Good Morning all,
Ok so finally got the 96 all back together, and was running fine until the winter struck. So rather than drive it in the slush and snow and salt of Wisconsin roads
I parked it under cover and just started it now and then to keep everything lubed up. Weather broke a little and roads were clear so took it for a ride. Ran fine up to about 65 mph but went to push a little and at 70 seemed to bog down, not the engine but drive train. Tested the wheels to see if brakes were locking up cold no problem, front differential cold, rear differential warm to touch not hot but warm after about a 30 mile drive. So I am guessing something there? Should it be warm? Changed all the fluids when it was up on the hoist during reassembly. All grease fittings have been pumped full transmission fluid new and full, oil new and full this is a 1996 5.2 l dakota slt with 4x4. And as long as I have your attention are there locking hubs for this year model? Be nice to get 1 or 2 mpg more on the highway.
Thanks in advance
Gary

 

No locking hubs (that I know of.) Would be nice, but no. I think it's something we all look for when we first get our Dakotas. The luxury of shifting into 4wd on the fly is nice tho.

What weight oil did you use in your diffs? The heavy, heavy stuff might create some resistance. Did it work okay before you fixed it? Your rear diff should be warm after 30 miles, btw. Front diff, not so much if the 4wd isn't engaged--because it's freewheeling.

Did you use ATF-4 in the trannie & xfer box?

 

Dont remember the oil weight for the differential but did use the modifer in the differential and used the atf 4 for trans and transfer case, pretty sure the front diff used 90 weight, not sure of the rear, well the diff was not hot to the touch just warm, cruised at 65 figured the front was disconnected due to the transfer case. Too bad about the lockers would be nice
Thanks for the comeback will have to do more investigation I guess