Hello all,

I recently picked up an '87 dakota on the cheap for a knock around truck. It's a 2WD long box, w/3.9L V6 "carbureted". It's got lots of....character at this point and is need of a little TLC. Mechanically it's pretty sound, engine runs fine, but I'm going to replace the usual tune up items (plugs, wires, new filters & fluids changed, etc..).

I've also purchased a factory service manual, so i'm learning the in's and out's of this particular beast.

However the body is another matter entirely. This was a Minnesota truck and looks a like the back end spent more than a little time putting a boat in a lake. My question is what years have some swappable body parts? Granted I know this is the 1st gen forum, but are body parts from '87 to '95 interchangeable? or should I be looking for a more specific range?

Also what's the likely hood of still being able to order parts for this model? Anybody out there selling repro parts (mechanical or body)?

I'm still trolling around the past posts on the forum, but haven't discovered this answer yet. Found lots of good advice here otherwise though.

Thanks,
mrLloyd

 

From 87-91 everything interchanges. From 92-95 the hood,radcradle,grill and bumper are different.

 

ebay usually has a fair selection

 

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys. I was just checking eBay now and I see they've got some ok varieties. Also it'll help that I live in a town of 7,000 and I swear every other truck seems to be an early 1st gen dakota. So i'm sure i'll find some local parts as well.

 

the junkyard is your friend

 

not just any friend, but some days your best friend