This is a known problem. I remember reading about this problem on the list.
Check the archives, as far back as May. There was one month where there was
a constant stream of problems with this. I believe in most cases DC took
care of the problem. I don't believe that in those situations they only
replaced the ring and pinion gear. I think it was the whole rear end.
Those here that have had it done should be able to attest to that. Thank
goodness (knock on wood) it's not been a problem for me.
Ron
00 SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
For modifications see my DML Profile
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Ed Buxton
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2000 11:22 AM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: Dodge embarrassed? (kinda long)
They weren't, but they should have been!
While waiting for servicing to be finished on my
truck, I took a Dakota Quad Cab with V6 and stick for
a test drive. I was curious to see if the shift into
reverse
clunk and the rear end 40 to 55 mph whine were special
traits of my Club Cab ('99, V^ and auto).
The Quad Cab (with 5 speed) would clunk loudly, to the
point that one would replacing u joints on a "normal"
vehicle), in 1st when accelerating or letting off the
gas. Not quite so loud in second, etc. The slop in the
rear was obvious.
The salesman said that was normal, not only for the
quad cab, but any stick shift vehicle. Funny, no other
stick shift I have ever driven does it..except when
there is a rear end problem or just before the ujoints
break and the drive shaft clucks around freely. Was
the salesman embarrassed? No? Defensive of my attack
on his product? No.
I stopped at another Dodge dealer, test drove a Ram
quad with a stick. Nothing. Quiet and clunk free
acceleration. The trans shifted much nicer than the
rough one in the Dakota.
Okay, since Dodge says the clunk and whine are
problems
that every truck has and basically I have to live with
it, I have a question. would taken it to a repair
shop, with real mechanics, to get a new set of gears
installed alleviate this problem? Currently it is a
3.55 one legged beast.
I love the truck, it's just irritating for my wife to
be drowned out by the rear end...not that I really
mind it in that instance :) And it's embarrassing to
shift into reverse and have everyone look at the
truck.
TIA
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