This is my first posting, so let me start off by saying "Greetings". I've loved my Dakota since I drove it off the dealer lot in 2006. Recently, I have noticed an issue with my 4X4, when I take it out of 4H back to 2H there is a hard clunk noise and it feels like just hit a pothole. Also, the transfer case doesn't disengage right away, I can still hear the whining for a few minutes after moving the switch to 2H. The clunking noise takes place at the instant the transfer case disengages. This has happened only a few times in the last couple of weeks but it seems to be getting progressively worse and more consistent. All tires are the same size (added that note because I read in another post where that was an issue). Typically it doesn't matter how fast I am going for this to occur, it happens whenever I come out of 4H. I haven't noticed any lose of fluid of any kind under the vehicle either. Odometer reads 47k (+/-). Sry for the novel, just trying to be thorough.

MrCager

 

Welcome to DF.

I will move this to the 3rd Generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

"bump" because i want a answer.

 

mine does the same thing...never really worried about cause I don't use 4wd ever...but I am curious

 

I never switch mine while moving or in gear. Dont have any noises. Sounds like an internal problem?

 

Did you check the fluid level in the case? You'd get a lot of noises that get worse and no show of leaks if it had nothing to leak. It's real easy to check, just take off the filler bolt and stick your finger in.

 

Could you please specify what you mean by "internal problem", I'm don't seem to be the only one with this issue. I've been driving and switching between 4H and 2H (on the fly as designed) for years and the bumping has only started the last few months.

 

Internal, as in something wrong inside the transfer case. Mechanical related.