1989 Dodge Dakota

Shelby Pickup truck

5.2L 8 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Automatic

1B7FL96Y8KS131560

Gasoline

ABS

The Shelby Dakota was a limited-production performance version of the Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Offered by Shelby for 1989 only, it was his first rear wheel drive vehicle in many years. The Shelby Dakota started with a short-wheelbase, short-bed, standard-cab pickup. The 3.9 L V6 was removed in favor of the company's 5.2 L V8 with throttle-body injection. On paper, the swap looked simple since both engines were similar, but the tight space in the Dakota's engine compartment meant removing the engine-driven fan in front and using electric ones instead. Output was just 5 hp (3.7 kW) up (to 175 hp) but torque was 270 ft•lbf (370 N•m). Special wheels and trim proclaimed the car's heritage. At the time, it was the highest-performing pickup truck in existence, and would set the stage for later factory efforts like the GMC Syclone and Ford Lightning. Just 1,500 were built. Following the formula that has become his trademark, Carroll Shelby started with a standard 112-inch wheelbase Dodge Dakota Sport model and transformed it into a true modern-day muscle truck. And he did it with V8 power. Yes, the Dakota was the first V8, rear-wheel-drive machine Shelby had built since the 1960s. Shelby Automobiles in Whittier, California, bought vehicles from Dodge and turned them into high performance bargains that outperform vehicles costing thousands of dollars more - much the same way Shelby converted standard Mustangs during the muscle-car era. The Dakota was to carry the Shelby marque, the 318 cubic inch (5.2 liter) fuel injected Shelby Dakota, boasts 175 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque and sold new for under $16,000. Slipping the V8 into an engine compartment that was originally designed for the 3.9 liter V6 was not as hard as it would seem, since the 3.9 liter was built on the Chrysler LA block (318/360 cubic inch) platform. Basically, the V6 is a 318-style engine less two cylinders. But the swap meant the Dakota's cooling system required a little work, as there was now no room for the standard engine-driven cooling fan between the block and the radiator. So Shelby Automobiles engineered a cooling system that operates with an electric fan mounted on the forward side of the radiator. Other engineering breakthroughs on the Shelby Dakota include the use of an all-new (at the time) V8-rated 4-speed automatic transmission. Featuring a high stall speed torque converter and rear-mounted New Process overdrive system, this transmission is one of the most complex ever produced by Chrysler. In order to provide the best possible performance, the 4-speed unit was fitted with an auxiliary transmission cooler. Power is put to the ground via a special limited-slip differential fitted with 3.90-to-1 gears. Another new feature on the Shelby truck is a unique rear-wheel anti-lock brake system that consists of a speed sensor, electronic control module and pressure-limiting valve. To improve rebound and compression controls, nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers were fitted to the truck, as were hollow-spoke-style 15x6-inch aluminum wheels, mounting P225/70R15 Goodyear Eagle GT+4 high performance radials. The 3610-pound Sport Dakota was equipped with a number of other special Shelby pieces, including a three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, "Shelby" charcoal cloth inserts in the seats and door panels and an AM/FM stereo/cassette deck with four speakers. The Shelby Dakota is a true muscle truck, which puts it in a class all by itself for a Shelby build. This truck is not completely stock, it has new updated wheels and different striping. The paint is new and is driver quality. The truck runs and drives very good with a ton of performance. The body is very clean with no rust out. Email with any ??'s you may have, we will look at all trades up or down. Call Alexa at 865-283-0119 if you want to arrange an in person inspection. Truck is sold as is no warranty.