1987 Dodge Dakota running like crap.?

Sounds like a timing problem. Get out a timing light and check your timing. If it seems to be in time, spray some starter fluid into the intake while it's running and see if it revvs up like it has more power. This will tell you if it's a fuel problem. If it takes off when you shoot fluid into it, then it's starving for fuel. If it doesn't change, then you've got a bigger problem. Check all of your vaccum lines and your EGR. I've seen the EGR port get completely clogged with carbon and cause this problem. Good luck. Sorry I couldn't give you more info.

Check the fuel pressure for a start.I think it should be about 15# +/-, Check a service manual to be sure..The manual will also give you the volume as well..Before you go ant farther, if that was ok,check compression.. If the comp. is ok.I suspect it is a computer problem...Everything else in the electronics is a lot of fine tuning stuff..The major fuel and spark timing is controlled by the comp..You can also pull your spark plugs. If they are very white it is running lean, Not enough fuel If there are black or wet it is getting to much fuel. Not enough fuel, plugged injector, low fuel pressure , low volume.. There is alot you can check but I can't cover them all... basic fuel pressure, volume, compression. If you can't find anything you could borrow,from a friend, a known good computer and try it. If you do it will take 20 or 30 miles to make it self at home. It will run lousy for several engine starts and stops. If ,when you drive it for awhile, the exhaust manifolds get extremely hot sometimes after climbing a hill they will glow....If this condition exist the timing is radically retarded. The computer controls this... Go with this stuff and see if you get anywhere... Good luck

If it still has a catalytic converter, it is probably stopped up. To test that you have to disconnect the header pipes from the manifold and check the running of the engine. If it then runs good, the converter is plugged up. If you would rather, you can cut the exhaust pipe in front of the converter, and pull it over out of the way, but then you will have to reweld it back on.

Have you done basic maintenance like plugs, wires, cleaning throttle body? You could try talking it in and having a Fuel Induction Cleaning. THey run chemicals though the fuel rail to remove carbon. If basic stuff fails then it could be an internal issue such as injector or PCM (powertrain control module)

i agree most with the guy above me, it can be either a clogged cat or a bad muffler.the engine is gonna rev up regardless if you spray starting fluid or whatever into it cause its very flammable,and wont give ya an accurate answer.also dbl check the gap on your plugs,if its too much or too little the engine wont run right.

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Rebuild the carb and check all the vacuum hoses for cracks and such.

check the gas filter and the cat.

get rid of it fast.i know a guy who has the same truck.it's a piece of ****.