Front suspension options

Exactly! See, it's not $1000 to get it welded up.

No, because they already have a jig and are doing it as a business. If you took it to a random welder to set up a custom, one off application it would. That business is banking on defraying the cost of the jig and the set up time over dozens of units.

Plus, they're using a mustang rack for steering, which is probably part of why it's narrowed that amount.

I see you live in Tuscon. How about contacting El Polako up in Phoenix:

Product Tags Crossmember

They do Dodge Dakota cross members for various applications. Very close to an A body. VERY close.

Greg

And why is Dodge Dakota suspension better? There's probably less aftermarket support for a good handling Dakota than there is for an A body. And having owned a Dakota, it's not like they handle spectacular to begin with.