RARE 1998 Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T Revival And "Restoration" Begins!

It's like a pickup truck, but smaller and less capable. It's like a muscle car, except in just about every way. And yet, when Dodge slapped the legendary R/T badge on the side of this 1998 Dodge Dakota, they created something remarkably fun. The 5.9 Magnum under the hood only makes 250 horsepower, but the torque figure is closer to 350 lb/ft. The 3.91 limited slip differential gives great pickup, and creates tire smoke with authority. The small suspension tweaks underneath the regular second generation Dakota body add up to make a vehicle that handles corners with authority. The fender flares and the oversized wheels and tires are the only visual tell that this is no ordinary truck (beyond the R/T badge and the choice paint colors, anyway.)
I came into this assuming I wouldn't like the Dakota R/T. I was wrong. The handling is excellent, the horsepower is acceptable, and overall, it's a great driver. Does it deserve mention in the same sentence as the R/T models of the muscle car era? I don't know. But it's definitely something special.

[@Amoparman408]

I can't resist but commenting. I've had my 99 Dak RT since new. it's been repainted twice. it's had a supercharger, a stroker 414, and has been a daily driver the whole time. I absolutely adore that truck. Even with all my other mopars and there are quite a few. It is the mainstay, and for good reason.. They are awesome, If you hang on to it, you'll see why. Great vid thx Jamie.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wow. That’s awesome! I can say for sure that I really like it. It’s currently my daily driver.

[@robertspence831]

My first new truck was a '99 Dakota R/T. Bright red. Every time I passed a cop you could see their head turn as I went by.

[@daytona3927]

I had one too it was only 21k, sweet deal.

[@garystaab7835]

@@daytona3927 My current daily driver is a 99 Dakota R/T. Regular cab. Red with the factory tonneau bed cover. Like new with 120,000 miles.

[@daytona3927]

@@garystaab7835 That's exactly what I had with a few mods, headers, exhaust, cowl induction hood, roll pan, lowered.

[@Floreypottery]

I have the 99 in bright red it’s about get some body work started

[@moparedtn]

I recall two things about that era Dakota (and Rams, of course): 1. Transmissions were toast by 150k usually, but were fine after a proper rebuild (this was true of Checy and Ford then too, across the board). 2. That weird vacuum leak deal with that tiny vacuum line that came off the "barrel" and provided vacuum to the HVAC controls, which Dodge offered some rinkydink check valve or something for.... Specifically a Dakota R/T has turned out to be rather desirable anymore - and they are a lot of fun, if not terribly useful as a truck. - Ed on the Ridge

[@NXT_LVL]

* knock on wood * zero issues with mine. Only code I had was an EVAP and that was just the gas cap for $10 from Amazon. Its the 4.7 with the 5-45RFE so the 45 with electronic-5th and the "kick down 2nd" so technically the 6spd if you swap the TCM out lol which you can do with the 45 to make it a 5-45 . Yes it only has 126k on the clock but its 20 years worth of heat cycles, and what not. Its not the milage its the age of the gaskets, seals bushings as age vs milage degrading. But with that Keg intake I've heard good and bad things about it, mostly the intake gaskets

[@moparedtn]

@@NXT_LVL The 545RFE transmission was the next generation one from the previously problematic one and yes, it's fine (I have one in my '04 Ram with 180k miles on it now).

[@paulgraham8181]

That truck has a lot of potential. Great recipe for a strong runner. 5.9 in a light truck. Build the engine up, put on some performance tires, blame traction bars. It could be quick

[@Floreypottery]

That was a ram problem the Dakota suprisingly had a heavy duty trans with the 5.9 Dakota

[@FidgetingMidget]

Just broke that vacuum line while giving my 98 dakota a tune up 😅

[@minnesotatomcat]

I had a 79 powerwagon that had a 5.9 out of one of those R/T trucks. Converted back to carbureted of course. Long tube headers and 3” dual exhaust out the side gave it the nicest potato potato potato 👍

[@john-anthonycunha1310]

Please keep it and make this baby a series, I love it already man

[@KrashTWazo]

Traffic…my favorite, too…😂! Jamie, you are like the Deadpool of Dodge owners. Definitely a keeper truck

[@gasser66]

The Mrs. and I bought a 1997 4.0 ZJ in 2001. What a sweet dependable rig that was. Made us a Dodge family. We have owned nothing but Mopars ever since.

[@Rvshadow1964]

I believe they stopped being actual Mopar long ago. I wouldn't take a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee for free with a lifetime warranty and maintenance if they offered to also pay for fuel, taxes and registration.

[@314jeepsnmopars3]

I had a 96 5.2 ZJ and now have my 98 4.0. Its has its ups and downs but as been good to me for the most part. Besides needing parts lol

[@wallykingsborough5811]

I saw a 5.9L Dakota R/T in 1999. I was like, “They put a 360 in a baby pickup!”

[@PhaQ2]

I loved the look of the late 90's dodges. Bought a used 99 Durango and thoroughly used that thing.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I had a 99 R/T extended cab, in black.. new.. It wasn't really that fast, but it sounded good.. The Durango R/T 5.9 i think was the coolest version..

[@scofab]

Fun stuff... play with it for a while and see if it sticks. Nice hangin' out, thanks again.

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

I've always been a full size truck and Van guy. But that truck looks really nice. Glad the washmit came in handy.

[@jacksoneddins4323]

I may be biased with owning 2 of them but I love Dakotas. with a v8 and no weight in the back they just spin the tires at a drop of a hat plus handy around town being so small

[@bryanaisenbrey7188]

I have the next best thing - a 1998 Dakota Sport with a 5 speed, 3.92 Sure Grip, handling package. Has 9.1/4 rear. Towed my 69 Coronet 360 miles without any issues. Fun ride!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice!

[@brivas3343]

Always liked those R/Ts (and that Dakota body style).

[@HardwayRanch]

I LOVE the 5.9! I built a 5.9 without opening the engine, kept the OEM intake, and it was taking the small block hemi's when they first come out! And i still had not put in a cam or upgraded to 4bbl intake. Fuel economy was better than stock also. But sadly, I worked it like a rented mule and after 200,000 miles it was time for a rebuild... so I traded in the truck for a diesel. My engine in a little Durango would light the tires on fire - I can't wait to see what you do with this one.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

😢makes me miss my 98 rt single cab in black I had for many years...shouldn't have ever sold her...great to watch you bring back this beast

[@jamesmendyk8546]

5 years ago I picked up a 02 4.7 4wd Durango just for something to drive to work and take my boys to school. I fell in love with the thing. For the past 3 years I’ve been looking for a 2wd (pretty rate around here) for a summer rig and found one early this year. The 4.7 in it had ate a rod bearing. I had recently traded for a 69 b-body 60 over 383 HP with 727 that had been to a machine shop with new pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, good used 484 lift purple cam. Just needs to be put back together. But it is missing a ton of small parts. Like bolts, covers, intake, etc. I was planing on putting it on the 2wd but big block stuff isn’t cheap and used is not really easy to find here. So I’m dropping back to a cheaper option. I have a healthy 2000 ram 5.9/46re. Planning on going low tech. eBay intake, transgo manual kit, I have ignition parts already, and a nice thermoquad from a 74 scout II., a like new 70 fury instrument cluster (fits well in the dash) 64 ish center Console with shifter (might swap the 2 cable out with a B&M ratchet) it has an open 3:55 9.25 that I will eventually get a LS unit for it. Still it should be a fun daily that can haul the fam. I haven’t had a “fun” vehicle for 20years. It was a 73 ranchero gt with 351 Cleveland cobra jet/c6 3:23 rear.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wow. That’s quite the hot rod build. It would be very interesting to see how that comes together!

[@AllensAutomotiveReparations]

Jamie Dakota's, Rangers and S10's were built for guys and gals who had a small home garage who find full size trucks too large, cumbersome and hard to park. They were great for taking out the garbage, grabbing some supplies from Home Depot or picking up the new stove for the kitchen remodel. You can put a nice tonneau cover on them and now you have a large weather tight trunk area for groceries and shopping. They are extremely versatile as you can tow a tent trailer or small fishing boat, perhaps a couple jet ski's, and the Dakota R/T appealed to those who wanted something aggressive and sporty but couldnt afford a Duster, Challenger, Barracuda, or "sigh" a CHARGER or 2. As you may have noticed they are comfortable to drive in, are low and easy to enter and exit, as well they are fun to drive spiritedly. Before you sell it you may want to ask your wife first she may want it as her new daily.

[@mb2stroke816]

I've got a 1996 first gen dakota I swapped a 360 into. It's a great daily driver! I've got my cummins for when I need real truck stuff

[@OldsmobileSBRocket]

I did a 3.9 to 5.9 magnum swap on my Dakota Sport 4x4. Such an easy swap, according to the internet, not! The ECM still wouldn't fire #7 and #8 injectors despite going to B+G Performance twice. I cobbled them to fire with the two injectors in the firing order before them. Also the trans went in limp mode no OD or lock up, no good with 3.91 gears. I installed two toggle switches to control them. It works quite well. With the Champion truck plugs, it no longer bucks at low speeds. I added Shorty headers and the AFE Y pipe. Probably better it doesn't have it's full power or the 42RE would blow up. It is still better than the horrible 3.9 V6. Before I opened the air box and added a Superturbo muffler, the 3.9 was actually dangerous passing on the highway.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I have lots and lots of questions about what parts you used, because I have done this. I used a 5.2 Dakota forward harness and computer, and it was indeed easy. Plug and play. This was a five speed truck so that wasn’t part of the equation, but the correct computer for your application should have made all of that happen without issue.

[@OldsmobileSBRocket]

I got the 5.9 out of a 98 Durango along with the engine harness as I knew the injectors were different and I needed 2 more. I sent the factory 3.9 and a 2000 Dodge Dakota automatic ECM to B+G Performance twice! First time the security was left on. I spliced in 7 and 8 where Dodge had it blocked off with grey plastic. Ran surprisingly good on the custom tune but only fueling 6 cylinders. I also never found and no one could tell me the one different wire between a 42RE and 46RE. I also tried another Dakota ECM, still won't fire #7 or 8! I double checked the wiring from my manual and online multiple times. I also have blown 3 sets of head gaskets and the factory heads cracked badly. I used the Hughes thick Kegger bottom pan and Hughes Ram EQ heads with their bronze guides, they flow big numbers. The motor runs very well and surprisingly has great oil pressure despite the oil being a milkshake 3 times. I wish this truck burnt instead of my Father In Laws old chebvy 94 Z71 which I swap in an Olds 350 with 307 5A heads, a 204/214 cam, shorty headers and 2.25 duals and added a gov bomb. A circulating block heater shorted out and burned it. It would destroy LS 5.3 and even the 6L I drove idle to 4500. Same 4L60E gabarge trans had to replace once, same gears and my tires were slightly taller with the factory sbc swirl advanced 20 degrees. I may build another with an Olds 403 with a 3.5" stroke 424 ci would be a huge low end torque motor. I may find a mid 80's Dodge 4x4 and transplant this drive train and run it with a Terminator X like the Olds 350 in my 70 Cutlass S.

[@AtZero138]

At least.. Muscle Truck era... And Trucks in general, kept , RWD, Chrome bumpers alive.. These were Midsize... The only one until Tundra, I liked them... Never had one, The Rack in pinion, Was a problem.. with .. all of them... Rare indeed.. even here ive seen one.. the same one.. My brother "band" his wife had the Durango R/T still misses it...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I actually fit in these with room to move. Well, at least the club cabs. I much prefer it to the Rangers and Toyota pickups / Tacomas for that. And of course… the V8 helps.

[@biggie_d298]

Dude the paint on that truck is so rare. In canada at least theres only 81 of those in club cab form and 15 of them in regular cab form!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

They’re rare here too. Not quite that rare, but definitely rare.

[@robertlacob8831]

Awesome truck! I also bought a 2006 CC Red Dakota with 4.7. It was not a powerhouse by any imagination but towed what I needed to tow or carry. Wish it had the Magnum 4.7 though. Much nicer engine. Also had a 1008 Ram in Amethyst and silver extended cab with Magnum 318, great engine! used to drive from Tampa FL to Ft Hood cruising at 80 and never skipped a beat and got great MPG with a lower rear ratio.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m guessing that was a typo, and you meant to say that your Dakota had a 3.7? The 4.7 makes some power, but for many reasons that I have discussed on the channel at various points, it isn’t what I would call “nice…”

[@robertlacob8831]

No, the engine was a 4.7, not Magnum. The Magnum engine was was listed as optional hp.

[@msweat]

My wife and I bought a V6 Dakota SLT in 1998. It was a nice driving truck but we had constant issues with it. It spent a lot of time with the dealer, getting fixed. Seemed like we would get one thing fixed and something else would mess up. The steering started having something strange going on and we traded it in on the worst car we ever had , a 2000 VW Golf. That one gave us even more grief and made us get rid of it quickly. We ended up getting a used Honda.

[@r.hill.2369]

My first new vehicle ever was a '98 SLT v6 with a 5 speed. I loved that truck so much!

[@livinglikarockstar]

In possession of a 2 owner nearly pristine 99 Dakota RT 216k original miles same color - the red, check out my vlogs on it. Sorry, it'll do all those bits you mentioned a truck couldn't. Include haul a sawed in half 2016 Challenger to repair my totaled 16 shaker but that's a different story. Out ran my 65 383 Fury III at the now closed Atlanta Dragway, although the Fury was vapor locking and not tuned... until now. If you didn't notice, you can actually almost comfortably work on the engine, unlike big brother ram which is much taller. Exactly what i exclaimed first time i drove it "like a big go-kart". Thanks for the video!

[@bigdaveturbo]

I can’t help thinking that you should have taken the carpet out of the donor car to match the seats and save cleaning that crud - that trucks a keeper

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I thought the same, hours later - and I need the headliner too. I’ll be going back… I am tempted to grab the back seat and all of the interior panels while I’m at it.

[@minnesotatomcat]

Love the Floyd reference! 👍

[@staceyrenner5418]

With the success of other brands mid-size trucks I'm really shocked Dodge hasn't revived the Dakota. Could you imagine an R/T with the new Hurricane 6? Have a de-tuned version for the regular truck, but the R/T gets the 420 horse version from the Ram.

[@martinadams7949]

I got my 98 used in 99 off ebay. still had warranty. drove it about 250K, needs new engine, Love that thing. I live near the beach, front bumper rusted thru :( . My dad road in it, then there was the ex from the cuv. New one road once, thats when I could start smelling the coolant. have a 5.9 02 4x2 durango, not the same with all that extra steel. I would say keep it till you die!

[@66balsam]

My 96 Jeep GC with 5.2 was a great rig, once it got moving it had plenty of power, my son had a 98 GC with 5.9 and it was a blast, they were good vehicles as well

[@jakebridgetimpastato5622]

I remember when they came out and I thought it was awesome! Especially with the 5.9 and 3:91 gears. Wow! I needed a tow vehicle so I bought a 1500. Still wanted one of those though. I’d keep it!

[@alansmith568]

I have a 2000 Dakota RT black Club cab that i bought 20 years ago. Its bone stock except for headers and straight pipe sounds awesome. Problem areas are crappy front brakes which i changed to upgraded 2002 and up, also the speed sensor on top of the rear end and vanishing clear coat in the Florida heat. These are the problems i had, its a great fun second vehicle for me.

[@AlexMartin-uq7pb]

The first vehicle I ever bought was a 1998 dodge dakota in that exact same color it even was a extended cab 2wd model too. Truck was rusty, missing its front bumper but cleaning it up. Man that color would pop, it was also a very reliable truck. Took alot of beatings from racing other slow vehicles and burnouts. It wasn't a r/t though, but it was a 5.2 magnum with a 5 speed manual. That truck was such a fun beat

[@user-vw2tl7gm5u]

I got a 99 rt and it is one of my favorite things.with some tuning 300 HP and 400 ft lbs is no problem and they make get daily

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

That's a great lookin Dakota! Great find Jamie 😊

[@Floreypottery]

Seen a purple one for sale not long ago even scarcier was the copper color I’m happy to own a 99 club cab R/T in red

[@brianmould2653]

You might say I’m a little Dakota crazy, 98 SLT intense blue 4 x 4 318 extended cab, 2000 RT 408 stroker 640 hp regular cab, 11.5 second quarter mile in street trim,38,000 miles on it like new,oh it’s supercharged,with Keith Black internals,2003 RT extended cab stampede edition, with the same leather seats you had from a Durango, Bilstine shocks, High energy bushings kit, super tuned,flowmaster exhaust,255-50’s on the chromed viper wheels,it’s the baddest looking mid sized truck made that year,my neighbors think I’m crazy having all these Dakotas,but I think I’m lucky,these are getting to be rare as hens teeth,Mopar or no car,can’t beat those Dak’s trucks,just keep them out of the salt in Syracuse NY,keep that truck around I think you’ll fall in love with her,keep trucking brother

[@aspman97]

Miss my '00 Intense Blue c/c R/T. They only made 165hp at the wheels, but it was still a great truck and a lot of fun. Towed my dragbike with it, that's all you really need!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

They lost almost 100 horsepower through the drivetrain? Jesus…

[@rong4189]

‘Muscle Trucks’ are because 90% of the time, pickups are used for simple transportation. I was around in the late ‘70s and it was like all of a sudden pickups were everywhere (no doubt because muscle cars had become such paper tigers). Lowered square body Chevys, dual exhaust, BFGs wrapped around Cragar mags - white letters out, just cruizin’ the main drag. Love my ‘74 D100 btw!

[@ThisValiantAdventure]

I like those! Wanted one when they came out but like you said it doesn’t qualify for enough truck stuff done well to commit the money to at the time (dead end factory job). Bit to have around as a for fun vehicle, absolutely! Unless you need the space. Then…

[@craigbowley6783]

I love those! I'd definitely be keeping that! Put a cam in it. Headers. And make it even funner😊

[@mediamain6]

That camaro looked like it met a really pissed 58 Plymouth!

[@xlmi7021]

ooooohhhhhh toenail clippings and furry green French fry....the joys of cleaning vintage rigs.

[@p38kris]

I love my friends red 2000 rt its so fun to drive

[@qmopar]

Dodge Dakota R/T!!! I think they’re sweet. Would like to have one. They’re still fairly affordable and dependable with Magnum goodness. I’m in!

[@kevinlewis7250]

I have a ‘00 Dakota RT they’re so fun to drive, and drift pretty easily. It’s intense blue pearl paint, can spot it a mile away.

[@randyhoepker5528]

I think I would keep it around as a shop truck or run into town truck. They are collectable and like you said, you were starting to like it. You can always sell it. I had an 06 for awhile with a 4.7L and after we fixed all the stuff wrong with it, it was a fun driver. This generation of the Dak is probably a better truck than my 06. Daimler hadn’t taken over Chrysler yet and cheapened up all their products.

[@NXT_LVL]

Ive got an 04 same engine, yeah when they changed body style in 05, it went weird. By 08/09 They decided to go 16 spark plugs like a Hemi, made 300ish horses and the RT was just a sticker pack but weighed over 4600 by then. Was more "I'm a Big Baby Ram now" rather than, FU I'm about fun like the 2nd gens were.

[@user-hi2ev7ug4l]

Yeah ... Dakota were a good truck and i could see with the correct size tires on the truck it would be a bit more fun...good content and thanks

[@raimoe4512]

I'm dropping a magnum 318 into my 97 that originally had the 4cyl. Will be standard trans 5 speed. Not a race truck but will hopefully have some grunt.

[@user-vw2tl7gm5u]

I've also have a 89 Shelby Dakota and it was the prototype for these trucks

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice! Yes, that was the earlier go fast model I was referring to.

[@GMCOldsRichmond]

I remember when they were new. Exhaust was choking that poor engine. Love your dog. Almost can’t tell the difference to mine.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The manifolds really aren’t bad for stock pieces, but the single pipe and cat put a damper on things. Zero is a good boy. He’s the best behaved dog in the car. He can be… exuberant at times. Haha.

[@raymondbryde1706]

I've had three Dakotas. Bought the first one new in "91 5.2 liter. Not an RT but it could get rubbber when It shifted into second no problem. Had a '99 with a v6 which I used to haul a 7000 Lb travel trialer from Michigan to Texas, and an '04 4.7 liter which has 200K on the clock and is still running like a clock. (it s a little rusty) one could say that I like dakotas. 😊

[@jamesparks1966]

I absolutely love my 2000 rt I dont find many rt daks down this deep in Arizona god luck and enjoy the adventure ps love hem mopars especially the chargers

[@derekstone355]

That is a cool truck!! Keep it!!

[@TheNismo777]

you did really well in that interior cleaning

[@OlderNotNecesarilyWiser]

That's a really cool truck, get rid of the red and keep her, she looks fun!

[@urielgarcia4567]

Keep it! Great vid thanks for always keeping us entertained!

[@rickrice3221]

My first new vehicle wasn’t an R/T (didn’t exist yet) but a ‘97 Dak SLT: regular cab, short bed. Ordered it as soon as they started painting ‘em Brilliant Blue - it’s got 295 k on it, it’s a rusty mess (but the interior’s still nice!), hasn’t been on the road for four years but it’s still insured and registered because, well, I love it and can’t bring myself to scrap it (and a little bit because it pisses off my neighbor).

[@pcbullets8726]

Looks like a fun truck! Sounds rowdy!

[@samuelgoodman2825]

They had their own street cred back in the day.I dig 'em.

[@johnmullins2798]

You're making a decent ride out of it. I had a 99 Ram in Deep Amethyst. I'd say a 5.9 with 3.91s is plenty fun.

[@kellismith4329]

That thing sounds great, you are bringing back lots of memories of my fun with my late sisters Durango 5.9 - I spent way too much time with that thing but learned alot. Her transmission actually shifted super good (4 spd OD) but it only had maybe 75K on it. I would have considered keeping it for myself until I had to feed it gas for awhile 😮. 91 octane too ouch Somebody told me that “no bus” comes from the ecm getting loose in the housing

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’ve heard PCM ground issue, but that is supposed to come with a no start - and this always starts. What’s more, it clearly is getting data from the PCM… so that’s interesting.

[@kellismith4329]

@@DeadDodgeGarage ya something about the plugs vibrating loose - this one did it a few times but it had a crappy battery I replaced a new interstate and never saw the no bus again but I sold it soon after

[@CarTech1976]

It makes my day every time I get a notification for a new DDG video. Thanks for the great content, thanks for your sense of humour, and thanks for your hard work to get these videos out. I loved this one, now I want a Dakota… thanks Jamie!!! 😡

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Alright, that’s my bad… 😅 thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@wrenchinwithgrandpa4586]

I love them ! I had a 97 , it was a great ride!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Love that model jeep 👍🏻🇦🇺.

[@mrwcp63]

Loved first and second generation Dakotas also had a 98 5.2 l

[@jamesonpace726]

Had a 2nd gen 5.9 4x4 xtra cab, pulled 2 car trailer in mtns, mostly fine, with a 59 Rolls & 71 Spitfire on & was red over black, so, y'know, a few, um, Chrysler Problems here & there, but still....

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. Plenty of engine, that’s not the problem with these. The R/T is intentionally sprung for ride and handling, and not at all for towing.

[@joshuajesch7154]

Its tugging at my heart strings. Me and jonnie have a deep amethyst 98 dodge 3500 with a 24 valve cummins and a 5 speed manual. Would look good beside it. 😉. Very nice burnout too.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I am happy to work with the shipping agency of your choice 😅

[@joshuajesch7154]

I would just take the big old purple beast over the mountains and haul er back. 😉

[@ericreifsnyder1696]

Jamie....keep it brother

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I really like it…

[@Guneslinger]

So, Was Doing a little ebay shhopping for a throttle return spring for my 73 Rallye challye, had this playing on my other monitor while doing so and the best price was some place near you called Rockett Restorations...LOL, Know anything about that joint??? One of my clients bought one of these while i was working on his place, Red of course, it was mint!!!, went for a checkout scoot with him and got to drive it back, Muscle go cart is exactly what i thought. Great truck for banging around so cal in.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Haaahaha. I know a thing or two about that place. I’ve bought parts from Tom on eBay myself over the years 😅

[@richardbates2367]

Oohh 64 Chevy Impala sweet id love to have one of those too...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s available 😁

[@MetallicAH2O]

Haha, charade you are! I like the mismatched fender. It's got a general mayhem vibe going for it!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Pig man, pig ma-an! That’s one of my favorites, and incidentally it’s been rattling around in my head for the last couple days. And I somewhat agree. Haha. But all purple would be so nice.

[@MetallicAH2O]

@@DeadDodgeGarage same! I've had the album on almost constant repeat these last couple of weeks.

[@larryakre5942]

Wish list build on your 5.9/RT. It calls out to me to be a 4X4 although a frame/chassis swap may be req'd. Optional 83 litre fuel tank, 3.55:1 gear ratio, dual exhaust if not already equipped. Transmission can be either manual or automatic, (although I prefer automatic). Maybe a rollbar/light bar/push bar? Of course all the usual luxury amenities,..power windows, cruise, air, ...etc. Just a fun, fully capable, do anything truck.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

While I prefer a 4x4, that really defeats the purpose of the R/T. I definitely want to do dual exhaust. It sounds alright now, but kind of like a V6, which isn’t ideal

[@moparts52]

ok I will add in I had a 97 with a 318 4x4 and loved that truck wish I never got rid of it had a friend that had a 5.2 with a 5 speed and that was a tire smoking truck

[@markcollins457]

I have a Yellow 98 Dakota R/T and it hasn't rusted out yet, not bad for NJ.

[@jenseninterceptors]

Great channel my man, keep up the good work!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Jamie Because they’re Super kool. 👍

[@Floreypottery]

Few mods she will run a lot better. Taking manual fan off helps some so does a keg intake and bigger throttle body and headers open them up a lot

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m well aware of the mods available, and what the Magnum will do with them… I’m also aware that it is already quite fun, without me doing anything. Haha.

[@Silvangreen]

The 90s are a little fuzzy but I remember the Plymouth Prowler was often purple and would have been a lot better with a manual transmission.

[@jamesretired5979]

Having Mopar fun, It's a good day

[@bigwrenchtech]

Sweet Jesus! I miss mine

[@Mclovingarage]

I don't think you can ever go wrong with a small block powered, lighter weight, mid sized truck with dual sway bars and lots of attitude. It was kinda a little red express truck minus the decal package. The nice thing about a muscle truck is you can still haul dirtbikes or your boat to the lake and fry tires while doing it. If a guy can only have one muscle car, but likes to own other toys that need to be hauled or towed its a good option. They still drive comfortably and are quick, without beating you up like a buckboard wagon, like say my Ram 2500...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yeah there is no comparison with those second gens. The ride quality is in a different universe essentially. Haha. It’s all starting to make sense to me. It just doesn’t fit the kind of truck stuff I often do - and that’s why the 2500 exists.

[@PaulSteinberg-il4tw]

I've always liked this generation with the 5.9l. I'd keep it.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I dig it! It’s currently my daily driver. Haha.

[@clark3135]

They also had the Dodge Shelby SP-360 Durango that were supercharged and made 360hp. Well all of them were supposed to be supercharged but some were never installed by the dealership (they came from the factory with them in the back to be installed as part of prepping the vehicle for sale). Some unsuspecting buyers had theirs forgotten to be installed lol go figure

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’ve never heard of that one. Very interesting.

[@sheltdog8463]

If your truck has aftermarket headlight bulbs being led that maybe causing your no bus problem.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wait, really? How would that work?

[@Cstoreri]

Thx Jamie!

[@The_Painter31]

My 2020 Warlock is my first MOPAR and I wouldn't mind building one some day but I have two Chevy's that take priority.

[@314jeepsnmopars3]

I know you traded the old 5.2 ZJ, but would be cool to see a 5.9 ZJ on here too. 😁

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

If I trip over one, there just might be! I like those trucks. I had three ZJs here at one point, and did a video on a free one, but it didn’t work well on my channel at all. Neither did my Cherokee video. So there isn’t a point in doing a bunch of that kind of stuff - but I still like them.

[@314jeepsnmopars3]

​@DeadDodgeGarage I've got one i gotta get back together again lol. Its a shame that these dont get much love on KZbin, most everyone loves XJs older CJs or Wranglers. But i cant blame ya if it doesn't produce the views you need for it to make sense. Definitely digging the Dakota so far, Definitely looks better.

[@beljames1563]

My first new vehicle ever was the 2000 Dakota RT. Alway hated that I traded it for my only other new car ever, a 2004 Ram 1500 with a v6 and 5 speed😢.

[@randyman828]

Super cool, keep the truck.

[@michaelfoster1453]

Had 2004 Dakota in 2019. Cab mount areas were badly rusted out. Ended up as a trade in for a 2016 F 150.

[@josephlakin8772]

My first vehicle was a 98 dakota rt that color I wish I still had it but I just picked up a 2000 with 29k miles

[@WickedWhirled]

It was the only viable platform at the time for V8 rear wheel drive fun

[@cambo1200]

I wanted one of these so bad when they were new.

[@daltonsparks1293]

Sweet DDG is doing the stuff!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The stuff is all I do!

[@ChristopherArmstrong-et3ud]

In my experience with these Dodge trucks, it’s the BCM. No Bus, so your dash is lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s very common in 5.9 gas but usually No Bus means it won’t start either. It will turn over but not fire. It’s weird that your truck runs and these problems are not common on the 5.2.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right. That’s what I learned from my research on the subject. It runs, and it clearly has bus communication of one kind or another, or it wouldn’t have gauges. BCM seems to be live. Locks work, everything works.

[@ChristopherArmstrong-et3ud]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I have also seen corrosion under the fuse box under the hood but that was a Ram.

[@Coronetguy]

Check the starter on that rig it might be the mini needed for your big block with headers . I know the 90 Dakota will fit!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. It is. Haha.

[@Coronetguy]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I had heard that from a guy in town the other day. He said they are 80bucks instead of 350.00. Thought it may come in handy on your build!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

@@Coronetguy I have always gone to the parts store to get a regular old 90s Dodge starter. Oftentimes these days, when you ask for an original starter, in the box you will find the later one as a substitute. I would never go online and pay some ridiculous price for a "performance" unit. I did end up with a Summit starter in a collection of parts I bought. It was the same as the Dakota / 90s truck unit.

[@garytilley6510]

Now I want one!