Hello, my dad just recently bought me a lightly wrecked, yet immaculately maintained 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T from a dealer auction that he regularly attends. Anyhow, the accident blew the airbags and damaged the original/current dash. With that said, I was wondering if I could replace the 1997-2000 dash/door-panels/center-console with the updated 2001-2004 dash/door-panels/center-console?

If it is possible:
1.) Will the conversion merely be like replacing the dash with an identical model?
2.) Or do certain modifications have to be done in order to accomodate the new dash?
3.) I can see from pictures [links below] that the Instrument Panel, A/C Heater Control, Radio, Light Switches, Side View Mirror Controls, and Windows Controls are different; however, are the wires/connectors for these new devices the same as the originals? And if they're not how difficult is it to convert them to the new wires/connections necessary?
4.) Additionally, will the ducting for the air conditioning connect to the new dash?

1997-2000 Dodge Dakota Interior
2001-2004 Dodge Dakota Interior

Overall, I'm really interested in the updated look of the late model interior [Meaning the dash/door-panels/center-console] and since I am going to replace the interior anyhow, I'd rather opt for the new model. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated!

 

your better off ordering a new dash for your dakota.... cause the air ducts wont line up.. and u also got the issue of dash fitment itself... go to a junkyard.. see if they got a dak around your year... i think its 97-99 is your best chance.. good luck

 

Ah, obtaining a replacement dash is no issue -- my dad owns a small used car sales business and auto repair facility. I was just hoping that I could fit the newer more stylish [in my opinion] interior into my truck.

 

with the motivation, you can do anything! however, to put a newer style dash in, i believe you will need to get all new eletronics (ie. gauges, climate controls, light controls, ect.) but i am not sure. also, if you want to replace the entire dash, you will need to make some serious measurements and modifications to make it work. in the end, i think it can be done, but the nice fit and finish of the dash will be lost due to such modifications. i say replace with the same year dash, just new. (or newer)

 

I have read of someone doing a similar swap in his Durango and it took a buttload of work. I think he had to modify his wiring harness as well. You would have a better time focusing your energy on performance mod's rather than this.