1988 dodge dakota sensor overheats

It's probably the blower motor resistor. It can overheat and burn out, often melting the connector so the connector cannot be separated. See the linked YouTube video for information on replacing the resistor, and connector if necessary.
Dodge Dakota Durango Blower Motor Resistor Replacement

For car running hot and overheating issues, I suggest to you go through this help links. Click this link below and go through the troubleshooting procedure to take care of the problems: ----

temp gauge goes erratic? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html

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Temperature gauge keeps fluctuating up and down close to red? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-keeps-fluctuating-up.html

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Car runs hot? http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-runs-hot-in-traffic.html
-----------All types of car overheating problems and troubleshooting?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/all-types-of-car-overheating-problems.html
Car freeze overnight and started overheating while driving?http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-freeze-overnight-and-started.html-----------Engine Overheats and heater blowing cold?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/engine-overheats-and-heater-blowing.html

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Car overheats and Air blows hot at idle?
http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-overheats-and-air-blows-hot-at-idle.html
--------overheating? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-century-overheating.html
----------Car engine Overheats and transmission starts slipping?http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-engine-overheats-and-transmission.html
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Temperature gauge does not move and no heat when heater is ON? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html

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This details will help.Thanks.

Check the TPS Sensor on throttle body (throttle position)

Also the Air Idle Control Solenoid at the base
of throttle body, on side

Spark plugs strangely make a difference on the dakota,
clean rotor & cap

There is no timing adjustment

Never move your distributor,it is for
injector timing

What about the coolant temperature sensor or water pump?

you may have a half way plug fuel filter a bad EGR valve or a bad Oxygen sensor give these websites a try www.alldatadiy.com and www.autozone.com if all fails stop by your local library and get your hands on a Haynes auto repair manual for your truck wish you the best of luck Michigan Man.

sounds to me the torque converter is locking up

idle control valve/sensor.

You better check for oil pressure a.s.a.p.

the black chunks could possibly be from someone putting a stop leak solution into the radiator first drain the coolant system fill up with clean water put in some Prestone 10 minute flush and then drain and put in a flush tee in the heater hose not the one going to the water pump but the one going to the engine block open up the drain hose and run water through until clear and refill with new antifreeze and make sure car runs until all air bubbles are out and then replace the cap

raditor fans not working , or raditor is dirty and needs flushed are changed maybe waterpump