My '97 Dakota v6 will in the am starts up runs for a while than stops ... HELP!!??

asked 2 times>?
Gen 1.
there is no 97, , 97 is july 2 1997 made for1998 year
the wiki tells you that
and the 42RE is there not mated to 3.9L V6 , + 4wd
the PCM will not allow other transmissions.
for sure v8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Durango

no you can not mix these up, the PCM will never allow that.
Transmissions42RE 4-speed - 5.9 L V8


Transmissions

42RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 3.9 L V6
45RFE 4-speed RFE automatic (2000–2002) - 4.7 L V8
545RFE 5-speed RFE automatic (2003) - 4.7 L V8
44RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.2 L V8
46RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.9 L V8

perhaps one or two plugs inoperative therefore dramatically reducing acceleration.

You did not mention which engine you have, so I will assume its the V6. What condition is the ignition system in ? Cap and rotor ?

check for a vacuum leak,, check that the gas cap is venting correctly, check for fuel pump pressure, and replace fuel filter

Is there spark at the plugs? if not check the coil first and then the Crank sensor.

Sounds like your IAC motor is getting stopped up. Clean out the passage, and the throttle body. If that doesn't work, get a new IAC motor.

try a crank shaft position sensor
it will not set a hard fault code

Did the same thing. After replacing the radiator the truck wouldn't idle until i disconnected the battery to reset coolant sensor.

have your transmission checked by a professional, It sounds like you have a shift solenoid going. Had something similar on a van. I don't know where it is on your vehicle so I don't know how deep into the transmission you may have to go.

Did you properly gap the plugs when you changed them? Improper spark will cause really rough idling at low RPM like that.