i have a 2001 quad cab and found a topper over 70 miles away. the guy says it is made for and came off a 2006 four door.

has anyone here put a 3rd gen topper on a 2nd gen dakota?

 

I think the biggest thing is the size. Check the measurements for sure.
Be sure to measure the width at the cab and the tailgate. Sometimes, they're not the same.






I just picked up a topper that was "too long" for a 2002 Quad cab, but it fits pretty well on my 97 Extended cab. The seller said that it came off a 2000 Dakota originally, but after talking with him, I'm not sure he really knows what it came off of.

Also, I just learned that you can get new keys for about $20.

 

it has a tag inside that says a.r.e. 2006 Dodge Dakota. Nothing about cap or bed length there are some other numbers, but the guy had it on the truck it was put on new. It actually fits nice. Along the outside bed rails and the back of the cab the topper is obviously smaller. The topper door fits ok to the tail gate. The door opening and the tailgate opening fit perfect, so no problems closing the tailgate. Now have it water tight. It's worth a test fit for anyone considering a 3rd gen topper on a 2nd gen Dakota.