Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma, Toyota Hilux/Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody/Frontier.
Unique Selling Points:
Unibody construction (unique for its class at launch), available V6 engines, comfortable ride, practical for personal and light commercial use.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carbureted and EFI), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (A500, A520, NV3500), automatic transmission (A727, A904, 42RH, 44RE), clutch system, drive shafts, differentials, axles.
Braking Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), optional rear disc brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped).
Steering Suspension Systems:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, front suspension (independent torsion bar or coil spring), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, sway bars, wheel alignment.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, switches, wiring diagrams for all major systems, power windows, power locks, horn, radio.
Body Chassis Systems:
Body construction, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, frame components, chassis lubrication.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, service, and repair.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, battery service, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper/drum replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Installation Procedures:
Component replacement and installation guides for major systems.
Depth Of Information:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, exploded views, part identification.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages.
Printed Material Quality:
Durable binding, clear text, high-quality paper stock for long-term workshop use.
Binding:
Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound for lay-flat use (for printed versions).
Paper:
Durable, grease-resistant paper stock (for printed versions).
Manual Completeness:
Comprehensive coverage for all factory-installed systems and components for the specified years and engine variants.
Base Engine:
2.2L Inline-4 (2.2L 4Cyl OHV)
Base Engine Power:
Approx. 96-100 hp @ ~4400 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
Approx. 120-130 lb-ft @ ~2400 rpm
Optional Engine 1:
2.5L Inline-4 (2.5L 4Cyl OHV - early models)
Optional Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 106-112 hp
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft
Optional Engine 2:
3.9L V6 (3.9L V6 OHV - early models)
Optional Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 125-130 hp @ ~4000 rpm
Optional Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 180-190 lb-ft @ ~2400 rpm
Optional Engine 3:
3.0L V6 (3.0L V6 OHV - later models)
Optional Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 140-145 hp @ ~4800 rpm
Optional Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ ~3600 rpm
Optional Engine 4:
5.2L V8 (Magnum - 1998+ models, not covered by this manual but part of Dakota evolution)
Compression Ratio 2.2L:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio 3.0Lv6:
8.9:1
Fuel Delivery Early Models:
Carburetor (e.g., 2.2L - Carter BBD 2-barrel)
Fuel Delivery Later Models:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) depending on engine.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches (standard cab), 124.9 inches (long bed/club cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (approx. 175-195 inches for short bed, 200+ inches for long bed).
Overall Width:
Approx. 71.0 inches
Overall Height:
Approx. 63.5 - 66.0 inches
Bed Length:
Approx. 6 feet (standard bed), 8 feet (long bed)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2800 - 3500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4500 - 5500 lbs
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with optional cassette player, optional premium sound system.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges: Speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel gauge, engine temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter. Warning lights.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS on later models. No electronic stability control, traction control, or adaptive cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (e.g., copper plugs ~30,000 miles, platinum ~60,000-100,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed.
Engine Oil Spec 2.2L:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Spec V6:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Atf:
ATF+2 or ATF+3 (Chrysler spec)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issues 1:
Rust: Particularly in rocker panels, wheel wells, and cab corners.
Common Issues 2:
Engine oil leaks: Valve cover gaskets, rear main seals.
Common Issues 3:
Transmission issues: Torque converter problems in automatics, wear in manual synchronizers.
Common Issues 4:
Electrical gremlins: Fraying wiring harnesses, issues with sensors and switches.
Common Issues 5:
Suspension wear: Ball joints, tie rod ends, leaf spring bushings.
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge had a history with compact trucks starting with the Mitsubishi-based D50/Mitsu Starion (1978-1990), but the Dakota was its first domestically engineered compact/mid-size pickup.
First Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1987 model year, replacing the Mitsubishi D50. Positioned as a 'compact' truck but larger than many competitors like the S-10/Ranger.
Key Updates During Generation:
Introduction of V6 engines (2.5L, then 3.0L), introduction of 4WD, availability of Club Cab (extended cab), optional airbags, available ABS, minor styling refreshes.
Manufacturing Locations:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Production Years:
1987-1995 (First Generation)
