* Hauling coolness since 1996 *
This awesome truck has every factory option except automatic (which I did not want) and the snow plow.
Pedigree:
- 1996 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab
- One owner
- Purchased in Longmont, Colorado
Keeping the miles low:
- 07/20/2003 - 28,519 miles
- 03/22/2004 - 29,206 miles
- 08/21/2008 - 44,000 miles
- 04/13/2011 - 48,415 miles
V8 Power and a 5 speed to boot:
- 5.2L (318 C.I.D.) Magnum V-8
- Five Speed manual transmission
- Four Wheel Drive
- 3.52 Limited Slip Rear End
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- HD Towing option (Bigger Brakes, Suspension, Hitch Receiver)
- K&N FilterCharger System - but still have original
- Heartthrob deep tone dual kit
Staying tough but looking good:
- Extended Cab
- Sliding Rear Window
- Signal Red
- A.R.E. Topper
Staying comfy regardless of the terrain:
- SLT (power windows, locks, mirrors, light group)
- Bucket Seats and Center Console
- Gray interior
- Overhead Console (Power Dim, Temperature, Compass)
- Premium Sound (never again!) - Replaced with Jensen CD Player
I spent a lot of time (since late 1994) in search of the perfect midsize/small truck. I tried Ford Rangers, Toyota Tacomas and T100's, Nissan Frontiers, GMC's (HighRider) and Chevrolets (ZR2).
Finally I narrowed it down to the GMC HighRider or the Dakota. Having to have the perfect truck, I could find no more of a powerhouse than the big V-8 motor, it just plain and simple shamed the G.M. V6 (no other offered a V-8 in their lines of small/midsize pickups).
Knowing what I wanted, I walked into Prestige Dodge/Plymouth of Longmont, Colorado, and purchased this truck site unseen. It had everything I wanted, manual transmission, big V-8, limited slip and anti-lock brakes (I live in the mountains). Everything else available at the time (that was not a full-size truck) just seemed, well, lightweight in comparison. The dealership printed a list of local (within a 5 state area) inventory, and this truck was listed in Castle Rock, Colorado. Two days later, it was in my Driveway!
I have been hoping for a Hemi-Dakota, or anything new and special to come out, but as to date, I haven't found anything on the market that would make me trade in what I call "the perfect truck".
I have hauled cars to and from Arizona / Colorado / California and except for wanting more torque going over the passes, this truck is just plain Awesome!!
Ram Tough!
(Click on any picture for larger image)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)