Re: gen II body style

From: Thomas Vacchino (tommyv@thecia.net)
Date: Sun Dec 23 2001 - 11:52:08 EST


Cripes Walter you've done it know!..........I'm gonna go hide now, under my DAK
;-)

"psychonaut"

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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