i by no mean use my 4x4 on a dry ground...but it will make it on grass, and other loose things.

 

yeah, but in reality, you could however have a really aggressive tread tire, that has great traction in snow and on grass. it honestly depends on your tires and the conditions you're driving in/on.

 

tires equall 1/8 " tread...im about to get new ones. but yea so i guess the 4x4 is partially normal...ill just have to be careful. so what about the engine click...anyone else think its just the exhaust?

 

is it a steady clicking like a lifter tick maybe?

 

its steady....but only at heavy exceleration...a lifter would be all the time would it not?

 

a lifter ideally would lean out top be being quiet once you get on the throttle. oil pressure would be sufficient to make it past the gunk in oil galleys. check your exhaust manifold for broken bolts. however it's very common for these engines to develop a sticky lifter and according to a dodge TSB, it's fine and doesnt pose a threat. you could run some lucas oil stabilizer to your next change. i always use a full quart plus 3 quarts of castrol GTX. always takes care of it.

 

first Click,

I would assume its an exhaust leak...check your manifolds. The bolts on the dakota's are known for breaking off. I had a "click"ing noice for about 2 years....I had 2 right manifold bolts busted right off. It only made the noise when i would first start it and then mostly under acceleration. In addition to the exhaust leak "click" the heat sheild rattled like an sob when i would accelerate.
I had the bolts/heat sheild replaced and now the truck sounds great.....but it cost an arm and a leg for Labor. I've drivn it like that for over a year and no problems so i wouldnt stress about it to much if thats your problem. I'll be making a 3k mile trip shortly and i didnt want to have any issues so thats reallly the only reason i got mine fixed.

Good luck.

Mac

 

I have the same symptoms on my 2002, and I just confirmed that it is in fact an exhaust leak on the manifold. I think this is a common issue on many vehicles, actually. For some odd reason, the manufacturers often use undersized bolts or studs. Problem is, they can be a b_tch to get to. In the case of my '02, I was just told by my shop that a bolt head has rusted off, and there is not enough clearance to get a drill in there to get the rest of it out. Therefore my only course of action is to pull the head. They suggested I live with it until it becomes unbearible.

I've heard of others doing this job by going through the driver's side fender well. Has anyone actually replaced ALL the bolts without pulling the head? Any advice?

As an engineer myself, this problem really ticks me off (forgive the pun). I mean, how much more money can 10mm bolts cost vs. 8mm in this high-stress application?