You are absolutely right on the 96 to 97 deal I forgot my dad bought a 97 and Bought him a new one over some paint recall.

One place did say out of stock but the other was some parts depot that claimed to have one for $129.

I would not use a MII rack the mounting would be no improvement over the Dakota rack. Pinto is a better mounting IMO. I think there is a way to gut a PS rack and make it manual. Just never personally done it.