New guy here, 96 Dakota Extra Cab, 5.2, 5 speed, 4WD. Just bought this truck and of course have questions. Drive train very good condition, normal rust spots on body, fixable. Unfortunately, the frame needs some rust repair. There are rust holes behind the rear forward spring hangers that I'm sure I can deal with. The worst is the front left shock tower which is practically non-existent. The right tower is OK. I have contacted all the salvage yards in the area, can't find a replacement tower. Does anyone have one for sale? Has anyone fabbed one from sheet metal? Any tips on how to go about this are welcome!

 

You're talking about the little bit coming off the frame to hold the top of the shock tower. Any 1st gen 4WD Dodge Dakota top shock mount should work on your truck. There might be some differences but unbolt or cut off the shock mount from another 1st gen 4x4 dakota and just mount it onto your's.

 

Thanks Leftybar. Do you know if 1st and 2nd gen 4x4 frames are basically the same thing?

 

From looks, I don't believe they are structurally the same so I wouldn't gamble on it.

 

Reason I ask, I ran across a photo of a 2000 4x4 shock tower that looks the same as on the right side of my 95. Think I'll check some local scrap yards and look at some 2nd gens. Might get lucky.

 

Try this https://www.hollanderparts.com/used-...nsion-steering

 

Looking at a trashed 94 4x4 manual 5 spd 3.9 engine for parts. Will a 5.2 go into that chassis with no mods?

 

Might have to move the motor mounts, but, aside from that, it's a bolt-in.

 

Thanks!!

 

Has anyone here fabbed a shock tower?