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PLL
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
16:24:23
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 Subject: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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Hello, just got my new Dakota and so far am very happy with it except for 2 things:
1) Skid Plates: Mine has 3 skid plates: 2 metal ones in the front covering the front differential and transfer case and one large composite plate covering the gas tank. This seems to be the opposite of what I've read others here have from prior years (steel and composite is the reverse). My concern is that the oil pan (and transmission pan) are not protected at all! I've read others saying they have an access hole to change their oil...I have no hole, since the plate doesn't even extend over the oil pan. The skid plate is only about 10-12 inches wide and just covers the differential. I was suprised to see this. Can anyone confirm if this is normal on new Dakotas?
2) I was looking under the vehicle and noticed a small amount of viscous, bright-green fluid where the front transfer case connects to the axle (on the passengers side). I've found no fluid on the ground after parking in the same place for 1 week...I'm hoping this is just leftover from when they built the truck. I went ahead and wiped it off, and I'll keep an eye on it to see if it comes back. Do you guys think this could be normal to get a little fluid there from the factory? Would the bright-green fluid be differential fluid?
Thanks for the help, and please keep in mind that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the mechanics of trucks (in case I've asked a stupid question). But reading through this forum is a large part of what convinced me to go buy a Dakota over other trucks, hopefully someone can help.
Thanks in advance,
Jim
PS: I have an 04, Quad Cab, Full-Time 4WD, LSD, 3.92 axle ratio, etc...Graphite on top and Silver on the bottom.
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steve sharp
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
20:33:58
|  RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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No,the coolant leak you are seeing is not normal,but my guess is that they over filled it at the dealer. No big deal. As for the skid plates,every one has that problem who has the 4 wheel drive setup. I know it sucks and I agree, bad design. The fn idiots forgot to think about us normal guys changing oil so we get it all over the place.
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PLL
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
20:55:18
|  RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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Steve, thanks for the response...but my skid plate concern is that I DON'T have the oil change problem since the front skid plate is no where near my oil pan -- it's a 10 inch wide narrow plate that goes from the front of the vehicle about 4 feet back near the transfer case (it's off to the side of the oil pan and transmission pan--just below the front differential).
Do you think the leak I described is coolant and not differential fluid? I've never seen differential fluid so I don't know what it looks like, but I figured it might be that given it's location (where the axle connects to the differential).
Thanks,
Jim
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steve sharp
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
23:46:04
|  RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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Jim there is no way that it is a diff leak. The only thing it can be is the coolant. Make sure that all the hoses are snug and the main thing is that the therm hose is tight. Sorry about the spelling but Im in a rush. Diff oil would be red or brown depending on the brand. When you get it serviced for the first time sometimes they forget. Go under neath the truck and look at the bottom hoses and Im sure you will find it. All you have to do is move the clamp up a bit to where it seals over the lip of the housing. If this doesnt make sense write back and we will go step by step. My e-mail is sharpsl@aol.com.
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PLL
Dodge Dakota
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4/20/2004
05:26:44
| RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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That's good news. Thanks a lot Steve; I feel better knowing it's not s differential leak. Appreciate the help.
Thanks,
Jim
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mrdakota
Dodge Dakota
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4/20/2004
23:03:56
| RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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Jim, I looked at the new Dakota 4x4s and was not liking the poor skid plate set-up. On my 02 I have a full skid plate composite from frame front crossover to over the transfer case then one over the fuel tank. As for your coolant leak that is right where the thermostat and lower hose are. My guess hose clamp is not tight.
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PLL
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
16:29:39
| RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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Thanks for the response Mr. Dakota. Yeah, I'm not real happy about the skid plates, but oh well. The worst part is that I had a really hard time trying to get a Dakota in my area with all the options I wanted in a color I wanted, and I couldn't wait the 4-6 weeks to order one. I had the dealer bring one in from another dealership for me and ended up spending about $1500 on extra options I didn't want (like 8 Infinity speakers and a power seat) just because I was so adamant about getting the skid plates...guess I should have checked them out first. To me, common sense would dicatate that they'd protect the oil pan and transmission reservoir -- again, I should have checked.
As for the "leak" on my front differential, I don't think it's coolant -- it's too thick and oily feeling (and a dark green). I don't know what it is, but I wiped it off 2 days ago and haven't seen it reappear yet, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't come back. Maybe it was just some lubricant they used in the factory or something...I don't know.
Anyhow, thanks...I'm glad someone else can confirm the skid plate setup sucks on the 04's, so I know I didn't just get something screwed up.
Thanks,
Jim
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ludakris
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2004
13:18:47
| RE: New Dak - Skidplate/Differential Ques?
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i wouldnt knock the skid plate, i have an 02 and the same skid plate. most rocks you hit that could damage the oil pan are big enough for the skid plate to hit first. i have repainted mine many times after fourwheeling to cover up the numerous scratches and such from rocks. i wouldnt mind a bit more protection, but it does work. as far as the coolant leak, i would be surprised if an 04 had green coolant, its most likely the extended life coolant which is yellow.
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