1996 Dodge Dakota Service & Repair Manual

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CONTENTS page page GENERAL INFORMATION ................... 1 JUMP STARTING, TOWING AND HOISTING .... 8 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ................ 3 GENERAL INFORMATION INDEX page page GENERAL INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS ........... 1 FLUID CAPACITIES ....................... 2 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS ................ 1 INTRODUCTION ......................... 1 PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS ...1 GENERAL INFORMATION INTRODUCTION Service and maintenance procedures for components and systems listed in Schedule—A or B can be found by using the Group Tab Locator index at the front of this manual. If it is not clear which group contains the information needed, refer to the index at the back of this manual. There are two maintenance schedules that show proper service based on the conditions that the vehicle is subjected to. Schedule—A, lists scheduled maintenance to be performed when the vehicle is used for general trans- portation. Schedule—B, lists maintenance intervals for vehicles that are operated under the conditions listed at the beginning of the Maintenance Schedule section. Use the schedule that best describes your driving conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first. PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS When service is required, Chrysler Corporation recommends that only Mopart brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler Cor- poration vehicles. INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS Chrysler Corporation uses international symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 1). CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS Only lubricants that are endorsed by the following organization should be used to service a Chrysler Corporation vehicle. • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) • American Petroleum Institute (API) (Fig. 2) • National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) (Fig. 3) Fig. 1 International Symbols AN LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0-1

ENGINE OIL SAE GRADE RATING INDICATES ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. SAE 30 specifies a single viscosity engine oil. Engine oils also have multiple viscosities. These are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot tempera- ture viscosity range. • SAE 30 = single grade engine oil. • SAE 10W-30 = multiple grade engine oil. API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION The API Service Grade specifies the type of perfor- mance the engine oil is intended to provide. The API Service Grade specifications also apply to energy con- serving engine oils. Use engine oil that is API Service Grade Certified or an oil that conforms to the API Service Grade SH or SH/CD. MOPAR engine oils conform to all of these service grades. Refer to Group 9, Engine for engine oil specification. GEAR LUBRICANTS SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the lubricants usage. LUBRICANTS AND GREASES Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI symbol (Fig. 3) on the label. At the bottom NLGI symbol is the usage and quality identification letters. Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the letter “G”. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter “L”. The letter following the usage letter indicates the quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indi- cate the highest quality. FLUID CAPACITIES FUEL TANK Standard ........................57 L (15 gal.) Optional ........................83 L (22 gal.) Engine Oil W/Filter change 2.5L ...........................4.3 L (4.5 qts.) 3.9L ...........................3.8 L (4.0 qts.) 5.2L ...........................4.8 L (5.0 qts.) Engine Oil W/O Filter change 2.5L ...........................3.8 L (4.0 qts.) 3.9L ...........................3.3 L (3.5 qts.) 5.2L ...........................4.2 L (4.5 qts.) Cooling System 2.5L ...........................9.2 L (9.8 qts.) 3.9L .........................13.2 L (14.0 qts.) 5.2L .........................13.5 L (14.3 qts.) Automatic Transmission Dry fill capacity.* 42RE & 46RE .............9.0-10.4 L (19-22 pts.) *Depending on type and size of internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of an auxil- iary cooler, these figures may vary. Refer to Group 21, Transmission for proper fluid fill procedure. Manual Transmission NV3500 ........................2.0 L (2.1 qts.) AX15 ..........................3.1 L (3.3 qts.) Transfer Case NP231 .........................1.2 L (2.5 pts.) Front Axle 7-1/4 in ........................1.4 L (3.0 pts.) Rear Axle 7-1/4 in.........................1.4 L (3.0 pts.) 8-1/4 in ........................2.1 L (4.4 pts.) Power Steering 2WD .........................0.81 L (1.7 pts.) 4WD .........................1.18 L (2.5 pts.) Fig. 2 API Symbol Fig. 3 NLGI Symbol 0-2 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE AN GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES INDEX page page GENERAL INFORMATION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ............... 3 SCHEDULE—A .......................... 3 SCHEDULE—B .......................... 5 UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION ............... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES There are two maintenance schedules that show proper service intervals for Dakota. Use the schedule that best describes the conditions the vehicle is operated under. When mileage and time is listed, follow the interval that occurs first. Schedule-A lists all the scheduled maintenance to be performed under normal operating conditions. Schedule-B is a schedule for vehicles that are usually operated under one or more of the following conditions. • Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8 km) • Frequent driving in dusty conditions • Trailer towing • Extensive idling • More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C) • Off road driving • Snow plow operation • Commercial service Use the schedule that best describes your driving conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first. UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION At Each Stop For Fuel • Check engine oil level, add as required. • Check windshield washer solvent and add if required. Once A Month • Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. • Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required. • Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power steering and transmission and add as needed. • Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation. At Each Oil Change • Inspect exhaust system. • Inspect brake hoses. • Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on Schedule—A (7,500 miles) or every other interval shown on schedule—B (6,000 miles). • Check coolant level, hoses and clamps. • If the mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000 km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil change. SCHEDULE—A 7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months • Change engine oil. 15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). 22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months • Change engine oil. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack if required (4x2). • Inspect brake linings. 30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace spark plugs. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). 37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months • Change engine oil. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L). • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill transfer case fluid. AN LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0-3

45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack if required (4x2). • Inspect brake linings. • Flush and replace engine coolant at 36 months, regardless of mileage. 52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months • Change engine oil. • Flush and replace engine coolant if not done at 36 months. 60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace ignition cables. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Replace spark plugs. • Replace fuel filter, Federal only. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). • Clean and relubricate crankcase inlet air cleaner (3.9L and 5.2L). *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the owner but is not required to maintain the war- ranty on the PCV valve. 67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months • Change engine oil. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack if required (4x2). • Inspect brake linings. 75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill transfer case. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). • Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last change. 82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months • Change engine oil. • Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last change. 90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace spark plugs. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack if required (4x2). • Inspect brake linings. 97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months • Change engine oil. 105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). • Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last change. 112,500 Miles (181 000 km) or at 90 months • Change engine oil. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill transfer case fluid. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack if required (4x2). • Inspect brake linings. • Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last change. 120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 96 months • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace ignition cables. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Replace spark plugs. • Replace fuel filter, Federal only. • Lubricate steering linkage (4x2). • Clean and relubricate crankcase inlet air cleaner (3.9L and 5.2L). *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the owner but is not required to maintain the war- ranty on the PCV valve. Important: Inspection and service should also be performed any time a malfunction is observed or sus- pected. 0-4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE AN GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

SCHEDULE—B 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. 9,000 Miles (14 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 12,000 Miles (19 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands.** • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Lubricate steering linkage. • Inspect brake linings. 15,000 Miles (24 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace as necessary. • Lubricate steering linkage. 18,000 Miles (29 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Lubricate steering linkage. 21,000 Miles (34 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack as required (4x2). 24,000 Miles (38 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands.** • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 27,000 miles (43 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 30.000 Miles (48 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace spark plugs. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Lubricate steering linkage. *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the customer but is not required to maintain war- ranty on the PCV valve. 33,000 Miles (53,000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 36,000 Miles (58 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Drain and refill transfer case fluid. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 39,000 Miles (62 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 42,000 Miles (67 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack as required (4x2). • Lubricate steering linkage. 45,000 Miles (72 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Inspect air cleaner filter, replace as necessary. • Lubricate steering linkage. 48,000 Miles (77 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and replace bands.** AN LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0-5 GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

• Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 51,000 Miles (82 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Flush and replace engine coolant. 54,000 Miles (86 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). 57,000 Miles (91 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 60,000 Miles (96 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace ignition cables. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Replace spark plugs. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Replace fuel filter, Federal only. • Clean and relubricate crankcase inlet air cleaner (3.9L and 5.2L). *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the customer but is not required to maintain war- ranty on the PCV valve. 63,000 Miles (101 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack as required (4x2). • Lubricate steering linkage. 66,000 Miles (106,000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. 69,000 Miles (110 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 72,000 Miles (115 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Drain and refill transfer case fluid. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 75,000 Miles (120 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace as necessary. • Lubricate steering linkage. 78,000 Miles (125 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. 81,000 Miles (130 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Flush and replace engine coolant. 84,000 Miles (134 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack as required (4x2). • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands.** • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). 87,000 Miles (139 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 90,000 Miles (144 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace spark plugs. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Inspect drive belt tension, adjust as required (2.5L). • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands.** 0-6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE AN GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

• Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the customer but is not required to maintain war- ranty on the PCV valve. 93,000 Miles (149 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 96,000 Miles (154 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 99,000 Miles (158 000 km) • Change engine oil • Lubricate steering linkage. 102,000 Miles (163 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. 105,000 Miles (168 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Inspect engine air cleaner element, replace as necessary. • Inspect front wheel bearings, clean and repack as required (4x2). • Lubricate steering linkage. 108,000 Miles (173 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. • Drain and refill manual transmission fluid (2.5L and 3.9L only). • Drain and refill transfer case fluid. • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Inspect brake linings. 111,000 Miles (178 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Flush and replace engine coolant. 114,000 Miles (182 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Lubricate steering linkage. 117,000 Miles (187 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Lubricate steering linkage. 120,000 Miles (192 000 km) • Change engine oil. • Replace engine oil filter. • Replace engine air cleaner element. • Replace ignition cables. • Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.* • Replace spark plugs. • Lubricate front suspension ball joints. • Lubricate steering linkage. • Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands.** • Change rear axle fluid. • Change front axle fluid (4x4). • Replace fuel filter, Federal only. • Clean and relubricate crankcase inlet air cleaner (3.9L and 5.2L). • Inspect brake linings. *This maintenance is recommended by Chrysler to the customer but is not required to maintain war- ranty on the PCV valve. **Prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in hot weather, use of vehicle for off-the-high- way operation, trailer towing, and snow plowing require the more frequent transmission service indi- cated with a ** in Schedule—B. Perform these ser- vices if the vehicle is operated under these conditions. Important: Inspection and service should also be performed any time a malfunction is observed or sus- pected. AN LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0-7 GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

JUMP STARTING, TOWING AND HOISTING INDEX page page SERVICE PROCEDURES FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING ...... 11 HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS ............ 9 JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE .............. 8 TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS .............. 9 TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING ...... 10 SERVICE PROCEDURES JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS IN GROUP 8A, BATTERY/START- ING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS. DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT JUMP START WHEN MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY INDICATOR DOT IS YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR. DO NOT JUMP START A VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY FLUID IS BELOW THE TOP OF LEAD PLATES. DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A BOOSTER SOURCE. DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BAT- TERY. REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN ON HANDS OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY ACCI- DENTAL ARCING OF BATTERY CURRENT. WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING DEVICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO EXCEED 16 VOLTS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITH DEVICE BEING USED. CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical systems can be damaged on either vehicle. TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE: (1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually inspect engine compartment for: • Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary. • Frozen battery. • Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped. • Low battery fluid level. • Generator drive belt condition and tension. • Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary. CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on disabled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle charging system can result. (2) When using another vehicle as a booster source, turn off all accessories, place gear selector in park or neutral, set park brake and operate engine at 1200 rpm. (3) On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accessories. (4) Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED clamp to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp to negative terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result. Review all warnings in this procedure. (5) On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK jumper cable clamp to engine ground as close to the ground cable attaching point as possible (Fig. 1). CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over- heat and could fail. (6) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to start engine. If engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool (15 min.), before cranking again. DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS: • Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine ground on disabled vehicle. Fig. 1 Jumper Cable Clamp Connections 0-8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE AN

• When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal. Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive terminal. • Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive terminal on disabled vehicle. TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type towing equipment or a wheel-lift towing device can be used to tow all DAKOTA vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with a flat-bed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle (Fig. 2). A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper connection when using the sling-type, front-end towing method. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS NOTE: The following safety precautions must be observed when towing a vehicle. • Secure loose and protruding parts. • Always use a safety chain system that is inde- pendent of the lifting and towing equipment. • Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle’s fuel tank. • Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device. • Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed. • Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations. • Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists. • Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, J-hooks, or a tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole. • Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle. GROUND CLEARANCE CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums. A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums. RAMP ANGLE If a vehicle with flat-bed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees. TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies. HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS Refer to the Owner’s Manual for emergency vehicle lifting procedures. FLOOR JACK When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used to lift a Dakota vehicle (Fig. 3). Support the vehicle in the raised position with jack stands at the front and rear ends of the frame rails. CAUTION: Do not attempt to lift a vehicle with a floor jack positioned under: • An axle tube. • A body side sill. • A steering linkage component. • A drive shaft. • The engine or transmission oil pan. • The fuel tank. • A front suspension arm. Fig. 2 Tow Vehicles With Approved Equipment AN LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0-9 SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

HOIST A vehicle can be lifted with: • A single-post, frame-contact hoist. • A twin-post, chassis hoist. • A ramp-type, drive-on hoist. NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used, verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly (Fig. 3). WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI- CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO- NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST. TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be towed with the rear end lifted, whenever possible. TOWING-REAR END LIFTED CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation. 2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels on the surface for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph). (1) Attach the J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes outboard of the rear springs (Fig. 4). (2) Position and center the sling crossbar under and forward of the rear bumper. (3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails. (4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. (5) Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing. (6) Verify that steering components are in good condition. (7) Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED If a two-wheel-drive vehicle cannot be towed with the rear wheels lifted, it can be towed with the front wheels lifted. CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended. (1) Position a wooden crossbeam with spacer blocks at the front of the disabled vehicle below the bumper (Fig. 5). (2) Center the sling crossbar with the bumper and position it forward of the wooden crossbeam. CAUTION: Use tow chains with J-hooks for con- necting to the disabled vehicle’s frame crossmember. Never use T-hooks. (3) Attach the J-hooks to the disabled vehicle at the frame front crossmember. (4) Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle at the frame rails. (5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. Fig. 3 Correct Vehicle Lifting Locations Fig. 4 Sling-Type, Rear-End Towing—Typical 0 - 10 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE AN SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

1996 Dodge Dakota Service & Repair Manual

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