🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1987

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Original Market Positioning:

Dodge Dakota was positioned as a capable and versatile compact pickup truck, often offering more power and refinement than smaller Japanese competitors, while being more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than full-size trucks.

Key Competitors 1987:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup

Model Year Highlights:

The 1987 model year was part of the first generation of the Dodge Dakota, introducing significant updates including the availability of a V6 engine and revised styling. This generation marked Chrysler's re-entry into the compact truck market.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models, engines, trims, and transmission types

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L V6), Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Automatic & Manual Transmissions

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Drivetrain (RWD, 4WD)

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Fuses & Relays, Power Accessories

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Bed & Tailgate

Emissions Control:

Detailed information on emission control systems, including EGR, catalytic converters, and related sensors/components for compliance with regulations of the period.

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Tune-ups, Belt & Hose Inspection/Replacement, Brake Service

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper/Cylinder Rebuilding, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Alignment & Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-based Guides, Common Fault Finding Procedures

Technical Data:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Specs, Electrical Schematics, Component Locations

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts for engine performance, electrical faults, brake system issues, and more. Covers troubleshooting intermittent problems.

Depth:

Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear images and diagrams.

Print Recommendation:

Printable on standard home or office printers. Layout suitable for binder organization.

Binding Suitability:

Digital format allows for custom printing and binding by the user.

Paper Suggestion:

Recommended for printing on durable paper (e.g., 24lb or higher) for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.2L Inline-4 (2242 cc)

Optional Engine 1:

2.5L Inline-4 (2492 cc) - Often referred to as the 'Slant-4' or 'Mopar' 4-cylinder.

Optional Engine 2:

3.0L Mitsubishi V6 (6G72) - 2972 cc, fuel-injected.

2.2L I4 (Estimated):

Horsepower: ~101 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~125 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

2.5L I4 (Estimated):

Horsepower: ~105 hp @ 4400 rpm, Torque: ~135 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

3.0L V6 (Estimated):

Horsepower: ~143 hp @ 4800 rpm, Torque: ~170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

4-Cylinder Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (Weber 2-barrel typically) for 2.2L/2.5L, Fuel Injection becoming more common in later years of this gen.

V6 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Identification:

Manual details engine codes for each variant, crucial for parts identification and repair.

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron (typical for this era's engines)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (for V6), OHV (for 4-cyl) - refer to manual for exact configuration and timing components.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual (likely with 2.2L/2.5L engines)

Optional Transmission 1:

5-speed Manual (likely with 2.2L/2.5L engines, often A500/A520 variants)

Optional Transmission 2:

3-speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A904, common with all engines, especially V6)

Transfer Case:

Available for 4WD models, typically a manually shifted unit.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL ratings (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5) and viscosity (e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+ (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron II/III compatibility for this era) - Refer to manual for exact specification.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Standard Cab: 112.0 inches (2845 mm)

Bed Length:

Standard Bed: 6.5 ft (approx. 1981 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3000-3800 lbs (1360-1724 kg) depending on configuration

Payload Capacity Approx:

1000-1500 lbs (454-680 kg)

Wheel Size Standard:

Typically 14-inch steel wheels, with 15-inch optional or on higher trims.

Tire Size Standard:

P215/75R15 or P225/70R15 (common sizes, refer to manual for exact fitment based on trim/options).

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1987:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1987 models are not readily available in modern databases, but safety features of the era were basic. Manual will detail available safety systems.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may have been available on higher trims or later in the production run, though less common for base models.

Steering Type:

Power steering generally available, particularly with V6 models.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts.

Body Structure:

Full-length frame rails, integral body construction.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM cassette player. Speaker configurations typically 2 or 4.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system with basic controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature on higher trims.

Lighting Controls:

Standard headlight controls, fog lamps may be optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify exact intervals for each engine.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement typically every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual provides specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

Refer to manual: likely 10W-30 or 10W-40 API Service SG or higher.

Engine Oil Type V6:

Refer to manual: likely 10W-30 API Service SG or higher.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid is standard for this era.

Common Issues 1987 Dakota:

Rust (especially wheel arches, cab corners, frame rails), carburetor issues (on 4-cyl models), starter motor reliability, exhaust manifold cracks (on some V6 engines), potential for electrical gremlins due to age. The manual addresses many of these with diagnostic procedures.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter W715/2, Fram PH8A, Wix 51515 (Verify with manual for exact fitment)

Air Filter Example:

Fram CA3026, Wix 42033 (Verify with manual for exact fitment)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long history of truck manufacturing, from the Power Wagon to the Ram series. The Dakota was a strategic entry into the burgeoning compact/mid-size truck segment.

Dakota First Generation:

The first generation ran from 1987 to 1996. The 1987 model was revolutionary for Dodge, being their first compact truck. It was designed in-house, differentiating it from many competitors that used foreign platforms or collaborations.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA

Production Years 1St Gen:

1987-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Dodge Dakota was well-received upon its introduction, often praised for its styling and the introduction of the V6 engine in the compact class, providing a unique selling proposition against its rivals.

Consumer Reports Reception:

While specific historical ratings vary, the Dakota was generally considered a solid contender in its segment, particularly for those seeking more power than typical compact trucks of the era.