I own a 1997 dodge dakota V6 extended cab. It needs some work, i really would like to make it a custom it would be my first. One problem it has 172,000 miles on it is it worth the work?  

Depends. Is it going to be your daily driver, or just a weekend show truck? If it's just going to be a show truck, it really doesn't matter how high-mileage it is. If you plan on driving it on a pretty regular basis, I'd probably re-build the engine, or swap in a V-8. I've seen some pretty clean & sweet Dakotas out there, and the '97 is my favorite bodystyle for the 'Dak.

If it's your current daily, and you're thinking of making it a project, I'd buy something else as your daily runabout. Maybe like a Civic or Cobalt or something. If you HAVE to have a truck, maybe a used S-10 or Tacoma or something. Just my $0.02.    

Ok so i do want to rebuild it but i have a couple questions for anyone who knows anything about this year. I have one major problem the truck has a hard time shifting it gets stuck in second gear its an automatic and the rpms rev but it wont shift can anyone shed some light on this problem?  

As per your transmission, you need to start by removing it and doing a bit of a tear down if you are mechanically inclined. If you have never done any work beyond changing the fluid on your transmission yourself take it to a specialist.

One thing you can do before you take it to someone is check the condition of your transmission fluid. If it is black  and smells burnt, I suspect you will be in for a pricey fix.  

Yeah i did that and its not i read some where a tune up could help is that a good place to start?  

My truck has over 260,000 miles on it and it still is in great shape. The engine & tranny have been replaced so I'm not worried about reliablity. I love the body style of ths truck, to me, it is the best looking one on the road. If you like the body style of the truck, then by all means, customize it all you want. GO FOR IT!  

Thanks man i think im going to the truck itself is in good shape needs some paint and a few minor dents but all in all i think when i go through with the idea  it will be a great lookin truck.  

what motor do you have in it,i have a 2000 quad cab with around 135,000 on it go to readers rides and take a look at what i have done with it. when i get my taxes back will be redoing motor and trans in mine, ihave 3.9 V6 in my truck, take it to shows and drive it to hope this helps you Hemi6Dakota