THE FINAL BUILD! (Maybe)

[mindymogul]

So I just got the best score I think I've ever gotten in my 28yrs being on this earth. Found this MINT '93 Dakota for ONLY $50. It also came with 4 sets of wheels (AR AR62, Red Stripe wagon wheels, Steel Baja rims, then the factory cast rims) Got launched off a snowbank at 50mph but according to the frame machine it's true. It runs, drives beautifully, and it's a 5spd. Already stripped the body other than the bare cab so my thoughts for it are:

A) Build a Sand Rail (Have 32x14x15 paddle tires)
B) Oversized go kart (Lifted Vette Cart. Would be a BEAST)
C) Cut the frame and make a mini Stubby Bob (rear engine wheel standing truck)
D) Slap Nitrous on it and GIVE AH THE BEANS till something breaks and I kinda sorta maybe die.
E) Fix it up and turn it into a sleeper

I've built sand rails using this frame since they're so easy to work with. And finding one is this good of shape AND not rotted beyond recognition is extremely rare. But I'll decide via popular vote since I have that issue of not being able to on my own.

 

[Joe-405]

Option C

 

[Rail rider]

B.

 

[Kartorbust]

A. Sand rail. What engine anyway?

 

[mindymogul]

A. Sand rail. What engine anyway?

3.9L w/ the 5.7 TB conversion. Engine came out of a '01. Factory engine don't run quite run right... or round...

 

[Kartorbust]

I'd get a 5.9 V8 or the 5.2.

 

[mindymogul]

I'd get a 5.9 V8 or the 5.2.

The 3.9L has plenty of torque. It can spin both wheels with 1700lbs of scrap in the back of a '01. Never liked the 5.7s or the 318s unless it was an HP from the Demon and Scamp lines. Plus I like lightweight.

 

[B.M.800]

There is a couple recipes for 400hp 318 out there done for around $1500. One basically just with bolt on parts... On my "to do" list... when I get my Mopar A body... or my half ton 2wd stepside bed pickup...


Ill give you $100 for it.

 

[mindymogul]

Lemme rephrase this...

I don't want to put a V8 on it. This is a cheap build and I'm gonna work with what I got. So No. No V8s.

 

[B.M.800]

Party pooper...


My dads dakota has the 3.9. Its a gutless turd.
It has a 5 speed, so atleast it was fun to drive...

 

[mindymogul]

My dads dakota has the 3.9. Its a gutless turd.

He must be driving one of them 3rd gens cuz the 1st and 2nd Gen V6s could burn rubber better than the 5.7s. I've had 11 Dakotas. 9 Had the V6, 1 had the 360 and the other the 318. V6 is PLENTY fine to pull the paddle tires. '01 Dakota V6 STOCK w/ the 46RE 0-60 in 5.6 sec. Just saying.

 

[Kartorbust]

Lot of people like to drop a Hemi in the Dakotas, of all 3 flavors. Way too expensive unless you can find a wrecked donor for dirt cheap and you are electronically inclined. Love Dakotas, just hate the rust so fast.

 

[B.M.800]

My dads dakota has the 3.9. Its a gutless turd.
QUOTE]

He must be driving one of them 3rd gens cuz the 1st and 2nd Gen V6s could burn rubber better than the 5.7s. I've had 11 Dakotas. 9 Had the V6, 1 had the 360 and the other the 318. V6 is PLENTY fine to pull the paddle tires. '01 Dakota V6 STOCK w/ the 46RE 0-60 in 5.6 sec. Just saying.

Is a 96. I dont know much anyhting about them. I prefer the older full size pickups. Pre computer gas hogs... ha

 

[Randy H]

I'd punch a few holes in the hood with a torch, or plasma cutter. Say 5 holes. Then take 3 bungee cords and strap the hood to the bumper. 2 cords on one side one on the other. It breaks up the symmetry and draws attention. The 2 missing cords set it off. It'll scream redneck, and after all isn't that what we really want.

 

[FreeRunner15]

_ Choices_
[Sand Rail___]
[Maxi Go Kart]
[Fix It ______]
[Blow it Up __]
Hmmmmmm...



I say Fix up the Go Kart, turn it into a Sand Railing car, and tune it until it blows up JUST the head gasket so you know its' power capabilities.. Would have one hellva kart/car.

It's no small task but I think you could handle it.
Imagine selling it when you get all done $$,$$$
=======================================================

 

[B.M.800]

Hop up the 3.9. (in a Jeremy Clarkson voice) SPEEEED AND POWWER!

 

[Hellion]

So it has no bed at this time, just bare frame rails?

It's kind of a shame that it runs and drives beautifully. I would straighten it out a bit in the front, cosmetically, but do the sand rail thing to it. Make it a Mad Max sand rail.

Got more photos of it as-is?

 

[mindymogul]

The cab is too far gone to do anything with. The floorboard is bucked up 2nd the firewall was actually pushed back to the point of breaking the mounting flange off the steering column. 50mph into a ice back ain't the best rodeo...

Sent from my LGL22C using Tapatalk

 

[mindymogul]

Well that idea was shortlived. Started it up to roll it in the shop and one of the rods shot right out the block.

THIS THREAD CAN BE CLOSED!

 

[Kartorbust]

So no plans on going to a salvage yard to get a different engine?