1987 dakota questions

My Dad had an '87. The only problem he ever had with the 4wd was the vacuum lines would get bad on the ends and the 4wd wouldn't engage. It's been awhile so I don't remember exactly how it was set up but I think the hose would crack at the nipple on the manifold on the top side and would get oil on it and swell up (and lose vacuum or simply come off) under the truck.

These aren't real powerful with the carb but his was really reliable. You must keep the choke working properly or they will flood and kill the spark plugs. Premium plugs are helpful. His had nearly 200k on it when he sold it to a friend who used it for a few years, then it was sold to a neighbor who still has it. Probably has close to 250k on it now.

It's not worth the effort to swap in a v-8 in my opinion. There isn't enough room for a mechanical fan, among other problems. (Research all the mods Shelby did in '89 to install a v-8!) The '91-up trucks had a radiator support that bowed out ( and a longer hood) and gave more clearance in front of the motor so a mechanical fan could be used.
Dallas