I have a 1987 Dakota 3.9 that I drove off the lot in 87. Every oil change has always been 5 quarts with a new filter. I recently purchased a 1990 Dakota with the same(?) 3.9. So I change the oil in it and dump in 5 quarts of oil with a new filter. Pull the stick later and has waaay to much oil in it. Get the 1990 owers manual out and it says 4 quarts with a new filter. Why the difference?

Maybe a smaller pan because of clearance.

Look in the owners manual under capacities. It will say there

I did get the owners manual out for the 1990. It did say 4 quarts. I'm just curious as to why the difference. I finally got the oil level correct after draining out about a Quart and1/2.

Trucks appear to be identical. 3.9 Two wheel drive.

Dodge has tried to do that to me on my 2003 Dakota V-6. Everytime I took it in for it's scheduled service, they would put 5 quarts in it. I didn't catch it until I got home. I had to drain the oil out & re fill it. After that, everytime I go to the dealer I tell them, 4 quarts only. I check it after it comes out of the bay, & sits in the parking lot about 10 minutes. I'll check the dipstick. It is ususlly over full, so I make them take it back inside and re-do it. Then I make sure they only bill 4 quarts on the invoice, because they ususally bill me for 5 quarts. I never have got a straight answer from Chrysler service department as to why their mechanics don't know how much oil to put in their truck. Anyway, that's fairly common for them to overfill the 3.9.

Great threat. I'll remember to check how much oil I get charged for. I think you never get all of the oil out of the system. I am glad that I have better access to the oil filter then my relatives new Hemi Durango.