What truck to convert? Trying to decide what type of truck to convert to run on woodgas

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#41

Here’s the changes, best as I can tell.

1988-1991: mechanical ignition, throttle body injection. OBD1 begins in 1991. Mostly V6, a few Shelby V8s
1992-1993: introduced Magnum 318 V8, electronic ignition with distributor. MPFI fuel injection, return line
1994-1995: switched to returnless MPFI injection. Added 3rd brake light to tailgate. Airbags.
1996: switched to OBD2, everything else same. These early OBD2 work OK with woodgas.
1997-1999: New rounded body style. Same engine, same OBD2 computer
2000-2004: 318 V8 retired, 4.7L V8 introduced. Distributorless, more complex OBD2. (360 V8 still sold in R/T models)

More here:
http://www.allpar.com/trucks/dakota-1987.html

And of course, Wikipedia:

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#42

Ok, it’s getting a little clearer, thanks for your patience.
I have experience with an 89 Chevy 1500. The timing is set manually at idle to a specific setting then the computer takes over and adjusts it from there. If I remember correctly.

Is that how the 97-99 Dakotas are? They still have a distributor, but the amount of advance is determined by the computer?

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