I have a 2007 dodge Dakota 3.7 engine two wheel drive with just over 170,000 miles on it. There is no check engine light on but when I accelerate the truck jerks and pulls untill a steady speed is reached. It also shifts hard every now and then. There is no shaking when idling. Sometimes on a cold start it'll take a few extra cranks to turn on and it'll have a loud screeching sound for when the truck finally turns on
Scan it for codes at an auto parts store for starters.
Have your battery + alternator load tested