I see. SOME people on other forums are adamant that the division is such...but the similarities between the two groups are too many for them to be called different generations, I agree. Gen 1, Episode 1 and Gen 1, Episode 2 maybe.

 

I might argue the differences are greater than the sumilarities. Even after 92 the entire engine is different. Magnum vs LA. After 91 the emissions, engine, hood, grill and lights, tbi vs efi, return less vs return fuel, radiator core, dash etc etc. About the only thing that stayed the same are the front fenders and bed. Even the tailgate embossing changed. As did the wheels to 6 lug from 5 lug. Not much similar in episode 2 gen 1s.

 

OTOH, Chrysler lists 1987-1996 as Gen1 entire, and only 3 generations of Dakota so far.

That's good enough for me; there are vehicles even more confused (the 1993 MN12, or Thunderbird and Cougar, had the basic body and engine choices of the 1992; but the auxiliary layouts and basic wiring of the 1994, not to mention the non-visible body portions, inner fenders etc. did their change for 1993 to match the new FN10s, aka Mark VIIIs.)

RwP

 

Good points, I was mainly thinking about frame differences but I guess even just the different front body mount locations along with all the other stuff you mention would make a solid case for dividing into two gens.

 

Need a 91up core support? I have one from a 92 or 93.

 

Not sure if addressed to me, but thanks I have a 94 support I'm using.