I have an '01 Dak extended cab 3.9LV/6 and it's making a noise (exhaust) that I haven't been able to trace down yet. It sounds like a heat riser valve rattling from the driver side and I can't remember if there is an actual heat riser valve on the exhaust manifold. My guess is no since there is no pre-heater hose. Anyone know for sure and if so any suggestions on how to quiet it, lube or otherwise? I know, nothing major but it bugs the crap out of me and I can't stand a vehicle of mine making beater noises.

 

I'm not too familiar with the exhaust setup on the newer dakotas, but in my experience, most exhaust noises come from a loose heat shield or the catalytic converter breaking up. You could try tapping the cats with a hammer.

 

I checked the underhood manifold heat shields and the noise isn't from them. It doesn't really sound deep enough for a cat. More of a tinny sound just off idle and then it goes away immediately. The other heat shields are fine as well. I'll just have to keep looking i guess. It's more noticeable in gear at a steady rpm just off idle. If I try holding the throttle open in park I can't keep the revs at just the right rpm to keep the noise constant, it'll rev just past it. Hard to diagnose from under the truck with it in gear and at the proper rpm.

 

its likely the converter. thats how they sound when they start to go.