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Dealer, TSB's and Recalls
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TonyC
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2004
19:05:11

Subject: RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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Pete,

That was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Wether you use 4WD or not, everything in the transfer case is still in motion.

What Outlaw is describing is a blown output shaft bearing. There is a lot of play in the shaft because the bearing is gone. Get it replaced as soon as possible or you'll be paying a lot more in the long run. Unfortunately, you will probably have to open the transfer case to replace the bearing. Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

TonyC



BasketCase
Dodge Dakota
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5/03/2004
09:08:29

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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All . . . The transfer case saga continues . . . Just bought my 2000 Dakota with 59,000 miles on it. It seemed to be the most solid used 4x4 vehicle on the lot. The drive train runs quiet and nothing leaks. However, the transfer case has multiple cracks on the bottom and looks like something hot scraped the outside of the case (blown u-joint?). There is no undercarriage damage to the cross members or anything else in that area so it was not high centered or bottomed out.

What to do? There are no problems yet. No leaks. No noises. All seals are bone dry. Should I replace the case? Any ideas what could have caused the case to crack without any apparent internal damage?

. . . Basket Case



meathead
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2004
23:39:11

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I have a '97 dakota ss 4x4 just reached 100k. My mechanic told me the transfer case is bad. After reading all of these i believe that may be the problem. There is a terrible grinding noise when I pull out from a stop at a slight turn. ( I also thought it was the cv axles). If I turn the wheels further from a stop the noise goes away. It also seems like the warmer the fluid gets the more often the sound appears. My personal opinion is that the dakota is junk! I also had to replace all the balljoints about a month after i bought the truck, at a price of about $900. Is the truck really worth fixing again?



Uriah
Dodge Dakota
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7/24/2006
21:43:48

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I have a 2004 dak 4.7 4x4 32k on it. Doing my exhaust noticed t case was a lil damp. no leaking on the ground
but still worried if its cracked or if i have a bad seal . Any one else have a problem like this email me if you do thanx.



eddy
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2006
01:55:17

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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Tonyc: I've actually heard the same thing from various reputable sources. If those fluids in the transfer case don't get circulated every now and again when you finally do go to use it the thing can sieze up. PArt of maintaining it is to engage it every now and again.



thebestman
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2006
18:25:46

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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the damp case is probally weeping from your trany gasket... i went around and tightened all the bolts, most were alittle loose, solved the problem. carefull not to go to tight on them, it'll push out the gasket all together, and yes... lesson learned the hard way...



joeywaz53
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2009
00:34:57

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I too am having trouble with the dealer and my transfer case. I was told the seal was leaking, so I had it replaced,THREE TIMES. Then I was told the transfer case had a hairline crack in it and needed to be replaced. A year later,I am told the housing for the transfer case has a hairline crack in it and the cause is the stress from the drive line being out of balance putting pressure on the housing. I did not have to pay for the replacement seals, but everything else has cost me over two thousand dollars, without this new problem to the driveline and the housing. It will cost an additional $800. I do not feel like the dealer is telling me the truth, they are just looking to sucker me out of more money. I am going to call the local service rep.,not at the dealer. It has been a nightmare!!!



James Hillwig
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2009
18:55:43

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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Since my post in 2004 I have only had one problem with my transfer case. Last October I developed 3 hairline cracks in the back half of the housing. I bought the parts and tried to replace the housing pieces on the truck, but I could not align the chain that connects the front and rear driveshafts. That would be easier on a bench, not under the truck. I removed the chain, coated it in ATF and put it in a plastic bag. Now I have a rear wheel drive only 4x4, with 300 pounds of sand in the bed to give me traction in the snow. I could take case out, buy more parts, and reassemble it for about $500, I could get one from a junkyard for $450 (no core) and R & R the case and keep the broken one for spares, or buy a new one at my dealer for $1,600. Until the weather here in Michigan gets warm I'm not going to do anything. As far as the driveshaft being out of balance, you'll get a vibration if it is, but to be sure you can have it rebalanced. There are weights on it, not much unlike lead weights on a rim. More than likely the dealer is trying to sucker you though. Most shops are crooked, that's why I've been doing my own work, whenever possible for 20 years now. If you have the case replaced or rebuilt, you should have the u-joints done too, because you have to remove the driveshafts to drop the case. Make sure the lubricant referenced in the owners manual is used.



mad
Dodge Dakota
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6/18/2009
07:54:48

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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WHATS WRONG WITH THESE DODGE SERVICE PEOPLE I HAVE A 2004 4X4 WITH BAD SOUNDS FROM UNDERNEATH ESP.AFTER DRIVING SAY 60 MILES,FIRST THEY SAY THEY PUT NEW BEARINGS IN THE REAR END,WELL THAT DID NOT WORK $113.00 WARRANTY,THEN A FEW DAYS LATER I DROVE 50 MILES AND THERE WAS THE NOISE AGAIN ONLY LOUDER AND NOTICED OIL ALL OVER MY TAILGATE COMMING FROM TRANSFER CASE REAR SEAL,SERVICE MANAGER TOOK TRK.FOR A RIDE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG,IGNORED LEAKING OIL,MADE ANOTHER APP.AFTER CONSULTING TRANS.SHOP,THIS TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR SEAL IN TRANSFER CASE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE,THERE IS ABOUT 4 IN.SLACK IN SHORT SHAFT FROM TRANS.CASE AND WHEN IT DOES MAKE CONTACT IT MAKES QUITE A NOISE,I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THIS TO THE MECHENIC AND THE NUT FROM THE PARTS DEPT.ORDERED ME OUT OF THE GARAGE,NOW IS THIS A DEALER THING OR A CHRYSLER TRAINING.PEOPLE OUT THERE BUY GM OR FORD.SIGNED (EDUCATED).



th900indy
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2009
14:38:21

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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ive got a 02 slt and im starting to hear a rattling sound in 2wd but ive been hearing it in 4wd since i bought the thing. all the posts on here sound like they have same problem. ive had my u joints replaced and im going to replace my tie rods this weekend, but i really hope that i dont have to go through all the stuff every1 else has gone through. if any1 has any sugestions please feel free to help!



mad
Dodge Dakota
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9/03/2009
07:36:50

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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It is me again from above,I fixed my 04 1500 slt and hoped i did my part in destroying chrysler corp.I bought a new 2009 4x4 GMC,The gm dealer did not even try to repair the dodge they sent it right to auction and it still had power train warranty on it,So what does that tell you!



Jason/04dd4x4
Dodge Dakota
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11/29/2009
18:26:49

noise while turning and accel.
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I have an 04' 4x4 4.7 dakota. noticed a grinding/clunking noise when i am in a turn and pressing on the accelerator. Noise is not heard when coasting through a turn. Been getting the run around from the service techs. Anyone have any ideas what it might be?



Marty
Dodge Dakota
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1/20/2010
09:45:50

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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Got a 95'Dakota 4x4 V8 auto,my truck drives smooth over 30 mph,slight vibration under 30.My front t-case output bearing is shot,I have NO front driveshaft.The bearing costs around $12 at auto stores,I also relize I am gonna need the seal too.I havent heard anything about a "bushing".I intend on getting the bearings,seals and gaskits (@$80)for my t-case and with help doing the rebuild.Then finding that front driveshaft!



john capuano
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2010
09:22:53

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I just lost my rear end on my 2000 dakota need to find a good used one can anyone help me?



blaine snyder
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2010
19:18:23

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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k u guys are gettin lucky i broke my transfercase in 2 pieces what my problem was i had bad everything in the frnt drive shaft it came apart and split it in half so watch for that



Adam
Dodge Dakota
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6/03/2010
03:21:17

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I had the same problem about 50 mins ago in my 98 sport rumble bee 4x4, my transfer case spilt in two driveing down the road and now it wont move anywherre, i noticed a slight vibration about 5 thousand miles ago and crasy squeeking and all sorts of noise comeing from the front end, also no power to the rear wheels (but come on dodge is known for insaine power and torque) and before i could pull a 05 cummins that was burried to the doors from out of the mud. i thought my problem was all tranny but ig 33s 6 inches of lift and pulling out all them fords and chevys, (only one other dodge and it was a 2500 cummins!) but all in all best truck ever!




lucasH
Dodge Dakota
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12/08/2013
20:26:01

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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Guys, the tcase does not need to be
engaged to circulate the fluids. TerryC is
correct.

If u have someone look under your truck
while slowly rolling down the driveway,
they'll see that the output shaft to the
front differential is spinning even when
in two wheel. This means the tcase is
spinning. All you do when you shift into
4 wheel is supply power to that shaft.
When it's in two wheel. It's just
freewheeling, but still gets warm



josh
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2014
22:29:19

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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looking for help........i replaced front diff and
cvs truck drives no problems in 2 whl but when i put
it in 4x4 it clicks like crazy and dont move



TomR
Dodge Dakota
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6/08/2014
10:37:24

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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I blew my transfer case at about 60,000 miles. The chain beat the case apart. It proved to be the second one in the truck. I bought the truck used. I was told by my mechanic that the chain will still be moving in two wheel drive. If you drive hard (75mph+) for a couple hundred miles or more in two wheel drive the chain will vibrate so much that it eventually will trash the transfer case, internals or both. I have been driving slower and have had my case last over 55,000 miles and still no problems. I am inclined to believe the mechanic knew what he was talking about. My truck gets used for farm, fishing, hunting and hauling chores so I do use the 4X4 regularly with moderately over-size wheels.



TylerK
Dodge Dakota
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6/28/2014
00:42:04

RE: Transfer Case Disaster
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i have a 2000 4x4 dakota and never had any
noticeable issues with my transfer case, the 4x4
was used regularly from pulling others out of
ditches or snow banks to hauling in the back 40
through the muddy field... then just the other day
cruising down a interstate at 58 mph the case blew
apart, split right in half leaving the front drive
shaft section slapping my frame rail... im a
mechanic, and i had the dealership look at it as
well and none of us can come to a conclusion as to
the cause of the failure... great truck over all
just a random catastrophic issue it appears.



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