First time dodge dakota owner

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Apr 6, 2018 | 03:53 PM

Pjb951

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First time dodge dakota owner

Hello, new to the forum ( any forum for that matter) please feel free to correct me or inform me of proper etiquette. I recently purchased a 95 dakota 3.9 v6 automatic trans 4wd standard cab long bed .
It has 98k on the odo. One owner vehicle. I know absolutly nothing about dakotas or any dodge vehicles but i really like this truck and it seems to be in fantastic shape and running condition for its year.
My question is/are, how do i check/change the transfer case oil? The engine seems to make a light lifter noise at idle , is this normal? And while driving at low speeds i.e. town driving , i hear what appears to be a whistling noise ? From about the transfer case position? The noise stops when the vehicle stops but returns when you take off. And i dont hear it all the time. Sorry for the long thread , but just looking for some info and folks to help familiarize me with this good little truck. I expect to have it for quite some time as it is my fishing truck, thank you in advance

Apr 7, 2018 | 10:45 AM

onemore94dak

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Welcome. I don't know about 4x4 but you are in luck there is a factory service manual for the 95's on the FAQ page. There are several 4x4 guys on here who will be able to help you. Again welcome and good luck. Oh yea on my 94 3.9 that lifter noise turned out to be the exhaust manifold studs having broken. My symptom only showed up when under strain or going uphill. The more common reason given for the ticking lifter sound if it sounds like its in the front is the timing chain. They build these without a tensioner on the TC. It is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to put one in. Wait on it there is a lot of info for upgrades for bad choices at the factory that you might want to do all at the same time to save money and work. :-)

Edit- on tune up you do not set the timing on these the computer does that so it's just cap, rotor, wires, plugs and maybe a coil. And oil changes.

Last edited by onemore94dak; Apr 7, 2018 at 10:49 AM.

Apr 7, 2018 | 11:22 AM

ragged89

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From: Southeastern Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pjb951

The transfer case will have a fill plug and drain plug on the back side (toward the rear of the truck). They're relatively large nuts typically, though I don't remember the size. Check the fluid level first. It should be level with the bottom of the fill hole, stick a piece of cardboard in to see about where the fluid level is. If its within a half inch of the hole and you don't see drops forming on the bottom of the case, that's a good sign. Next I'd drain the fluid through a filter (a handkerchief works) and look for any aluminum bits. If the previous owner used 4WD on dry paved roads the chain may have stretched, in which case the slack portion can eventually chew into the aluminum case. It won't do too much damage if you catch it early, but if ignored the chain can put a hole in the case. You'll usually hear a whirring/slapping noise when the chain is very loose. If the fluid looks good, refill it with new automatic transmission fluid, which is what should be in it.