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Dave
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2002
17:49:08

Subject: Service Schedules and service Q's
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I recently bought a 2k QC with 4.7 engine, 3.55 rear end, 4x4, auto transmission, etc. The manual has two service schedules, as usual. However, Schedule B (heavy service) says to change the front and rear axle fluids every 12K miles, while Schedule A (normal driving) NEVER says to change these fluids. It has 28K miles at this point and is coming up on the 30K maintenance. Thus the following questions:

1. When if ever do I change the front and rear axle fluids.

2. What does "check" the PCV valve mean? What am I looking for - or should I just replace it periodically.

3. Should I be getting a full flush and refill on the tranny, including new filters and dropping the pan or just drop the pan, new filters and top off fluid. I am pretty sure that just a flush and refill without dropping the pan is NOT the answer.

4. I hate to ask this, but which plugs for the 4.7? From reading the posts (including the Autolites Zealot :))I think I get a concensus on Autolites but not the specific plug. No mods on the truck, bone stock.

5. I also sense a concensus for synthetic oils and other fluids with tranny being ATF +4 - right??

Hey, thanks a bunch for your help and this great group.

Dave Hall



Dan Gruber
GenIII
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4/23/2002
19:49:10

RE: Service Schedules and service Q's
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I'm a little anal retentive about maintenance. I follow the heavy service schedule in any vehicle I drive because my driving tends to sit on the border between "normal" driving and heavy duty. Having said that, by all means, CHANGE YOUR FRONT AND REAR DIFF FLUIDS! I do mine at the same time as the transmission fluid change. Over time, any fluid will become contaminated with dirt, moisture, and any other gunk that might be in there. Changing fluids is relatively cheap insurance against premature failure.

PCV valve...I just had mine checked at the 30K service. I have no idea what they checked for, but it didn't get replaced.

Transmission service: If you can get a full flush, do it. It can't hurt. Otherwise, dropping the pan, new filters, and a refill should do fine.

Plugs: Most say Autolite 3923's, especially in conjunction with a 180 degree thermostat. It's supposed to eliminate pinging. I have the stock thermostat and use the stock Autolite 5224's, and I generally don't ping on 87.

Oils: synthetic is a good idea. My old 96 VW Jetta VR6 had a digital oil temp gauge in the trip computer. When I switched to synthetic I noticed a 15 degree drop in city oil temp and a 25 degree drop in highway oil temp. That can't be anything but good for an engine.

Dan
2000 CC SLT 4.7 4X4 Auto 3.55 LSD
3 inch Performance Accesories lift & 32 inch BFG MT KM's

ezlux
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
16:13:04

RE: Service Schedules and service Q's
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I was wondering these things myself.
Is it hard to change the front and rear axle fluids? I have the limited slip rear axle and was wondering if I could do it myself. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



nmdcommguy
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2002
16:52:44

RE: Service Schedules and service Q's
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PCV valve check= take it out, shake it:
If clicking noise, then OK
If no clicking noise then replace
end program



Dave Hall
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2002
20:34:59

RE: Service Schedules and service Q's
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Thanks for the replys so far. Anyone else??



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