First thing i would like to do, is to thank everyone who replied. Since the original battery lasted 10 years i went and bought a OEM battery from my local Dodge dealership. I put the battery in last night and the truck is running like a charm. Its nice to have a place you can go to get help!!
I will probably be asking more questions in the future.

 

I have one of those oem mopar ones in my truck too. If this one lasts much longer im going to have to get another one instead of a optima lol

 

I have a 200 dakota 3.9 manual 2WD, about 127 000 kilometers. The battery meter reads just above 14 volts when im driving. I dont know if thats normal or not but also spikes to 18 with the check guages light coming on usually when im on the highway. unless I shut off the truck it will remain at 18. It never loses juice and is always able to start. It seems the alternator works like crazy to refill the battery even when my lights, heater, radio etc are off.

any ideas and help would be really appreciated.

thanks.