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Steve C.
Dodge Dakota
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2/23/2004
17:13:00

Subject: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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2000 4.7 V8, 4WD, 37,000 miles. Haven't done any fluid changes yet besides oil so it is definitely past due.
Should I do these myself or let the dealer do them?

Tranny $145
F diff $75
R diff $85
Transfer case $65

I understand the fluids can be expensive and disposal of the old stuff might be a pain.

I need a front end alignment anyway, figure I might as well have the dealer change all this while I was at it. If it will take me a full day to do the changes and only save me $100 then it would be worth it for the dealer to do it, but if I could knock them out in an hour or two then that might be a different story.

Thanks!



AmsoilSponsor
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2/23/2004
18:32:37

2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4.7L 8-cyl, Amsoil Synthetic Oil
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Steve,

Here is the capacity information to assist you in calculating your costs:

2000 DODGE TRUCKS DAKOTA 4.7L 8-cyl VIN Code N

CAPACITIES

Engine, with filter..........6.0 quarts[1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........17.0 quarts
Automatic Transmission, 42RE Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, 44RE Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, 46RE Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, A45RFE 4WD Initial Fill..........6.6 quarts[2][3]
Automatic Transmission, A45RFE 2WD Initial Fill..........5.5 quarts[4][5]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
42RE..........10.0 quarts
45RFE..........14.0 quarts
46RE..........10.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, NV1500..........4.6 pints
Manual Transmission, NV3500..........4.2 pints
Differential, C205F Front..........3.6 pints
Differential, with 7.25 ring gear Rear..........3.0 pints
Differential, with 8.25 ring gear Rear..........4.4 pints
Differential, with 9.25 ring gear Rear..........4.9 pints
Transfer Case,NV231..........2.5 pints
Transfer Case,NV242..........2.7 pints

1. After refill check oil level
2. With engine automatic transmission operating temperature, shift through all
gears. Check fluid level in NEUTRAL and add fluid
as needed.
3. DTC'S may be set , reset with DRB III, if necessary
4. With engine automatic transmission operating temperature, shift through all
gears. Check fluid level in NEUTRAL and add fluid
as needed.
5. DTC'S may be set , reset with DRB III, if necessary


TORQUES - if you decide to DIY

Oil Drain Plug.....25 ft-lbs
Transfer case
Fill Plug.....35 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....35 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission AX-15
Fill Plug.....27 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....27 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission NV3500
Fill Plug.....14-20 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....14-20 ft-lbs
__________________________________________________

Free Amsoil Catalog Link Below:



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



Exocet
Dodge Dakota
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2/23/2004
19:32:50

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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I had my dealer do all of those fluids except the transfer case on my 02 QC, 4.7, 4x4. The tranny was $120, with the biggest expense being 7 Qts of ATF+4. Make sure you know what filters they are replacing. My dealer tried to do both, when only one was needed. My dealer charged me $30 for each diff, but I supplied the fluid. The front diff is a PITA. The rear is easy to do, if you are so inclined. The transfer case takes about 15-20 min. It does require a metric hex bit. I don't remember the size, though.



Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/24/2004
11:08:54

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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I changed all those fluids ( tranny, diffs, TC ) in one day. I can't recall the exact costs, but it was probably closer to 25-30% of the costs you've listed. Now that I think about it, it was around $100 for all the fluids, filters and gasket materials required.

The rear diff and TC are easy. The tranny is easy, but messy and takes a bit more time. The front diff is a bit of a pain due to the close quarters you need to work in.

If you DIY, plan for the day, plan to get dirty.



Timberwolf
GenIII
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2/24/2004
14:56:01

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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You could replace everything with synthetic and do it yourself for about $140. The dealer wants $370 for non-synthetic I'm sure.The only thing you may want the dealer to do is the tranny if your unsure of yourself. That's the only thing that is remotely hard. If you want instructions on how to change all the fluid in the tranny, not just what's in the pan, let me know. You will just need a vaccuum pump ($10) to drain the diffs. You don't even have to take them apart. The diffs and transfer case shouldn't take you over 1/2 hr to do all 3, cost=$50 for synthetic including the pump, dealer=$225 for 1/2 labor and cheaper fluids. If you have the dealer do it, just make sure he at least buys you dinner and takes you to a movie first.



AmsoilSponsor
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2/24/2004
16:41:32

Amsoil Changing Transmission Fluid -12 EASY Steps
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If you are going to DIY ... You can pick up a filter kit from AutoZone for about $10 and it contains the filter and gasket. It is not nessasary to use any silicon or gasket sealer just be sure your pan surface is clean. NOTE: It is a messy DIY job.
==================================================
Changing Your Transmission Fluid in 12 EASY Steps:

1. Make sure the fluid is warm. Warm up your Dakota so the transmission is at normal operating temperature. Pull the transmission dipstick. Fresh fluid is translucent and cherry red. Some darkening is normal, but if it is reddish brown or mustard color and smells like burnt varnish, it is worn out.

2. Drain the fluid by loosening the pan. Select the correct filter replacement based on pan shape and prepare a large pan to catch the fluid. Then loosen each pan bolt a turn or two and loosen one corner more than rest. Drain mostly from this corner.

3. Finish removing the pan and any gasket material from the pan or case. Avoid scratching the metal and make sure the pan’s gasket surface isn’t bent or distorted.

4. Remove the old filter. Most transmission filters are held in place with a bolt or two, but some are held by a clip. Be careful to include O-Rings or other seals.

5. Install a new filter. Use the clips or bolts from the old filter. Be sure O-Rings, etc. are in place. If the filter has a long intake neck, gently push the neck into place without unseating the O-Ring.

6. Clean the pan thoroughly. Inspect the pan before cleaning. A small amount of fine grey clutch dust is normal. However, if you find metal shavings, there has been transmission damage. Clean the pan with solvent and wipe dry so there is no harmful residue.

7. Position gasket on pan. Some gaskets have four holes slightly smaller than the rest to allow four bolts through the pan and through these smaller holes to hold the gasket in place.

8. Hand tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. After that, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to proper ft-lbs as per manufacturer.

9. Refill the transmission using only the amount shown as “refill capacity” in the owners manual or "AMSOIL Product Selection Guide,” using the type of fluid specified for the vehicle.

10. If doing only a partial fluid replacement, skip to instruction 12 below. If doing a complete fluid replacement, follow the steps in instruction 11.

11. You now have replaced the fluid in the pan. To replace the fluid in the torque converter and oil cooler also, follow these steps.

Step 1. Obtain the total system capacity of the vehicle from the manufacturer or AMSOIL. Have this amount readily available.

Step 2. Disconnect the oil cooler line from the oil cooler. As you may not know which is the pressure side and which is the return side, have both directed so the stream of fluid will be directed toward a receptacle.

Step 3. With another person, be prepared to add ATF to the fill area as it is being pumped out of the oil cooler line.

Step 4. Start the engine, and as the old fluid is pumped out, add fresh fluid to the pan.

Step 5. When either the fluid color brightens or the total capacity has been replaced, shut the engine off and re-attach the oil cooler line. All fluids has now been changed.

12. Recheck the fluid level. With the truck on level ground, set the parking brake and the transmission in “Park” or “Neutral.” Let the engine idle for a few minutes. Shift the transmission into different positions before returning the lever to “Park” or “Neutral.” Check the fluid level again and check for leaks.

--------------- ---------------


Amsoil Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid

Improves fuel efficiency, reduces transmission temperatures and increases transmission life. Provides unsurpassed thermal stability and up to five times the service life of conventional ATFs. Delivers maximum protection for towing and other severe-duty applications.

Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications:

Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4
--------------------------------------------------

ATF Extended Drain Intervals

AMSOIL ATF is formulated for extended drain intervals. Transmissions usually operate under severe service conditions. They are subjected to extensive idling, frequent short trips, cold temperature driving, sustained hot weather driving or trailer towing. When conventional transmission fluid is used, it should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. AMSOIL ATF should be changed at intervals up to three times longer than the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.

SERVICE LIFE

AMSOIL ATF has an expected fluid life of three times the automatic transmission manufacturer's recommendations. Drain intervals may be extended indefinitely when fluid analysis is used.
__________________________________________________



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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2/24/2004
20:39:11

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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Does anybody know if you need a gasket for a dif oil change on a 3:55 rear end, 2002 4.7L?



Timberwolf
GenIII
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2/25/2004
09:25:27

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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Jim-No, because you don't have to remove the cover to change it. There is a $10 suction device that looks like a grease gun without the handle. With this it literally only takes 10 min to drain and fill it.

Steve-I would recommend that people get their gasket set at Napa, and here's why. Number one, it only costs $4 more at Napa. Number two, the gasket at Napa is thicker and it has smaller holes on the corner, so your bolts will stay put and hold the gasket in place when you replace it. The Autozone gasket does not. After using both, I would be willing to pay duoble for avoiding all the hassle I had trying to line up the bolt holes in the gasket on that damn Autozone filter.



Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2004
09:57:35

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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I'm not disagreeing with Timberwolf on the diffs, but I think it is a good idea to pull the diff covers the first time, and then every so many changes, just to drain any shavings or "chunks of sh-tuff" from the diffs.

If you do pull the covers, a tube of Right-Stuff works great.

Also, I'm not sure if you can get both filters for the 45RFE from Autozone/NAPA as yet. The 45RFE does have two filters, and I felt better changing them both as long as I was in there anyway. I ordered my filters and pan gasket from www.bulkpart.com. They were significantly cheaper and the filters were at my door in 2 days.

fyi, I used AMSOil products for the diffs, TC, and tranny.



deaver
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2004
19:47:03

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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At how many km do you need to worry about these fluid changes ( excluding engine oil). I have 37000 km on my 4.7 4x4.



Killthebunny
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2004
17:56:06

RE: Fluid changes -tranny/diff/transfer case
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37000Km sounds a bit early, I had mine done at 54000Km
after a 6000Km in one week trip to LA/Vegas from
Vancouver.

Of course when I left it in to the dealer they called me
straight back to tell me the rear diff had seperated and torn
apart the housing and they warrentyed the rear end from
drum to drum, I never heard a peep out of it on the trip.

S.



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