Should We Make This RARE Dodge Dakota R/T Our Next Project Truck? It's Already Gotten Some "Mods"...

[@damilolaakanni]

I'd say keep it, just remove the unnecessary mods like those yellow wheels. You never can tell if or when you'll find another one.

[@Kawasaki1400]

I think those are the oem wheels. They just need a new coat of silver on them.

[@bldontmatter5319]

These are disappearing left and right.

[@daveallen7767]

Leave it alone, I like the wheels as they are

[@corey9313]

Yeah I wouldn't change the wheels either. Idk if the light caps are stock? But I'd take those off for sure. Id love to see a resto mod kind of project or a "modernization" of the truck but it is perfect the way it is.

[@nadronnocojr]

Better chance of getting gbhit by lighting twice than see8 g them on the road…..I will not sell mine . Ever…

[@yourdeliverydriver.]

Keep it! These trucks are amazing, mine is a 5.9 quad cab that has always came to rescue whenever my daily driver breaks down. 211,000+ miles and it will likely double that in its lifetime.

[@dougjustdoug6391]

Remove most of the aftermarket add ons and make it nice. It has value and desireablity because of the V8 and fairly low mileage.

[@NXT_LVL]

Low milage only works for private sellers. My Moms 2019 Ram should have 60k on it now, she has 22k.. KBB on it I think she said is $31k, on a then MSRP $52k truck. The Dealer lowballed them on the trade in of their 07 FJ, had 1/2 the milage it was supposed to have and gave my parents $11.5k. Dealer flipped it for $16k, less than a day later.

[@sawyermartin4434]

4:08 Yes! The first generation Colorado was offered with a V8. I think it was the 5.3, but I can't remember for sure.

[@OldThomMerton]

I think it looks GREAT! - Me, I would remove the light covers, replace the seats, remove the 3m stickers from the inside and the stickers on the windshield, try to find the period wheels for it . . . remove any no functional drip covers and such . . . and that's it. I love the yellow, I love the tonneau cover and the spoiler and I love the stripes. That truck is soooooooooo 90's sport truck!

[@kokocostanza2036]

This one has the correct wheels; they've either just been painted or dipped.

[@Oldskul-iz4om]

Take it back, to as close as stock, appearing, as possible, and do some acceptable performance bolt-ons, and go have fun!!

[@AkioWasRight]

All the yellow and black custom bits make it look like Bumble Bee's dejected little brother.

[@s.gossett5966]

That era of Dakota was my favorite. Especially the V8 and RT versions. Taking it back a little closer to stock i think would be great

[@anajay78]

This truck is a rolling late 90s early 2000s JC Whitney catalog.

[@robertashley2714]

I grew up in the Detroit area. There used to be V8 Dakotas everywhere. It's nice to see at least one survivor. I would love to see more of it. Ditch the headlight and tail light covers, maybe the tonneau cover. Lose the cheesey fake brakes. Maybe put better seats in. Clean up the dash if you can, and lose the eye searing flames on the gauges. I actually like the hood stripes.

[@CW-zt1xw]

Absolutely clean it up by making it more original. New seats, black wheels, remove dash stickers, etc. It sounds amazing.

[@SeanHewlett-h5q]

Gentlemen… I may be biased, because I own a 1999 Dakota RT with only 48k miles, but I say do it up!!! I have a very unique body kit in storage that I removed from mine. Custom side exit exhaust too. I’ll hit y’all up. Reg cab V-8 trucks, sport or 4x rock!!!

[@the_gr_panda]

Heck I'd buy that body kit

[@Floreypottery]

I’m about to start re doing my 99 red RT extended cab values aren’t up now but they’ll start going up look at fox body mustang prices their insane now compared too 4 years ago

[@navystalker3083]

Yes. What Brendan brings to this channel is awesome. Keep the truck.

[@AKAhoy]

Don't own the R/T, but I run a 1998 SLT 4x4 and have been driving it the last 12 years up in Alaska. The first Dakota owned was a 1989. They will cold start in the -40F and colder range with minimal whining, handle themselves in deep snow with ease, and haul quite a surprising range of loads. I've never once gotten stuck in mine. It's to the point where i've convinced other folk in the area of my neck of woods into buying older Dakota's. Went from just my old black on chrome out here to now nearly every neighbor having a dakota for winter driving. 2 silvers, 3 reds, 2 blacks, and 1 white in the subdivision. They are cheaper to acquire than a Tacoma and perform absolutely FANTASTIC in EXTREME weather conditions! I take mine off-roading all the time in the winter. 3ft deep snow? pop into 4 low and CRAWL. I'd say keep this truck, have fun with it.

[@dustinplemmons]

Yess! Ive always loved Dakota's, i had a 03 Rt and loved it. Still have my 03 Dakota 4X4 i bought brand new and its still going like a champ.

[@hfwilkesjr]

I owned a black ‘01, I loved it! Gas mileage isn’t great at 9-11mpg but boy was it fun. Definite keeper. I only had a metal roll pan and K&N intake.

[@canyonero2050]

The chevy colorado and gmc canyon both came with the 5.3L V8s in both 2wd sport and 4wd Z71 versions from 2008 to 2012. 300hp and 320ft/lb. I own one. Guess you didn't "search" that hard.

[@KurtsRPMGarage]

I was thinking the same thing. On that same platform is also the hummer h3t alpha.

[@aaronbritt2025]

Some of the 2wd V8 Colorados also had the ZQ8 sport package. That's the one I'd want.

[@wicky383]

When I was a tech a Chevy we got a brand new Colorado V8 in 2009/10. The whole dealership was in awe.

[@lamplighter5545]

True. But this is a 1999 truck.

[@garysarratt1]

1st year?

[@markhagopian3257]

The answer is YES….. PRODJECT TRUCK! I had a 91 I totally redid the truck. Heads and cam … always wanted the RT.

[@75pontiac45]

This should absolutely be your next project! This truck is fantastic! Also, didn’t the Hummer H3T come with a v8?

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

100%. 5.3L V8...

[@alpha2gproject783]

Only the H3T Alpha came with the 5.3 and honestly considering the price for a used one with 150,000 miles...they're not worth it.

[@fscottgray9784]

I have 2 2001 Dakotas 4x4 with the 360. Just great strong trucks. I also have a 1999 Durango with the 360. Parts are readily available at inexpensive prices. Stock seat hold up well and you can get a complete set for a couple hundred bucks at any junk yard.

[@MoparMattt]

I have a 360 magnum swapped into my once v6 4x4 Dakota, so I have the 3.92 gears that the rt came with no limited slip but I will have a Powertrax locker in soon. I also have 4 doors and 4x4 tell me how cool that would’ve been back then!!

[@jonmopar7917]

Fun fact: later on (late 01+) you could get 5.9 in a non-R/T Dakota. Those were basically relegated to Quad Cab SLTs. They had slightly less power but did not require higher octane

[@jeffp9246]

R/Ts didn't require premium fuel

[@jonmopar7917]

They don’t require it but when the R/T debuted (as well as the Grand Cherokee 5.9) it stated in the sales guide that Dakota R/T’s 5.9 has been “calibrated to provide optimal performance on 91 grade octane”. I’m literally reading it right now 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TobyCreates]

I would love to see an un-modifying series on this truck!

[@Kylesjeep]

Keep it!!! I had one just like it but mine was white and I put a front spoiler to make it meaner and lower in the front. With a set of craigars! I loved that truck so much. My high school sweetheart I met in that truck. Will never forget it!

[@timothymarshall9631]

That truck looks like fun. Such a lightweight vehicle with that V8 under the hood 🙂

[@timothyfinn9458]

I must say, my 2002 Dodge Dakota is my most favorite truck I've ever owned. V8 4.7 with 5 speed manual. I plowed with it and got my firewood with it. The 3rd gen Dakotas just didn't seem as rugged. I was so sad when I lost the engine in it and had to give up putting money into it. They just don't make anything like it anymore

[@Daytona-fr7fx]

Absolutely keep it! We just bought a '99 regular cab short bed 2wd with the 3.9(for now). 46,xxx original miles. The Dakota or baby ram is a great little truck.

[@AltTechFan]

YES! Peppy, as you've discovered already. 360, LSD, light package = fun.

[@davidkaufman7979]

I would keep it and de-modify it. Loved the Dakota R/T back in the day.

[@weegeemike]

I LOVE these Dakotas, both first and second gen. I like the third gen post-refresh but the early model 3rd gens are just ugly to me. When I was a little kid I wanted a Dakota to be my first vehicle. Sadly things didn't work out that way 😅. I thought Dodge was so cool for putting V8s in these smaller trucks, something that literally NO ONE else had the balls to do. My dream Dakota is a 1st or 2nd gen extended cab with the 5.2 V8, as they only put the 5.9 in these R/Ts. Fully loaded SLT preferably. You guys should definitely buy this and try to get it back to stock and restore it. I would 100% LOVE a Dakota video series if you made one.

[@2H2521]

I’d definitely take that on as a project! I’d try to turn it to stock look, but with suspension & performance upgrades. And please get rid of those horrible aftermarket gauge cluster decals. 😂

[@markv78]

Definitely. Keep it ! As original current owner of a factory ordered 2001 q/c 4.7 auto 3.55 gears I still surprise many of new er ram owners that pull beside be in the 5.7.. all fun these trucks beat all their competition for years in capacity performance and comfort. Still love. Mine 147k yes I have had my share of issues but it's a 50k question to replace it and the new mid sizers still aren't that much better and I still love the looks.. keep it boost the performance.. changed the intake slap a supercharger on it and have fun .. or better yet swap the 5.9.to.a 6.4 or hellcat imaging that wooohoo

[@dalejones4322]

I wouldn't put a penny into it. Take off what you want then run it through all the tests. Drag race, towing, fuel mileage. I loved the 360 but it sure was thirsty

[@Acc0rd79]

Love it! Just get rid of the headlight covers but you can eave the cover and the stripes I guess.

[@bigpoppa1992]

I raced one of these in my 2010 ford Taurus SHO. Idk if it had stuff done to it but it was quick and I raced the Durango 5.9 in my 2006 ford explorer 4.6 v8.

[@06dak69]

First… you could get the 05~11 Colorado and the H3T with a V8. Also sold in limited quantities. Second - definitely de-JC Whitney the truck, even though the mods are all period correct. Wheels back to silver, lose the light covers and window shields, back to OEM seats and wood grain delete. Around me (Michigan) all these 2nd gen Dakotas have rusted away. I loved theses (I owned 3) and would kill for a regular cab 4x4 to play with. Still my favorite generation of trucks!!!!

[@gknettel22]

I have an 03 and love it so much! I had the transmission built And it’s got a lot of pep! Make it look original 🤙🏻 cool truck

[@thisoldcar2054]

I have an 02 Dakota SXT (base model v6 5sp) Ext cab that I bought in 2005. It's been a great truck, very few issues. Worst of them having to replace the clutch, done in the driveway after work and over the course of two weeks I managed to do by myself. It's been a great truck, been through a lot with it, and will probably go through a lot more given it's not even at 200k Miles yet. I hope to see y'all refresh that 5.9 to a more mature level style.

[@petervandoren2984]

Go for it! Take it back to a normal truck, but I would keep the dual exhausts.

[@NXT_LVL]

Yes, de-wing and de-stripe it, check to see if its one of the 500 original Solar Yellow RT sold in 99, tune up and repaint the wheels back to silver or go black. Tires are fine, good luck finding anything for the original 255/55 17s lol You have two maybe three choices and they all are subpar based on the RT forums.

[@JohnC-hj3dr]

I'm with everyone on here ,!!! Keep it clean it up a bit , and use it as a truck! With the rising Coast of truck prices going thru the roof having this as a daily is a great way to go!!

[@shoemaker924]

i actually like the yellow wheels, fits the generation. Toss the sticks and light covers. and probably that intake too. Great find guys!

[@justonemori]

That's a keeper. I would De-modify, restore the headlights, respray the wheels silver, get some headers then build a nice exhaust off that. Those seats are wretched so I'd probably make that the first big purchase. There were a few years Chevy offered a 300hp 5.3 LS bleah Colorado that was 300HP around 2010 but nobody cared. That would be a good truck to find and review.

[@aerynlovell4754]

Here in Canada, I saw a Dodge Dakota parked in a driveway and up the street was a mid-sized Toyota truck (1st or 2nd Gen) with a V8 logo on the front quarter panel. Muscle trucks or sport trucks never really went away, they just changed. Modern sport trucks are designed to be drift trucks like the Navara-R with a 1100 BHP GTR engine or the Drift/Rallycross 900HP Nascar powered V8 Toyota Tacoma that was featured on the KZbin channel AutotopiaLA. LMC Truck has all the parts you need (including bolts and plastic clips) to restore or customize your classic truck. You can even get some comfortable new seats for it.

[@furmanmackey5479]

To this day I miss my 2001 Dakota with the "Magnum V-8". It was a hoss for towing and hauling and was a joy to drive on the interstate as it had no problem either keeping up with or leading the pack so to speak. It was not an R/T but it did not need to be to be a great truck.

[@amatureskater15]

you had the 218 V8. also a great motor!

[@Buck795]

Thats a keeper! Some heads, an intake manifold and a tune, and thats a screamer!

[@rightlanehog3151]

I suggest you try to find a Dakota with an 8 foot bed. Practical 8 foot beds are much rarer these days than overpowered engines and tasteless paint jobs.

[@NXT_LVL]

Practical 8 foot bed and Dakota in the same sentence doesn't work. Most of the 8ft examples are going to be the V6, least ones you find that are half rusted out. Thats a clean example and the RTs did come in Solar Yellow, friend of mine owns one from new. Think there were 500 produced in the US for 1999.

[@rowdyroddy2895]

Absolutely. I had two dakotas and I loved them. Love to see what you could do with it.

[@patricklinkous]

OMG those mods are so perfect for the turn of the century. Yeah, some it's cringey, but it really takes me back. 👌

[@Tempsho]

Those are the OEM wheels. They just need to be painted factory silver. Even black would look good too.

[@NXT_LVL]

Those wheels alone are $225 each now via those wheel sites in silver WITHOUT the caps. Caps alone are $100 for a set of 4

[@ElliottTucker1050]

"Mullet truck" from the guy in a 70s 501 jacket and Cotton "shearling". Up until now I've just let that go, bc nobody's perfect 😂 - that aside even though I'm not a big Mopar fanatic? These were downright Cool!! Especially the 5.9 R/T standard & my preference the extended cab. Nice ones today can fetch easily 25k-30k! Definitely Keep it rehab it make it cool again. & as for the shearling, I mean it's just a part of your quirky charisma

[@christopherwoodyatt38]

I remember I almost bought one of these trucks un fortunately. It was in a car accident so the steering column made a tremendous amount of noise whenever. You turned the wheel but I do remember driving the truck for about 5 minutes and it had insane power but it also used an eighth of a tank in. 5 minutes of driving with me. Only using the gas pedal a little bit twice gas guzzler very fun but make sure to get a good one.

[@mikerules666]

I love those Dodge Dakota pickup trucks. They are highly underrated and under-appreciated. I would love to see you make this into an awesome little sport truck.

[@corey9313]

I JUST saw a Ford Lightning over the weekend and getting ahold of one of these and bringing them back to stock would be amazing. Not sure what the CPU is like in these older trucks, but maybe thats an upgrade? Thats what i would do, spend time with it on the Dyno and make it a sleeper even if its flashy. It is perfect as it is other than the light caps and the stickers. Keep the spoiler!

[@daytona3927]

I had one of those, only ran mid fourteens, not all that fast, but it sure looked cool. Mine was lowered, roll pan, steel cowl induction hood, headers, exhaust.

[@cleonmain1291]

I had a 1997 Dakota V8 regular cab 4x4 5sp stick and I wish I still had it. It was quick and and handling was very good for a 90s pickup truck. Keep it stock!

[@ryanmccormick9905]

I was stationed in San Diego and they did street-legal drags in the Qual Com parking lot and raced several of the RT trucks with my Mustang. Great little truck would love to see more videos with it.

[@DakotaCox-i2b]

Keep it!!! I have a 02 Dakota with the v8 they are awesome! Just remove the cheesy 90s decals like light covers interior gages,seats, and 3m stickers.

[@jeremylupien8442]

I was in high school when these were coming out. My first vehicle was a 93 Dakota with the 318 so I had a soft spot for these. The modifications are all period correct but I would love to see it back to stock

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

Love the 2nd gen Dakota/Durango! I wouldn't spend much if it's worth $10k. Just remove the add ons to get it back to stock & detail it. I would even leave the seats. The next owner can get seats from a junkyard if they want. I would change the air filter/cleaner to stock, though

[@canyonero2050]

Definitely make this your next project truck. It has a ton of potential and gives TFL crew something to expand their content outside of strickly 4WD trail trucks.

[@AndrewBaker924]

I would like to see a video series on this truck. I agree with getting rid of the accessories that you guys have mention.

[@dylananderson4844]

Put a few bolt on applications like cold air intake, bored out throttle body, new intake. Take off stupid modifications such as seats, dash cluster, etc

[@ryanmrh4006]

I vote keep it. In high school a friend of mine had a Blue Dakota r/t, and I learned to love that thing.

[@cecilsolaguren6201]

Absolutely do something with this truck. I have always loved these things!

[@cmcb7230]

I know you guys say this is a long bed and for 2024 standards it probably is but when this truck was new this was actually a short bed. Before manufactures started using microbeds the standard was a 6-6.5 or 8ft bed (there were even some full-size trucks way back in the day with longer than that maybe 10ft I think). This model of Dakota could be had with regular cab and either short bed (6.5ft) or a long bed (8ft). Clubcabs only came with short beds. In 2000 the crew cab was offered which only came with a 5ft bed. I may be mistaken but I think dodge used the same frame for reg cab long bed, club cab and crew cab trucks. Only switching the cab/bed configuration to keep the trucks the same width.

[@jamesprice3423]

I have a 2010 Colorado LT with a Vortec 5.3 V8. It runs real strong. (extended cab 4X4) I think your plan is awesome. I would love to see a tastefully done Dakota R/T! Do it.

[@ralphtuck8509]

Do it! I had one in 2001 brand new, it looked a lot better stock.

[@mikebell2750]

Definitely keep it, but take all the gaudy aftermarket stuff off of it, then do a few performance “tweaks.” Something like set of headers and exhaust might make it a bit more punchy, possibly a better air intake, some stickier tires and upgrade the brakes on the cheap with better rotors and pads. I bet that this would be nothing short of a hoot to drive…

[@dmegahan]

I remember my cousin buying one of these brand new and when I drove it, it seemed like the fastest thing in the world. It’s actually scared me how fast and light the truck was especially that light back end.

[@DanielCordone73]

I say keep the wheels and spoiler hardtop cover. Definitely remove stickers and plastic guards, and please fix the gauge cluster. If Brendon says no to the seats we should listen to that as well lol

[@2500mike]

Bed cover goes. Wheels back to Alloy not yellow. Factory rear bumper. Mirrors back to factory black. Brake light covers off. Window sticker off. Goofy interior stick on crap gone. Factory cluster. Factory seats. Maybe change up the exhaust and intake. Good to go 😎

[@txvet7738]

YESSS……make it a project truck! That was one of my favorite sport trucks but I preferred it in extended cab!

[@justinstrother9506]

I think iit would be a great project and I would love to watch it even though I don't care for the color. These look cool when they are done right.

[@drg5352]

I've had two Dakotas; a first gen that was totaled by a drunk driver with 180k on the clock, and a 98 that had 287k when I sold it to a coworker, and it had over 300k when it was stolen, still running. My brother has another second gen that has 160k, that he's put a flatbed on, welder, generator, air compressor, tool boxes, etc... and turned it into a business. It's grossly overloaded, and keeps on going and going. Close to 8k coming across the scales at work. My dad had a fourth, another first gen, that had 220k IIRC when he sold it. All with that thrashy, crude 3.9l Magnum/LA. Those are tough little trucks, not economical at all, but they'll keep going and going. I towed my brothers 3/4 ton Dodge home one night when the wiring caught fire, and my brother's current one has towed a '50 Coronet and my Ram 50. I'd love one with a V8 and a stick shift. Amusingly, my 98 had the same flames gauge cluster thing. I hated that too. I'd strip off all but the bed cover, and paint those wheels, and put some factory seats or at least better ones in it. Maybe paint it; I'm not much for the yellow. Give me B5 Blue every day.

[@chadscott9138]

💯 pull the “mods” off that thing. Closer to stock with low miles and no rust, that’s a great truck you just don’t see a lot of anymore. Definitely save it.

[@aaronbritt2025]

0:15... First thing you gotta do is replace those horrible Pep Boys seats and ditch all the "smoked" plastic pieces. Get some nice Recaro street seats. Sure, they're expensive, but the truck is worth it. @4:38... Brenden, you forgot about the first gen Colorado. You could get that with the 5.3 V8. You could even get it in 2wd with the ZQ8 sport suspension. @5:04... That's a short bed. In this era, 6.5' was a short bed. Long beds were 8'.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I had a black one, extra cab.. It was a mixed bag.. Sounded good, got horrific fuel economy. Wasn't really that fast.. handled good, was comfortable, relatively reliable, but left the factory with paper thin metal, so they left the factory with rust.. and they rotted to dust everywhere that's not a dry location.

[@pduffy83usa]

Heck yeah, do it up guys, I love the RT!

[@TheMoparman7]

Love those , would love to see it returned to stock

[@davidlebsack7552]

I agree with most everyone else, keep it, get it back to normal (stock) and see what it can do.

[@davidiniguezjr214]

Without a doubt keep it and lightly restore it back to its original glory. It deserves it.

[@vincentseholm5209]

I would ABSOLUTELY keep it. Remove everything from the J.C. Whitney catalog. The yellow and black would not be my personal choice but it’s not terrible. Put some nice black aftermarket wheels with somewhat lower profile tires on it and it could look pretty decent. I would totally paint it a less loud color. Overall I’d say a pretty sweet score.

[@kylehamm7287]

Yes x3. Remove all the JC Whitney stuff, get the wheels back to factory, and call it a day. I for one do not like the exterior black racing stripes that go all the way down the front and back bumpers but hey that’s me

[@fredzeit3390]

As a Dakota owner, 1989 convertible, original top, seats and carpet. The only left in Melbourne, Fla!! I rebuilt the engine @ 200 + miles. Do nothing, they don't build them like this any more!!! Z

[@32srt32]

im holding onto my 00 R/T since gas prices are soo high in CA. figure it will be a classic eventually!

[@kylew7930]

I love these trucks, I have my 2nd one now and I’m putting in some tasteful mods. Love to do a Hemi swap someday.

[@justingustafson7964]

Yes, keep it!! Remove all the crap and repaint the wheels silver again. Then do some Hughes Performance upgrades to the engine

[@muddybadgers5205]

I like the yellow wheels. Maybe just do aftermarket smoked headlights, tail lights, and fog lights, along with ditching the bug guard, rain guards, and fake carbon fiber

[@stuieb25]

Keep the tonneau cover and spoiler for sure, it fits the truck so well.

[@rcairforceone]

We had an extended cab 5.9 RT in my auto tech class. It was a lemon turn in for a sticky throttle. There was a lot of burnouts in the shop yard 😂 Edit: Make it a project truck. Get factory seats, and refinish the wheels. Lose the light covers, and keep it period correct!

[@wowphillips]

Mid size trucks with V8 besides Dakota; Colorado/Canyon/H3. 5.3 v8 Lowered colorado rwd with v8 was a ZQ8 package. 17" chrome clad wheels.

No doubt the previous owner is crying about you accessory review!!😆🤣 I think would be a sweet next project! Back to near stock!!

[@TheNinjaKnight1]

Keep it forever! I have the Sport Trim with 4WD. Best truck ever!

[@eriklambert3809]

I still have my all wheel drive Durango r/t. Love it

[@grumpygrandpasgarage]

keep it , I found mine over 20 years ago , that 5.9 is a beast

[@IdiotSavantRC]

I had a 98 regular cab R/T. Please do! keep it!!!

[@brandonstewart7145]

Definitely get rid of the sillier stuff, wheels back to silver and I would get rid of the stripping on the grill and front bumper lol. I think closer to stock the better, it sounds sweet though, those old dog magnums have a nice sound!!! May be able to use some aircraft stripper and get the yellow off the wheels.

[@lombasto]

@4:51 it does exist today in the base F-150. RWD, Electronic Locker, V8, Single Cab. Around $38k.

[@Tempsho]

Heck yes! You get my vote!

[@arieljones4595]

You guys paid a LOT MORE for that truck than I thought you'd say. Cool truck for sure though. I especially liked them in the blue with the white stripes.

[@SE-fm2nw]

These were good looking trucks out of the box. Get it back to as close to stock appearing as you can...use some good old fashioned shade tree tricks to give that 5.9 some extra pep...