Greetings all, I am usually on the Durango site but I am looking for a Dakota so thought I would come here for some knowledgeable advice!! I am looking for a 96 Extended Cab Dakota. I want manual shift two wheel drive. What are the engine trans combo's that came in the Dakota. I will be driving this to work about 95 miles round trip. My goal is to upgrade to a 4bt Cummins down the road as the engine gets some mileage with aftermarket OD unit to optimize fuel mileage even more.

 

Best bet would be to look for a v6 model. Probably be a bit cheaper.

 

What are some inherent problems of the 3.9 to be looking for. I have found a 96 with the 3.9 and 5 spd but it has 205,000 mi. on it. I don't have much experience with the Dodge 3.9. I know the 3.0 in the vans had valve guide seal problems at about 75,XXX to 110,XXX