The Dodge Dakota is unique...
The Dodge Dakota is unique because of its midsize body and fullsize performance. The styling of first-series Dakotas, like this 1992 Club Cab, is clean and simple. A lowered stance and a few subtle body mods do a lot to help the appearance. This truck uses 15x7 1978 Dodge Magnum GT wheels on 235/60R15 and 275/60R15 tires.
Club Cab models are more desirable...
Club Cab models are more desirable than standard cabs. Club Cabs are only available with the 6-1/2-foot box. Clubs Cabs were available only on 2WD Dakotas in 1990, but they were offered on 4x4 models a year later. This 1993 model has the moderately restyled front end, which is 3 inches longer than the original trucks.
The Dodge Dakota Sport was...
The Dodge Dakota Sport was a very popular trim package. It was available on two- and four-wheel-drive models. Much of the trim was body-colored, as seen on this 1993 standard cab Dakota Sport.
A simple two-tone paint job...
A simple two-tone paint job and a 4/6 drop did a lot to improve this 1991 Dakota Club Cab. Budnik 17-inch Stiletto wheels are used here.
Since you can get factory-installed...
Since you can get factory-installed V-8s, it&8217s not unusual to see Dakotas at the dragstrip. First-generation short-box models have a nice, clean style. The traction bars peeking out under the bed suggest this 1994 model might be a little more powerful than stock.
The muscle behind Dakota V-8...
The muscle behind Dakota V-8 trucks is the 5.2L Magnum engine, at least for first-generation trucks. The 5.9L Magnum engine didnt become available until 1998, when the Dakota R/T was introduced. That doesnt mean you couldnt swap a 5.9L into an earlier truck.
The first Dakota to be fit...
The first Dakota to be fit with a factory V-8 was the 1989-1990 Shelby Dakota, with its 5.2L engine. Shelby Dakotas are easily the most collectible examples of the series.
Lowering Dakotas is pretty...
Lowering Dakotas is pretty basic. A combination of dropped coil springs, dropped shackles and hangers, and a set of dropped shock absorbers can provide a 3/5 drop.
Second-series Dakotas have...
Second-series Dakotas have received much more attention from aftermarket manufacturers than first-generation trucks. Items like custom front valances, hoods, grilles, driving lights, and rear roll pans are widely available for 1997-and-newer Dakotas.
The styling of 1997-and-newer...
The styling of 1997-and-newer Dakotas largely resembles the big-rig look popularized by 1994 Dodge Ram trucks. Some basic sport truck improvements like a 4/5 drop, 18-inch Boyds wheels, a hard tonneau cover, and a custom hood do a lot for this 1997 Dakota.
Even a modest drop like the...
Even a modest drop like the 2/4 drop on this 1997 Dakota will enhance its looks. A 2/4 drop won&8217t affect everyday driveability. The wheels are 17x8 with 255/55R17 tires.
A big plus for second-generation...
A big plus for second-generation Dakotas is their improved interiors. The interiors are more deluxe and carlike. Dual airbags are standard.
Dakota engine compartments...
Dakota engine compartments have ample room for 5.2L and 5.9L V-8 engines, but they still look a little busy by the time all the modern accessories and emissions equipment are in place. This 1997 5.2L V-8 is rated at 230 hp with 300 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures typically run in the mid to lower teens.
Dakotas look great in solid...
Dakotas look great in solid colors, but in keeping with current trends, many owners are applying wild graphics like those on this 1997 Dakota Club Cab. The aftermarket bumper cover/air dam adds to the low look of the truck. The truck features a 3/5 drop, courtesy of front lowering coil springs and dropped rear leaf springs with lowering blocks. The wheels are 17x8 on P255/55R17 tires. This tire and wheel combination is very popular for Dakotas.
A slick way to improve performance...
A slick way to improve performance and maintain a quiet exhaust note is to install large-diameter 1992 exhaust manifolds (top) on 1993-and-newer Magnum engines. The change should be worth about 10 more hp.
Dodge trucks haven't enjoyed the same degree of mass audience acceptance accorded GM and Ford pickups, so rather than butt heads with the big boys, Dodge has found success in niche markets. One of the company's better ideas was the midsize Dodge Dakota pickup. The Dakota fits nicely between compact pickups like the Dodge D-50 (which is essentially a Mitsubishi pickup) and fullsize Dodge Ram trucks.
Dakotas started with four- and six- cylinder engines, but soon a V-8 was added to the lineup. The addition of optional V-8 engines turned a pleasant, friendly size pickup into a muscle truck. Initially, the 5.2L (318ci) V-8 was the only option, but eventually, the potent 5.9L (360ci) Magnum V-8 was also offered.
The Dakota project was started in 1983. It was supposed to be another shared platform with Mitsubishi, but it was too big to qualify for a favorable road-tax bracket in Japan. During development, the Dakota was known as the N-truck. The Dakota was officially introduced October 2, 1986.
Dakotas were first offered as standard-cab trucks with either a 61/2-foot box (112-inch wheelbase) or an 8-foot box (124-inch wheelbase). The cab was promoted as a true three-man truck. The fit was still snug but much better than mini trucks. The introduction of the Club Cab body style in 1990 greatly increased the interior room and boosted the Dakota's popularity.