My 92 Dakota back country rig build

[xjman88]

I know these trucks don't get enough acknowledgement as a capable exploration rig. I recently picked up a 92 Dak xcab 4wd with a lot of new parts and has the 5.2 v8 and dual exhaust. It has a 3 in lift, factory front and transfer/tranny skid plates and some other goodies. It aIso has a limited slip rear differential that works well. I picked up a decent ARE contractors cap with roof rack for 50.00 to go on it. Has the high rise roof with pass side and rear doors. The truck has a set of 31in BFG ats and new Rancho RS5000 shocks. Ive added a cb radio, additional 12 volt cig plugs, a Garmin etrex gps and a tac light mount on the drivers side door. It also has the rear underseat storage. Here are a couple pics.

 

[brushogger]

C'mon man. It's been 6 minutes and only I pic.

 

[xjman88]

[A1TTACH=CONFIG]344877[/ATTACH]I finally figured out how to download pics. I also got some more work done on the sleeping/storage area. Most materials used were either found on Craigslist under free stuff or in scrap wood pile.

 

[xjman88]

More picsView attachment 344882View attachment 344883Now just need to find some decent carpet to cover the sleeping platform.

 

[brushogger]

This is going to be a great build. I love this type as it demonstrates that is one doesn't have to break the bank to have a great rig. Spending the money on gas and traveling makes mucho sense. This is also a very under estimated platform to build from. Keep the posts coming!

 

[xjman88]

Thanks. I've always had a jeep for a backcountry rig with a trailer. I got a good deal on the Kota and it has a bunch of new parts to include the alternator, fuel pump, timing chain set and new front cv axle shafts. And it has a jeep rear axle and transfer case so I have the best of both worlds. Also has the v8 with 3.92 gears. Parts are available pretty much everywhere and I can replace any part myself on the trail. So I am interested to see where I go with this build. And all on a budget.

 

[xjman88]

I got some more stuff done on the truck the last few days. I got the rear utility light working, installed my flat roof rack and reconfigured my rear canopy. I also made a mount out of wood and some L brackets for the 400 watt power inverter and gps.]And given the color of the Kota and one of my favorite animated characters, I've name the truck Sully from Monster's Inc.

 

[xjman88]

I went and picked up a Smityybuilt jerry can mount from my local 4 Wheel Parts store. I decided to mount it the tailgate. Came out pretty good. I drilled 4 holes and used some long bolts with lock washers and backing plate to install it. Here's a couple pics.

 

[Overado]

cool truck man i love 90s and early 2000s era small trucks and suvs. i like the one off build too! don't see many of these around any more my grandfather had an early model dakota a while back have some good memories in that thing, a local mechanic still has it.

 

[xjman88]

Thanks man. Appreciate the comments. Yeah after owning many Jeeps the last almost 20 years it's time for something different. I've previously owned 2 other Dakotas. But not with the options this one has. And yes it's different than the Jeeps. Not much for aftermarket support.

 

[xjman88]

I've also Swapped out the stock headlights and reverse lights with the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs. Makes a difference at night.

 

[kraven]

Nice truck! The Dak is a great platform for easing through the back country.

I like your top. 50 bucks is a great deal.

 

[xjman88]

Thanks man. I got some more work done on the Dakota yesterday. I finally got my cb wired up, the antenna on and my scanner antenna as well. I also replaced the back piece of wood on my sleeping platform with 3/4 in plywood. Still looking for decent carpet to cover it. I painted the fuel can as well.

 

[xjman88]

Here are pics.
And here's a side profile shot.

 

[kraven]

That's a nice sling blade you got there, mmm hmmm....

I noticed that Wal-Mart had some carpet section pre-cut in their home section with various pile heights. If you have one nearby, might check that out.

I like the tool and overhead storage you have going on. Really good use of space and secure way to keep tools.