Can you put the dashboard from a 1997 and up Dodge Dakota in 1996 older models?
No, you can't directly swap a 1997+ Dodge Dakota dashboard into a 1996 or older model. The body styles and internal structures are significantly different, making the dashboards incompatible. The wiring harnesses, mounting points, and even the HVAC system integration are all unique to each generation. While some individual components might be interchangeable, a complete dashboard swap is not feasible without extensive and likely impractical modifications.