my 1998 dodge dakota cuts out while driving happens mostly after I have done stop and start driving like running errands short trips. it will cut out then die or backfire and come back to life. any clues as to what might be wrong? thought it was bad gas but that wasnt the case

 

check the o2 sensors.. i have had a few come threw the shop with bad o2s

 

Any codes?

 

How are the plugs? TPS and IAC ever changed?

 

Parts fairly cheap as these things are getting older there is a need to replace parts. O2's especially as it sounds like when it goes into closed loop you start having issues. Yes 02's will make it pop and backfire, I've had a few go bad over the years and it acts this way. Not necessarily get a code either? Don't worry so much about the downstream sensor but more the upstream. Might be a good time like suggested for a tuneup and sensor replace.