🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1987

Product Name:

Dodge Dakota 1987 Repair Service Manual

Product Description:

Service Manual Repair PDF Download

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and capable DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Utility:

Designed as a helpful reference for maintaining and repairing the 1987 Dodge Dakota and its engine, empowering owners to make informed decisions.

Manual Comparison:

Equivalent to factory service manuals and owner's manuals, providing the same level of detail and coverage.

Learning Approach:

Teaches factory-trained technician knowledge through step-by-step procedures, fostering a deep understanding of repairs.

Information Source:

Contains critical specifications, illustrations, pictures, and detailed procedures for disassembly, assembly, cleaning, and reinstallation.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Printability:

Full Printable

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of major components like the cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods. Includes specifications for machining and clearances.

Engine Electrical:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing for ignition system, starting system, charging system, and fuel injection system. Covers sensor testing and troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Covers fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, and emissions control systems. Includes testing and diagnosis of fuel delivery and injection timing.

Cooling System:

Information on radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant. Includes procedures for flushing, draining, filling, and pressure testing the system.

Exhaust System:

Details on exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipes. Includes inspection and replacement procedures.

Transmission Manual:

Procedures for clutch inspection and replacement, transmission disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Includes gear train diagnostics and lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

If applicable, covers automatic transmission diagnosis, fluid changes, filter replacement, and minor repair procedures. Includes torque converter information.

Drivetrain:

Covers driveshafts, universal joints, differential, and axle shafts. Includes inspection, lubrication, and replacement of components.

Suspension Front:

Detailed procedures for front suspension components including ball joints, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, and steering knuckles. Includes alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Information on rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, and axle housing. Includes procedures for inspection and replacement.

Steering System:

Covers steering column, steering gear (rack and pinion or recirculating ball), power steering pump, hoses, and linkages. Includes troubleshooting and adjustment procedures.

Braking System:

Detailed coverage of front and rear brakes (disc and drum), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, and parking brake. Includes bleeding procedures and specifications.

Body And Frame:

Information on body panel removal and installation, structural components, doors, windows, latches, and hinges. Includes corrosion protection measures.

HVAC System:

Covers air conditioning system components, heating system, blower motor, and controls. Includes refrigerant handling and charging procedures.

Electrical Lighting:

Details on headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and signal systems. Includes bulb types and replacement procedures.

Electrical Instruments:

Covers dashboard instruments, gauges, warning lights, and their respective sensors and wiring.

Interior:

Procedures for removing and installing interior trim, seats, carpets, and headliner. Includes dashboard disassembly.

Exterior:

Covers exterior trim, bumpers, mirrors, and glass replacement.

Maintenance Routine:

Step-by-step instructions for scheduled maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and fluid checks.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common problems, including symptom identification and diagnostic procedures using tools and test equipment.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for dismantling, repairing, and reassembling all major vehicle components and systems.

Disassembly Assembly:

Specific procedures for removing and reinstalling various parts and subassemblies, often with torque specifications.

Cleaning Inspection:

Guidelines for cleaning and inspecting parts for wear, damage, or defects to ensure proper function.

Technical Specifications Torque:

Extensive listing of torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle, essential for proper assembly and safety.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical diagnostics and repairs.

Fluid Capacities Types:

Specific recommendations for all fluids, including engine oil viscosity, coolant type, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, along with their respective capacities.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Offers in-depth diagnostics and complete rebuild procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Zoom Capability:

Yes

Print Option:

Full Printable

Binding Style:

Digital Download (no physical binding)

Paper Format:

Digital PDF (printable on standard paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes the 2.2L (135 cu in) K-Type inline-4 and potentially the 3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6.

2.2L Specifications:

Estimated 84-96 horsepower, 118-125 lb-ft torque. Fuel injection, overhead camshaft.

3.0L V6 Specifications:

Estimated 143-146 horsepower, 170-175 lb-ft torque. Fuel injection, SOHC.

Engine Management:

Electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) likely for both engine options.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Likely a 5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

Likely a 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Automatic: ATF+3 or equivalent; Manual: GL-4 Gear Oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112.1 inches (2847 mm).

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration, but around 194-200 inches (4928-5080 mm).

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 2,800 to 3,300 lbs (1270-1500 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited formal crash test data available for this era of compact/mid-size pickup trucks. Focus is on passive safety features.

Active Safety:

Standard braking system, steering system.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced cab structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. No advanced infotainment or digital displays.

Driver Assistance Features:

No electronic driver assistance features (e.g., ABS, traction control, airbags were not standard or widely available).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as recommended by the specific engine oil used (refer to manual for exact specification).

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Transmission Service:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid checks and potential replacement.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SG/CD rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on temperature (refer to manual for exact specification).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, u-joints, exhaust components, fuel injectors can be common wear items on vehicles of this age.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many vehicles from the 1980s, electrical connections, grounds, and switches can be prone to corrosion and failure, requiring attention.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, with the Dakota filling the niche of a compact/mid-size pickup in the late 20th century.

First Generation:

The 1987 model year represents the first generation of the Dodge Dakota, introduced for the 1987 model year, aiming to compete with imports and other domestic compact trucks.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

The Dodge Dakota was generally well-received as a capable compact pickup for its time, offering a good balance of size and utility.