'93 3.9L intermittent cut out under load.

[Renegade2k]

I have a 1993 Dakota with a 3.9L. A couple hundred miles ago it started cutting out around 2200 RPMs and kind of sounding kinda like a backfire. The engine does not die, but the whole truck jerks for an instant. A second after this happens, the speedo jumps once. If I try really hard I can make it do it eventually. But is otherwise inconsistent. THERE ARE NO CODES.

I am an ASE Master Mechanic, so I have a general knowledge, but most of the vehicles I work on are Fords.



I have already replaced the following items in the last 5,000 miles, because of other problems or in an attempt to fix this:

Plugs, Wires (I hadn't changed them since I got the truck)

Distributor, Cam sensor, cap, Rotor. (This fixed a dying in the winter problem, with a loud noise from distributor)

Both coolant sensors behind thermostat. (Also caused me dying problems)

Throttle position sensor. (Attempt to fix cut out)

Crank sensor (Last resort to fix cut out)

[jpb53]

Ck Chrysler TSB 18-08-93. If the dist and drive gear ck okay you might redo the dist indexing.

[Renegade2k]

Just an update, I gave in and had the dealer look at it. The distributor drive bushing was bad. Runs great now, (still can't get above 17 mpg.)