My '93 Dodge Dakota Thread (UPDATE 3/12/09)

[TruckDriver]

Whelp, Since I can't seem to find a Charger to fix up right now, I've decided to start restoring my Dakota. Some of you will probably think I'm wasting space posting about my truck. But all I have to say is This is my pride and joy, just as your Charger is to you. Once the truck I done, I'll look for another Mopar to fix up. I also know that some of you other guys like the trucks just as much. So, here goes.



My '93 Dakota 4x4 with a 318 (factory 230hp), automatic with sure-grip rear end, that I bought off a forum member about 3-1/2 years ago . It has the LE package and is fully loaded. Everything still works including the air (which will freeze you out). It now has 238,000 miles, no engine leaks, and only shows a little valve guide smoke when started. The tranny leaks I think from the front seal, but not to bad.

It had a bent front bumper and driver side fender when I bought it. I have the replacement bumper already, still need front fenders (passenger side has rust in it). March 11th, I'm getting the rear & side windows tinted to match the '96 quarter windows I put on the truck (dark tint instead of a factory chromeish look). I am going to eventually (by years end I hope) install a 2" inch body lift. Once that is done, I'll put 15x8 wheels and larger tires on the truck. Also I'm going to get a chrome brush gaurd and maybe a chrome roll bar too.

This past Tuesday (2/24/09), I bought $730. in new 30x9.5x15 B.F. Goodrich All-Terrain tires (which are bigger then factory tires).

Today (2/27/09), I just stuck another $750. into my Dakota. New serpentine belt and tension pulley, new idler arm, left front half-shaft, front end alignment, full and total lube job, and drive train inspection which now comes out as excellent. 

I didn't plan on the tension pulley, but yesterday it started eating the little b.b.'s inside the bearing after all the miles on it. I made it til about 10 blocks from the shop I use, and it seized and tossed the belt off. so, I still was able to drive to the shop. But that was close

Next, a new timing chain, water pump, new radiator, fan clutch.

[mauve66]

ya know they make Procharger setup for that truck.................................

[TUFCAT]

There's nothing wrong with posting a picture of your truck....it looks cool to me  and I'd be proud to own it.    That's a great color combo, and I always liked that 2nd generation LE body style with the dual red stripes.  

[A383Wing]

Hey...I got a '94 Sport, pic below....I also belong to www.dakota-durango.com, pop on over, sign up, and join in on the fun over there also.

[Silver R/T]

not many trucks that year left in great shape like yours.

[TruckDriver]

Thanks guys. It does have some rust in the common spots. The front fenders are the worst. The cab is solid top and bottom except for one spot on my roof that started as a scratch, and now is bubbled up. I gotta attend to that once the weather warms up. The box isn't bad either. Just a little under the wheel flares which is common.

Hey...I got a '94 Sport, pic below....I also belong to www.dakota-durango.com, pop on over, sign up, and join in on the fun over there also.

I'll check it out tomarrow. I joined DakotaUSA when I bought the truck, but not to many there really seems to know anything major about the second gen Dakota's. I can post a question, and most of the time, no one even answers. If they do, they tell me stuff for the third gens which doesn't help me much

[TruckDriver]

Hey...I got a '94 Sport, pic below....I also belong to www.dakota-durango.com, pop on over, sign up, and join in on the fun over there also.

I joined up today

[WingCharger]

That is a really sharp truck man!

In my opinion, Dakota's don't looks good lifted. Just my .

Your plan does sound pretty cool.

[694spdRT]

Nice Dakota! 

Reminds me of back in college(1995) when my best friend talked for over a year that the first thing he was going to do when he graduated was buy a 4 x 4 Dakota club cab with a V8. He was true to his word and less than a week after graduation he bought one.   

Years ago I drove a '89 Dakota Sport 4 x 4 with a 5 speed and except for the underpowered 3.9 V6 I loved it.

[TruckDriver]

I finally got my windows tinted yesterday!

I been wanting to do this since I bought the truck 3 years ago. 

And, I know, my truck is bad dirty. I'll wash it tomorrow. I didn't think my camera phone would pick up the dirt that bad

End of the month, I'll put my CB antennas back on.

[rusty lee]

very nice truck.        I had a 93 3.9 4x4  for 10 years. only got rid off it  cause no room for baby in a standard cab