Caitlin, I work as a local Mechanic in Milford, CT. I don't know how far away you work, but I'd be willing to come up and help you out and see what your issues are if you'd like at no charge. So this way you can get it running right, but it's up to you. I live in Bridgeport, and work in Milford, and you might like a few things I did to my first gen as well. Might give ya a few ideas

 

My radio stopped working again, soIi replaced the fuse again, and within 15 minutes of driving, my radio went out again. Wiring problem?

 

I have a 1996 Dakota sport also. I have the 2.5L. I am trying to put a tachometer on it because the 2.5 doesn't come with one. How do i take off the dash cover?