96 dakota extended cab, 4x4, 3.9L, automatic, 93K miles
ive got a few questions:
1. when starting out from a dead stop and accelerating past about 2400 rpm (until the truck is going about 5-10mph) the truck seems to shutter. (in the last month i replaced the front and rear axle fluid (and, since it has limited slip, added the friction modifier), and replaced the trans filter, and the trans fluid is at proper level)
2. sometimes when going around a corner the front end (it seems to come from there) will make kind of a thunk noise
3. how do you tell if the ball joints are bad? (the service manual doesnt say how to replace the lower ball joint, why?)
4. how do you tell if the wheel bearings are bad?
5. when the gas guage hits about half, it starts to jump around, like its not getting a clear reading. than it jumps down to a quarter tank and stays there until it actually hits a quarter tank, any ideas?
6. it gets about 13.5 MPG mixed, 15 (if im lucky) highway.. any one know what i can do to possibly raise the mileage a little (kinda unhappy that my friends 4.0L Ranger has more power and much better mileage)
thanks.
ive got a few questions:
1. when starting out from a dead stop and accelerating past about 2400 rpm (until the truck is going about 5-10mph) the truck seems to shutter. (in the last month i replaced the front and rear axle fluid (and, since it has limited slip, added the friction modifier), and replaced the trans filter, and the trans fluid is at proper level)
2. sometimes when going around a corner the front end (it seems to come from there) will make kind of a thunk noise
3. how do you tell if the ball joints are bad? (the service manual doesnt say how to replace the lower ball joint, why?)
4. how do you tell if the wheel bearings are bad?
5. when the gas guage hits about half, it starts to jump around, like its not getting a clear reading. than it jumps down to a quarter tank and stays there until it actually hits a quarter tank, any ideas?
6. it gets about 13.5 MPG mixed, 15 (if im lucky) highway.. any one know what i can do to possibly raise the mileage a little (kinda unhappy that my friends 4.0L Ranger has more power and much better mileage)
thanks.
They always say a tonneau cover helps with gas mileage, I have one and didn't notice that much difference. My Dakota is a '94 3.9 2WD LB, and I get the same crappy mileage. I don't think Dodges are known for fuel economy!
Yea, I kinda knew that when I bought it. Luckily for me, I don't do a lot of driving (I live on base, so I'm about 3/4 mile from my work) except my 700 mile quest back home every holiday. Just wondering if anyone knew of any secrets.
But the mileage is definitly something Dodge should look into for the Dakotas (the new ones arn't awesome as compared to the Ranger and Colorado).. oh well.
But the mileage is definitly something Dodge should look into for the Dakotas (the new ones arn't awesome as compared to the Ranger and Colorado).. oh well.
All Star
1 - The only thing I could think of is if you were coming to a stop and it shuttered, the lock up could be left on and make the torque converter shutter.
2 - The thunk could be a bad ball joint or maybe the shock isn't bolted in tight enough.
3 - and 4 - Jack up the truck from the control arm. Grab the top of the tire and the bottom, lift up and if you feel a clunk or movement it's most likely a ball joint.. it could be a wheel bearing. Side to side would check tie rods (if there's movement)
5 - the fuel bobber in the tank is bad. I had this problem. I just dropped the gas tank and lifted the fuel pump out (bobber is on it) It would get caught underneath and move it. Try that, if not I BELIEVE you have to replace the whole pump for just the bobber (like 200+ bucks)
6 - Change plugs and wires, change air filter.. do a basic tune-up to it. Make sure tire pressure is proper as well, it effects, but not much. Try some fuel injector cleaner, it helps some, but not always. My tonneau cover definately saved me gas milage too. About an extra 20-40 miles per tank. Dakotas last. Rangers are Found On the Road Dead. So, be happy!
2 - The thunk could be a bad ball joint or maybe the shock isn't bolted in tight enough.
3 - and 4 - Jack up the truck from the control arm. Grab the top of the tire and the bottom, lift up and if you feel a clunk or movement it's most likely a ball joint.. it could be a wheel bearing. Side to side would check tie rods (if there's movement)
5 - the fuel bobber in the tank is bad. I had this problem. I just dropped the gas tank and lifted the fuel pump out (bobber is on it) It would get caught underneath and move it. Try that, if not I BELIEVE you have to replace the whole pump for just the bobber (like 200+ bucks)
6 - Change plugs and wires, change air filter.. do a basic tune-up to it. Make sure tire pressure is proper as well, it effects, but not much. Try some fuel injector cleaner, it helps some, but not always. My tonneau cover definately saved me gas milage too. About an extra 20-40 miles per tank. Dakotas last. Rangers are Found On the Road Dead. So, be happy!
Quote:
ORIGINAL: OneBadKota
Dakotas last. Rangers are Found On the Road Dead. So, be happy!
That is true... like I told my friends when I was looking for a truck, I'm buying a Dodge because they last, not because they get the best mileage. (in which case i wouldnt have bought a truck.. of course)ORIGINAL: OneBadKota
Dakotas last. Rangers are Found On the Road Dead. So, be happy!
Thanks for the answers.