Does outside temperature affect the trucks shifting into overdrive?

It can yes, in some cars if the engine does not reach operating temperature like if the engine has no cooling system thermostat or the thermostat is stuck open the system will not go into closed loop keeping it from shifting into overdrive. Can I ask if the temperature gauge needle is in the middle of the gauge? Also, we should run the codes.

This guide will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

I don't see a Dodge Dakota in 1982? Can you repost the question with the correct year/make model please?

Yes, check out my response above.

Yep, it sounds like thermostat is stuck open. I would swap it out for a new one to see if that helps here is how the job is done. They don't make a Dodge Dakota in 1982?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help. Sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken