change tranny fluid and filter
 

I have a 2007 Dakota with about 80,000. I would appreciate advice about whether it might be a good idea to change the transmission fluid and filter after these 10 years of use. No transmission problems, just concerned about wear. I have the TOW package so there's a transmission cooler. TIA (note earlier draft said "town" package instead of the correct TOW)

if it was mine...I would. trans fluid has a life. I follow the severe service interval in the maintenance schedule...most people fall into that category but think they don't. If you live in a hot climate...that's severe service.

Sounds like good advice, I too recently purchased a '06 Dakota in July with 100,000 and I'm not sure how good the previous owner was about scheduled service maintenance. I do notice a little slop in the gear selection and gear shifts are noticeable when driving. Was wondering if that was linkage or something more. I've heard of a Transgo Shifter Kit solving many of the spring issues with it's beefier backing plate. Is it required to remove the cross member to access the bolts on the transmission pan? If so, sounds like a real pain without a proper lift.

@RicOshea: this might help:

If you get a transmission pan from a certain durango its the same fit but they have a drain bolt

But you can get all the fluid out without dumping it down the back of your neck, then you can pull the pan and get the filters.