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View Full Version : Opinions on the dodge 3.7L motor?



Kintore
02-12-2011, 09:49 PM
Hey guys, lookin at updating my truck

Found a 07 dakota, 2wd, 40 thous miles, 6 speed manual ext cab
Looking to do about 60 percent highway, and 40 percent city

Ive heard alota mixed reviews on this,
Trying to shoot for some decently good HWY mileage as all the racing im planning on doing.

any opinions??? mosh????


Thanks guys!

Daltons200x
02-12-2011, 10:09 PM
i cant say much about the v6 trucks but as far as dakotas go those late models are pretty tough cookies. my freind has an 06 v8 truck that has been beaten and abused daily for about 4 years now. i have heard that the v8 trucks do better for city mpg cuz even for a midsize truck the beefy frame on the dakotas is pretty heavy so the v6's gotta work a litle harder in stop n go.oh also those dakotas trick ya..ya think your goin 40 when your doin 85...dont know why the just have that feel yanno?

Chazz of Blades
02-12-2011, 10:58 PM
My Ram with a 318 in it, does the same thing, 60 mph feels like 30 mph.

Kintore
02-12-2011, 11:11 PM
I agree, I have a 318 right now. Looking for 3.7 opinions

atctim
02-12-2011, 11:20 PM
Just my opinion: The mileage is great being so low - but you will get v6 power with v8 gas mileage. Hold out for a v8 dude. A squirrel does not drive a v6 - only a v8!

Also - forget the truck man - get a van!!!

http://imcdb.org/i006493.jpg

Eric250R
02-12-2011, 11:48 PM
Just my opinion: The mileage is great being so low - but you will get v6 power with v8 gas mileage. Hold out for a v8 dude. A squirrel does not drive a v6 - only a v8!

Also - forget the truck man - get a van!!!

http://imcdb.org/i006493.jpg

He'll have plenty of time to look for a truck when he's LIVIN' IN A VAN, DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!!




( I hope someone other than me gets that....lol)

Chazz of Blades
02-13-2011, 01:03 AM
Eric, that was so full of win.

bigbadktm
02-13-2011, 01:31 AM
love the spoiler and the pipes on that baby, screw the truck give me the van

briano
02-13-2011, 01:47 AM
Eric250r, I sure do miss that guy, he was funny as hell.

spoon
02-13-2011, 01:51 AM
good one eric

Mosh
02-13-2011, 09:24 AM
Josh.
That 3.7 engine has been a huge pile of trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro since it's inception IMO. I was looking if they updated it from the earlier years and I have not seen much evidence they have.
In the earlier years, they were eating valves and, and the valves would also get gummed up with carbon and cause them to stall when coming off a hiway ramp on decel.
We had one 2003-04 3.7 last summer, that needed heads done on it, and the bill was about $2000 for the work.
Dodge has been having massive quality issues of late. The newer Jeeps and Calibers and Liberty's have been giving owners huge problems.
Ball joints at 40k..all sorts of other issues.
Also Dodge has the worst fuel economy of any car maker.

IMO..I would RUN not walk away from any thing Chrysler is associated with. They are not what they used to be.
Also, if you are keeping your current truck, I agree with Tim that a Van of some sort would be a good option for you.
Something you can haul the trike and a little trike in together, but also have a place to sleep and camp if needed and stay warm and dry. You would still have your truck for bigger needs.
In any sense, I would look at other vehicles first in your price range and make the Dakota last on the list if you feel brave.

Kintore
02-13-2011, 02:01 PM
LOL well that settles it!


I found a nice 99 4runner, 3.4 V6 with a 5 speed with 89 thous miles on it, going to look at it tomorrow.

Thanks alot!

Thorpe
02-13-2011, 06:55 PM
4-runners are gutless turds as well.... Drug a snowmobile trailer from WY to MN and thought we were gonna have to give the runner a lung transplant...

Kintore
02-13-2011, 08:37 PM
We have a 2.7 4cly 5 speed 4runner in the family, not a bad mobile. The 4cyl yes needs more power, but for 1 wheeler behind it, it does fine IMO.

Going to test drive the v6 model tomorrow

bigbadktm
02-15-2011, 12:25 AM
that 3.4 motor is great, had one in my t100 and it had loads of power. i loved that truck, had close to 200k on that motor and no leaks, what a champ, i love toyotas