How can I determine Engine in 1998 Dakota?

I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota but I do not know the engine size. It is
either a 5.2L or 5.9L. The tag is missing from the door and the VIN
is incorrect. It is NOT a 4.7L. Is there a tell-tale sign to
distinguish between the 5.2L and 5.9L? They look very similar.

 

I don't think Dodge put a 5.9 in a Dakota.

 

I don't think Dodge put a 5.9 in a Dakota.

Yes, in the RT model, beginning in '98

 

They did. I have one.

-rev

 

Mine is a 4x4 Club Cab. This wouldn't be an R/T so you think it's
most likely a 5.2L?

 

Thanks for the clarification.
I had considered buying one around the time. Seemed you got a more featured
truck at a lower price compared to the Ram.

Then I got in the truck and drove it and realized you could get a car with
the same power, but larger size for a price a lot less.

 

In '98 the 5.9L was only available in the Dakota R/T and was a midyear
addition.

VIN is incorrect? What makes you think so?

 

What does the under hood sticker show? it can come as a 5.2 or a 5.9 ( the
emissions label)

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

Because the VIN says the truck is a 2000 w/ 4.7L. It's definitely not
a 4.7L. The engine is cast with date of 3/98 and the suspension is
for a 98 truck (pitman arm whereas 2000 has rack and pinion). I took
the truck to the dealer, they looked up the VIN and said that the
truck should be a 2WD with an automatic transmission, but this one is
a 4WD with 5-speed manual.

So, basically, this is a 1998 truck with a VIN from another vehicle.
I'm not sure why or how, but someone along the line swapped the VIN
plate. That's my sad story of getting screwed by a crooked dealer. I
tried to get an attorney to sue the guy but no one will take the case
because they feel they'll never get paid and I can't afford to pay a
lawyer up front. So I guess I'm stuck with the truck.

 

District attoney office can help. People have gone to prison over swapping
VINs and misleading people.

 

He mentioned in another post that the VIN had been swapped by someone else.

 

Interesting chop shop story. Sounds like the 1998 truck was rolled or
something and they took the cab from 2000 truck?

Yeah, I think a DA would take that case. Can't hurt to call their office.
Maybe they say no interest, but it won't cost you anything to find out.
Fucking with VINs is highly illegal. At the least, I would see to it that
they lost their dealer license in the state. It's pretty certain they
would.

Or small claims court. Limits vary, maybe up to 10-15k. Can't imagine
you'd loose with such clear and obvious evidence - get statement from
dealer.

None of this should cost you anything other than your time. ...

-D

 

Whoever did this, put a hood sticker from a 2000 which says the engine
is 4.7L. This was enough to fool the smog tech as I passed the smog
test here in California. The test was performed as if the truck was a
2000 4.7L rather than a 5.2L 1998.

I found out about this not being a 2000 when I was involved in an
accident. Repair parts were ordered based on the VIN and nothing
fit. After trial and error and looking in catalogs, the shop
determined (the front-end anyway) was a '98.

 

The easiest way is to look at the harmonic balancer. The 5.2 is an
internally balanced engine so the balancer is perfectly circular. The
5.8 has an offset weight as a part of the balancer itself.

 

The vin and the underhood Emission label are 2 different items. I still see
no mention of the underhood label being gone

 

The engine size will be programmed into the PCM, connect a scan tool and
find out what it says.

 

He mentioned that also. A 2000 decal put on his 98 vehicle..

Clearly fraud.

 

Wow I must be going blind, I missed it twice

 

It was either fraud, or out right theft. Truck was probably repaired with
STOLEN parts. In calif
it would have a salvage title. It would have had to be inspected BY the
CHP, also would need reciepts for replaced parts and a NEW VIN sticker
issued. IF THE POLICE ever had the need to check the VIN the vehicle could
be seized & impounded

 

it's stamped on the side of the engine block