VDCDDAKOTA9704 is the Vertical Doors, Inc. vehicle-specific Vertical Door Conversion Kit for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck; confirm cab and front-door configuration. The system retains the vehicle's original front doors and creates the traditional VDI movement: each converted door opens outward first, then raises vertically. This conversion is also commonly described as a Lambo door kit or scissor door kit.
Make the Second-Generation Dodge Dakota's Truck Stance More Dramatic
The Dakota sits between compact and full-size pickups, with prominent front fenders and cab proportions that vary substantially by configuration.
Once the exact cab is confirmed, vertical front doors add a strong show feature to lowered, street, performance, or custom-truck builds.
The vehicle-specific VDCDDAKOTA9704 system is listed for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota application described on this page. It uses the original doors and a vehicle-specific hinge system instead of a universal weld-on conversion.
Confirm the cab first, then make the Dakota's entrance part of the truck's identity.
- Manufacturer: Vertical Doors, Inc.
- Part Number: VDCDDAKOTA9704
- Product Type: Vertical Door Conversion Kit
- Vehicle: Dodge Dakota
- Model Years: 1997-2004
- Generation: Second-generation Dodge Dakota
- Platform: Second-generation Dodge Dakota DN platform
- Body Style: pickup truck; confirm cab and front-door configuration
- Manufacturing: Made in the USA
The VDI Support Promise
We are here before, during, and after your purchase.
Vertical Doors, Inc. can help with fitment questions before you order, installation guidance while the kit is being installed, and product support after the conversion is complete.
You are purchasing this system directly from Vertical Doors, Inc., the company that manufactures, supports, and stands behind it. If you have a question about fitment, installation, adjustment, replacement parts, or the product itself, the VDI team is here to help.
For current support hours and contact options, call 951-245-8669 or contact the VDI team.
1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Fitment
VDI lists this special-order kit for the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota range. Confirm the exact cab and front-door configuration before ordering.
The Dakota was sold with multiple cab arrangements. A shared model year or trim does not prove that every front door and hinge area uses the same kit.
Important fitment note: Model, trim, package, engine, drivetrain, platform, and edition names help identify vehicles sold within the listed range. They do not confirm that every configuration automatically uses the same VDI hinge application. Confirm the model year, exact body style, and door configuration before ordering when fitment is uncertain.
Contact Vertical Doors, Inc. first if the vehicle has aftermarket fenders, widebody components, custom bodywork, previous collision repair, a body conversion, replacement hinges, or another modification near the hinge and fender area.
Chassis / Platform and Trim Guide
- Generation: Second-generation Dodge Dakota
- Chassis / Platform: Second-generation Dodge Dakota DN platform
- Body Style: pickup truck; confirm cab and front-door configuration
- Principal trims and models: Base, Sport, SLT, R/T, and other names vary by year
- Packages and configurations: Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab, 2WD, 4WD, engines, and bed lengths are configurations
Fitment note: The Dakota was sold with multiple cab arrangements. A shared model year or trim does not prove that every front door and hinge area uses the same kit.
Chassis, platform, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, and package terminology is provided to help identify the vehicle. It does not expand the confirmed VDI application or guarantee fitment. Contact Vertical Doors, Inc. with the model year, exact model, body style, door configuration, and clear photographs when uncertain.
What Comes in the Kit
- One driver-side front-door Vertical Doors, Inc. hinge assembly
- One passenger-side front-door Vertical Doors, Inc. hinge assembly
- Two gas shocks
- Required mounting hardware
- Vehicle-specific installation instructions
Your purchase also includes access to Vertical Doors, Inc. fitment, installation, adjustment, operation, and replacement-parts support.
How the Vertical Door Conversion Works
After installation, open the converted Dakota front door outward until it reaches the hinge system's stopping point, then raise it vertically. The gas shock assists during the upward movement.
Proper installation and adjustment are essential for door alignment, latch operation, wiring clearance, surrounding panel clearance, and consistent opening and closing.
Installation Requirements
The VDI hinge system is designed around the vehicle's factory hinge area. Bolt-on describes the vehicle-specific mounting design; it does not mean the installation is modification-free. Installation commonly requires body-panel removal, non-visible trimming or clearance work, wiring management, and careful final alignment.
Before loosening or removing the original hinges, use 2-inch painter's tape to mark the door's factory alignment. Place tape across the door and adjacent body at several reference points, including near the hinges and firewall, then draw matching alignment lines across the tape. These marks help preserve the door's original horizontal and vertical position during installation.
- Support each door safely throughout the installation.
- Follow the supplied instructions for hinge stops, gas-shock installation, wiring, and panel clearance.
- Check the latch, weather sealing, wiring, and surrounding body panels before road use.
If you are not experienced with door alignment, drilling or tapping where applicable, body-panel removal, trimming, and wiring clearance, use a qualified automotive customization or body shop.
Special Order and Truck/SUV Return Policy
All special-order kits are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Truck and SUV kits are also nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Confirm fitment, current production timing, and all applicable order terms with Vertical Doors, Inc. before purchasing.
Before You Order
- Verify that the vehicle matches the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota listing and body style described above.
- Confirm the exact model year and door configuration.
- Review every platform, generation, production-year, or body-style note on this page.
- Tell VDI about aftermarket fenders, widebody components, custom bodywork, previous collision repair, replacement hinges, or modifications near the hinge area.
- Review the current shipping and return policies before purchasing.
- Call Vertical Doors, Inc. at 951-245-8669 when fitment is uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VDCDDAKOTA9704 a universal Lambo door kit?
No. VDCDDAKOTA9704 is a vehicle-specific Vertical Doors, Inc. application for the listed 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota. It is not a universal weld-on hinge system.
Does VDCDDAKOTA9704 fit every Dodge Dakota trim and body style?
No blanket all-trim or all-body claim should be made from the model name alone. Match the exact model year, body style, and door configuration to the VDI listing and contact VDI when anything is uncertain.
What chassis or platform is associated with this vehicle range?
The vehicle history for this listing is associated with Second-generation Dodge Dakota DN platform. Platform information helps identify the vehicle but does not prove that another model on the same architecture uses this kit.
Does the conversion replace the factory doors?
No. The original front doors are retained. The VDI hinge assemblies and gas shocks change how the converted doors move.
How do the converted doors open?
The converted doors open outward first to the hinge system's stopping point and can then be raised vertically with assistance from the gas shocks.
Is trimming or adjustment required?
Yes. Installation commonly requires body-panel removal, non-visible trimming or clearance work, wiring management, hinge adjustment, and careful final door alignment.
Can I install VDCDDAKOTA9704 myself?
A mechanically experienced person with the proper tools, safe workspace, patience, and door-alignment experience may install the kit. Use a qualified installer if you are not comfortable with body-panel removal, trimming, wiring clearance, hinge adjustment, and final alignment.
Can the vehicle be returned to factory hinges?
The original doors and factory hinges can generally be reinstalled, but trimming, drilling, tapping, or other application-specific work may need repair if an exact factory restoration is required.
Can Vertical Doors, Inc. help after I buy the kit?
Yes. VDI provides fitment, installation, adjustment, operation, replacement-parts, and product support before, during, and after the purchase.
Browse all Dodge Vertical Door Kits or contact Vertical Doors, Inc. for fitment help before ordering.
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