I'm going to be buying a CAI for my 1998 3.9l, I'm have a hard time deciding which one to buy. CGS is cheaper but Ariaid has a good reputation...could you guys help me out?

 

Nevermind, I just went with the CGS.

 

To be honest, an "eBay brand" CAI would do the same. If your Dakota is heavily modded, then a higher-quality CAI would be worth it. But the simple $30 CAI off ebay should do the trick. It adds a little more power at ~4000 RPM and sounds a little meaner. You might even notice a slight gas mileage increase.

 

You need to make sure and seal off the area completely from the engine bay and direct cool fresh air directly to it..

I don't care what anyone says.. the right side of the truck (Direction of the air moving towards from the FAN) can be as hott as right on top of the motor if not hotter in some cases.. Ive noticed that alot in my 97.. so a CAI does nothing as far as actual Cool air unless you got a direct flow of fresh air to it.. and block off as much of the heat from the engine compartment as you can.

So I hope you got one with a good quality heat shield that blocks off engine heat..

 

I got a k&n look alike for 38.00 off ebay. Helped out a ton and is way less restrictive as the stock intake.