The 98 Dodge Dakota with the 5.2 is one of the best trucks that I have aroun. I have currently 308,000 miles on it and it’s running great. With this kind of knowledge do you know that you were going to have some problems The 98 Dodge Dakota with the 5.2 is one of the best trucks that I have owned. I have currently 308,000 miles on it and it’s running great. With this kind of mileage you know that you were going to have some problems along the way. I have taken care of those things as they have come along, that includes the steering column which is I have taken care of those things as they have come along, that includes the steering column which is a common failure on these trucks.The other common failure and is often misdiagnosed is the seal on the bottom side of the intake. The intake is made of aluminum and the plate is made of steel. Put the two together put the two together in a gasket in the middle and you create a problem.this causes poor Engine performance and the burning of oil which is sometimes diagnosed as rings and valve seals .I haven’t been easy on this truck. I’ve used it for towing and running across country.I am currently rebuilding an engine and plan on having the trans rebuilt all the engines out of it. After that I should have a totally rebuilt truck, well just about. If you could find one of these at a reasonable price , but it . Oh I failed to mention that don’t expect any type of decent fuel economy. It just isn’t going to happen.