I just bought my son a 1993 Dakota 4x4 for $500.00. The seller said reverse didnt work but when I test drove it, reverse worked. When I checked the fluid it was very low. I filled it with fluid but it is still noisy and "rough". I have a neighborhood mechanic but I like to do stuff myself. I do all the work on my 97 740iL BMW and 99 SS Camaro. I was thinking of dropping the pan and changing the filter and fluid before taking it to my mechanic. My best friend has a lift that is generally at my disposal. What is involved in dropping the pan and changing the filter on a 4x4? I havent had a chance to look.

 

Like 16 bolts on the pan, drop it. Filter is right there. I believe it has 2 bolts.

 

I've heard, and my buddy did it just recently with his 84 rampage, that if you take it up to 50 mph and drop it into park, the park lock pin won't engaged until its under 50mph, and it helps stop slipping and noises. If your going to try this I would talk to a transmission shop first. Because the park pin could engage at different speeds.

 

IMO I would retorque you shift bands back to spec while you have the pan off. Like onebadkota its a piece of cake even more so with a lift. A good investment would be the Haynes Repair Manual. It gives you all the torque specs and step by step instructions for the DIYer if you have any questions or concerns

 

yeah im not going to be trying that anytime soon. directed to mini.

 

Also inspect what is in the bottom of the oil pan. Normal is a few very fine metal particals but look for large chunks of metal.