Positioning:
The Dodge Dakota occupied the mid-size pickup truck segment, known for its powerful engine options and a blend of car-like ride comfort with truck utility.
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon.
Powertrain:
Offered segment-leading V8 engine options (4.7L and 5.7L HEMI) in addition to a standard V6.
Chassis:
Utilized a robust body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional pickup trucks.
Design:
Distinctive Dodge styling, featuring a bolder grille and more aggressive stance compared to previous generations.
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8: Diagnostics, maintenance, repair, overhaul, specifications.
Transmission:
42RLE Automatic, NV3500 Manual, NV4500 Manual: Operation, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, internal components.
Drivetrain:
4x2 & 4x4 systems, Transfer Case (NV235, NV244), Axles (front & rear), Driveshafts, U-joints: Inspection, service, repair.
Suspension:
Front Independent Suspension (Short & Long Arm), Rear Solid Axle with Leaf Springs: Components, alignment, shocks, springs, bushings.
Brakes:
Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc: ABS system, hydraulic components, pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox: Components, fluid, diagnosis, linkage.
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, body controls, comfort systems, CAN bus architecture, fuse/relay locations, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation: Refrigerant, system components, diagnosis, service.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, bed liners, tailgate: Removal, installation, repair.
Chassis:
Frame structure, body-on-frame construction, mounting points, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension work, brake service, electrical component replacement.
Installation:
Component removal and installation procedures for most parts of the vehicle.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, electrical values.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, including detailed diagrams and schematics.
3.7L Magnum V6:
Engine Code: EKG. Displacement: 3.7L (226 ci). Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.33 in. Compression Ratio: 9.7:1. Horsepower: 210-230 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm. Torque: 235-250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
4.7L Magnum V8:
Engine Code: EVA, EVM. Displacement: 4.7L (285 ci). Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.33 in. Compression Ratio: 9.1:1 (2V), 9.8:1 (4V). Horsepower: 230-260 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm. Torque: 290-325 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm.
5.7L Hemi V8:
Engine Code: EZB, EZH. Displacement: 5.7L (345 ci). Bore x Stroke: 3.92 x 3.08 in. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1. Horsepower: 345-390 hp @ 5000-5400 rpm. Torque: 375-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, EGR system, electronic ignition, fuel injection.
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/4.7L V8, 89 octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI).
Capacity:
Approximately 12-14 quarts (11.4-13.3 liters) depending on engine and configuration. Coolant: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze.
Gearbox:
42RLE 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on most V6 and 4.7L V8 models).
Gearbox:
NV3500 5-speed manual transmission (available on some V6 models), NV4500 5-speed manual transmission (available on some 4.7L V8 models).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar part number 68043742AA or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact specs).
Transfer Case Fluid:
NV235: Mopar NV235 transfer case fluid (part number 05016700AA or equivalent). NV244: Mopar NV244 transfer case fluid (part number 05016700AA or equivalent).
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (regular cab), 131.3 inches (extended cab).
Overall Length:
197.3 inches (regular cab), 208.6 inches (extended cab).
Overall Width:
72.2 inches.
Overall Height:
67.4 inches.
Seating Capacity:
3 (regular cab), 5-6 (club cab / quad cab).
Bed Length:
6' 3" (short bed), 7' 4" (long bed).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,200 - 4,800 lbs depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR typically ranges from 5,750 lbs to 6,400 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000-6,600 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package).
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (NHTSA rating for 2005 models).
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (NHTSA rating for 2005 models).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (IIHS rating for models tested).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available traction control system (TCS), especially with V8 engines and 4WD.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became more widely available in later years of this generation.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags. Side curtain airbags and side seat-mounted airbags became optional or standard on higher trims in later years.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Check manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions).
Spark Plugs:
3.7L V6: Spark plugs (double platinum) every 100,000 miles. 4.7L V8: Spark plugs (double platinum) every 100,000 miles. 5.7L HEMI V8: Spark plugs (long-life) every 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles or under severe towing conditions.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (3.7L V6, 4.7L V8), SAE 5W-30 (5.7L HEMI V8). API SN or equivalent certified.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5978) or equivalent.
Intake Manifold:
Cracking or leaking intake manifold gaskets on Magnum V6 and V8 engines, leading to vacuum leaks and rough idle.
Transmission Cooler:
Internal transmission cooler failure in radiators, leading to coolant contamination of the transmission fluid, often requiring a complete transmission rebuild.
Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle body (ETB) issues leading to 'limp mode' or erratic idle on models equipped with it.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for rear main seal leaks, particularly on V8 engines.
Fuel Pump:
Premature fuel pump failure can occur.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on control arm bushings and ball joints, especially in trucks used for heavy-duty purposes.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks dating back to the 1930s, building a reputation for ruggedness and V8 power.
Generation Launch:
The 4th generation Dakota was launched for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign and shared platform with Dodge Durango SUVs.
Key Updates:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 option, larger interior dimensions, and updated styling. Major facelift occurred for the 2008 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
2005-2011.