2001 dakota engine/tranny replacement anyone???

[dakotaV8]

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!!!

[theFREAKnasty82]

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.

[wehswarriorS-10]

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

[dakotaV8]

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!!

[theFREAKnasty82]

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.