2001 Dodge Dakota

I bought my Dakota in January of 2005.  I had no intention to buy, walking into the dealership to see what they had.  I knew I was looking for a Dakota, but that was it.  I told the sales monkey what I wanted, and off around the lot we went.  I was looking at a Burgundy Club Cab when a black Quad Cab drove past.  It was filthy, had dealer markings all over the windows, they had just taken it in trade. 

After test driving it and finding a bad front wheel bearing, we sat down to talk.  My wife was giving me all kinds of dirty looks while I assured her I was just going to shine him on and we'd be out of there soon.  Thy were asking $18,000 for it.  I had $3,000 cash and a trade worth $10,000.  I told him I wanted a $100 payment.  I never thought he'd be able to do it, given my shady credit history.

Well, four hours later, my wife had given up, my 7 yr old was done and I was taking the keys to my new truck.  Here is what I brought home.  It had a very nice black Leer canopy on it, but I removed and sold it right away, it looked too much like a Durango (not that I dislike Durango's, but this is a truck, not an SUV). 

Page  1:  This one, don't really need a link, do you? (K&N FIPK install and clear corners)
Page  2:  Installing upper grill inserts
Page  3:  Installing lower grill inserts
Page  4:  Removing the clutch fan
Page  5:  Custom install; Qtek 2020 Pocket PC into center console
Page  6:  Installing a Herculiner roll-in bed liner
Page  7:  Custom painting the stock taillights
Page  8:  TMR Mod
Page  9:  Header install
Page 10: Painting the wiper cowl
Page 11: New wheels and tires
Page 12: Windows Tinted
Page 13: Silverstar turn signal bulbs
Page 14: Delphi XM Satellite Radio install
Page 15: Clifford alarm install
Page 16: Single-in, dual-out 2.5" cat-back exhaust system
Page 17: Dodge Ram SRT-10 Push button start
Page 18: Tinted taillights
Page 19: The importance of using the right gaskets!
Page 20: Strobe lights for alarm
Page 21: Roll pan installation
Page 22: Removing front drive shaft (AWD to RWD)
Page 23: Painting MoPar Splash Guards
Page 24: Rear Drop Shackles (4x4)
Page 25: Lowering the front end (4x4)

 

I drove it for a couple weeks, and decided it was too stock, so setting off to find something to do, I bought a month old used K&N FIPK intake.  It makes a wicked sound, but doesn't do anything for power.  It just sounds like it does.

(update) When I opened up the other end with headers and exhaust almost a year later, the FIPK really made a difference)

I also bought a set of barely used clear turn signal lenses, they add a nice look to the front end.

The results were phenomenal.  I also added 2005 Ram tailgate badges to the fenders.

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