Ok…I was not as detailed as I should have been. (my bad) Payed a garage to replace heater core and "Check" the check engine light on my 2000Dakota 4x4 ex. cab. $2350 later and a week over due I get my truck back and don't get 50miles before it overheats. Now they say I burned up the engine and won't rectify the situation. Oh …I intend to sue.
Anyhow, I found another Dakota…1999 4x4 5.2. Mine is a 2000 4x4 4.7….
The 1999 runs well but has rust issues on the under carriage.
The interior is immaculate.
My 2000 has a great body, custom bumpers, but interior not so great, 4wheel linkage out, and evidently no dang engine.
My thought is to buy the 1999, drop the engine into the 2000, use the 1999 as a part donor and take all I can off it to make one decent truck.
The 1999 has 84,000mi. on the engine.
I like my truck and want to know if this route is 1: feesable 2: stupid
I think I can get the 1999 for a grand but then the work or the expense to have it done.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.