1989 Dakota with a 2.5L/5-speed - $995

Check this out.

http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5513001703.html

Craigslist Dude said: 1989 dodge Dakota 2wd 4cyl 2.5 over head cam engine from the Daytona's etc. Reg cab Short box. The complete body is galvanized only year built etc. Non pwr rack/pinion steering. Dodge 8.8-4:10 posi rear end. Brand new tires/wheels Shelby 15". Truck would be very inexpensive Turbo intercooled Shelby clone. Body is 95% ready prepared for paint. New plugs/wires/brakes etc runs extremely well and gets close to 34MPG hi way. I am a Shelby owner and have owned many other turbocharged Mopar's as well as the V8 various car's/trucks could also through in for the right deal a 71-340 engine fully built w A-518a built trans in an other 92 Dakota that runs/drives etc but NOT GIVING IT AWAY!!

These are pretty rare trucks. You can pull the 2.5L lump out and toss in a Turbo II setup for a ridiculous Challenge priced sleeper!

That is so cool

Some dropped spindles and an axle flip and it would bring the CoG down to a reasonable location.

The Turbo 2 swap doesn't really work since the turbo exhaust outlet interferes with the control arm. So you'll need to use a different exhaust manifold; or a supercharger and a stock exhaust manifold, the ECU will provide fuel for it. Supercharger whistling is cool.

craigslist d00d said: Dodge 8.8-4:10 posi rear end.

In reply to Cooter:

Yeah, that's a Chrysler 7.25 and definitely not a sure grip.

Also, not Shelby wheels....unless I've not seen those before. I think he is taking some liberties with his info or he has a stockpile of parts that come with.

moparman76_69 wrote: In reply to Cooter: Yeah, that's a Chrysler 7.25 and definitely not a sure grip.

It's amazing how long they used that axle, given how fragile it was in open diff configuration.

Needs a 2.4 with srt pistons, aftermarket turbo manifold, chinese turbo, 'Squirt, liberty bellhousing plus 2" drop spindles, and at least 2" blocks. Then just some sticky rubber all for challenge money.

Man, even has rare manual steering.....

I think there's so much demand for that bellhousing that you could probably sell it for what you'll pay for the whole truck.

i wonder if its a ford 8.8 to go with the jeep cherokee wheels

EvanR wrote: I think there's so much demand for that bellhousing that you could probably sell it for what you'll pay for the whole truck.

Pretty sure that '89 got the NP-535 manual trans. Not a stout piece. Later on (after '92?) got the AX-15, which is comparatively stout.

I had a '94 2.5/5spd SWB Dakota. In stock form, they're good trucks...but it was far and away the slowest vehicle I've ever owned.

I think what he is selling here is a run of the mill 89 Dakota 4 cyl/5 spd. The other info in the ad is what could be done to it, it is certainly not a Shelby Dakota. The other pics are his other cars.

I had a 93 short bed, regular cab, "Sport" with the V6/5 spd, well 4 speed since 1st was useless for anything but hauling so I'd start in 2nd. Loved that truck, it was sad day when I got rid of it.

Yeah, this truck has nothing to do with a Shelby Dakota other than the fact that they were both built in 1989. I think he was stating in some weird cryptic Moparese language that you can make a Shelby clone out of it.

A guy I know used to have a 1990-something short bed 2wd Dakota with the Magnum 318 and a 5-speed. It was pretty quick and did epic burnouts.

psteav wrote:

EvanR wrote: I think there's so much demand for that bellhousing that you could probably sell it for what you'll pay for the whole truck.

Pretty sure that '89 got the NP-535 manual trans. Not a stout piece. Later on (after '92?) got the AX-15, which is comparatively stout. I had a '94 2.5/5spd SWB Dakota. In stock form, they're good trucks...but it was far and away the slowest vehicle I've ever owned.

Keep the bellhousing and swap it onto an R-154 and have a bit more strength.