99 Dakota 3.9 surging problem?

My 99 Dakota with a 3.9 and a stick started to surge on me in the last few weeks. It usually happens when I have driven about 10 miles or so. When I let off the gas, I can watch the tach needle bounce down about 250 rpms or so and then the truck will shake like it is running out of fuel. Usually this problems pass after a minute or so, but I had it very bad once for 15 minutes or so. The truck needs to be dropped down to usually 3rd or 4th gear to continue on.

I check the codes with a OBD2 reader and found P1391 which is an intermitant cam or crank sensor. Since this 3.9's cam sensor is really the distributor pick up coil, I figured I would change that first. I also put new plugs, cap, rotor and wires in too. I thought I had the problem solved, but then it started doing it briefly 2 weeks later. I ran another scan and the P1391 was in the computer again, but I'm not sure if I cleared it from before.

I called three Chrysler dealers in the area and explained it to them. Some felt I should put in a crank sensor and others thought the distributor had slop in the gear. I pulled the distributor cap off tonight and seen I had about an 1/8" or so movement at the tip of the rotor, but I don't know if this is excessive.

Would a distributor or crank sensor show up when I pull my foot off of the gas (or is this a sloppy timing chain issue). Does anyone have any advice for this one. I hate to keep throwing $$$ at it.

how many miles are on the motor?

My 99 Dakota with a 3.9 and a stick started to surge on me in the last few weeks. It usually happens when I have driven about 10 miles or so. When I let off the gas, I can watch the tach needle bounce down about 250 rpms or so and then the truck will shake like it is running out of fuel. Usually this problems pass after a minute or so, but I had it very bad once for 15 minutes or so. The truck needs to be dropped down to usually 3rd or 4th gear to continue on.

I check the codes with a OBD2 reader and found P1391 which is an intermitant cam or crank sensor. Since this 3.9's cam sensor is really the distributor pick up coil, I figured I would change that first. I also put new plugs, cap, rotor and wires in too. I thought I had the problem solved, but then it started doing it briefly 2 weeks later. I ran another scan and the P1391 was in the computer again, but I'm not sure if I cleared it from before.

I called three Chrysler dealers in the area and explained it to them. Some felt I should put in a crank sensor and others thought the distributor had slop in the gear. I pulled the distributor cap off tonight and seen I had about an 1/8" or so movement at the tip of the rotor, but I don't know if this is excessive.

Would a distributor or crank sensor show up when I pull my foot off of the gas (or is this a sloppy timing chain issue). Does anyone have any advice for this one. I hate to keep throwing $$$ at it.

It only has 76,000 on it.

If you have only 76,000 miles on it, the chain can't be severly stretched yet. A crank sensor malfunctioning will cause a vehicle to shut off every now and then. You might have a defective sensor, though there is a 35% chance that it is that; Check the wiring going to it, make sure you are getting signal from the crank sensor.

I seem to have the same problems as a few of dakota owners but the responce from the experts are incositant.
I have had all sugested repairs including a major tune up from dodge in addition to over a thousand dollars of repairs they thought it was
I have also took it to very skilled repair shop and up to now I still have the problem of surging,gauages going crazy,head lights going super brite the blowing out , almost stalling, so far i am over $1,800 with in 6 months and still no where.So here I am writing hoping that someone out there know what to do , it's nuts but I hope it is not a easy as replacing a ground screw ( that was another $360) I have not giving up besides that the dakota has been a great truck.I also been in contact with dodge with very little help

1/8 In is a lot of play. Either re bush that distributer or replace it. you are allowed a few thousands.