1st Gen Dakota Tech 1987 - 1996 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 1st Gen Dakota.

Suggestions on what to do with a 87 dodge dakota

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 10:09 PM
  #1  
whitefang62's Avatar
whitefang62
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default Suggestions on what to do with a 87 dodge dakota

Hello guys,

Since my knowledge is rather limited, I would like some other opinions on this subject.

I bought an 87 Dakota single cab extended bed, 2WD with 120K miles for $375. And to my suprise it runs, I drove it from Ozark, Arkansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma the day I bought it. It has a 3.9L V6, while this suits my needs for right now, I would like to get some more power. Since I got the truck so cheap I have a decent budget to spend on it.

Now I would like to drop a 318 in it, I was wondering if there is something better I could put in it, or if this one works fine, and what else would I have to do to go along with it. And I would also like to convert it to AWD, I would like to know if this would be possible at all, or am I just being silly.

Thanks for any and all advice.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 11:09 PM
  #2  
Crazy4x4RT's Avatar
Crazy4x4RT
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
Likes: 19
From: NM
Default

Its all possibly but easy no. The best bang for your buck to gain the most HP is to get a 93-03 V8 5.9 Magnum or 92-02? 5.2 V8 Magnum, both from Dakotas, Durangos, Ram, Ram Van. The easiest for electronics would be 92-95.

As for the AWD you can do a custom axle swap or get a 4wd frame exact body style as yours and drop on you bed and cab, if you go this route it would be good if it was the 92-95 for the Magnum engines. Then you can drop in an AWD transfer-case. The FAQ2 in this section has all of those swaps listed.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:20 PM.