It's got a new clutch, windshield and tires. sport model, extended cab, 2WD, air, tilt, cruise with 300,000 kms. How long do timing chains hold up? Anyone else been running theirs past 300,000 kms? It's $3,500 Canadian.......sound good?

This truck?

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?ID=16093745&pgno=1&srt=1

That's the one. I just took it for a long test drive. She runs really strong. What I can pick out already is that it has either lifter or valve noise. (To be expected for 312,000 kms) And the power steering pump has really dirty fluid in it. Looks like moisture has been getting in there for a while. Other than that the interior is mint, brand new tires, windshield and clutch with reciepts. Got him down to $3000 already and I'll be buying it in the morning. Can I go wrong for that price? I haven't been shopping around for Dakotas. I might have to change the color though. Black, maybe red.

Hey BleedDodge, I was just reading an old thread where you were comenting on TSB for the timing chain. What does TSB stand for, I wonder if the timing chain is what I'm hearing under the hood.

If your going to spend money on changing the colour why not take the extra money and find a newer black or red Dakota with less k's??

Me personally I wouldn't touch that truck, it's going to be a money pit.

TSB= Technical Service Bulletin

Anthony

Thanks for the feedback. All I really need it to do is make it through winter, then I'll probably sell again.

My timing chain makes noise, also the engine pings. The TSB is for a recall they made years ago for the chain, it loosens up and makes a lot of racket. I don't remember the details at the moment. My engine pinging is caused probably by a leaking intake gasket, or plenum pan gasket, but I just don't feel like fixing it. It's probably the same thing on this truck.

My advice? Between the color and amount of miles on it, I'd leave it alone. 3 grand isn't bad I don't think, it doesn't look beaten to shit or anything from what I can see. All I know is that you're in Alberta and everything is for sale at half decent prices. I'd keep looking, but if you think it will survive the winter, best of luck man. Flip it in the springtime or something.

Well I bought it for $3,000 and it's sitting in my driveway waiting for insurance. I'm sure I'll be posting a few questions in the next couple weeks. Does anyone know off hand how much it is to replace the timing chain and add in that tensioner? Where would I buy one of those kits - dealership?

You can try NAPA.

I would leave it, if you just need the truck for the winter it should last. If that's even the problem??

The rattling sound comes and goes only at idle, once you rev the throttle body, it gets quiet. You can hear it even when the hood is closed.

Well my Dakota just got even cheaper! Someone backed into the tailgate this morning. They want to settle under the table. I just went and got it estimated at $711. Luckily didn't come in contact with the box. If I just leave it and collect the cash, then the grand total ends up being $2,289. Not bad at all.