[aarpcard]

I need to pull the 3.9 in my Gen 1 to replace the rear freeze plugs. While it's out I'm going to do a general refresh on the motor. The truck is 2WD with the automatic transmission.

Anyone have any tips or tricks to help me out with the motor pull? Thoughts about pulling only the motor and not the transmission?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DADDYODODGE1]

While it's out replace rear main seal, oil pan gasket, front trans. seal, and if it is high mileage timing chain kit, water pump, and anything
else leaking or due for service. All of this will be easier engine out.

Good Luck, Daddyododge1

 

[DADDYODODGE1]

Sorry, forgot to say all other freeze plugs.

Good Luck Daddyododge1

 

[aarpcard]

Sorry, forgot to say all other freeze plugs.

Good Luck Daddyododge1

Thanks, would you consider 120k miles high mileage?

 

[DADDYODODGE1]

My 2002 Dakota 3.9 auto, has 160k. About 140k is over the road. I've used Amsoil and factory filters from the beginning.
All service work has been done. No oil spots yet. I have a 5.7 Hemi and 5spd auto getting ready to put in. If you look at
at the section where the Hemi is being installed, a lot of them show pictures of engines being removed. The easiest way
is by removing most of the front end.
As per your question I do not consider 120k being high mileage. I've seen Quit a few with 200k or more.
My recommendations were things that could be considered maintenance items, and easily replaced while the
engine is out anyway.
Good Luck Daddyododge1

 

[nwrensch]

Thanks, would you consider 120k miles high mileage?

No I would not consider 120K high miles, I retired my 88 Dakota because of rust and wiring issues at 235K and it still ran good used a little oil but ran good. So at 129k I would not open the engine up for that, reseal it and let it run. And I wouldn't pull the front end either. yes it would give you more room to work on it but totally unnecessary.