2001 dakota engine/tranny replacement anyone???

Hi I am new to this so bear with me. I have owned my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 4.7L V8 4 door since it was brand new. It now has 120,000 miles. Other than the warranty/recall issues, the only problem I had was a bolt sheared off of the exhaust manifold. I had the seals and bolts replaced and moved on in life. I change the oil every 3K regardless of where I am. I am pretty good at changing the other fluids and regular maintenance as the mechanics recommend. I travel a lot over steep mountains and I cannot afford to get stranded on the road w/o cell phone reception. Unfortuantely, I also cannot afford a new vehicle.

I was told to replace the engine and transmission to avoid the expense of a new car. Can anyone please offer me advice on this. If it's a good idea, where do I get the replacement parts? What other parts will I need to replace (ie starter, etc)? What kinda of prices should I budget for? Thanks in advance for the help!!!

with 120,000 miles and routine maintenance you don't need a new engine & trans, not now at least. Maybe when you reach 200,000 miles, possibly, but not this soon. The only parts that are pricey, excluding engine & trans, the starter, alternator, and modules (PCM, BCM, ABS, etc.). Those will go from anywhere to $150-$600.

if its not broke dont fix it....truck has 120grand on it...so what. if you do maintenance like you say you do, then you are good to go for a lot longer than that, 4.7 is a very durable motor, along with the tranny behind it, as long as you change the fluid in the tranny, that powertrain will last over 200,000

Thanks to both of you for your replies! You said exactly what I needed to hear. I will get with my mechanic this week to get all of the needed tuneup/fluid changes and keep truckin'. Thanks again!!

just make sure that when you change your transmission fluid, use only Mopar ATF+4. I've seen many times transmissions have troubles b/c of using the wrong fluid. Don't use Dexron III/Mercon or Mercon V. Those fluids are death to Chrysler transmissions. Mopar ATF+4 only and you're transmission will last a very long time.