I've got a 1996 Dakota (5-speed) Just yesterday I noticed that a low rumbling sound is produced when shifting into second gear. Any ideas what the problem could be? I currently have gear oil in the transmission. I was told that Dodge made 3 different models of transmission for the 96 year, but I could not verify which one mine is. Should I be using mopar or something else?

 

Welcome to DF. I will move this to the 1st Generation Dakota Sub-Forum.

What engine do you have?


1994 - 1996
4cly, V6 AX-15 5-speed
V8 NV3500 5-speed

 

It's the V8

 

Owners manual will tell what the correct fluid is, but I doubt gear oil is the problem..Gear oil would cause the trans to be more difficult to shift when cold,other than that,not much else..If the problem only occurs during your shift but stops after the shift is complete, I would suspect a worn brass blocking ring....

 

According to the service manual NV3500 ................................................2. 0 L (2.1 qts.)NV3500—MOPAR Manual Trans. Lubricant (P/N
4761526).

Additives in standard gear and axle lubes will etch the bronze synchronizers and 80W oil will not properly flow into the NV3500 bearings.

You need to change out the oil to the correct oil before to much damage occurs. I would say do it again in a month or so to get 100% clean oil in.

 

most likely you have the nv3500 but i would check these photos to be sure just in case by some slim chance it may have been swapped out by someone previously http://www.motivegear.com/tech_info/...nny_guide.html . but assuming you have the nv3500 it sounds like you need the special lubricant that crazy4x4 posted. regular gear oil might ruin that tranny, hopefully someone hasnt put the wrong fluid in there. alot of people dont bother to find out the correct fluid, they just pour in what ever is sitting on the work bench