I promise a 97 Dakota that spent its life in Northern IL would not look like that under it. A lot of them around here have rust holes in both bumpers, all 4 wheel wells, rockers, and door bottoms! Most run great though. 97 was the first year for that body style.

When did they start putting the 4.7 in?

I have a 93 4x4. Great truck, but the rust is probably going to kill it. Mine has 155,000 miles on it. Gene