For space-challenged standard cab Dakota applications, an alternative to the custom enclosure route is a ready-made box, and the wedge-shaped Q-Logic QLT-CS10 ($70) is a great choice and gives you the choice of a single or dual enclosures, and it's a perfect match for the Rockford RFP4110, running you less than $250 for the combo.
If you don't want to go the route of a custom-made box, but you also don't want to sacrifice any cargo area, and you have a Club Cab, we have another cost-effective solution that will work great and not break your budget. Sony's Xplod L81P5 8-inch subwoofer (MSRP $80) is a perfect match for the Q-Logic Q-Customs ($250) molded enclosure for Club Cab applications. It represents an application-specific approach that will give your Club Cab some serious bottom end without compromising the utility of your cargo area or make it any more difficult to access your tools as it fits right under your rear seat.
If you're looking for a complete, easy-to-install solution to get great bass in a Dodge Dakota Club Cab, the next logical step is JL Audio and its SB-D-DAKEXT/8W6/MG Stealthbox (MSRP $500). It allows Dakota owners to retain full use of the back seat while delivering incredible bass performance, and it even improves the rear seat's comfort by raising its front edge slightly. A clever side-firing porting scheme extracts maximum output and low-frequency extension from the 200-watt, 8-inch subwoofer loaded in the box. The 'woofer is protected by a metal grille should you want to fold the seats up and haul cargo over the Stealthbox.
An alternative is offered from MTX and even includes a built-in amplifier: the popular Thunderforms, offered for both Club Cab and Quad Cab models. The DDXP201A (MSRP $550) is a model for the Club Cab and mates two 10-inch subwoofers with a 100-watt digital amplifier. For '00-and-newer Quad Cab models, choose the DDQC10A (MSRP $450), which takes advantage of the space available to house a 10-inch subwoofer to its 100-watt digital amplifier.
AccessoriesIf you're considering a multi-source A/V system and are not sure how to integrate multiple components, such as an external DVD player along with a game console, Blaupunkt has the solution, the IVSC-3302 In-Vehicle Signal Controller (MSRP $380). It's an intelligent control device that unites as many as three independent sources and three monitors into a seamlessly integrated in-car entertainment system. This handy component gives installers the ability to put together a complete plug-and-play audio/video system with full integration as simply as a comparable home theater system. With the IVSC-3302, independent control of power, audio, and video signals is available locally at each of as many as three monitors. In addition, the included infrared remote provides centralized control of each monitor either individually or as a group.
If your Dakota isn't a trailer queen, and even if it is, you should consider the purchase of a top-flight radar detector, and according to our sister publication Motor Trend, you can't do any better than the Passport 8500 (MSRP $300). It's immune to radar detectors, and with its optional laser shifter, you can effectively jam most laser guns, giving you increased levels of protection from this insidious threat to your driver's license, to say nothing more about increases in your insurance rates. It's a worthy investment.