Haha alright, this might be a crazy question from a 2nd gen Ram guy, but I have been looking into a Dakota just because I'm off to college here soon and need something with a little better mileage.

My question is simple I guess, mostly because I love the look of the 08+ bumpers and headlights, but I was wondering if I could put it on an older dakota 05-07. Would that work? Am I crazy haha?

Just get back to me, I'm just curious.

Sorry if this should be in Gen Discussion...? I couldn't decide.

 

It is a tech question, you are fine.

I used to own a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. Welcome to the Dak section.

It would require modification/replacement of both front fenders, thats for sure.

 

If you looking for better mileage than your Ram, you should not be looking at Dakotas. They are no better.

 

Yea it would work...if you feel like spending tons of time and a bunch of coin to do it. Dodge actually did it on an 07 Dakota for the Warrior MX concept (that never made it to production, naturally). It had an 08 hood, fenders, grill and headlights, with a custom fab winch front bumper. Sick truck. Too bad the concept died, like most other cool ideas.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-.../#photo-453291

 

Never saw that concept ^ kind of cool..nice lift and I liked the orange gauges

 

If only they released the lift to the public....

 

From what I remember, that lift was pretty much non functional, or only for show.

 

That truck is basically a 08+ with custom bumper and some other minor changes. Id personally say it was a 08 prototype, not a 07 really.

You would end up replacing your Fenders, Inner Fenders, Hood, Grill, Grill Bracket, and possibly the Structural supports (They are welded on) aswell as the Bumper support, Cover and Headlights.

I have not seen a 08+ Structural supports, But I was wondering the same thing. Ive seen the 05-07's, As i had my entire front apart. The are spot welded on.

(found some pics of EVguys hemi swap, and It looks like the Structure is the same.

 

I have a 5.9 V8, gets about 10 in town, 13-14 hwy, would a dakota really not be any better??

 

damn i love that hood!!