Topic: 1991 Dakota frame and motor

[dentonrodder]

I'm just getting into rat rods and have some questions. I am trading some work for a 1991 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9l non-magnum engine. Thought this could possibly make a good start to a project. Generally my mechanical knowledge is fairly limited.

Would this frame work for a build? My wants for a body are an old vw, either a type 1 beetle or type 3 square back.

Are there performance mods and parts available for the 3.9? As the truck sits it doesn't run because of a bad ECM. Could this be bypassed and made a non computer engine?

Any help and suggested reading would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Andrew

[lowboy]

I put my bug on a ranger frame. Measure from Hub to Hub on the front end then compare the Dakota to the bug.My width was fine. I think a Dakota is wider but unsure. Stretched the body 27 " in front and 18 " in the rear to accomadate the factory length I also used the factory computer set up from the ranger til I upgraded the motor