Dodge Dakota 3.9

[trucknut]

I have been looking around for a truck for my son, we drove a 3. 9 Auto Dakota super cab what a gut-less engine. We both Love the truck but there is no highway power at all. The gearing does seems to high. Does anyone have any expierence with these trucks, in knowing if these engines can be brought up to resonable power-with reasonable cost.



Tim

 

[Allnew2Me]

Tim, I have a 2004 Dakota with the 3. 9 and it does have the power but you have to find it. I found that the trouble is that to get better mileage it goes into overdrive around 30mph and it feels like a dog. If you use the gears, cut out OD, manually or with the pedal get it to downshift, it revs up and actually goes pretty well. At 1300-1400 rpm it doesn't want to go, but get it up and it will move. Mine has a 3. 92 rear end so you just have to give her the gas. I like that it is just like my Diesel as far as all the functions and the layout of controls, just smaller, so it is easy to go from one to the other.

 

[HOBrian]

I had a 98 with the 5. 2l 318. That truck was great, good power. The only issue with the 5. 2l was gas mileage was like 15 on the highway. (but gas back then was like $1. 40:{) I had the 3:55 rear end and 31's on it. 4x4

 

[trucknut]

Mileage on the 3.9

These 3. 9 are a lot cheaper to buy, I think it has to do with the low power.

This truck could use a good exhaust system and air intake system, one size smaller on the tires would all help a little. I was hoping to benifit from someone's expierence on upgrading one of these engines. What kind of mileage can we expect out of a Dakota super cab 4x4 auto 3. 9. ???

 

[Allnew2Me]

Mine is a regular cab 2WD and it is loaded with about 500lbs of stuff all the time. I get 20 on the freeway and around 18 in town. As in most smaller engines, you have to wind them up for the power, but it is there. I found that after 25K it really started to smooth out and run better.

 

[DValentine]

Wife has 185 K on hers. Yes it is a small engine, but has been fine for her. Her truck is a 97 4x4 and for sale.



Dave