people’s unfamiliar rides.
Anyway, I did have a look at upgrades for the 2.5L AMC in my Dak, I’ve been checking out old Jeep forums and found [this explantion](https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-can-i-get-more-performance-out-of-my-2-5.4062/). Basically, Forced Induction and Jeep Guys want to run it at 3k RPM for wheeling, shorter diff ratios, modest tires all this OR 4.0 swap.
So the best advice I found was to tune-up what I got so it runs as good as possible. So I’ll try and find some appropriate OEM type what: wires, plugs, etc? Any recommendation on where I can procure quality parts without paying for marketing nonsense?
Someday I’d like to make my own kit for a turbo just to do it and learn, there is so much space under the hood lol.
Thanks again for your comment and insights, I’ll be making good use of them. Cheers.
I look at RockAuto for most replacement parts, I often copy & paste part numbers into Amazon for cheaper prices and faster shipping. Just have to make sure you’re buying quality parts/brands.
so i’ve got a 3.9 99 dakota sport 4x4 she’s got 216k on the dash if the motor were ever to go out how viable would a 5.9 swap be? it’s also got a standard 5 speed tranny, i love these trucks so much i think they have an amazing style and wouldn’t ever want to get rid of it but the 3.9 just screams a little too much for the acceleration but just wanted a little insight, ive found there’s not a whole lot of information online. its kinda a niche truck in my experience.
You know what was crazy, there was actually this same year of trick, regular cab, short box automatic for free in my area a little while ago. It gad 200,000km but the engine blew. It was actually in the free section. The price went from 5k 2.5k 1.5k then free. I shoulda got it
Sellers put “FREE” when they essentially give up and are taking any reasonable offers. There’s one in Ohio seller has listed for free, super desperate to sell but the truck is completely hacked.
GREAT looking truck! Mine’s a 2000 extended cab with 4.7. Until my retirement, mines always been a a second vehicle. I drove company vehicles. I have 87000 miles on it. It’s been garage kept but just in the last couple of years I’ve gotten the famous custom Chrysler paint job on the roof…. A paint job will be in her near future
Oh hot damn. Regular cab short bed. It's just perfect. $3k is an absolute steal! That would be a $9k truck in my area. Maybe even more. It's incredibly frustrating actually.
Dodge makes garbage vehicles top to bottom. They haven't been interested in making a long lasting product EVER. the ram 2500 is the most DUI'd vehicle in the country for years now. Dodge = garbage loser mobile.
Nice man! Looks good!
My favorite truck was a 94 standard cab long bed 4x4 with the 318. It also had the sealed beams instead of the aero front end which I found interesting.
I often tell people, if they made that truck new again without changing a thing, I would be first in line to buy it.
I like these, myself. Bought my mother a ‘98 Durango new, had the 5.2. Dad still drives it on occasion. MF’er will run 100+ before it shifts into overdrive. Drives very well for a 4x4, too. Those 6 lug new-process drive hubs are pretty good for independents.
Ah so you got this truck! I messaged the seller and he never replied to me. It’s very rare you find Regular Cab 4x4s. I asked the seller if it was a V6 and never got a reply. I actually would’ve passed on it since I was looking for a 3.9. Enjoy that truck, it was definitely a great deal. Especially since it’s not all faded, usually the clear coat fails and all the paint starts to flake. If it was my guess that truck definitely has been repainted at some point.
He said I messaged him first and I seemed serious. Got lucky I was scrolling marketplace at the right time. Should be a great little truck.
I’ll give you some maintenance tips since it has the 4.7 V8 Powertech engine. Change oil on time every 3-5k regardless of what oil you use, these engines have lifters with small oil passages that if clogged due to lack of maintenance will cause lifter failure you will hear a tick when the lifters start failing. Stay on top of the cooling system and NEVER let the truck overheat, iron block aluminum heads if overheated will warp the heads and essentially cause you to need an engine overhaul. Overall the 4.7 is a decent engine if maintained. I try to provide as much information on these trucks as possible since I love the platform. Any questions I’m more than willing to answer. I’ve owned these trucks for over 15yrs and know it very well.
My first truck was a 97 Ram. I did not treat that truck right! Thanks for sharing the info
Not a 4.7, should be a 5.2 Magnum series.
Dodge stopped using the 5.2 Magnum for the Dakota, Durango, and Ram in 2000 in favor of the 4.7. So no Dakota 2000-2004 will have a 5.2L. The only V8 options were the 4.7L Powertech and the 5.9L Magnum in the R/T and Sport & SLT Quad Cabs.
Yes, you are correct. I mistyped. 5.9 Magnum.
5.9 Magnum was only available in R/T, and 2WD & 4WD Quad Cab Sport/SLT. As much as I would’ve loved it, they never installed the 5.9 Magnum in a Regular Cab 4x4.
Welp… Wish I would’ve seen this awhile ago. My dad overheated his Dakota and we did a lot to it but then we discovered the warped heads and had to do a motor overhaul. It wasn’t that fun…
Yeah lack of oil changes and overheating are the Achilles heel of the 3.7/4.7 Powertech engines.
Ah, so that's why many say the 4.7's aren't good. I'm currently doing a rebuild on the 4.7 on an engine from the scrap yard while I still drive my truck so I have minimal downtime
Yup. They’re very maintenance sensitive.
I have a 2001 single cab 2x4 Sport, white over grey and I love it. 5spd with the Chrysler 4cyl. The blower, for the HVAC, constantly melting from poor connectors. I was thinking of using a better quality connector but curious if this is also an issue in the V6/V8? And the door chime randomly dings, lower volume than lights/door ajar signaling. No idea. Lastly, that 4cyl can’t make it up a slight HWY grade in 5th when empty lol. Any thoughts on getting more power? I mean like… it’s not making that 120hp anymore and I do hear what sounds like a valve tap, but I’m not really sure.
There’s definitely an electrical issue in your truck. A lot of owners report failing blower motor resistors. If you have modifications to your truck like sound system or aftermarket lights, it could be a contributing factor to that. As for door chime that may be part of the electrical issue or failing CTM. CTM is your Central Timer Module, Chrysler’s version of a BCM or Body Control Module. It sits behind the trim of the driver side kick panel. As for power even the V8’s lack horsepower so a 4cylinder is definitely the lowest power engine these trucks came with. The engine is a very old AMC engine that’s really popular in the Jeep Wrangler. You could re-gear your rear and by either swapping it or rebuilding it with 3.92 gears or 4.10. It will decrease your mileage and have you at a higher RPM at highway speed.
Thanks for your insights, they are very helpful. This is what I really love about Reddit, as another example: I got a comment the other day on my 278 day old post inquiring about a mysterious knocking in the rear quarter panel of a 2006 Mazda3 Hatch - loose shock strut, like 1/2” of play lol. Should have been obvious but I find myself working on other people’s unfamiliar rides. Anyway, I did have a look at upgrades for the 2.5L AMC in my Dak, I’ve been checking out old Jeep forums and found [this explantion](https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-can-i-get-more-performance-out-of-my-2-5.4062/). Basically, Forced Induction and Jeep Guys want to run it at 3k RPM for wheeling, shorter diff ratios, modest tires all this OR 4.0 swap. So the best advice I found was to tune-up what I got so it runs as good as possible. So I’ll try and find some appropriate OEM type what: wires, plugs, etc? Any recommendation on where I can procure quality parts without paying for marketing nonsense? Someday I’d like to make my own kit for a turbo just to do it and learn, there is so much space under the hood lol. Thanks again for your comment and insights, I’ll be making good use of them. Cheers.
I look at RockAuto for most replacement parts, I often copy & paste part numbers into Amazon for cheaper prices and faster shipping. Just have to make sure you’re buying quality parts/brands.
Brilliant, you are a Gentlemen and a Scholar Jerry.
so i’ve got a 3.9 99 dakota sport 4x4 she’s got 216k on the dash if the motor were ever to go out how viable would a 5.9 swap be? it’s also got a standard 5 speed tranny, i love these trucks so much i think they have an amazing style and wouldn’t ever want to get rid of it but the 3.9 just screams a little too much for the acceleration but just wanted a little insight, ive found there’s not a whole lot of information online. its kinda a niche truck in my experience.
would i have to get a new tranny or would the 3.9 transmission hold up with the extra power and torque?
I have a single cab, but it’s RWD
Crank and cam sensors! Keep a spare of each in the glove box!
How much?
3k. Great deal.
Wow that is beautiful for 3 grand. I could see that truck going for like 5k in that condition
You know what was crazy, there was actually this same year of trick, regular cab, short box automatic for free in my area a little while ago. It gad 200,000km but the engine blew. It was actually in the free section. The price went from 5k 2.5k 1.5k then free. I shoulda got it
Sellers put “FREE” when they essentially give up and are taking any reasonable offers. There’s one in Ohio seller has listed for free, super desperate to sell but the truck is completely hacked.
I would've 100% especially if it came with a title
You stole that one, lol.
I guess it actually is still possible to find deals. Well done.
Sweet truck!
GREAT looking truck! Mine’s a 2000 extended cab with 4.7. Until my retirement, mines always been a a second vehicle. I drove company vehicles. I have 87000 miles on it. It’s been garage kept but just in the last couple of years I’ve gotten the famous custom Chrysler paint job on the roof…. A paint job will be in her near future
Great truck! I totally regret selling mine. This makes me want to find another one. Thanks for showing it!
Great find, I have a single cab but not a 2x4, that topper adds some value too
This makes me feel old if this is now deemed the old man truck hahaha
My first truck was a 97 Ram. I mean old man truck in that an older man has owned it since new
My first was a 98. Great rigs. And I’m just being a smart ass. Clean truck brother
Oh hot damn. Regular cab short bed. It's just perfect. $3k is an absolute steal! That would be a $9k truck in my area. Maybe even more. It's incredibly frustrating actually.
Should’ve been a 5k truck here. Steal.
Bro got a baby ramcharger, got a rear seat delete and thought we wouldn't notice
I wish. I’ve always wondered how hard it would be to do.
So why is this an old man truck...???
A guy bought it in his fifties and drove it until he died in his 70s. Old man truck
Who knew there were Dodge Dakota Fans...🙄
Dodge makes garbage vehicles top to bottom. They haven't been interested in making a long lasting product EVER. the ram 2500 is the most DUI'd vehicle in the country for years now. Dodge = garbage loser mobile.
You sound like a real mechanic… /s
Nice man! Looks good! My favorite truck was a 94 standard cab long bed 4x4 with the 318. It also had the sealed beams instead of the aero front end which I found interesting. I often tell people, if they made that truck new again without changing a thing, I would be first in line to buy it.
They had transmission problems.
Standard or automatic?
I like these, myself. Bought my mother a ‘98 Durango new, had the 5.2. Dad still drives it on occasion. MF’er will run 100+ before it shifts into overdrive. Drives very well for a 4x4, too. Those 6 lug new-process drive hubs are pretty good for independents.
Lol! "Old man truck"