Generation:
First Generation (1987-1996)
Covered Years:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet owners, service technicians.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup.
Vehicle Appeal:
One of the first compact pickups to offer V6 engines and sportier styling, offering a blend of utility and everyday drivability.
Engine:
All gasoline engines, including V6 and V8 variants.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch service and drivetrain components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (where applicable), drum and disc brake service, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starter, fuse/relay locations and functions, instrument cluster.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, bumpers, cooling system, exhaust system.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacement, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBDI era).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with torque specifications and clearances.
Wiring:
Detailed wiring diagrams for various vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Expert Level: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including complex electrical diagnostics.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution, printable, searchable PDF (typical)
Physical Quality:
N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent)
Physical Binding:
N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use)
Physical Paper:
N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent: Durable, glossy or matte paper stock suitable for workshop environments)
Base Engine:
2.2L (135 ci) 4-cylinder (Chrysler 147)
Mid Engine Option:
3.0L (181 ci) V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72, later Chrysler design)
Performance Engine:
3.9L (239 ci) V8 (LA-series, optional in later years, notably 1991-1993)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 100 hp (2.2L) to 180+ hp (3.9L V8).
Torque Range:
Approximately 125 lb-ft (2.2L) to 225+ lb-ft (3.9L V8).
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection (multi-port for V6/V8, throttle-body injection for early 2.2L)
Base Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission.
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed automatic (A500), later 4-speed automatic (42RE/44RE).
Performance Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission available with V6 and V8 models.
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112 inches (standard cab).
Length:
Approx. 178-195 inches depending on cab and bed configuration.
Width:
Approx. 70 inches.
Bed Length:
Short bed (approx. 6 feet) and long bed (approx. 7.5 feet) configurations.
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,000 - 3,800 lbs depending on configuration.
NHTSA Ratings:
Limited official data available from this era. Refer to individual year/model for specific tests.
Brakes:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear ABS on some models.
Seatbelts:
Front lap and shoulder belts.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard in later model years (around 1994).
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, later models may have CD players. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Power Windows Locks:
Optional on higher trim levels, manual operation standard on base models.
Trailer Tow Package:
Available option including heavy-duty cooling, trailer wiring harness, and hitch receiver.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, change every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to specific transmission type for correct fluid).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), typically Ethylene Glycol based.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common issue in areas with road salt, particularly on cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel arches.
Interior Wear:
Dashboard cracks, worn seat upholstery, and door panel degradation are common due to age.
Electrical Gremlins:
Flickering lights, intermittent power to accessories, and issues with the gauge cluster can occur due to aging wiring and connections.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear.
Engine Cooling:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, and thermostat issues are not uncommon on vehicles of this age.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, known for their robustness and performance-oriented offerings.
Dakota Launch:
The Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year as a response to the growing compact truck market, offering a larger size and more powerful engine options than competitors.
Mid Generation Updates:
Received minor styling updates and powertrain enhancements throughout its first generation. The V8 engine was a significant addition for 1991.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
