I want to install power locks for my remote starter/alarm system. As much as I would like to get all OEM parts and keep it all stock, I think it will be way easier to go with aftermarket for this. I don't need the buttons on the door because I will just use the remote. Any recommendations? I have seen the actuators online for really cheap. It seems like it will be fairly easy to install but I won't know until I do it.

 

Have you considered checking out local auto salvage yards for parts? Around here, there are a number of the salvage yards that will allow you to remove the parts you want & charge a much cheaper rate for these parts. This way, you'll be sure of getting the correct connectors, brackets, etc. that you don't always get with after market kits. Another thing to consider with after market kits is repair, if one of the solenoids goes out, you often have no way of getting a replacement, whereas getting OEM stuff from a salvage yard, you've got a lot of options on where you get parts.

 

Thats great if you can find a 3rd gen. We have 3 pull a part places here and I have never seen a 3rd gen dakota in any of them. There are a few 2nd gens but no 3rd gens.

 

Yeah I have tried a few in the area and they never had any 3rd gens. It's still too new of a vehicle and pickup trucks also seem to last longer than your average car. It's also not a sports car that people crash a lot beyond repair :-P I have seen some new Vipers and Corvettes in the junk yards around here that were totaled.

 

I would love to keep everything stock as much as possible but I figured it wouldn't be worth it for the door locks cuz I was expecting to have to replace most of the door (to have all the switches and such on the door). I was just thinking though, I wonder if I could just get the OEM actuators because I don't need the switches on the doors (since I will be using the remote).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370560474383...#ht_3099wt_931

Can't beat $16.95 for two doors but I would be willing to spend more to keep it all stock. How do the stock ones work? Are they similar to these aftermarket actuators or would I just need to replace the whole door latch?

 

If you really look into it, the 2gen and 3 gen is not all that different. I would bet that the door insides are almost Identical. The latches and locks look that same. I am sure you could find a 2gen Dakota with power locks at a pick and pull place for cheap.