Hello everyone. I've searched but couldn't find anyone reporting the same symptoms. I test-drove a '92 5.2 liter Dakota today. The only thing that really concerned me was when accellerating full-throttle up to 75-85 mph or so, immediately after I backed off the throttle, the engine would stay turning about 5k rpm and entire driveline would shudder somewhat violently for a second before the transmission would shift and rpm would drop to normal. Full-throttle accellation up to interstate speeds was the only condition this would occur in. Otherwise, everything seemed just fine. Sometimes it seemed like it would hunt gears, but it could be that I'm just not used to automatic transmissions anymore. My question is: Is this a problem indicative of something majorly wrong with the transmission, or just an annoyance caused by something minor? Should I worry about the transmission dying?

Here's the rest of the condition: Rockers rusted, poor-quality paint job, 129k miles, solid frame, suspension seemed solid, brakes good, blower motor won't work, crack in windshield. Asking price is $1300, which I think might be optimistic. If the transmission problem isn't indicative of a tranny about to go, I'm thinking of offering $800. I'm in Nebraska. I'd be buying it as a winter beater/motorcycle hauler, not primary transportation. Any thoughts are appreciated.

well it sounds like it may be the torque converter i might be staying locked up for a little bit then getting lose im not sure if it is that u can try stuff to clean out the trany or put a new torque converter in it. Now to tell if there is damage to the trans u need to change the fluid to see if there is metal in the pan. Now based on what u said i wouldn't give more than 800 dakotas are out there so much and it isn't hard to get parts if u need them so i would offer him the 800 if he takes it u can make it nice with a couple hundred if not keep looking.
let me know if u find anything out about the tranny
chris