Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emission controls.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging, fuel injection, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, manual transmission assembly, overhaul, torque specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission assembly, overhaul, shift control, hydraulic systems, diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, CV joints (if applicable).
Suspension Front:
Independent front suspension, steering knuckle, control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Solid rear axle, leaf springs, shock absorbers, torque specifications for U-bolts.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, alignment.
Brakes Front:
Disc brake system, caliper, rotor, pads, hydraulic lines, master cylinder.
Brakes Rear:
Drum brake system (common for this era) or disc brakes, wheel cylinders, shoes, drums, parking brake mechanism.
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting system, horns, wipers, power windows, power locks, interior electronics, accessory circuits.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, frame straightening, door and latch mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis.
Restraints:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped, though less common in early models), safety system components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system fault finding.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.
Diagnostics:
ECM codes, sensor testing, actuator testing, electrical circuit testing.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, electrical resistance values, alignment angles.
Depth:
Factory-level repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
2.5L I4 (4-151)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
105-118 hp (depending on year and specific variant)
Torque Est:
130-135 lb-ft (depending on year and specific variant)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code:
3.9L V6 (6G75)
Displacement:
3.9 Liters (239 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
125-170 hp (depending on year and specific variant)
Torque Est:
150-210 lb-ft (depending on year and specific variant)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code:
5.2L V8 (318)
Displacement:
5.2 Liters (318 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
230 hp (for later Magnum V8 models)
Torque Est:
295 lb-ft (for later Magnum V8 models)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Magnum engine
Engine Variants:
Available with 2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, and later models offered the 5.2L V8 (Magnum).
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement Est:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement Est:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Service Intervals Sparkplugs
Spark Plug Replacement Est:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Viscosity I4:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise spec)
Engine Oil Viscosity V6:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for precise spec)
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter for 3.9L), 6.0 quarts (for 5.2L)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific Mopar type).
Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler spec, verify with manual)
Fluid Specifications Transmission Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (verify viscosity and spec with manual)
Fluid Specifications Brake
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid (verify with manual)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III (verify with manual)
Engine Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat failures, and water pump issues are common with age.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, and leaf spring fatigue can occur.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Automatic transmission shift quality can degrade over time; often related to fluid condition or valve body issues.
Electrical Corrosion:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, grounds, and wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent faults.
Rust Body:
Common rust areas include wheel arches, cab corners, rocker panels, and bed seams.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, from heavy-duty pickups to the compact Dakota.
First Generation Debut:
The Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year as Dodge's first compact pickup truck.
Major Redesign:
Received a significant facelift for the 1992 model year, featuring a more aerodynamic and rounded design.
Engine Options Expansion:
The introduction of the 5.2L V8 in 1991 made the Dakota the first compact truck to offer a V8 engine, a significant differentiator.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
