therifleman556
Registered User
I want a different truck. I've got a 2002 dakota 4.7L that seems to only want to give me 15 miles per pricey gallon. I know diesel costs more but the fuel economy advantage offsets the price difference (I'm immediately ruling out DPF equiped and newer diesels). My issue with the dakota is so darn many things that can cause one issue (I had a code for cyl 5 misfire that was not resolved even after changing the coil, plug, injector, checking for signal and power at the injector and coil, ect...). In my imagination the perfect vehicle for me is a mechanical cummins with a manual transmission. My beater vehicle has been a 92 F-350 4X4 IDI with an auto trans; its been nothing but fantastic in reliability terms and consistently pulls down 16mpg even with its original injection pump (its getting changed soon). Is my fear of automatics and electronic controls unrational? Common rail and 24 valves are more common and easier to choose a good example from but I've heard the bad from both. Please lend me a hand in understanding the highs and lows of each generation! 12 valves are hard to come by in good condition and low mileage so when I see one for sale I get all exited and want to rush out and snatch it up but I've never even driven one! I dont know what they're like when they run and drive right or any of that. Again; help! Please!