It could be fuel pump related.

Put a gauge on it. It should measure right about 49 psi - all the time.

 

I wanted to update this again. I was planning on renting a fuel pressure to test it tomorrow but I did perform the test where you turn the key forward then wait a min or two and try to start it. When the truck it cold it started fine but when it was warm it struggled and had to crank for a little bit. Doesn't that mean the fuel pressure regulator is going out? Or does it mean something else? And should I still test and see what fuel pressure is? Or just go ahead and replace it.

 

I also wanted to ask what brands are good. Auto zone had a Delphi and O'Reillys had a precision both around 220? Are one of those any good or get elsewhere online?

 

try rockauto.com they have MOPAR for $90 Delphi for $50 and airtex/wells for $45.


Aritex/wells is a good brand always buy their upper priced stuff as they do have a cheaper one for $25.


But OEM MOPAR may be the best bet for dependability


Be careful to replace the gasket and O-ring or you will have an air/vacuum leak

 

Are the ones on rock auto the same? Cause that's a big price difference

 

Without actually checking the pressure it could mean anything. It could be leaking injectors.
Put a gauge on it.

What engine do you have?

 

AutoZone and O'Reillys are notoriously high priced I don't know how they stay in business. Others claim rockauto sells old stock parts or seconds I have ordered around 40 parts from them with no complaints.


As always if you order the cheapest parts you get what you pay for cheap is usually low quality but AutoZone and O'Reillys are very over priced.


I would check other things out like 00DakDan says he knows his stuff.


Have you pulled any sparkplugs and looked at them that may tell you something. Have you tried any quality fuel injector cleaners in the gas it usually takes two full tanks to feel any change. Unfortunately the fuel pumps go out on these Dakotas like clockwork usually after 12 to 15 years.

 

Update again. Sunday I was able to test it and it did read around 49. But idle it bounced really fast from like 40 to 55 but if you have it any gas it immediately went to 49 and was steady. When I shut the truck off it did hold pressure. I tried with the key forward and with if off and it held pressure both time. Probably will pick up some injector cleaner tonight and try that.

 

What engine??


You may need a throttle body cleaning the IAC may be very dirty to do a good cleaning removal of the throttle body is needed as just spraying cleaner down the throttle body does a poor job.