I have a 97 Dakota V6 automatic, and it's a great truck! I just stumbled onto a 95 V6 5 speed for really cheap! It's a rotter, but a driver.

Can I stick the 5 speed and pedal assembly into the 97, or is all of that too different?

swap away. it's a match, but you might have to drill some holes, as well as swapping out the pedal assembly. you'll need the computer as well, and be sure to check out all sensors and sending units, for harness matching.

Hmmm, forgot about the computer OBDII/OBDI thing... I'll have to think about it.

mechanically, the engines are about the same (intakes are different, TBI vs MPFI). If you currently have a V6 automatic, and want a V6 manual, then grab the manual transmission from the 95. swap it in. may have to also hit junk yard for same generation pedal assembly, floor consoles, steering columns etc.

Then you will just need a computer from a gen 3 truck, as well as the wire harness for a manual transmission truck (clutch safety switch, reverse light switch, etc.)

Neither engine is TBI, both are magnum MPI, intake is the same basically, may have different vacuume fittings and EGR passage.

You will need a 97 harness and 5 speed computer.

All in all, it sounds like far too much work. I'll stay with my automatic (at least until I need to either repair the truck or replace it).