> I just joined the list and am not sure if this question has been asked
> before. My son has a 1999 Dakota Sport with about 50k miles. The
transfer
> case just disintegrated and we are having trouble finding a replacement,
> used or new. Is there a known problem with the transfer case on this
> model?
I have the NP231 tcase on my 93 Dakota. I have 126,500 miles on it and have
had only 1 problem with it trying to engage 4WD, and it was really my fault.
Here is what happened:
I typically do a tcase fluid flush and fill every year and typically use the
same fluid, Amsoil Synthetic ATF. This last time I used Mobil 1 Synthetic
ATF. Afterwards, the tcase did not want to stay in 4HI or 4LO. Everytime the
lever would just pop right back out of 4WD. I thought at 125,000 miles, it
was time for a tcase rebuild. In a last ditch effort I hosed down the entire
linkage with 3M Penetrant Lube and also with 3M Spray Grease. This didnt
work. I looked my my Hayne's Repair Manual and it just stated to use ATF for
the fluid. So I look in the Owner's Manual which came with my truck. It
stated that the fluid repquirements for the NP231 tcase is Mopar ATF+3 7176
or is that is not available to use Dextron III ATF. Well I went to the auto
part store and looked at the Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF......it just states it is
Dextron III approved, and states nothing about 7176 compatible. So I buy 4
quarts of Valvoline AFT +3 7176 fluid. I drain out the Mobil 1 and flush the
tcase out with 2 quarts of the Valvoline ATF+3. I put the drain plug back in
and fill the tcase back up with the +3 ATF and put the fill plug back in.
The difference was like night and day, the tcase lever pulled back alot
easier and 'locked' into 4HI and 4LO. It still works flawlessly to this day.
Amazing how the wrong fluid affected the tcase operating properly.
I do know the the Dakotas still use the NP231 and it should be very easy to
find a replacement unit at any local scrapyard and since it is a very
popular tcase, most transmission shops work on them also. What do you mean
by "The transfer case just disintegrated?" Did he have it in 4WD while
driving in dry road conditions? Maybe he was not aware it was in 4WD mode,
and this would cause the tcase to "disintegrate" in no time at all.
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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