1996 Dakota Sport 3.9L V6 Manual Transmission

[sreilly77]

I have a 96 Dakota Sport with a 3.9L V6 2WD 5-speed manual with 120,000 miles on it. In 3rd gear between 2000 and 3000 RPMs and in forth gear between 1500 and 2500 RPMs, there is a slight shutter. Now the transmission shifts really nice and the clutch is fine. I am thinking that I need a fluid change. Now since I am not very familiar with these older manual transmissions, what kind of fluid does the transmission take, how much, and where do I fill it from? Someone told me that it is kind of like filling a transfer case where there is a hex bolt you remove to drain it and a hex bolt you remove to fill it.

I am hoping that this shutter is just because the transmission needs new fluid. If someone could help me out here, that would be great. Thanks in advance!

[rhandwor]

They have a drain plug and a plug on the side you remove and fill until the level is even with the hole. I think it uses automatic transmission fluid stick your finger in the hole it probably will be red. You can call dealer parts and ask to be sure.
You almost need a hand pump and a 5 gallon container. You can try a hose and funnel just keep it higher than the hole. Use quart bottles.

[sreilly77]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

They have a drain plug and a plug on the side you remove and fill until the level is even with the hole. I think it uses automatic transmission fluid stick your finger in the hole it probably will be red. You can call dealer parts and ask to be sure.
You almost need a hand pump and a 5 gallon container. You can try a hose and funnel just keep it higher than the hole. Use quart bottles.

Ok thank you. Yeah I know it can be a royal pain to fill these up. I have two Jeep Grand Cherokees where I had to change the fluid in the transfer cases of both of them and they are basically the same set up as the transmission is here with the fill and drain plugs. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks!

[angus10]

Check the rearend too! And while you're under it check the ujoints on the driveshaft . raise the rear to check ujoints. use jack stands

[Rmasters3]

There's a drain plug at the bottom and a filler on the upper drivers side. Fill it until it dribbles out the filler. It will drain a lot better if the trans is at something more than "overnight cold"--drive it a bit first. Use a 75-90 weight GL-5 gear lube (according to the Owner's Manual). Owners Manual says to change it at about 50,000 miles, if I recall correctly.

There is a company that sold a small 1 qt+ bottle with a pump that's really handy.

I used Mobil Synthetic. Somewhat more expensive than the regular, but I trust it as being the best and toughest. It's about $8 a quart and you'll need 3.25 qts.

[sreilly77]

Originally Posted by Rmasters3

There's a drain plug at the bottom and a filler on the upper drivers side. Fill it until it dribbles out the filler. It will drain a lot better if the trans is at something more than "overnight cold"--drive it a bit first. Use a 75-90 weight GL-5 gear lube (according to the Owner's Manual). Owners Manual says to change it at about 50,000 miles, if I recall correctly.

There is a company that sold a small 1 qt+ bottle with a pump that's really handy.

I used Mobil Synthetic. Somewhat more expensive than the regular, but I trust it as being the best and toughest. It's about $8 a quart and you'll need 3.25 qts.

Thank you very much for the advice. My Dakota did not have an owners manual when I bought it so thats why I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what fluid I needed.

I did climb under the truck today and saw both the drain plug on the lower passenger side and the filler on the upper driver side. So hopefully this goes smoothly.