Do I hafta rewrite
http://www.dakota-truck.net/faq/General/generations.html *again*? :)
Walter Felix wrote:
> On the net, the common generation breakdown is:
>
> 1987-1990 Gen I
> 1991-1996 Gen II
> 1997+ Gen III
>
> However, I have always disagreed with this popular generation breakdown
> though I myself have also used it.
> Like stated previously in this thread, many believe the difference
> between a Gen I and a Gen II was either the body change or the
> introduction of the Magnum engine. Since the Body changed in 1991 and
> the Magnum was introduced in 1992, it makes the 1991 Dakota sort of a
> half breed. My personal belief is this:
>
> 1987-1996 Gen I
> 1997+ Gen II
>
> My argument to support this belief:
>
> (1) First and foremost, the official Chrysler body designation for
> 1987-1996 Dakotas is "N" Body and for 1997+ Dakotas is "AN" Body.
>
> (2) If you follow the belief that the introduction of the Magnum engine
> series is what designates a "Gen II" from and "Gen I", then why is a
> 2000 Dakota with a "Next Generation" 4.7 concidered a "Gen III" and not
> a Gen IV.
>
> (3) If you follow the belief that the body change in 1991 is what
> designates a "Gen II" from and "Gen I", then with exception of the hood,
> radiator support, grill, front bumper and lower valance, 1987-1996
> Dakotas all have the same body panels and interiors. A right front
> fender from an 87 Dakota will fit on a 96 and vise versa. They have the
> same cabs and beds. The minor body change in 1991, moving the grill
> forward by a few inches, was to accomadate the V8 engine. They needed
> the extra room for the cooling fan. It was not a redesign of the truck,
> just product evolution. Also, in 1991 there was slight changes to the
> suspension on 4x4 models (slightly larger control arms and CV axles) as
> well as the introduction of the 6 lug bolt pattern. However, in
> comparison, there were also changes to the 4x4 in 2000. Rack-n-Pinion
> being one of the major changes, yet a 2000+ in still called a "Gen III"
>
> (4) I just like being difficult. Let the flames begin!
>
> Walt
>
>
>
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:03:43 EDT