has any one out there ever put a  manual 4speed (833) in a 3.9l dakota ,or even seen this done.

The Dakota had a 5 speed as standard equipment on the 3.9 the automatic was optional.  

you probably have the new process AX15 5-spd transmission, and from what i've seen (don't completly take my word for this, cause i have yet to take mine apart) aside from being two pistons short of a v8, the 3.9 looks to me to be a 318 with two cylinders hacked off, simular to chevy's 4.3 v6 which is a 350 with its rear two cylinders hacked off from the factory. So for, except for gaskets and distributor cap, i have to say the it seems that its a 318 under there with two missing cylinders, so i would assume then, providing the bellhousing bolt holes are in the same place and the transmission splines are the same, i do believe, then yes, a 833 four speed should work...but this is just my rant, so i personaly haven't done this, you should do some more research about both the transmissions that you have so then you are prepared to realize what you have to do later.

but thats just my opinion,

blackdeathdakota