It'll be ok in a Dakota that doesn't tow much. I had one in an 03 quad cab dakota. not powerful. not that fuel efficent, but all in all, a decent small truck motor. needs lots of RPM to tow any weight though.

mine started ticking at 120k miles. it was a lash cap near #6 or #8. I just drove with it like that and had no drivability or oil pressure issues.