Dakota 2WD L4-2.5L VIN P (2001)
Crankshaft Main Bearing: Removal and Replacement
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Raise the vehicle.
4. Remove the oil pan and oil pump.
5. Remove only one main bearing cap and lower insert at a time (Fig. 41).
6. Remove the lower insert from the bearing cap.
7. Remove the upper insert by LOOSENING (DO NOT REMOVE) all of the other bearing caps. Now insert a small cotter pin tool in the crankshaft
journal oil hole. Bend the cotter pin as illustrated to fabricate the tool (Fig. 42). With the cotter pin tool in place, rotate the crankshaft so that the
upper bearing insert will rotate in the direction of its locking tab. Because there is no hole in the No.3 main journal, use a torque depressor or
