hello,

i have a 1997 dodge dakota 4x4 sport 3.9L that started making a clicking noise a while ago. I'm thinking it is either the gap between the pipe and the exhaust manifold or the timing chain. What do you think...the truck has 122,000 on it.

The other noise it makes is in 4x4 only, and only when i turn. The truck does this whether im on grass, blacktop, mud, or snow. When it does it, It has resistance to it, then it will click and the truck will kind of shoot forward. It isnt quite as noticable in heavy mud...but still present. It is a nasty noise and id like to get it fixed quickly as winter is coming. The 4x4 does still work 100%.


thanks, cody

 

If it makes it only when turning, I'd guess that you have at least bad 1 cv joint on the front axel. Take a look and see if there are any torn boots,while you are at it.

 

no torn boots....i thought it was a cv joint at first to. but wouldnt it make noise in 2x4 too???

 

mine does that also, (i think) it might be just the 4x4 working and you getting too much torque... are you turning the wheels really hard to one side or the other? or does it only happen when you are going in a straight line?

 

only while turning...how long has urs done it for?

 

i bought mine used about a year ago and since i have gotten it it has done that... basically you are putting a lot of stress on the 4wd system when you take tight turns and since there is no limited slip diff in the front, it will make noises because one tire is not going to be turning as far as the other... anyone else correct me if i am wrong but i think thats why

 

the first click,
when your truck is running,
does it go kinda like ticktickticktickticktickticktickticktickticktictic ktickticktickticktickticktickticktickticktick?

that would sound like an exaust leak....i know i have one

 

it doesn't make it so much at idle...only when i accelerate. I'm thinking exaust to cause theres a deff. leak in between w/e the pip is called that goes from the exhaust manifold toward the converter where it attaches to the exhaust manifold , and theres no muffler period so....

 

in a perfect world, 4x4 will work anywhere and everywhere without an issue including turning with it engaged. unless you're either in mud, on ice or snow, don't bother with it. that resistance you're feeling is axle bind. the front axle locks up. i wouldnt keep doing that if i were you, things will get destroyed. thats why you're supposed to use 4x4 in slippery conditions, to maintain control and allow wheel slippage on turns. AWD is a different story...

 

yeah thats what i was trying to say...