Developed a rod-knock at 150,00 miles due to previous owners neglect, and it required full tear down and rebuild.
Replaced front and rear brakes.
This has been an excellent truck. The 3.9 liter V-6 has been more than powerful in moving the truck. The engine had been abused for 15 years before my purchase, and yet it is still holding up exceptionally well. I can feel pride when everyone's cars in the parking lot are having trouble starting in frigid temperatures, and mine fires right up.
The interior is a bit cramped for more than 2 people. If you plan on carrying 3 or more, I would suggest getting the extended cab.
Even though it is only rear wheel drive, it handles incredibly well on snow and ice.
Gas mileage is an issue as it does not get over 13 miles to the gallon. This is partially because it is carbureted. After 1987 the Dodge Dakota went from the two barrel Holley carb to fuel injection. I believe that would make all the difference in the world.
I have a 87 dodge dakota and I dropped a 273 in it with a carter 4bbl and intake... i get 10 to the gallon lol... but it screams it has been known to blow away a few rice rockets :) all in all iam happy with it.
I have an 87 dakota that other than the fact that I've practically had to completely replace all the electrical and hoses its been a great truck I get close to 25 miles to the gallon and its easier to fix gas mileage problems with carberated engine than it is with fuel injection.
25 to the gallon? is it a 4 cylinder? Mine doesn't get anywhere close to that, it has the 3.9 liter 6 cylinder.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed 
is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site