About Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler's Ram division. In the late 1970s, Chrysler was still recovering from near bankruptcy and had limited resources. Sperlich urged the N-body team to do everything possible to reuse existing parts in the Dodge Dakota design. This capital-intensive program allowed Chrysler to create an entirely new market segment at a low cost. Key people involved in the development were Glenn Gardner, Glenn House, Robert Burnham, Don Sebert, Jim Huckstedde, and Clark Ewing. The base Dodge Dakota was later used as the chassis for the Dodge Dakota Club models and Dodge Durango SUV. It had a fixed chassis and a simple manual roof. It was designed by Gerry York and produced by ASC.
Both 90-degree V-twin engines have been upgraded to Magnum specification for next year, and power output has been increased to about 230 hp. The engines now feature multi-stage electronic fuel injection and a Chrysler transmission control module. It accounts in part for the improved performance. Some minor changes were introduced in 1994, the most important of which was the addition of a driver's airbag as standard equipment. It was mounted on a new dual-axle steering wheel. Other changes included the elimination of the SE and LE trim levels. The highest trim level of the new Ram vehicles has been renamed SLT. These models feature new six-spoke chrome-plated steel wheels, which share the same design as the larger five-spoke Ram wheels. Other changes include the color scheme and overall interior. Also introduced in 1994 were SRS airbags and, as an option, a CD player and a combined cassette/CD player. Leather seats were also available on LE models. New alloy wheels were available.
Dodge Dakota parts online
The first two special versions had staggered seats. L.E.R. Industries of Edwardsburg, Michigan, produced both. The folding beds were made of fiberglass and galvanized glass. There were also wooden bed chairs. The Sport convertible was the only Dodge Dakota convertible offered from 1989 to 1991. The only Sport Convertible model available was a two-door model with a traditional interior and a V6 engine. When it was introduced, it was considered one of the most radical in its class, not only because of its styling but also because it was the only truck in its class with a V8 engine that could compete with many large trucks. In the spring of 1998, a new Limited R/T package was offered as an option on 1998 to 2003 Dakota Sport models. This version is considered an actual street sport truck and is only available with front-wheel drive. Chrome wheels were available on 2002 and 2003 models. Some late 2003 models were equipped at no additional cost with a new raised floor pan and a chrome version of the original 17x9 alloy wheels.
In 2000, the standard cabin no longer had a 3-meter bed and the new cabin that year was the Quad Cab. The models had a slightly shorter bed. It had a full-size folding seat that could accommodate three rear passengers or a cargo compartment. This year the obsolete Magnum V8 engine was replaced with a SOHC PowerTech V8. A new 45RFE automatic transmission was also introduced. The interior was also redesigned for 2001 models. It included a completely redesigned instrument panel, door panels, and upgraded seats. Minor interior changes were also introduced, such as installing new alloy wheels on several models. All cars also have new radio options. In addition to the styling enhancements, the standard cab is no longer offered in this generation. Only Club Cab and Quad Cab configurations are available. The Dakota R/T returned in late 2005 for the 2006 model year, but only with cosmetic changes. This package was offered on both two- and four-wheel-drive models.