i am relatively new to the whole mechanic seen and just bought a 91 dakota with a bad motor (pretty sure its a rod that is knocking bad) and i am wondering if it would be easier to pull the motor with or without the transmission? any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

if tranny is good I always pull engine seperate

 

I haven't pulled a 4x4 with trans but I have pulled 2wd with trans and thats how I prefer. Its alot easier to join the motor and trans out of truck. Im not sure how easy it will be since you have the transfer case on yours.

 

ahh. I didnt see the "4X4" part of the equation; definitely engine seperate

 

For 4wd just pull the transfercase then you can remove the engine and transmission as one, using one of the engine tilt harness helps. Also don't forget to remove the shifter and drain all fluids first.