My 92 Dakota back country rig build

[verdesardog]

Those old Dakota's are good trucks. I had a 1994 bought new off the lot. the only reason I got rid of it was it was too low to the ground for my needs. I had lifted it as much as practical with torsion bar tweeking and blocks in the rear. I still managed to bend a drive shaft on a Search and Rescue mission. The county paid for the repair. The truck had over 270,000 miles when I sold it and got a Dodge 2500 CTD.

 

[xjman88]

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.

Thanks man. And in the overhead storage is my single burner butane stove, cooking gear set, some mres and emergency water, an MSR water filter, and other necessary gear.

 

[xjman88]

Those old Dakota's are good trucks. I had a 1994 bought new off the lot. the only reason I got rid of it was it was too low to the ground for my needs. I had lifted it as much as practical with torsion bar tweeking and blocks in the rear. I still managed to bend a drive shaft on a Search and Rescue mission. The county paid for the repair. The truck had over 270,000 miles when I sold it and got a Dodge 2500 CTD.

This is my 3rd dakota. But the first one I've modified in any way other than tires. But I'm learning alot.

 

[xjman88]

I'm looking to install some type of tire carrier on the tailgate or rear bumper. Possibly like a tj carrier bolted to the tailgate. Any thoughts yall?

 

[xjman88]

I did get an auxiliary double USB and 12 volt outlet installed in the rear bed area on drivers side rear bed. Got the wiring ran fairly easy. The wires are visable till I insulate the bed and camper.

 

[xjman88]

I realized I didn't post pictures of the wood grain dash trim. The truck also came with an interior matching dash cover. Also the seats are in good shape and condition for a 24 yr old truck.

 

[xjman88]

Couple more. Yes that is a first responders kit bag in the back seat. I've been one for the last 24 years. I have my old and reliable Pelican M6 tac light mounted on the ds pillar.

 

[xjman88]

I haven't posted on here in awhile. I've gotten some work done on the Dakota. I pulled off the factory skid plates and cleaned em up, sanded and painted them with 3 coats of Rustoleum. Looks alot better. I also removed the center arm rest and replaced it with the full size aftermarket center console. It gives me 4 cup holders and more storage. I also got a set of the Wrangler Authority all terrains in 31s. I've run these on 3 of my Jeeps and my last Dakota. It's a great all around tire. Plus I got the road hazard warranty.

 

[xjman88]

 

[xjman88]

 

[xjman88]

I used some metal strapping to make a mount for my 1200 lumen tac light. It charges off the usb.

 

[xjman88]

And pics of the new shoes. I think the truck looks a little bit better w them on.

 

[xjman88]

I found a ladder in the scrap metal bin where I work. I figured it would work for access to the roof rack. Got it put on today. I need to find a better way to attach it to the shell. I also found some of that 1 inch interlocking foam padding. Work good for the sleeping platform. I also used 2 pieces for the tailgate for seating.

 

[xjman88]

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I'm looking to install some type of tire carrier on the tailgate or rear bumper. Possibly like a tj carrier bolted to the tailgate. Any thoughts yall?

I'm running a HitchGate from Wilco on my Ram. Beefy and well built, it mounts to my factory receiver hitch and is offset to the driver's side so it wouldn't interfere with your fuel can. But, between the weight of the hitch and the full size spare it "wags the tail" in some situations. That being said, there is much to like about the simplicity of your current set-up: weight of the spare moved forward, security not an issue, doesn't intrude on the living area due to the platform in your high rise shell. Have you travelled/camped with your current set-up yet? It might work out OK in the long run...✔️. Looking forward to the build. :sombrero: