Sad to stay, the Dakota is staying for a wile

[Shoeboy]

I've been looking for another ranger after rolling mine 2 weeks ago. The day after I got back to Calgary from Golden I picked up a Dakota from a guy I work with for a Grand. I know the vehicle as I have been doing maintanence on it for the last 2 and a half years. I know its not a Ranger, but I've been looking for one, and all the one's I can find now are beat to hell or way overpriced for what you get. I'm thinking I'm just going to drive this Dakota until it dies, and at current rate, the transmission seems like it could go at any time as it slips quite bad when its cold and the overdrive has to be turned off or it slips in and out of gear. As long as I drive it with overdrive off, it seems to be fine, aside from running high when on the highway, or faster roads. Its a 1991 Dakota with the 5.2L automatic and , with 253 080km on it. Its the extended cab short box and theres very little rust on it, and there are very few scratches and no dents. The rust is just on the box rail on the driver side, and the front of the passenger side front fender.

Well, I'm no longer a Ford guy by vehicle, but I'm one at heart still. If anyone knows of a Ranger for sale in the Calgary or southern Alberta area for around the $3000 range that would be great to know about. As most of you know, I am picky about vehicles, so it needs to be in decent shape in decent running condition, and it must be road worthy. Thank you for anyone that knows of one, and thank you all for the last year of information and stories that have amused me so much, I am not going to leave this site, but I'm probably not going to be on it as much as I was.

For the part most of you will hate me for...Does anyone of any Dodge Dakota or Dodge forums so I can get information for this Damn Dodge of mine.

 

[danger88ranger]

The only person off the top my head that has a dodge would be JohnnyU. BTW, the trannys behind those 5.2s are garbage, it will probably go out sooner than later

 

[Shoeboy]

Its already going out, but it made it 250 000km on the original, I'm hoping it can make another 6 months, at least.

 

[samsonitesamsonite]

i wouldn't exactly say Johnny's trucks is a street truck like shoeboy is looking for, beside the fact he is NOWHERE near canada

 

[86ford]

only reccommendation i have is carry some brake fuild with you at ALL times so when the tranny goes you can pour the brake fluid in the expand the belts in the trans so you can get it home.

86

 

[ZMan]

I know how you feel. I've been trying to find another 2nd gen extended cab to use as a daily. But I've vowed to not get a piece of crap, or anything that needs work. Been there done that don't feel like doing it anymore. I guess I was fortunate to find my extended cab in the shape it was, because I can't find anything worth a crap now. Almost makes me wish I lived down south.

 

[Shoeboy]

At least the body of the Dakota is in good shape, and thats probably the only thing thats going to keep it having some value, if the transmission doesn't quit on me. I've been thinking about flying down to Texas or somewhere and picking up a ranger with lower mileage and no rust for cheap(er) then what I can get here. Just a thought, plus I don't have the time to do a cross country road trip just now.