i have a 1988 dakota 3.9 that the fuel pump rusted out , nothing is left to salvage. i cant find the complete pump and pickup,float assembly. only option is to replace complete tank with maybe a 91 to 96 or 91 to 2004. anyone ever do this yet? thanks john

If the 88 Dakota fuel pump is an in tank unit one up to an90 should work, if you can find one. I assume the "rusted out" part is the fuel line going through the top of the sending unit. If its only the fuel line that is bad, it is factory brazed into the cover plate and it can be replaced with a 5/16" steel fuel line brazed back in, I've done that before.

If you would rather invest in a tank and newer pump, I believe the model year difference changed between 92 and 93, I would get the 94+ tank and pump assembly. As far as I know, only the pump locking ring is different between the tanks. As a side note, I replaced the fuel pump (pump only) on a 90 Dakota a few months ago and was able to order and buy new tank holding straps at an Orilies Auto Parts store for around $30 for the pair (they had them the next day). The attaching bolts are not available, so I bought a short length of 5/16" threaded rod with 2 Nylock nuts and two "U nuts" at a local farm store (the "U nuts" go on the frame flange). I cut the threaded rod for (2) 3" long sections and threaded the Nylock nuts onto the end of the 3" threaded rod. I through the rest of the threaded rod into a drawer in my tool box.

the truck was on a farm and sat for a few years. when i say rusted, i mean there was absolutely nothing left. the 91 to 96 is probably the best bet, i picked up an 02 complete tank and pump , lines, wiring. going to replace pump assembly with 96 and try that,, thanks john