I agree with Mark. The body style change was really what designated a Gen I
from a Gen II on the list, even though many also refer to Pre-Mag vs.
Magnum. However, I disagree slightly about the body change. It was not
entirely from the firewall forward. 92 front fenders will fit on a 90 and
vise versa. All of the suspension parts though slightly different, are
interchangeable. I have a 91-96 Trailmaster lift kit on my 88.
Not to throw a monkey wrench into the whole Gen I vs. Gen II debate, but if
you look at the official Dodge body designation. 87-96 Dakotas are
technically "N" Bodies and 97+ are "BR" Bodies. That would make the current
style a 2nd generation. The changes made in 91 & 92 to the Dakota line were
only product evolution of the “N” body. If you follow the logic that the
body/engine/suspension changes makes it a different generation, I agree with
Mark. A 2000+ Quad Cab with a 4.7, Rack & Pinion steering, and electronic
shift transfer case would be a Gen IV.
Give me a second to put on my fire suit,
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4, 2000 Ram 1500 QuadCab Sport 4x4 and a 67 Barracuda
Coupe 340/4Speed
Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.MoparsinMotion.COM
----Original Message Follows----
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2001 09:33:58 -0400
From: "Mark Kuzia" <flyboy01@mediaone.net>
Subject: DML: Re: Re: Re: gen 1 gen 11 gen 111 ???
> yes and no... the grill was changed in 91, but the engine was still
premag.
> That's why we say Gen II is 92. In 92 they went to the composite
headlamps
No, that's not true, the body style change occured in 91, the front end was
lengthened to make the V-8 fit better, the composite headlamps were
available on higher trim models, the standard headlamps were available on
base models all the way through 1995, and the cooling system was upgraded.
It is true that 91-93 most Daks came with the base model because it was the
sport package introduced in 92 that made the Dakota more popular. If you
don't believe me, go get you self a 91 grille and try to bolt it on a 90.
All of the sheetmetal before the firewall was changed, the six lug and new
wheels was introduced also. I believe that the electrical system was also
upgraded in 91. Its true that it is a pre-Mag, but it is also a Gen-II. It
is the same reason we don't call 00' Dakotas Gen-IV, just because they use
the new 4.7L with the new obd-III engine management system.
Mark Kuzia
flyboy01@mediaone.net
http://people.mw.mediaone.net/flyboy01/home.html
1995 Dakota 13.79 @ 102.45 mph
~360ci, 5-spd, 8 3/4 rear / 3.90-SG
1994 Dakota 15.36 @ 91.56 mph
~318ci, 5-spd, 3.90 LS (bone stock, no mods)
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