I have owned three dakotas, one from each generation and now looking to purchase a fourth for my son.

I am looking at a 2003 ext cab AWD that looks to be in good shape.

Couple of items to get general feedback on. Truck has an 8 1/4 rear posi, not the 9 1/4 like a quad. Also is AWD not part time 4x4. The build sheet lists ‘High Altitude Emissions Tracking’. What are thoughts on the first two in terms of durability / reliability. And the third item I honestly have never heard of. That has me stumped.

Thanks!

 

If you live in an area that gets winter weather, AWD is great. Of course, gas mileage suffers a bit... but, not that much. The 8.25 rear end is fine. Being a limited slip though, don't know if that one uses the same clips to retain the clutches as the full size trucks... they can be problematic. No clue what the third one is either.

Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks! Yes we definitely get some weather here in Kansas City so I think it should be a plus. From what I have been researching, it seems the NV 244 looks to be a reliable transfer case. I had an 8 1/4 4.10 posi rear behind a pretty hot 360 in an A body and it held up fine for several years. Sold it to a person who put a built 440 in it and I know it held for at least awhile on street tires.

I researched quite a bit and still have no idea what the ‘high altitude’ reference is from the build sheet. Still a mystery.

 

High altitude emissions means it's calibrated to operate best over 5000ish feet, so your truck was probably sold new in Denver.

https://www.sgs.com/en/transportatio...ehicle-testing

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