So it was extremely slippery outside so I drove in 4x4 (which is excellent! it was freezing rain and snow last night). Anyway. I parked the truck while still in 4 wheel drive. Turned off the truck and went inside to work. Came out later and had to run to pick up a tire that we had fixed for work. So I started up the truck, and started to back up (remember that I NEVER took it out of 4 wheel drive) and its not like it was vibrating a lot, but the truck seemed different when I was backing it up?! Like I said, it wasn't really vibrating, but kinda, if that makes any sense! So I stopped, took it out of 4 wheel drive and continued to back up and it still was like that?! Dunno if I was just in some snow that made the truck slide a little or something.. I dunno. So then i put in in "Drive" and went forward and it never vibrated or whatever. Is that just how it is in 4 wheel drive? Cuz later I put it back into 2wd and backed up and nothing happened like it did before. What could it be?

Another question. When I start the dakota, sometimes the chime (ding ding ding ding) goes off several times which is normal on start up. But there are a few times where it really doesn't chime at all or only chimes like twice, why is that? The doors are both closed, lights aren't on, the normal lights on the dash light up and then go out (like every vehicle). Just strange! lol

and ONE more thing! I want to drive to a town thats about 1 1/2 hours away tomorrow. I still haven't gotten my upper ball joints replaced. It will be all highway driving. Do you guys think it would be safe to drive that far (about 55 miles there, and 55 back or so.. total of 110). I want to go watch my bros high school hockey game. But what do you guys think!

hooby!

 

Ok, It wont hurt a thing if you shut the truck off in 4wd. And that vibration is normal it may do that after you change it out of 4wd til the gears change. All of that is normal. And about your upper ball joint thing; I thought you were scheduled to have that in on monday? Dont take this the wrong way; bud, but you sound a lil paranoid. I know this may be your first 4wd, but just drive it like it wasnt. And about the recall; dont think about it..If you're that scared take it in today and insist that it be done, and get it over with.

 

spear
lol , I don't take it the wrong way when you say i'm paranoid because I am, but I'm not like this all the time. Actually, I'm never paranoid like this. I guess the only real reason I am is because, like you said, its my first 4wd and I don't know how things act all the time. But at least I'm asking the questions right? Anyway, the only real reason I'm so nuts about the recall is because I can hear the upperball joint on the left side making noise every once in a while. I'd rather not have that thing fall apart when I'm driving 70-75 on the interstate lol And what I meant by "monday" is that I was going to call back monday to make an appointment. I did call yesterday and they are out of the parts and there a few more people in front of me so he put me on a call back list. Hey, there is a jeep dealer and a chrysler dealer in town as well. Will they honor the recall work if I called them up? Just wondering! But don't worry, I still drive the truck like its meant to be, I just have questions lol

hooby

 

Yeah any Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealership should be able to do it, and there may not be as long of a wait. I took mine to a Chrysler dealership. There is a Dodge dealership here in town, but I refuse to deal with them. I have a friend of mine who called them and he cant get his in til next Monday and he made the appointment the week the recall came out.

 

excellent.. thanks spear.. i'll give the jeep dealer a call tomorrow, and then if not them, the chrysler. I'd just rather get it done, ya know? Anyway, thanks for all of the answered questions. I know i really was paranoid, but at least I was asking the questions. lol I can't wait to tow something! We always tow trailers and stuff at work, but lately we've been slow so I haven't had to make any pickups or deliveries (small engine shop, so like riders, etc.). My bro has a 2002 Ford Ranger Edge 4x2, 3.0L V6 and I can't wait to easily outpull him! lol But sooner than later! Anyway, thanks again! I'm sure I'll be posting some more!

oh another things spear, I dunno if you replied to my question about the tonneau cover. What tonneau should I get? Like a hard top, soft top (velcro, snap), etc. thanks!

once again.. hooby

 

I dunno...I like the hard top, but then if you need to put something tall in the bed; you gotta detach that big hard monster cover off, so it'll fit. I kinda like the soft top hydrolic cover..lighter weight, and easier to deal with.