The R/T was the best looking truck from the big 3 at the time. It was also one of the best performing (not including the Lighting). The Shelby was also a good looking truck and good performing with the V-8.
I have a 1999 Dakota R/T Standard Cab in Deep Amethyst. Still running strong at 210k miles! Did a full Flowmaster exhaust on it with full headers into true dual 3' pipes out the back. Also threw a full size air cleaner on it for the intake and tuned it. It now churns out somewhere between 300-350ish hp and it made quite a noticable difference in power. It's a bit of a gas guzzler, but it runs and sounds so good and it's incredibly fun to drive. I plan to make it a track truck in the future!
I've only seen a Dodge Dakota convertible once in my life. It was back in 2009 at a campground in North Carolina and I saw a it drive by with the top down catching me off guard. I thought it was modified but later research after going back to cell service revealed you could buy one like that. You learn something new every day lol
@@MarspeedCars my uncle friend son brought the Shelby because of the look of it he had a mucho macho mucho mango power wagon with the roll bar but crash it and couldn't save it even the motor so he brought a Shelby instead for senior high and college days nirvana and all that music that I don't like he use to play instead of some gun's and roses
I had to chuckle because you said way back in 2009 haha! I remember my neighbor had the new Lil Red Express way back in 1978 & it left my '78 Z28 sitting!
Finally someone recognized the Dakota R/T. That was the best truck to own. Well before 2001 because 2001 and up had less horse power. Wasn't the fastest but it would roast the tires. Best time I got in 1/4 mile was 14.8 stock. Great video
In 1998 I considered the R/T, but ended up getting a 5.2L (318) extended-cab Sport in Dark Amethyst because I wanted a 5 speed. Got it with a Tow package to get a higher numerical rear end. It was quite quick for its time.
I currently have a 98 Dakota 5.2 short bed with a NV 3500 manual 5 speed, 9.25 rear end with 3:92 gears. ALL FACTORY. Its rips. These things are a treasure to find. Cheap and will catch soo many people off guard. Love it..
I’m fortunate enough to currently own 2 Dakota R/Ts. One a 1998 I bought brand new and the other a 2001. Both extended cab both are silver. I like the 2001 better because the dash layout is a little different. Amazing trucks. Not the fastest things on the road anymore but still fun to drive and very dependable.
I owned a 2003 regular cab Dakota R/T in Graphite Metallic. Of all the trucks, sports cars etc that I've owned the Dakota R/T was the most exciting car of them all. It never left me with anything but a grin from ear to ear while driving.
When I was a kid I remember seeing the 70s lil red pickups. I thought it was the coolest looking thing on the road. Btw I like your videos. Just subscribed!
I’m lucky enough to live in a town with a lot of rare cars. I see a lil red Dakota and a convertible red Dakota all the time in the summer it’s awesome.
I have a 88 Dakota fleet side, and I meet a red convertible Dakota every summer in the same town lol. (A little jealous of his paint job) But hey, still cool to see a convertible truck.
I have a 2002 Dakota quad cab 4wd with the 5.9, and 3.92 from the factory They are super rare , but they were available if you ordered it that way from the dealership
@@sethclark100 you still got th 2002 Dakota I came across another for sale here where I live with the options you mentioned 5500 thinking about getting it
Have a 99’ R/T club cab as my first vehicle and it is a pretty sweet ride, I do wish the Dakota R/T came with a sporty 5 or 6 speed manual transmission but all in all I still don’t want to ever get rid of it because it is still an awesome truck after all these years!
Don't forget that the 2003 Dakota R/T was the only year available with rear disc brakes and chrome 17" R/T style rims My profile pic is of my '03 R/T, 1 of only 8 black regular cab Dakota R/T's shipped to Canada.
my father has a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T with a 360/5.9 V8 under the hood and the truck is solar yellow and we use it as a farm truck and boy that is a strong truck, but those trucks are known for cracking heads and timing covers,my dad bought the truck wrecked the right front fender was smashed so its got a silver fender, the front bumper was smashed so its also got a white bumper, the tailgate was missing so its also got a green tailgate, the rear bumper was ripped off half way so its got a chrome bumper from an older truck.But still its a grate truck.
While I’m working towards affording an original Shelby Daytona, I’ll prolly buy the Shelby Dakota. I already like the Dakota truck; Dodge and Shelby working together is like my two favorite musicians collaborating!
There's actually one ultra rare 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a 4.7 HO. It was made at the Detroit plant and the only way they would let it go down the assembly line is if it had a VIN number of a two wheel drive but it's really a 4x4. It's currently registered in Vancouver Washington
Great video, don’t see much on Dakota R/T’s. I’m a proud owner of a gray 03 club cab 5.9l Dakota. And my older brother had a custom 2 tone paint, club cab, 98 R/T 5.9l back in the day which inspired my to get my own
Really liked the video! I have a ‘96 Dakota Sport 4x4, 5.2 V-8, Mopar roll bar package. I love this truck! 217,000+ miles on her and still runs like a Mopar should!!
I had an 89 Dakota Convertable that I added all the Shelby Dakota trim. It looked great and I got the strangest looks at car meets. When people would ask who did the top, I would say Lee Iacocca!!!!
I've had my 99 flame red extended cab since 2006. I bought it with 77,000 on it and it now has 109000. I store it every winter and take good care of it. My wife hates it cuz I spend more time with it,, then her! Never owned a better or more fun truck. I get lots of thumbs up when I am driving👍. I hope when they bring the dakota back they put a hellcat engine in it! I would b first in line
Haha that’s awesome, amazing color too. I’ve got 2 torred chargers so I love those red colors from dodge, I believe the flame red was very similar to torred. Thanks for sharing!
Had a hand me 1996 dodge Dakota my grandfather last pickup. Before he died he told my grandmother to hand it down when I was gonna be 17 . I'm 24 now and that truck still runs.
Just scored on a 01 pitch black single cab short bed RT with 130k miles doesn’t miss a beat everything is stock clean title rides smooth as butter love every bit of it drive it every day and it does not get old love that truck
I had a Amethyst Purple Sport with 250k and a 5 speed, she was immaculate, unfortunately a dickhead didn't stop at a stop sign and I T-Boned them. I'll have another one some day in that color
Its funny you say that, because I have a 1988 with the L.A. 3.9L and 5 speed manual at 400,000+ miles also! The thing is so reliable I've put 2,000 miles per month on it for the last 10 years straight
Forgot one....The 8th special edition Dodge Dakota truck was a front wheel drive with no axle in the rear. The bed lowered flat to the ground for loading motorcycles. golf carts, ATV's, etc...
GREAT video! The only thing I would add, is that the R/T was NOT the only dakota model to get the 360(5.9) as you stated... the 2003 and 2004 SLT "Plus" also had the 360 as an option albeit in quad-cab only, and towing more than SOME 1500 pickups of the era. Excellent work otherwise 👏
Back in 2000 I purchased a new regular cab black Dakota R/T. I loved that truck owned it for 7 years a growing family forced me to sell for a larger vehicle. That was the only one I wish I had back
I remember having to rent a Dakota R/T Club Cab for a week--I was surprised I didn't either kill myself or get a ticket during that time. I REALLY liked that truck, and vowed I'd get one after college. Never did. And yes, it was red--though I was a bit partial to the Solar Yellow one.
Good compilation of the Daks - would have liked to see more info on the 3rd gen 4.7L High Output Dakota R/T's from 2006 and 2007, haven't seen production numbers on those anywhere. As for one special edition missing, there was a "Night Runner" edition of the 3rd Gen Dakota's as well in 06 & 07 (08 as well?).
Thank you for your videos! I really enjoy watching them because your videos are always very informative and cover a lot of trim levels and areas and I think that's great! Keep up the good work! 😀👍🏻
I like the original Lil Red Express truck, and I like the Dakota version too, except for the Garbage Motors produced chevy tail lights Dodge for some reason used on the 1991 model (as seen @1:22) ..they're for junk chevy's, not for Mopar's...nor Ford's for that matter....another difference between the Warrior and Lil Red Express is the Warrior had a 4x4 option available...
I owned 2 1999 R/Ts years ago, a Black club can and a Solar Yellow reg cab. They were great looking and fun to drive trucks that I absolutley miss to this day! Chrysler really missed out with the following generation by not creating a Hemi powered R/T. ,
I had a 79 lil red express. It would outrun everything but a gas station. No matter how you drove or how empty or loaded the bed was it got 10 to 12 mpg.
The Ram never got any better about that! I have a '98 Ram with the 5.9. It gets 12 MPG. Whether it's empty, going to the store, or loaded to the top of the cab with brush. 12. Always 12.
@@henryrodgers7386 My 67(early) with a 318 2 bbl only got 10 mpg. I had a friend rebuilt the thermoquad on the 79 because of a transmission shifting problem. The 727 shifted proberly again but did not help the gas milege. Traded it for a new 89 Toyota pickup, Still have it.
The beds were manufactured in Sturgis, MI by Delta III Corp and sold to LER as well as other conversion companies around the US and Canada. LER was the only conversion company that did the Lil Red Express version though.
My sister's ex husband had a blue ext cab 2000 R/T lowered show truck when they met. It was only a year old and was fast. Loved his 1994 Anniversary Trans Am more. But he was the first person to do the shaker hood conversion that I personally knew.
Woah I saw marspeed and was like omg I totally forgot about him! I totaled my charger a year ago and got into a couple rams and then a prerunner f150. I would love to make a charger prerunner build but we’ll see! Good to see another great video from you bub
Had a black '93 standard cab Sport. 2WD, 3.90 limited slip, a set of the Doug Thorley headers feeding into a single 3" Flowmaster Delta 40, and one of the first MP ECU's to make it to the west coast, or so I was told by the dealer (Westbrook Dodge, I think it was.) The MP ECU advanced the timing to ridiculous levels, it would ping on 93 octane at times. Loved that truck. At 150K miles, with a partially clogged converter it still ran 15.2 @90 with me not really knowing how to launch it.
Informative! I’ve owned my 98 RT for a year now and it’s definitely a fun vehicle. Thanks to this video I now know I have one of 387 and one of 87 black 1998 RTs. 🤗🙏
I ordered a 97 rwd 5.2 5 spd with 3.90 club cab with only a/c. Dealer tried to sell me a truck that was coming in . This was September of 96 and was trading in a 94 s 10 extended cab 4.3 4x4. When I picked it up I lite up the parking lot on way out getting thumbs up from other customers. After seeing the Hot Wheels hemi Dakota in Sport Truck I went full bore crazy. Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp Roller cam , Kenne Bell twin screw supercharger, Borla stainless headers and true duals. C notched rear with 4 link and panhard bar, Bell Tech a arms and spindles for 3/5 drop. Good for 415 hp at tires , which usually only lasted about 8000 miles if that. And all came to a crashing end in 2001 when racing a beating a 2000 Mustang and lost control from kids opening a hydrant on cross street and took out utility pool and corner of brick building. Yep oops trash city
I have a 2005 Dakota extended cab, and it's been the best, most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I'd really like an '89 Shelby if i had my wish... With a manual!
back in college i was looking for a truck and came across a couple shelby dakotas in my price range. As much as i wanted one of them i let both go because i needed a 4wd. Now im looking for a 1st gen dakota reg cab short bed for a hemi swap. im in ny so there are almost no 1st gens in good shape
My first pickup truck was a 1994 dodge Dakota with the V6…. Pulled out of the dealership and the check engine light goes off within the first mile. Took it back to the dealer and it was just an oxygen sensor.. after that, no issues… had it for 36,000 miles till I traded it in on a dodge Ram
i have a 2002 ,AWD with 4 low and 4 high.Dakota with 4.7,quad cab in red,and i have a black 98 with 318.Love both those trucks,my 02 will go through almost anything ......great video dude
Just picked up a '99 Solar Yellow club cab RT. (if you're over 6' tall, the club cab is more comfortable) Love the look of the fender flares, but they are bad for hiding/promoting rust. Unfortunately they are screwed and double-sided taped on so you can't easily remove them to check. Minor design mods could have eliminated the areas where rust occurs, but hey, they don't build them to last.
I had two R/Ts while living in Brazil . The Brazilian model R/T 5.2L V8 Reg. Cab. was a 2000 model and the North American model 5.9L R/T club cab that was made in Canada and exported to Brazil in 1998. I was the second owner of both trucks and both were black. Update your export list. for 1998 . :)
The RT doing the burn out was most likely a built stroker motor and most def had a hot cam in it. There was never a stock Dakota that ever sounded like that. We all wish they came with a cam and good springs like that though.
As a Dakota owner and fan, I’m sad that the 2.5 Detroit never made it to the American market. I’ve got an 03 3.9L V6, which I love, but I’m half tempted to swap the engine for either the 2.5 Detroit (if possible) or a Cummins 4BT. Then again, as much work as I’ve already put into the V6, I might just keep the V6 and run it as a sleeper build.
Yeah most of those VMI turbodiesels never made it over here, I feel like they could have been successful for some applications. May as well just beef up your V6 and make it even more beastly in my opinion!
Marspeed they very well could have been great in the states. They failed over in Brazil due to their humid climate, as it often caused the fuel tanks to become contaminated with condensation (once it happens, you have to replace the whole fuel system). Most states don’t have that issue, even in the south, but I guess Daimler-Chrysler didn’t see the potential in the states. 😕
Clayton Pope I just don’t know much about the 2.8L. 4BT is extremely heavy, but it’s actually has been fit under the hood of a second gen Dakota without cutting the hood before. But yeah, 2.8L probably would be a better option. Then again, I’d still want to try the Detroit 2.5L. It would probably have more support for swapping into a Dakota, and I’m a big fan of Detroit. But honestly, I’m broke as it stands. I’ll likely stick to the V6. All I need at this point to finish the main part of my build is a new trans and a supercharger. Frankly, the stock trans doesn’t like the mods I’ve done so far. After a full exhaust, cold air intake, and ported throttle body, it slips into neutral halfway through second. Found that out trying to pass a delivery truck doing 40 in a 65. 😕 But I can’t say I expected much more out of a Chrysler trans with 206k miles.
Dodge Dakota R/T is one of my favorite trucks as a child and I still remember as of today.
Same
My first truck. One of the best I’ve had
Still driving mine daily, fun truck.
@@jeffmorris6658 dont care
bruh i had no idea my r/t was sort of rare/ sought out
The R/T was the best looking truck from the big 3 at the time. It was also one of the best performing (not including the Lighting). The Shelby was also a good looking truck and good performing with the V-8.
I have a 1999 Dakota R/T Standard Cab in Deep Amethyst. Still running strong at 210k miles! Did a full Flowmaster exhaust on it with full headers into true dual 3' pipes out the back. Also threw a full size air cleaner on it for the intake and tuned it. It now churns out somewhere between 300-350ish hp and it made quite a noticable difference in power. It's a bit of a gas guzzler, but it runs and sounds so good and it's incredibly fun to drive. I plan to make it a track truck in the future!
Best color they came in!
In Canada that exact truck had only 15 units made! Which is insane, so if you live in Canada, you have a 1/15 sport truck!
My favorite is the r/t and shelby.
Mine is the lil red Express and the convertible
I actually found. a red Shelby Dakota on eBay it's in Florida
I really like the r/t really the only generation of Dakota's that looked good man dodge made some ugly trucks up until 1995
As Jeremy Clarkson once said “The Dodge Dakota R/T was so good that dodge nor Chrysler know how to make it again”
I've only seen a Dodge Dakota convertible once in my life. It was back in 2009 at a campground in North Carolina and I saw a it drive by with the top down catching me off guard. I thought it was modified but later research after going back to cell service revealed you could buy one like that. You learn something new every day lol
Yeah that’s just such an interesting story to me. Can’t believe 3700+ people bought it to be honest unless you wanted an oddball toy
@@MarspeedCars me too I'm shocked they sold that many. I only expected it to be like 500 or so not 3700+ over several years
@@MarspeedCars my uncle friend son brought the Shelby because of the look of it he had a mucho macho mucho mango power wagon with the roll bar but crash it and couldn't save it even the motor so he brought a Shelby instead for senior high and college days nirvana and all that music that I don't like he use to play instead of some gun's and roses
I had to chuckle because you said way back in 2009 haha! I remember my neighbor had the new Lil Red Express way back in 1978 & it left my '78 Z28 sitting!
Finally someone recognized the Dakota R/T. That was the best truck to own. Well before 2001 because 2001 and up had less horse power. Wasn't the fastest but it would roast the tires. Best time I got in 1/4 mile was 14.8 stock. Great video
In 1998 I considered the R/T, but ended up getting a 5.2L (318) extended-cab Sport in Dark Amethyst because I wanted a 5 speed. Got it with a Tow package to get a higher numerical rear end. It was quite quick for its time.
Id give a nut for a 5 spd behind my 5.2..installed a Transgo shift kit but miss rowing gears
I currently have a 98 Dakota 5.2 short bed with a NV 3500 manual 5 speed, 9.25 rear end with 3:92 gears. ALL FACTORY. Its rips. These things are a treasure to find. Cheap and will catch soo many people off guard. Love it..
I’m fortunate enough to currently own 2 Dakota R/Ts. One a 1998 I bought brand new and the other a 2001. Both extended cab both are silver. I like the 2001 better because the dash layout is a little different. Amazing trucks. Not the fastest things on the road anymore but still fun to drive and very dependable.
I owned a 2003 regular cab Dakota R/T in Graphite Metallic. Of all the trucks, sports cars etc that I've owned the Dakota R/T was the most exciting car of them all. It never left me with anything but a grin from ear to ear while driving.
When I was a kid I remember seeing the 70s lil red pickups. I thought it was the coolest looking thing on the road.
Btw I like your videos. Just subscribed!
Thanks for subbing and watching! Those were definitely bad ass, a lot of cool cars and trucks were on the road back then compared to now!
Same here but never saw or heard of the Dakota version
Same hear.
@@shiftmotorsports9803 that dakota version is a joke. the stacks are just cosmetic????
@@zzz7zzz9 I don't know, the first picture actually looks like the exhaust is run to them! The stacks are probably worth more than the truck
I own a 2001 Dakota r/t. It has 192k miles and still runs like a champ.
Tough to beat a Dakota R/T. Best looking newer model truck ever in my opinion.
Dakota R/T was and still is one of my favorite trucks 👍
I’m lucky enough to live in a town with a lot of rare cars. I see a lil red Dakota and a convertible red Dakota all the time in the summer it’s awesome.
I have a 88 Dakota fleet side, and I meet a red convertible Dakota every summer in the same town lol. (A little jealous of his paint job) But hey, still cool to see a convertible truck.
I’ve seen a white Shelby in my hometown, and that was fantastic
Love the R/t I own 2 of them both regular cab intense blue and flame red
I have a 2002 Dakota quad cab 4wd with the 5.9, and 3.92 from the factory
They are super rare , but they were available if you ordered it that way from the dealership
sethclark100 you r a lucky son of a bitch
I’ll try and throw up a vid soon
@@sethclark100 you still got th 2002 Dakota I came across another for sale here where I live with the options you mentioned 5500 thinking about getting it
thank you so much own a R/T myself love seeing this.
Have a 99’ R/T club cab as my first vehicle and it is a pretty sweet ride, I do wish the Dakota R/T came with a sporty 5 or 6 speed manual transmission but all in all I still don’t want to ever get rid of it because it is still an awesome truck after all these years!
I have a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab Sport 3.9- 4x4, almost 200k on her, still going strong.
There needs to be a new lil red express for tge 1500, with the hellcat engine
Alexes Miranda
That is a great idea
Demon engine lol
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You should do a video about all the eras of Dodge like Dimler vs FCA. You could go over what was common with each car and how it hurt or helped dodge.
This is a solid idea I’ll definitely be considering something like this
Don't forget that the 2003 Dakota R/T was the only year available with rear disc brakes and chrome 17" R/T style rims My profile pic is of my '03 R/T, 1 of only 8 black regular cab Dakota R/T's shipped to Canada.
my father has a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T with a 360/5.9 V8 under the hood and the truck is solar yellow and we use it as a farm truck and boy that is a strong truck, but those trucks are known for cracking heads and timing covers,my dad bought the truck wrecked the right front fender was smashed so its got a silver fender, the front bumper was smashed so its also got a white bumper, the tailgate was missing so its also got a green tailgate, the rear bumper was ripped off half way so its got a chrome bumper from an older truck.But still its a grate truck.
I loved the R/T Dakota from 98-03
While I’m working towards affording an original Shelby Daytona, I’ll prolly buy the Shelby Dakota. I already like the Dakota truck; Dodge and Shelby working together is like my two favorite musicians collaborating!
Agreed that’s an awesome combo and I think the truck turned out amazing in the end
The Dodge Dakota R/T it's my most favorite truck it will always remain as a legend in our hearts! ❤
The R/T and Shelby are sweet machines
The Chevy SSR was the only other convertible truck
There's actually one ultra rare 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a 4.7 HO.
It was made at the Detroit plant and the only way they would let it go down the assembly line is if it had a VIN number of a two wheel drive but it's really a 4x4. It's currently registered in Vancouver Washington
Great video, don’t see much on Dakota R/T’s. I’m a proud owner of a gray 03 club cab 5.9l Dakota. And my older brother had a custom 2 tone paint, club cab, 98 R/T 5.9l back in the day which inspired my to get my own
Nice... Just purchased a 2003 RT Club Cab Black with taupe leather interior. 50k actual miles.
Really liked the video! I have a ‘96 Dakota Sport 4x4, 5.2 V-8, Mopar roll bar package. I love this truck! 217,000+ miles on her and still runs like a Mopar should!!
I had an 89 Dakota Convertable that I added all the Shelby Dakota trim. It looked great and I got the strangest looks at car meets. When people would ask who did the top, I would say Lee Iacocca!!!!
The rt was not the only model powered by the 5.9 v8, it was an option in the 97-04 4x4 crew cab models
I've had my 99 flame red extended cab since 2006. I bought it with 77,000 on it and it now has 109000. I store it every winter and take good care of it. My wife hates it cuz I spend more time with it,, then her! Never owned a better or more fun truck. I get lots of thumbs up when I am driving👍. I hope when they bring the dakota back they put a hellcat engine in it! I would b first in line
Haha that’s awesome, amazing color too. I’ve got 2 torred chargers so I love those red colors from dodge, I believe the flame red was very similar to torred. Thanks for sharing!
@@MarspeedCars thanks for your videos
Had a hand me 1996 dodge Dakota my grandfather last pickup. Before he died he told my grandmother to hand it down when I was gonna be 17 . I'm 24 now and that truck still runs.
Own one of the white shelby dakotas, it is a fun little truck
I also own a white Shelby Dakota badge # 1130
You absolutely have to replace the revving sound in your intro with one of the two at the end of this video
Just scored on a 01 pitch black single cab short bed RT with 130k miles doesn’t miss a beat everything is stock clean title rides smooth as butter love every bit of it drive it every day and it does not get old love that truck
R/T is my favorite by far
I got a 3.9 with the 5 speed and 1/2 a million miles still going strong
I had a Amethyst Purple Sport with 250k and a 5 speed, she was immaculate, unfortunately a dickhead didn't stop at a stop sign and I T-Boned them. I'll have another one some day in that color
Its funny you say that, because I have a 1988 with the L.A. 3.9L and 5 speed manual at 400,000+ miles also! The thing is so reliable I've put 2,000 miles per month on it for the last 10 years straight
I call bull shit
@@jhard8789 Let you in on a little secret.. (AmsOil signature series 5w30 oil, in the engine and transmission on my 400,000 mile + ORIGINAL truck..)
In the 98-03 Dakotas the 5.9 was also a available as a standard engine. My dad owned a 5.9 4 Door.
I got a 2000 R/T Dakota with a 5.9 love it
What color do you have?
Marspeed I have a 2000 Dakota rt as well and the color is intense blue and it’s a crew cab so I got one of the 576 made in 2000 kind of exciting
Forgot one....The 8th special edition Dodge Dakota truck was a front wheel drive with no axle in the rear. The bed lowered flat to the ground for loading motorcycles. golf carts, ATV's, etc...
I know that you typed this years ago but I’ve been looking for a comment like this. It was called the Kelpie Kargo. And I think there’s only one left
Thank you... I didn't know what it was called, but I remember the advertisements in the dirt bike magazines when I was a teenager! @@bigjandad4180
I currently drive a 04 dak quad cab, 289k only 1 new trans since new. Smooth to the groove!
GREAT video! The only thing I would add, is that the R/T was NOT the only dakota model to get the 360(5.9) as you stated... the 2003 and 2004 SLT "Plus" also had the 360 as an option albeit in quad-cab only, and towing more than SOME 1500 pickups of the era. Excellent work otherwise 👏
They made them in 02 also, I have an 02 quadcab in white with the 360
I just saw a Dakota Shelby today.
Thank you. I just got a 1990 and I've been trying to figure out a direction to customize my little truck it's pretty fun.
I'm just wondering if you have any info on the Dakota super sport as I owned one not long ago
Back in 2000 I purchased a new regular cab black Dakota R/T. I loved that truck owned it for 7 years a growing family forced me to sell for a larger vehicle. That was the only one I wish I had back
I remember having to rent a Dakota R/T Club Cab for a week--I was surprised I didn't either kill myself or get a ticket during that time.
I REALLY liked that truck, and vowed I'd get one after college. Never did. And yes, it was red--though I was a bit partial to the Solar Yellow one.
Good compilation of the Daks - would have liked to see more info on the 3rd gen 4.7L High Output Dakota R/T's from 2006 and 2007, haven't seen production numbers on those anywhere. As for one special edition missing, there was a "Night Runner" edition of the 3rd Gen Dakota's as well in 06 & 07 (08 as well?).
Thank you for your videos! I really enjoy watching them because your videos are always very informative and cover a lot of trim levels and areas and I think that's great! Keep up the good work! 😀👍🏻
I like the original Lil Red Express truck, and I like the Dakota version too, except for the Garbage Motors produced chevy tail lights Dodge for some reason used on the 1991 model (as seen @1:22) ..they're for junk chevy's, not for Mopar's...nor Ford's for that matter....another difference between the Warrior and Lil Red Express is the Warrior had a 4x4 option available...
Dakota RT was the first vehicle I ever owned and seeing this video gives me a few good memories
In 2003 Dakota RT was 4- wheel disk. I have owned one since 2003. Only year for 4-wheel disk.
I owned 2 1999 R/Ts years ago, a Black club can and a Solar Yellow reg cab. They were great looking and fun to drive trucks that I absolutley miss to this day! Chrysler really missed out with the following generation by not creating a Hemi powered R/T.
,
I had a 79 lil red express. It would outrun everything but a gas station. No matter how you drove or how empty or loaded the bed was it got 10 to 12 mpg.
The Ram never got any better about that! I have a '98 Ram with the 5.9.
It gets 12 MPG. Whether it's empty, going to the store, or loaded to the top of the cab with brush.
12.
Always 12.
@@henryrodgers7386 My 67(early) with a 318 2 bbl only got 10 mpg. I had a friend rebuilt the thermoquad on the 79 because of a transmission shifting problem. The 727 shifted proberly again but did not help the gas milege. Traded it for a new 89 Toyota pickup, Still have it.
I love the sound of the rt at the end. He has convinced me to buy one.
The Dakota 5.9 RT of 1998-2003 is my favorite!😀
I love the Lil red express 😎😏
I had an r/t 😭 still miss it
Could you do an episode of the dodge ramcharger?
The beds were manufactured in Sturgis, MI by Delta III Corp and sold to LER as well as other conversion companies around the US and Canada. LER was the only conversion company that did the Lil Red Express version though.
I had a 94 Dakota sport magnum v8 with a five speed. Loved that truck. Fast and able. So much fun
My sister's ex husband had a blue ext cab 2000 R/T lowered show truck when they met. It was only a year old and was fast. Loved his 1994 Anniversary Trans Am more. But he was the first person to do the shaker hood conversion that I personally knew.
I have a black 99 Durango 5.9 kept it mint all these years
i thought those old gas trucks with stacks were aftermarket
I have a 1998 dodge dakota club cab v6, I have had it more than 13 years
Woah I saw marspeed and was like omg I totally forgot about him! I totaled my charger a year ago and got into a couple rams and then a prerunner f150. I would love to make a charger prerunner build but we’ll see! Good to see another great video from you bub
The 2nd generation body's styles are still the best looking Dodge came out with.
Had a black '93 standard cab Sport. 2WD, 3.90 limited slip, a set of the Doug Thorley headers feeding into a single 3" Flowmaster Delta 40, and one of the first MP ECU's to make it to the west coast, or so I was told by the dealer (Westbrook Dodge, I think it was.) The MP ECU advanced the timing to ridiculous levels, it would ping on 93 octane at times. Loved that truck. At 150K miles, with a partially clogged converter it still ran 15.2 @90 with me not really knowing how to launch it.
My thoughts on the R/T, I have had 3 and still own an 02 silver regular cab. Dont perform well against today's technology but still fun
Informative! I’ve owned my 98 RT for a year now and it’s definitely a fun vehicle. Thanks to this video I now know I have one of 387 and one of 87 black 1998 RTs. 🤗🙏
I have an 01 base package. White SB manual trans. When it was new and nice, some folks mistake it for a sleeper
i remember seeing a dakota convertible and flipping out knowing how rare they are to see dont think ill see another for a long time
I miss my '99 R/T.
I owned a 99 Solar yellow club cab. I loved it.
I ordered a 97 rwd 5.2 5 spd with 3.90 club cab with only a/c. Dealer tried to sell me a truck that was coming in . This was September of 96 and was trading in a 94 s 10 extended cab 4.3 4x4. When I picked it up I lite up the parking lot on way out getting thumbs up from other customers. After seeing the Hot Wheels hemi Dakota in Sport Truck I went full bore crazy. Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp Roller cam , Kenne Bell twin screw supercharger, Borla stainless headers and true duals. C notched rear with 4 link and panhard bar, Bell Tech a arms and spindles for 3/5 drop. Good for 415 hp at tires , which usually only lasted about 8000 miles if that. And all came to a crashing end in 2001 when racing a beating a 2000 Mustang and lost control from kids opening a hydrant on cross street and took out utility pool and corner of brick building. Yep oops trash city
I have a 2005 Dakota extended cab, and it's been the best, most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I'd really like an '89 Shelby if i had my wish... With a manual!
Any chance on doing a video on the history of engines?
I’ve wanted to do it at some point they will just be very time consuming haha so I’ll try to get started soon
I had a 01 quad cab dakota and a 2006 quad cab dakota. I miss both, especially my 01, as it was my first vehicle. I'll get another one day
back in college i was looking for a truck and came across a couple shelby dakotas in my price range. As much as i wanted one of them i let both go because i needed a 4wd. Now im looking for a 1st gen dakota reg cab short bed for a hemi swap. im in ny so there are almost no 1st gens in good shape
The R/T was not the only Dakota with the 5.9 magnum. I have a 2000 Quad Cab with a 5.9L
Just picked up a 1993 dodge dokota sport 2wd 3.9l with 115,000 miles on it. Any inside info on these trucks?
I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota RT
Yellow
Regular cab
81000 miles
Thanks for sharing
My first pickup truck was a 1994 dodge Dakota with the V6…. Pulled out of the dealership and the check engine light goes off within the first mile. Took it back to the dealer and it was just an oxygen sensor.. after that, no issues… had it for 36,000 miles till I traded it in on a dodge Ram
Nevet knew they made a lil red express version of it
i have a 2002 ,AWD with 4 low and 4 high.Dakota with 4.7,quad cab in red,and i have a black 98 with 318.Love both those trucks,my 02 will go through almost anything ......great video dude
Just picked up a '99 Solar Yellow club cab RT. (if you're over 6' tall, the club cab is more comfortable) Love the look of the fender flares, but they are bad for hiding/promoting rust. Unfortunately they are screwed and double-sided taped on so you can't easily remove them to check. Minor design mods could have eliminated the areas where rust occurs, but hey, they don't build them to last.
One day I hope to own a second gen Dakota. It's one of my all time favorite trucks and would be a dream to own
I had two R/Ts while living in Brazil . The Brazilian model R/T 5.2L V8 Reg. Cab. was a 2000 model and the North American model 5.9L R/T club cab that was made in Canada and exported to Brazil in 1998. I was the second owner of both trucks and both were black.
Update your export list. for 1998 . :)
Great vid awesome background on the trucks
Love the Dakota line
I loved the Dakota R/T. Good looking truck, would make a killer drifter today
I'm really surprised they didn't bring the Dakota when the Colorado and Ranger returned.
Manic Crow rumor has it dodge is bring it back.
Because the Last Generations SUCKED. OLD Man had 2 pf them. Rotted out like a Wet paper sack
I saw a convertible about 2 weeks ago .... I was kinda wondering if it was from factory like that .... neat lil truck
The RT doing the burn out was most likely a built stroker motor and most def had a hot cam in it. There was never a stock Dakota that ever sounded like that. We all wish they came with a cam and good springs like that though.
You don't know sheit. Shut the fuck up.
As a Dakota owner and fan, I’m sad that the 2.5 Detroit never made it to the American market. I’ve got an 03 3.9L V6, which I love, but I’m half tempted to swap the engine for either the 2.5 Detroit (if possible) or a Cummins 4BT. Then again, as much work as I’ve already put into the V6, I might just keep the V6 and run it as a sleeper build.
Yeah most of those VMI turbodiesels never made it over here, I feel like they could have been successful for some applications. May as well just beef up your V6 and make it even more beastly in my opinion!
Marspeed they very well could have been great in the states. They failed over in Brazil due to their humid climate, as it often caused the fuel tanks to become contaminated with condensation (once it happens, you have to replace the whole fuel system). Most states don’t have that issue, even in the south, but I guess Daimler-Chrysler didn’t see the potential in the states. 😕
Clayton Pope I just don’t know much about the 2.8L. 4BT is extremely heavy, but it’s actually has been fit under the hood of a second gen Dakota without cutting the hood before. But yeah, 2.8L probably would be a better option. Then again, I’d still want to try the Detroit 2.5L. It would probably have more support for swapping into a Dakota, and I’m a big fan of Detroit. But honestly, I’m broke as it stands. I’ll likely stick to the V6. All I need at this point to finish the main part of my build is a new trans and a supercharger. Frankly, the stock trans doesn’t like the mods I’ve done so far. After a full exhaust, cold air intake, and ported throttle body, it slips into neutral halfway through second. Found that out trying to pass a delivery truck doing 40 in a 65. 😕 But I can’t say I expected much more out of a Chrysler trans with 206k miles.
I had two 2000 model year Dakotas 1 white 4wd and 1 blue and silver 2wd trucks! Miss them both! I have a 2003 Ram Cummins crewcab dually now! Lol!