All this is info collected from this site and around the Internet. This info will work for all Dakotas 1997 - 2004.

If you have any Ideas to contribute to this post. Post it up in this thread Here.

For TONS more info/ DIY/ Ideas/ How to's check out the 1st Generation Dakota FAQ2, 3rd Generation Dakota FAQ, 2nd Generation Ram FAQ, 3rd Generation Ram FAQ, 1st Generation Durango FAQ, 2nd Generation Durango DIY, And the general forum FAQ.

For General Info and Allpar and Allpar, Check Engine Light Codes or HERE Or Here, Fluid Capacities, Paint Codes, Calculators, Dakota R/t Info. VIN Decoder. Or to see the Full thread on it. Tow Rating Chart Check this list of hitches by classifications. HERE
Tons of DIY, Factory Service Manual and owners manual.

Buying a 2nd Gen Dakota? Look HERE for things to check before buying!

Lift kits

4wd
http://www.allliftkits.com/61E1.html
www.summitracing.com

Body kit 2in.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRA-PA-682/
3in
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRA-PA-693/

Full suspension kit 4in. ($1,700)
5.5 in. Front, 5.0 in. Rear
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFY-35940/

2in http://4wheelonline.com/Products.asp...roductID=72043

3in http://performancelifts.com/cgi-bin/cart/RS6590.html

http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/17.asp

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/dodge_dak4WD.htm

Lift/ Indexed Torsion bar keys/ Anchors 2-3 inch. Lots listed on http://www.ebay.com/

http://www.totalperformanceonline.co...log/X381321/30

Or you can just crank your torsion bars and add rear blocks for 1 inch or so. Here is how to https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1979009-post2.html

You can tack weld some 1/4 inch steal strips to your keys. Here is a post on it. 1st-gen-Dakota/175855-cheep-lift-post1417241.html#post1417241

You can get blocks just about any parts stores. Sizes are available from 1 inch - 6 inches.

You can get Shorter rear spring shackles.

Or flip your shackle hangers. Check out https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...with-pics.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ut-blocks.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-hanger.html

If you got a V6 you can get V8 torsion bars to give you an extra inch or so.

Add a leaf too.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/ADD-A-LEAF_...;0;2005974;0;0
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TRA-R1536/

You can get air shocks too. These are not air bags. So you don't need an on-board compressor.
https://www.shockshopusa.com/air-shocks.html
http://www.dodge talk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315355

Air bags
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AIR-59508/
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Air...RF5009/554466/
http://www.avsontheweb.com/home.php?cat=440
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/
www.google.com and do a search.

Universal Air bags. https://airbagit.com/index.php?osCsi...beeed6ca3c2580

You can get coil over rear shocks. It may add 1-2in of height. http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=MON&MfrPartNumber=58630


2wd
Full suspension lift 3in.
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/ap...tadurango.html

You can use the 2in body kit. It says only for 4wd, but slight modification may be necessary.
Body kit 2in.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRA-PA-682/
3in
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRA-PA-693/

For the front you can get coil spacers. Use one on top and one on the bottom for 2in lift. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=sku

http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/share...t=products.asp

If you got a V6 you can get V8 coils to give you an inch or so or custom coil springs. Ebay.com may have some.

For the rear, you can use shorter spring shackles.

Or flip your shackle hangers. Check out https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...with-pics.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-...ut-blocks.html https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-...le-hanger.html

Add a leaf too.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/ADD-A-LEAF_...;0;2005974;0;0

You can also do a spring over axle swap. But this will add around 5 inches of lift just for the back. After a SOA swap, you can use lift blocks. Sizes are available from 1 inch - 6 inches.

You can get air shocks too. These are not air bags. So you don't need an on-board compressor.
https://www.shockshopusa.com/thankyou.html

Air bags
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AIR-59508/
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Air...RF5009/554466/
http://www.avsontheweb.com/home.php?cat=440
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/
www.google.com and do a search.

Universal Air bags. https://airbagit.com/index.php?osCsi...beeed6ca3c2580


You can get coil over rear shocks. It may add 1-2in of height. http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=MON&MfrPartNumber=58630

Largest tires that will fit

4wd Stock 31 inches . If you crank the bars to lift 1-2 inch some people say you can fit 33's, lift keys 2-3 inch lift 33s, suspension. lift 4-5 inch 35's
Check http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/wheels/131_0811_4x4_off_road_truck_tire_fitment_guide/index.html
http://mickeythompsontires.com/Tire_...Guide_2009.pdf

2wd
Stock 31 inch tires, 2 inch Lift 32-33 inch tires, 4 inch Lift 33 in tires.


Lowering kit
2wd
http://www.belltech.com/
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/dako...html#oldDakota
http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/34.asp
http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?i...LES&c=SU&m=all
http://airbagit-store.com/default.asp?redir=1
Tons more! Just go to www.ebay.com or www.google.com and do a search.

For the rear just use spring blocks, or longer spring shackles.
Or
Universal air bags. https://airbagit.com/index.php?osCsid=949e8293e36ab275b7beeed6ca3c2580
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/
If you got a v8 you can get v6 coils, you can heat the springs, You can cut the springs.

Or flip your shackle hangers. Check out https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ut-blocks.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-hanger.html

4wd

http://www.totalperformanceonline.co...ayout_0100.xsl

If you got a v8 you can get v6 torsion bars. You can crank down the torsion bars. For the rear use longer spring shackles or do a spring under axle swap. Some have token out some springs from the spring pack.

Or flip your shackle hangers. Check out https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ut-blocks.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-hanger.html

Off Road Guide
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/the-gre...oad-guide.html

Good post on doing a u-bolt flip. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...bolt-flip.html

Push Bar, Brush Grill, Grill Guard, Light bars
www.Jcw.com www.ebay.com

http://www.autoanything.com/grille-g...sale_price%7c0
http://www.chromepickup.com/home/cp1...le_guards.html
http://www.goindustries.com/home/go1...269/dodge.html

Tow Hooks
There are few choices. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...hook-talk.html
Can't find a site for direct fit. So custom fit is your one choice. 1st-gen-dakota/176727-tow-hooks.html#post1424515
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...tow-hooks.html
http://faq.dakota-truck.net/HOWTO/towhook.html

Front Hitch
A few choices. http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2000_Dodge_Dakota.htm
http://www.realtruck.com/product/108...tch_31097.html
Or you can do a custom install. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-dakota/186028-front-hitch.html

Winch setups
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nt-bumper.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nch-mount.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...lbs-winch.html (Front hitch mounted 10,000lb)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...1-winches.html (2,000lb front hitch mounted, 3,000 wireless rear hidden winch)

Custom Bumpers
http://www.tacticalarmorgroup.com/TA...9/Default.aspx
http://winchready.com/1997-2004_Dodge_Dakota.html
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=730808
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-bumpers.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ld-dakota.html

Skid plates
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...id-plates.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...tion-pics.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...03-dakota.html

Stroker kit
http://www.krcperformance.com/krc/in...hk=1&Itemid=26
(408) http://www.moparstyle.net/technical/408stroker.htm
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...hlight=stroker
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ker/index.html
http://speedomotive.com/ps-140-13-mo...roker-kit.aspx

Here is a great chart of what kind of size engines you can build with different strokes.



Diesel Engine Swaps
http://www.canev.com/Dakota.html
http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/index.php
http://www.destroked.com/
http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...ghlight=dakota (94 Dakota)
jonnymagnum
http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/6BT-Dakota/ (6BT-DAKOTA)

http://www.na4wda.org/index.php/topic,1593.0.html
http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=77610
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...ndID=105516916

V8 (5.2- 5.9)
Easiest way is to get a 5.9 from heads down (long block). Including flywheel and harmonic balancer. Everything from the 5.2 will work. Including electronics to injectors to computer. The 5.2 and 5.9 is basically the same exact engine. Externally and almost everything internally.

V6 to V8 engine swap
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-5-9-swap.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-340-swap.html (340)

https://dodgeforum.com/m_1276458/tm.htm
1st-gen-dakota/130068-swap-questions.html[/URL]

Mopar Action Magazine did a article on it. 1st-gen-dakota/176114-mopar-action-dak-5-9-swap-pics.html[/URL]

1st-gen-dakota/175439-engine-swap-info.html#post1413374[/URL]
( Info on motor mounts LA blocks to Magnum Blocks v6 and v8)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ome-today.html
http://www.engine-swaps.com/
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/192wddakensw.html

Hemi swap
http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=12764
http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=30531
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ml#post1964650
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...mi-dakota.html
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/834664

Big Block
http://www.bigblockdakota.com/gpage5.html
http://www.engine-swaps.com/
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/192wddakensw.html


Viper V10 SRT Engine swap
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...this-swap.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-10-swap.html
http://www.deanzrodzandracecarz.com/home
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/project...e_2/index.html (Look for updated parts to this project)

Engine Stand Alone Engine Management Systems
http://www.fuelairspark.com/Products...er/sb/over.asp


Transfercase swap (NV231D to NV242J, All wheel drive) https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-dakota/216305-got-new-parts-d.html
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/xfer/tera4_1/ (4:1 Gear reduction for NV231)


2wd to 4wd
https://dodgeforum.com/m_961445/tm.htm
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=29182


Rear end Swap 8.25 Chery. To 9.25 Chry.
1st-gen-dakota/177892-9-25-rear-end-swap.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ll-around.html


Performance

Larger throttle body http://www.thefastman.com/Throttlebodies47.asp,
Kegger mod https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-mod-diy.html,
1.7:1 Lifters (I would suggest. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CS...7&autoview=sku
Much cheaper then the Mopar or Crower kits, and much easier to install in my opinion (no lash adjustments, no guide plates, fits under stock valve cover)
Here is my post on the install. Very good post! https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2065727-post3.html

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/rollerrocker.php
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...r-install.html

Cams
Mopar Performance computer
High output coil + wires + cap and rotor
Spark plugs (Autolite 3923's)
Higher flow injectors
Headers
Open flowing exhaust systems
High flow cat
Lower (numerically higher) Rear End Gears
Transmission shift kit
Machine work (deck down block, heads) (Bore out cylinders).
Polish and port heads and headers
Electric cooling fan
Electric coolant pump http://www.csr-performance.com/csr_pumps.html
Under Drive pulley's. (be careful lots are 6 ribs. Magnums use 7 ribs)
Lots more....
http://www.hughesengines.com/TechArt...es03012004.php (V6 Performance)

Good Engine Articles
400HP on 318 http://web.archive.org/web/200605141...318/index.html
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ecs/index.html
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/eng...ads/index.html


Parts sites
http://www.summitracing.com/
http://www.jegs.com/
http://www.mopar.com/performance/index.html
http://www.jcwhitney.com/
http://www.motors.ebay.com/
http://www.craigslist.org/
http://www.4wheelparts.com/
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
http://www.thefastman.com/Throttlebodies47.asp
http://www.hughesengines.com/partsIndex.asp?eTypeID=15
http://www.v8performance.com/
http://www.krcperformance.com/krc/
http://www.monicattichrysler.com/com...?idCategory=73
http://www.trailmastersuspension.com/
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/
(Fan clutch, water pump pulley tool, spanner wrench)
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S...530_0006544226

OEM Parts sites
http://www.mopar.biz/
https://www.dodgeparts.com/oe_parts_...e2cf8fa4e8846c
http://www.moparpartsamerica.com/par...?siteid=214583

Solid Axle
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...k-it-pics.html
http://www.4x4wire.com/feature/99dakota/solidaxleswap/
http://thurenfabrication.com/arthursrig.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ll-around.html
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=29182

Bolt Sizes Click HERE

 

Where can I request a build sheet for my truck? Go Here Write Build sheet request. Write in your last 8 digits of your VIN number.


Engine Tech
http://www.hughesengines.com/TechArticles/index.php
Engine Performance
Induction Upgrades
Magnum Heads

Computer Reprogrammers /Tuners/ Flashers
https://www.superchips.com/default.aspx#pn=Home
http://www.sctflash.com/
http://www.hypertech.com/
http://www.jetchip.com/

Electric Fans
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ml#post2362607
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...fan-setup.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...onversion.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ggestions.html
There is not a direct bolt in kit. The best choices are 90-95 Ford Taurus and Lincoln Mark VIII with the 3.8 litre engine. It has 2 settings, Low 2500CFM Hight 4500CFM. Or Get a dual fan unit from a Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique. or the dual fan from a 98-03 Intrepid. I think you can also use a dual fan unit out of an early/mid 90s Camaro. You may need to make custom mounts. You can also go to most parts stores or www.summitracing.com and buy universal fans, check www.ebay.com too.

Here are a few articles
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t...ods/index.html
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/4572/index.html
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t...all/index.html
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/11879/index.html

Water pump fan clutch nut removal
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...an-clutch.html

Wheel spacers
http://www.spidertrax.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.2856/.f
www.ebay.com
Check ebay lots to choose. Some to convert bolt pattern size too.

Drivetrain info
The 42RE and 46RE series, stands for: The 4 = 4 speed. The 2,6 = torque load level the tranny can take (higher= stronger). R = Rear wheel drive. E = Electronic or H = Hydraulic

Here is a nice article about the 46RH + 46RE + 727 + A518 evolution http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/...feature15.html

List of Auto Transmissions by make and year. http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_cata...ave.html#DODGE
Manual Transmissions http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_cata...#ChryslerDodge
Transmission Diagnostic chart https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...is-charts.html

NV231 stands for NP or NV=New Venture (Company) "2"= # speeds "3"=Torque load rating(strength,1-7) "1"= part-time 4WD
("2" = full-time 4WD)
Transfer case by make and year http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/transfer_case_replacements_and_parts/dodge.html#DakotaGood articles: http://moose.ca/node/46 http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/buying_a_used_junkyard_transfer_case/index.html

List of axle differential by make and pic of cover. http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffTypes.aspx

Differential Gears
http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList.aspx?
http://www.differentials.com/pdfs/5.pdf
http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartire.htm (Lots of calculators)

Wheel bolt pattern

1987-1990 5 x 4.5" (lots use this bolt pattern from Chevy's to Toyota)
1991-2009 6 x 4.5", 6 x 114.3 (rare, hard to find)
Wheels that will work for the 6x 4.5:
91-09 Dakotas, 98-03 Durangos, All Vipers, and 05-08 Nissan Pathfinder/Frontier/Xterra, 04-05: Cadillac SRX, Suzuki Equator 08-09.

Bolt pattern all makes and years:
http://www.okoffroad.com/editorial-boltpattern.htm

More info
http://www.the12volt.com/ (Radio wires)
http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/ (Car alarm/ remote starter wires)
[COLOR=#c30027]http://www.allpar.com/[/COLOR] (all mopars)
http://www.Dakota-truck.net/infosheet.html (all dakota info)
http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/specs/index.html (all engine specs)
http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartire.htm (Lots of calculators)
http://www.okoffroad.com/editorial-boltpattern.htm (Wheel Bolt patterns)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram/171765-injectors.html?highlight=fuel+rate"]2nd-gen-ram/171765-injectors.html?highlight=fuel+rate (fuel Injectors, fuel rates)
http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...arent=117&pg=1 (Leaf Spring info)
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....FZdM5Qod_CVlZw (Leaf Spring info)
http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse...._Reference.cfm
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/h...ing/index.html (Cylinder Head porting)

http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0902...ing/index.html (Nitrous for a 2001 Durango 5.9)

http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/1005...ade/index.html (NP231 4:1 low gear install, SYE kit)

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/3103/index.html (NP231 HD build)

http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...arent=117&pg=1 (Leaf Spring info)
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....FZdM5Qod_CVlZw (Leaf Spring info)
http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0907...ody/index.html (Performance Throttle Body)
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techart...ech/index.html (Performance Throttle Body)
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ecs/index.html (Engine)
http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...cks/index.html (Engine)
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...ine/index.html (Engine)



Custom Hoods, Fenders, Graphics
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/189855-making-the-new-hood-functional.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/201805-new-reflexxion-steel-cowl-induction-hood-97-04-dakota-97-03-durango.html
http://www.suncoastramairhoods.com/eshop/shop/index.php?productID=417&product_slug=23001k2-ram-air-interface-air-box-kit
http://www.suncoastramairhoods.com/eshop/shop/index.php?productID=322
http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticles/0506st_1999_dodge_dakota_r_t_keystone_shaker_hood_ install/photo_14.html
http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/shop/home.php?cat=13 (Wide Fenders, Baja, Pre-runner)
http://www.Dakota-durango.com/parts_hoods.php#AAR2 (Cowl induction hoods)
http://www.carhoods.com/(Hoods, ect)
http://www.andysautosport.com/dodge/1991_1996_dakota/(Hoods, ect)
http://www.aarqualityfiberglass.com/ (Hoods, ect)
http://www.crosscanadaparts.com/cgi-bin/crosscanada/product_list.html?img_num=328 (Body parts)
http://www.millsupply.com/ (body)
http://www.totacc.com/user/glenzoni/index.html (Graphics)
http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/ (Graphics)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-dakota/193634-custom-bumper-design.html (Bumpers)
http://www.razzi.com/results-product.php?make_id=11&model_id=0&year=1993&type_i d=0&Submit.x=68&Submit.y=6 Body Kits

Billet Grill
Lots all over www.ebay.com
http://www.cwgrilles.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Dakota These look like this

Clear tail/ turns/ corners lights / Euro Lights
All over www.ebay.com

Here is a post on tinting your tails with VHT 1st-gen-dakota/180165-vht-nightshades-for-tailights.html
Light covers http://spideraccessories.stores.yahoo.net/headblac.html




Fireing Order Dodge Magnum engine 5.2 5.9 3.9 V8 V6