Dakota axle problems

From: Michael Clark (magnumv8@wt.net)
Date: Mon Jun 28 1999 - 02:54:16 EDT


I recieved this email tonight and I thought I would forward it to the list
as the author is not a member. Sounds like he needs some help here. Please
send your replies to his address at c.k.behning@juno.com

---Mike, near Houston.--- http://www.mikesdakota.com
              '93 V8 4X2 MarkIII
Houston Area DML Meet Page
     http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/downs/9221

>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Carol K Behning <c.k.behning@juno.com>
> To: <mike@snakebite.com>; <lemon@watsonville.com>
> Sent: Sunday, June 27, 1999 9:12 PM
> Subject: Dakota
>
>
> > I am the, once upon a time, proud owner of a '97 Dodge Dakota. I am
> > looking for people who have had problems with rear axles in the Dakota.
> > And any help I can get dealing with Dodge.
> >
> > 1997
> > Club cab
> > 4X4 (131"WB)
> > 5.2L V8
> > 4 Spd trans
> > Sport Pkg.
> > Heavy duty service pkg.
> > Towing pkg.
> > 3.9 rear axle ratio
> > Anti-spin / limited slip differential
> >
> > It was purchased for the purpose of pulling an 18' self contained camper
> > trailer.The trailer GWR is 5000 lbs. As I pull it down the road it
weighs
> > about 4300 lbs. The Dakota (Dak.) front and rear axles with trailer in
> > tow are aprox. 2750 lbs. This is with weight distribution bars. There is
> > aprox. 400 lbs. of tongue weight. All well within Dodge's limits.
> >
> > The Dak. was driven very little the first year I had it, due to an
> > illness and death in the family. In the last 11 months this vehicle had
> > been in the shop for over 45 days. Ruining over 30 days of vacation and
> > camping time for me. The next time it goes in to the shop will be it's
> > 10th time in the last 11 mo. Dodge hasn't decided what they are going to
> > do as yet. So, it is sitting in my garage waiting to go in again.
> > Or..........
> >
> > The rear axle has been replaced twice now. This is the third axle with
> > problems. The first went out (on vacation) at about 3000 mi. It got so
> > hot it melted the ABS sensor that sits above the axle. The axle itself
> > literally turned blue from the heat. 1000 mi. later (on vacation) it
was
> > in the shop again. This time popping and whirring noises. They changed
> > the axle lube and put in a friction reducing additive. At aprox. 6200
> > mi. (over 400 mi. from home,yes, on vacation) I was told it's going out
> > again.....you should make it home. Not many popping noises but a
distinct
> > whirring sound (bearings). The 2nd axle was replaced at 6750 mi. I then
> > drove for about 3000 mi. not towing the trailer at all. Last week, again
> > trying to take a vacation, I got 100 mi. from home and it started again.
> > Bad popping and some whirring sounds.The trailer had been towed only 111
> > mi. on this axle. They did a DRB III test with the trailer in tow. The
> > engine is running at about 42% power at 60 mph with a slight head wind.
I
> > was told this not excessively high under the circumstances. The other
> > components tested were normal. After 14 test mi. the axle was hotter
than
> > it should be. I did make it home, yet another vacation ruined. The axle
> > had been checked just before I left this time and as once before when it
> > was checked before a trip I was told it was fine.
> >
> > I am waiting to hear from the District Manager as to what Dodge intends
> > to do.
> >
> > Any similar problems you've heard of?
> > Any suggestions?
> > I do not have internet access. E-Mail only.
> > I appreciate any help you can give. Got your address from a friend of a
> > friend who pulled two off the net for me. I am very tired of spending my
> > vacations broken down in dealers lots many miles from home. And vacation
> > time is far to precious for this.
> >
> > I love the truck but enough is enough.
> >
> > Sincere thanks
> > Carol
> >
> > ___________________________________________________________________
> > Get the Internet just the way you want it.
> > Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
> > Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
> >
>
>



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