Yes as all said 10.5 is ok while cranking. At 12.0 open battery volts the battery is a tad low as was said but its still fine on starter draw and battery voltage at 10.5 while cranking. Ron

Starter solenoid contact dirty and/or worn.
I haven't rebuilt one of these, but it looks like you can buy a soleniod plunger and contacts replacement kit for $13 off Amazon? I did not check if this is the correct part, just googled Dodge Dakota starter seloniod?

http://www.amazon.com/Starter-Solenoid-Rebuild-Contacts-Intrepid/dp/B00COOB298

sorry if i misspoke on the contact set cost. i was just going on what my local rebuilder charges me. i called him yesterday, and he said $8 for the set. i guess he is giving me the "friends and family" discount. most other places seem to be $12-16. again, sorry for the confusion.

Thanks for the help. I will pull the starter when I get a chance.