Now that the 2005 Dakota has been out long enough for parts to start hitting the junkyards and eBay, I have started to consider adding some of the options I did not get when I bought my truck. I have an ST and I'm hoping to add some SLT and Laramie options to it courtesy of the junkyards.

You can almost always swap in the top of the line OEM radio/head unit without any wiring worries, but I'm thinking about some of the other factory options like overhead console, power windows/locks, 7 pin hitch wiring, fog lights, cruise control, etc.

In the past, I have found that if an option was available for my car, regardless of the subgroup (ST, SLT, Laramie, for example), the wiring was already there when I pulled off the interior panel where the option hooked up. So for example, if I wanted to add power windows, I could go to a junkyard and pick up the motors, rails and door panel and it would plug right into a pigtail that was already sitting in my door shell.

Has anyone gotten to the point where they can tell if this is true with the 2005 Dakota? My eBay finger is getting itchy and I haven't had time to pull panels to see if the wiring is behind them.

 

I bought an ST with practically 0 options, manual windows/locks, base cd player, etc etc. Already started "upgrading" piece by piece though.
Already upgraded the locks to be automatic via factory security system. Alsoi upgraded the stereo to the 6 disc model
Fog lights are not that hard to isntall, to get them working via the panel and lightup on the dash like they would it does require a computer activation from the factory
Overhead console is possible but ONLY if you want it for temp/direction (i think i created a thread here asking, i looked for more info and found out it was for the msot part a no go). Wiring it for milage, trip counter, etc isn't there, and installing it is only they can do during build, and then activating it requires a firmware upgrade on the computer. Cruise control is another one of those that I'd only trust from the factory, installing it later to me would be just too risky of a thing to entrust to an aftermarket deal.
Windows are just as easy as your suggestion, finding the parts at the junkyard and going through the paces to isntall. Really though easier to just take the whole door from the junkyard and get it repainted probobly than it would be to do an install on a manual door unless of course the door is bashed in.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience Drakkon. I bought a 6-CD changer off eBay last night, that will get installed over the weekend. The fog lights will likely be my next upgrade. Hopefully I can get the dealer here to do the computer activation.

I'll skip the overhead console. I have a GPS to tell me where I'm going. I wanted the console for the easy gas mileage numbers. As for cruise, it isn't as hard as you think (on most vehicles). I don't have experience with the Dakota, but I have installed it on other vehicles and it is usually no more than a module in the engine compartment and a replacement turn signal stalk. The molex connectors are usually already there just waiting to be plugged in to.

How much did the factory security system cost you? Was it a tough install?

 

I've just been adverse to cruise control ever since i had a buddy of mine have a system a "professional" installed end up staying on when he went to go to turn it off the first time...ended up flying off the side of a bridge because of it...luckly he survived but the cars wheels were spinning at 60mph even when the car was turned over :-/ if you can do it more power to ya...but I'm only entrusting it to the factory guys that know the system intimately from now on

Factory security was around $200...i had it done at the dealer for $50 so they could do the manual to automatic lock conversion (only through key fob, still dont have a button inside) and gets the lights to flash and horn to sound since there is just nothing out there yet to tell you how the electrical system works on this truck

 

I installed a 6-disk changer and tapeplayer (from a 300c, not an option on the Dakota) and found it pretty difficult to get it to fit in the dash. B/c of the changer and tapeplayer, it is much longer, and will sit against the back wall of the dash. I had to manipulate the wires for like 20 mins, trying to get the changer to slide into the slot all the way. It will fit though.

 

I just installed the 6-disk changer without the tape player. It is deeper than the stock CD only head unit. Taking off the center facia of the dash made up for the added difficulty with getting it in there. I have been installing stereos as a hobby for over 12 years and have installed full compettitive systems in quite a few cars and trucks. By far, the Dak's tear down and reinstall was the easiest I have ever encountered. It took me less than 2 minutes to have the facia off completely and about 2 minutes to put it back on.

I'm still depressed over not being able to swap out my map lights for the trip computer though. They are going for $40 or less on eBay.

My next mod will probably be the cruise control. That and I'll be on the lookout for the sttering wheel stereo controls.