i was looking around the infamous cl site and i happened upon a few things.

1 was an 87 dakota 4x4 where the overdrive doesn't work and it has no title - $300

2 was a 96 dakota 4x4 that was in a front end collision and was being parted out.

my question is what would need to be changed over from the 96' cab to the 93?
i'm only asking because mine has a huge dent in it and some other things that have me thinkin its time to sell the truck, but its really only the cab that has a problem right now. and being a 4x4 cab, the trans tunnel is designed for the manual transmisison.
and how far in would the obdII wiring go into the cab?

 

I'm sure almost sure the OBDII goes deep into the dash. The entire dash will have to be swapped. And am not 100% but I think you VIN will come out with the dash. If not you will need the title from that cab.

We got the 96 manual in the FAQ. That will give all the details.

You might be better off trying to fix your body or just replace that panel.

 

It's not worth replacing the cab for a dent, man. That's going backwards. Just take it to a body shop and ask for a free estimate on specifically what you want done. ask them to price everything separately, the body work and the paint so you can acount for how much each procedure (plus labor) is gonna run you. They should be able to give you a dollar amount. Then you can run to some other spots and see what they charge. From the pics the paint doesn't look bad, but in person is always a different story and body work and paint can get pricey real quick. Paintless dent removal might be a much better option for you, I recommend taking your truck to them for the first estimate.

Remember to be realistic, sometimes it's just not worth fixing and you may as well upgrade. I'll be honest these Dakotas are great trucks, but unless it's a convertible has like 20,000 miles runs perfect and looks brand new or something I wouldn't even pay $4,000.

 

i thought about that too and my grandpa did it. it looks good but the fact that the door doesn't close all the way is what sucks, even with the catch thing moved in all the way. its rusting out my floorboards, the rear window doesn't latch since the break-in back in 06' the dash is all broken up and the windshield leaks on the passenger side(as far as i know its the reason there is a puddle of water on that side of the floor).

 

Sell it and upgrade bud. There's 2nd gens all over craigs for good prices. Even if you have to put up an extra $500 or so on top of the sale money it's worth it. I would so buy a 2nd gen. So many aftermarket parts.

 

Ditto. Drive what you have until a 2nd gen comes up. Saw one today locally on CL, 94 or 95 4X4 sport, reg cab, with thrown rod...listed at $500. Great deal for someone with an engine on hand here in W. Texas.

 

up here they are selling for $5k+ the cheapest one i can find is a parts truck with a bent frame for 2k. there is a ram my friend has for sale but he won't sell it to me because i'm his friend...

and i will never sell my truck...its my first vehicle and my stepdad gave it to me, so it has a lot meaning.

the thing that sucks most is all my aunts, uncles,cousins and such keep telling me to sell it but it means to much to me to sell.
if i sold my truck i'd probly give up my knowledge of cars, i know it sounds weird but its true.

 

Here is a link to milwaukee CL/dakota there are some 1st gen and 2nd gen daks, and not bad prices.
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/sear...ota&srchType=T

 

like i said the the 2nd gens aren't cheap. and the ones that are are in the bad side of town where all the murders are happening.

of course the first gens are at good prices but its hard to find one with a good body on it.

i almost had a 98 with around 30k on it (iirc) for around 1500$ but it was totalled when i was on my way to the dmv with the title...

 

Well, I see them for $2,000 and under occasionally. If you have the money I suggest calling all of them and offering 2,000 cash and leave their number, eventually one of those guys will sell it.