1987 Dodge Dakota LE from North America - Comments

A lot of little things, but that's to be expected with as many miles as mine had.

I purchased the truck with 128,500 miles on it, and for a truck with that many miles on it, it performed great. I felt the V-6 was a little small so I encourage a buyer to look for a V-8 if the decrease in economy will not matter. I would also get a 5-speed manual or at least the override automatic.

Also with a lift and 32" tires they make excellent 4x4's. Trust me.

I agree to the vehicle.

I have an 89 that I've had for the past two years, amazingly I already have 32 inch Pirelli Scorpions that intimidate the trails I ride (which are above moderate and not for the faint of heart).

Got 3 inch body lift, coil covered trailmaster shocks, lot of TLC (but ya know, she's my truck), K&N intake filtercharger. LOTS OF LOOKS EVERY TIME I DRIVE HER.

I feel however that the 3.9 is more than capable to drive the concubine and a great mill for this size truck. I do not recommend this truck to some one who is looking for minimal trail mods and high expectations from stock equipment (mostly cause it is now 2001 and this is an old truck).

Anyone who would like to learn a great deal to perfect this truck is more than welcome to contact me as I have collected a lot of info to coincide my affluent abilities with vehicles...

E-mail me at poontanglvr@hotmail.com or if ya have instant msn messenger I'm available. Love to talk about the truck so bring it on!!!

Hi I have a 87 Dakota 4X4 with 202,000 miles. And just rebuilt the engine (3.9L) to stock. Because I couldn't find too many performance parts for it. I got a set of Headers for it and a K&N Air Filter for it. And also removed air pump and all emission parts that I could do without. I was wondering if there were any other parts I could get for it and where to get them.

Also have a 5 speed manual Trans with a CenterForce1 clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing. Do you think I would be better with automatic trans with overdrive or stay with the manual trans.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

thanks Mike from Fl.

Sillydad381@aol.com.

I recently purchased a 1987 dodge dakota 2 wheel drive from a friend. It is a 2.2 4 with the 5 speed manual trans, and it only had 73,000 miles on it. I find it very comparable to my last one, a 1989 2.5 liter with fuel injection and the five speed manual trans. All I had to put into the truck was an alternator, new lights, and a hood and and fender, it is proving to be a very reliable little truck, and fairly economical thus far. The main recommendations I would make to improve fuel economy and power are: Bosch platinum +4 spark plugs, k&n air filter, and a free flowing exhaust system. I don't know how well the red paint will hold out, but the midnight blue metallic on my '89 chipped and fell off over the years I had it. Bad paint prep. I guess. I would highly recommend the Dakota trucks to any one looking for a good all around truck. Kevin Fox. Dunkirk NY.