Thanks to all that replied. I did some more "troubleshooting" and here is what I get. I am wondering if it can have something to do with a faulty dash switch for turning the ac on / off........

So here is the condition:
1. First turn on ac, works fine for about 5 minutes... at 87F ambient, lowside = 28 to 30 psi, highside = 195 to 205psi, blows 58 to 60F air into truck.
After about 5 minutes, no more AC.
2. If you turn the AC Off and turn truck engine Off and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then restart truck, AC sometimes works fine again, but only for another 5 minutes.

I have evacuated the system, changed the drier/ accumulator and orifice, pumped it down and held vacuum, recharged.....
And it still behaves the same.
What other component(s) in the system might be suspect with this type of operation ? Thanks ....`

 

Have you checked under the hood to see if the cool side line is forming frost or ice?
if so you could have too much r134a coolant in the system or moisture in the system .

I don't know if a 2000 Dakota has an orifice tube but if it does maybe it's plugged up.
worth a check but getting it out can sometimes be hard to do.

Stupid name yes its a tube but the screen /filter pressure nozzle is a plastic insert in the tube that's what can plug up.

 

Yes it can, i have that issue going on right now with my 01