Hello, I am interested in purchasing a new 2000 Ram 1500. I was wondering if there a going to be any major changes such as engine choices or any interior changes. Also do you know if there will be any rebates/incentives coming out for the 2000's. I have been looking at the 99's, however the selection isn't very good since the dealerships are making room for the 2000's. Thanks for your help!
I'm pretty sure that consumer reports rating system makes almost all nearly new vehicles rank as pretty good, since it's based on % of problems.
As for my '97 Ram with the 5.9. it hasn't been impressively reliable, even though I like the basic design. (ok, the cupholder engineers should be declared war criminals, but they've since fixed that). If you buy and trade within the warranty period, it's not a bad choice.
As a previous post said, sometimes it's not the factory, it's the crummy dealer network. And based on my experience at 3 dealerships, they border on incompetent. They are polite when they botch the repair, though.
If you cut off the catalytic converter from your truck, I think that you will be violating some law in regards to emissions (may depend on where you live). However, it will probably have little effect on the performance of your truck (going to dual exhaust will). Instead of eliminating the cat, you could add a second cat (one for each side). There are aftermarket catalytic converters that will add little backpressure to the engine, but it is going to cost you some extra bucks since you will be buying this extra component. One other thing to consider - Is your truck fuel injected? If it is (and maybe even it it isn't) it will have an oxygen sensor on the exhaust 'Y' pipe where it can read the combined exhaust gases. If you separate the exhaust into two separate streams, then you have to decide how to handle this. I think that you could do one of the following to take care of this: a) Just read one exhaust bank and assume the other is the same. (Simplest solution and may work OK.) b) Read both with two separate sensors and then use an averaging device before routing the signal to the computer. (More difficult than a, but will 'look at' both sides of the exhaust.) c) Install a cross-over pipe or a 'X' pipe that goes from one side to the other with the oxygen sensor on it. (Most difficult, but best set-up.) I have been reading several performance magazines, and the 'X' pipe is supposed to give added horsepower as well as decreased decibel levels.
If you do end up installing a dual exhaust system, you will lower the back pressure on the engine. This will effect how your engine performs. (If you have ever driven a vehicle that has lost its muffler, then you would have experienced this before.) You will probably have to advance the timing more than the recommended setting, finding the best setting by trial and error. You could try advancing it until it started to ping a bit under full throttle or heavy load conditions, then back off a bit from that setting. Another way to gauge how 'good' the timing setting is is by checking how long it takes to accelerate up to a given speed. This will require having someone timing you while you drive. The best timing advance setting should give you the lowest e.t. while still not pinging.
Some other things to consider: The exhaust piping from the manifold to the cat is usually stainless steel. If you redo the exhaust piping for dual exhaust and install dual cats, are you going to have SS from the manifold to the cats? If you answer yes to this, then you should consider upgrading to headers instead of the stock manifolds because at this point you are already talking about quite a bit of money. As a matter of fact, after reading all of this you might be reconsidering that the dual exhaust idea. If that is the case, you could still replace the stock manifolds with headers without significant changes to the rest of the exhaust. You would just need to adapt the header collectors to your existing exhaust system. You should get a HP gain from this change alone.
If found out a short while ago that the 1500 is offering an off road package that includes 17" tires. there will also be an slt+ package. carprices.com has the base prices and the new packages are listed. your local dodge dealer should have this information.
I am also interested in the 2000 Dakota pricing. Base price and shipping is available now on several web sites, careports.com and digitalcars.com to name a few. However, the option pricing is not available. The dealer that I have been to says that he should have the pricing in about 3 weeks (I was there last Saturday). Has any one heard differently?
My local Dodge dealer tells me that Dodge is not shipping anymore Rams til September. That's when the '00s are ready. What he has on the lot are all he can work with right now. Is this true?
I talked to my dealer about the rams. he said that the option pricing is going to be the same as this years. except for any new packages. i dont know about the dakotas but i assume it is the same.
When is Dodge going to stop playing games with the quad cab, pretending its a crew cab and put a real one on the street. It seems to me they must think ford and chevy need to sell more trucks. The cummins package is one of the best rigs on the road.
I had planed to purchase a 2000 4x4 quad-cab at the end of the year, I wanted it for the sno-ski season. Now I'm wondering how much in advance should I plan on talking to the dealer if I want delivery around the first of the year? I figure there will be "big blow out year end sales" and I want to take advantage of that as well. Any info would be apreciated.
Hi all!! Lets see.....the Dakota pricing is not avail, at least not for the Quad Dakota's yet.....as for the crew cab Rams.....I AGREE!!!!! every time I go to truck training seminars and schools I bring this issue up and they always say the same thing....THEY say the crew cab segment makes up about 3% of the market and thats not enought o justify building them, I say then wouldnt it be the same for Ford and Chevy?????? Why the heck shouldnt we be getting a share of that 3%???? also I know in my area the crew cabs probably make up about 30% of our market and were losing that to Ford (not to leave Chevy out but they dont have a decent diesel and their long awaited body change only looks like a rounded version of the same ol' Chevy)so if you boys in Detroit are reading any of this HOW BOUT OUR CREW CABS?????? I mean really, wouldnt you like to see a big 4 full doors on a 3/4 ton Ram with a cummins???? I've heard rumors about the quad cab growing another 5" or so sometime soon but I still dont think thats the same....anyways....as for when you'll see 2000 my trucks on the lot, we have one sitting right here its a "spec" truck but its here reg cab 4x4 swb with the 360, and its a 2000......theyre on their way.......
I ordered a 2000 ram 1500 quad 4x4 sport. they are offering an off road package(17" tires, skid plates, 4.10 sure grip axle, fog lights, hd serv. group) there are no prices for the options but the base prices are out. Oh ya i did order the off road package and cant wait to drive it. I heard that the cab will be 5" bigger.
unless you're very small or have only a few small things to throw on the back bench area of these trucks, why bother getting the extended cab configuration? it's more $ and frutrating space. personally, i don't care to part with more $ for space that is virtually useless and causes me to get into a fit every time i try to get at it. yes, detroit, get those crew cab out onto the market -- SOON!
I understand that there will be no changes on the 2000 Ram 1500. This is why I've bought a Chevy Silverado>>>Family sized ext.cab, rear headrests, newly designed and efficient engine, plus more standard features on the base model than Dodge or Ford. I considered Dodge, but when I heard no changes, I went with Chevy.
I have ordered a 2000 Model Dakota with the new (on Dakota anyway) Patriot Blue Pearl Coat. I want to order aftermarket parts in advance of delivery but need the paint code for the blue. Dodge aren't too keen to help as they want me to buy Mopar parts which they will paint for me - of course that means paying Mopar prices.
Does anyone know what the paint code is for Patriot Blue Pearl Coat?
Dear Dodge Truck Salesman: I'm considering a Dakota but with all the articles about the transmission problems I'm a little scared. Now I know every manufacturer puts out a lemon now and then but this tranny problem sounds like a design issue. Has Detroit done anything to resolve this problem. I came out of the Torqueflite era, late 60's to early 70's as a teenager, didn't have the problems back then, as I recall. Why don't they go back and incorporate some of the engineering from yesteryear? I had a '62 Dodge Dart, 361 with the push button Torqueflight, raced it as hard as I could and Never, Never had a problem. This is kinda scary, I've become my Dad. Anyway, does this current Transmission problem cause any real concern for Detroit or are they taking a ho-hum position. I like the style of the truck but don't care to purchase an engineering problem. Would appreciate your input.
Mr. Salesman, Hi. I am planning to buy a 3/4 ton Dodge 4x4 with Cummins but am now concerned with this front end problem. Do you know specifically what is wrong with them? I am also considering a Ford diesel but have some reservations about them as well. The with whom I have the least reservations will end up in my garage. If Dodges problems are minor then my decision will be easy. Thanks
andy jordan: I've seen the Patriot Blue on quite a few Durangos. If your dealer can't give you the paint code, check around other Dodge lots for a Durango in that color. The paint code is usually listed on the door edge.
Also, when I got my Dodge Ram, I ordered the cap before the truck was delivered. I just had to tell them the name of the color, Intense Blue, and they were able to look up the code.
To anyone who really knows and would like to help: A non- Dodge dealer has a 98 SLT Club Cab, v-8, auto with all the trimmings, including the factory running boards. 12,500 miles and very clean other than the bed has some scratches due to no bed liner. Asking price is $19,200. What is a fair price for this truck? Trade in value is $16,200 +/-. I would appreciate some help.
I am looking for a reliable hunting vehicle for this fall and a truck that provides light hauling duty for home repair. I was advised that late 1970-early 1980 power wagons are still excellent four wheel drives and reasonably reliable. Any info or suggestions?
Just found out today that they are holding up all orders for the Dakota 4x4's 6 cyl. and the new 4.7 eng. My dealer says that they will not even take a order for the 4x4. Has anyone heard what the problem is?? Dealer can't find out now what it is. The manufacture is not talking to the dealer as to what the problem is.
Dodge are not prepared to deliver 2000 models until they can deliver all models - including the quad cab. They aren't prepared to release the quad cab early because they think it will take away from sales of the 99 club cabs, production of club cabs has been reduced for 2000, but still a ton of 99's around.
They therefore said September 1st would be the first delivery date for 2000s. Worst case scenario is that delivery will happen at the end of September. It won't be later because 2000 officially starts October 1st so that is when showrooms will have their trucks - and sold vehicles get priority over showroom vehicles.
Thanks for the info. Gee as far as Dakota's here are I think most of the 99's are all gone. I don't know about the Rams though. There may be a few of them left. They do have a couple of 2000 Dakota's on the lot. Though these are 4x2 drives.
99's in Indy are gone, maybe 4-5 but that's it and these are v-6 reg. cab. Seen 4 2000's at northside dealer but non at the other 3 dealers. Plenty of 99 Durango's still on every dealers lot. Maybe a torch and a little bondo would make more Dakota's.:->
Alright, turns out I was a little wrong concerning quad cabs. There have been delays with these so my earlier post turns out to be the original idea - now they are releasing as the 99's sell. So if V6 and 4x2 sell out for 99 then in come the 2000s.
They still have a load of 99's here (southern Ontario), but then they haven't been advertising as heavily as some of the other (lesser) car companies.
I spoke to my dealer yesterday concerning my 2000 dakota - ordered the day after Canadian pricing was announced at the end of July and was told that tentavively the date is 4 weeks away.
By the way, last I heard quad cabs won't be on lots until December / January.
Hi, just a question about the near future. I guess the Magnums are going bye bye. Whats next? I know about the 4.7 but right now the horsepower race is being lost. With the GM V-8 with 300 hp and enough torque, and the 5.4 Ford with 260 hp, our numbers are starting to pale in comparison. Please tell a 25 year Mopar owner something good.
Coming with the 2002 redesign of the Ram will be a 3.7 OHC V6 (replacing the 3.9 V6), a 5.7 OHC V8 and 6.1 OHC V8 (similar to the 5.3/6.0 split by GM to replace the 350), and the possibility of a new V10 - rumors are either 7.1 (5.7 plus 2 cylinders) or a 7.7 (6.1 + 2). The Cummins gets a revision in January but undergoes a full redesign in the summer of 2002 for the 2003 models.
The 3.7 will be made alongside the 4.7 in the Mound Road plant, and the larger V8s will be made in Mexico. No word yet on the V10's fate.
I am trying to order a 2500 qc 4x4 and when I chose the SLT+ quick order package, the dealer added the SLT+ decor group to the price. The decor group is supposed to be included in the quick order package. Now he tells me he double checked and that he was correct. I don't believe him. I can select all of the options individually and it is cheaper than the package. What sense does that make? He gave me a price of $3540 for the quick order package and then another $1777 for the decor group. I can buy a crew cab ford f-250sd psd loaded with an automatic for what he wants for the dodge with a 6-speed. Can anyone shed some light on this? Mike
I too was hit with the SLT+ decor group price and the decor group. Initial quote said it was included, the order listed it as a separate price. Since the dealer could not explain I completely itemized out like you and came up with the same difference. So MORE RESEARCH, here's the diff: 1st. the initial price quote is from a DIFFERENT pricing system, it is a third party system (i.e. not run by chrysler) and therefore prices are subject to change. The "order" does come from the Chrysler computer system. 2nd, The SLT+ package comes with left AND right POWER HEATED seats. The old SLT package with the leather interior group added just has a drivers power seat, no pass. pwr and no heat for both. If you look even further in the prices you will find the trip computer is charged twice (once in the SLT quick order and once in the itemized decor group). Anyway, I too was frustrated but figured since I talked him down to $150 over invoice that I could swallow the "inflated" price difference for the SLT+ package and be truely loaded. Be happy that you are an informed buyer and not driving away "wondering" if you were just taken for a ride. As for Ford, I was always a Ford man, but it seems they are lost children in the styling world the last couple of years - F-150's - girlie toyota trucks, F-250's - exagerated Dodge wanna-bee's with a god knows why dip in the side windows, I don't want a tall truck and still have people in cars be able to see my hand in my lap (ha). Mechanically they are still good trucks though, styling comments are just my opinion. Maybe if Ford choses their OWN styling road again I will look at buying one next time.
I was reading my current issue of Fortune magazine today and ran across an article about the Dakota. This vehicle is assembled in Brazil South America and shipped to the States. They start with the chassis and one building later it's a complete truck. Am I the only one that didn't know this? This could explain some of the late deliveries and / or quality control problems. I'm sure the workers are qualified but you would think a good ole american truck would be built in America (North).
I don't intend to get into merits or otherwise of trucks produced in various countries, it is not only a pointless debate it is the sort of discussion that shouldn't be taking place at the end of the millennium.
However the Dakota factory in Campo Largo Brazil is not the only Dakota production plant (there is one outside of Detroit if that makes you happier jbauer). The Brazilian factory has been used for a number of experiments over the last year, notably the modular chassis construction technique that you allude to, but also a new PPG paint process.
The reason fo this is two fold, firstly the Brazilian recession has led to reduced production of Dakota in Brazil meaning that the imapct of change is minimized. The second reason (sorry jbauer, but its true), is that Brazilian workers are considered to be more able to adapt easily to changing processes than US workers. This is not a reflection of individual workers, rather of the North American union culture.
Incidentally Dodge consider the modular chassis to be a valuable experiment, but not one that they will implement elsewhere. By contrast the PPG coating process is likely to be used throughout the industry.
Mr. Andy Jordan: The point of my posting was ONLY an observation of a fact I, and probably others, were not aware of; that these vehicles were being assembled in Brazil. Did I say the workers were better or worse than the U.S. workers? There is no debate warranted here, there is nothing to debate! Also, what in the world does the millennium have to do with this subject? The fact that there is a plant in Michigan neither makes me :-) or :-(. And if you thought I was trying to say YEA, RAH American Union workers the fact is I work for a merit shop (Non Union) building contractor. I believe you misunderstood my original posting, AJordan.
I ordered a 2000 Dakota Sport 4x4 Club Cab with a 5.2lt V8 engine around the 3rd of August. I spoke with my dealer this afternoon and he informed me that there is an engine restiction of some kind. According to him this is delaying the delivery. Do you know of any such problem? If so, can you tell me more about it, please! I can be reached at dirtyd54@hotmail.com or I will check back here. Thanks!
I have on order a 2500 4X4 with a V10 and manual. The dealer says this transmission is on restriction and will delay the order 2-6 weeks. Is there some reason I should switch to an auto. I have had two V10s with autos and want to try the manual. I want to try to improve on my mileage. With both autos I get 9 pulling a 23 ft boat or hauling a camper. short trips are 11 and long trips ar 13.5 to 14.5 at 75 mph. Hope to gain 2 mph. What do you think about the mileage gain possibility and the resale.
I have a 96 Dakota Ext. cab w/89,000 miles.I owe 10,600. I'm buying a new truck what would be the best way to get rid of it? Trade in or assume notes.The truck is still in good shape I just paid too much for it.
I guarantee you haven't ordered a 2000 Dakota with the 5.2 V8.
The 2000 Dakota comes with two available V8, a second generation Magnum at 4.7 liter (basically the jeep engine), or the 5.9. 5.9 is available only on R/T and as an option on Crew Cab.
The 4.7, especially when combined with 4x4, has been the subject to many delays, with some reports that dealers are now refusing orders. I spoke to my dealer on Saturday who told me that they should have a production date for my Dakota (ordered July 31st) by around September 2nd / 3rd. Delivery to dealer is usually 10 days to two weeks after that. Yours may be quicker, that time is based on Canadian delivery.
Thinking of ordering a Dakota 4x4, subercab. I have heard they are putting in the jeeb v8, 4.7 with the jeep auto transmission. With all the horror stories i am reading on the current dodge auto transmission for the v8, will this new tranny be more reliable? Also, any thoughts on when I should place an order?
The Crew cab, along with the rest of the Dodge line up will be getting the Jeep 4.7 V8, badged as a second generation Magnum. I am not aware of the transmission changing though. The 5.9 V8 will also be available on the crew cab, and this will definitely use the 46RE auto box found on Ram, Durango and R/T in conjunction with the 5.9.
In more general terms, Dodge is painfully aware of the reputation its transmissions have. they have recently announced plans to design a new auto transmission from the ground up which will debut in the 2002 redesign of Ram. They have also set up a three person focus group including Richard Schaum (D/C senior VP in charge of powertrain operations), to look at transmission stratgey. Their first report is due in September, so expect to hear more.
Sorry if this is a little in depth, but it seemed relevant to the transmission issue.
Maybe the engineers could go back and disect the old torqueflite transmission. That was a good transmission, withstood the 440's and 426 hemi's. Maybe we could agree on this?
Not until reading this board had I heard about problems with the Dodge transmission. I'm interested in buying a new Dakota 2WD manual with AC, and it seems impossible up here in Portland. Everyone else wants a 4WD and auto, so I'm not having an easy time even though I've been a regular at several lots around town for a couple of months. I see a 97 sitting on a lot now that's everything I want except that it's 4WD. If I can get it at my price, I guess I could live with a 4WD truck. I was just wondering about the transmission risk I'd be taking here... does this "problem" in Dodge trucks affect manual transmissions, or just automatics?
I also have kind of an ignorant question... the gas mileage posted on stickers for a 4WD truck is lower than that of a 2WD. Is that gas mileage reflecting the truck engaged in 4WD or the best that can be hoped for in 2WD mode? I know the big tires and extra weight will reduce mileage, but since I'll hardly ever use the 4WD mode I was wondering if I could hope for better than what the stickers say?
Hey, why have US workers make $40,000 + a year making Rams when there are plenty of perfectly fine jobs out there in the service industry for $18,000? At least till an immigrant arrives and agrees to do it for $12,000.
Besides, those South American and Mexican workers really appreciate the $5,000 they make.
But hey, your truck now costs $300 less to buy. Enjoy the truck and the extra cash. Until your undereducated and low paid fellow american decides to boost it for some cash, that is.
We can't all program computers and sell each other life insurance policies.
Comments
I am interested in purchasing a new 2000 Ram 1500. I was wondering if there a going to be any major changes such as engine choices or any interior changes. Also do you know if there will be any rebates/incentives coming out for the 2000's. I have been looking at the 99's, however the selection isn't very good since the dealerships are making room for the 2000's. Thanks for your help!
As for my '97 Ram with the 5.9. it hasn't been impressively reliable, even though I like the basic design. (ok, the cupholder engineers should be declared war criminals, but they've since fixed that). If you buy and trade within the warranty period, it's not a bad choice.
As a previous post said, sometimes it's not the factory, it's the crummy dealer network. And based on my experience at 3 dealerships, they border on incompetent. They are polite when they botch the repair, though.
a) Just read one exhaust bank and assume the other is the same. (Simplest solution and may work OK.)
b) Read both with two separate sensors and then use an averaging device before routing the signal to the computer. (More difficult than a, but will 'look at' both sides of the exhaust.)
c) Install a cross-over pipe or a 'X' pipe that goes from one side to the other with the oxygen sensor on it. (Most difficult, but best set-up.)
I have been reading several performance magazines, and the 'X' pipe is supposed to give added horsepower as well as decreased decibel levels.
If you do end up installing a dual exhaust system, you will lower the back pressure on the engine. This will effect how your engine performs. (If you have ever driven a vehicle that has lost its muffler, then you would have experienced this before.) You will probably have to advance the timing more than the recommended setting, finding the best setting by trial and error. You could try advancing it until it started to ping a bit under full throttle or heavy load conditions, then back off a bit from that setting. Another way to gauge how 'good' the timing setting is is by checking how long it takes to accelerate up to a given speed. This will require having someone timing you while you drive. The best timing advance setting should give you the lowest e.t. while still not pinging.
Some other things to consider:
The exhaust piping from the manifold to the cat is usually stainless steel. If you redo the exhaust piping for dual exhaust and install dual cats, are you going to have SS from the manifold to the cats? If you answer yes to this, then you should consider upgrading to headers instead of the stock manifolds because at this point you are already talking about quite a bit of money. As a matter of fact, after reading all of this you might be reconsidering that the dual exhaust idea. If that is the case, you could still replace the stock manifolds with headers without significant changes to the rest of the exhaust. You would just need to adapt the header collectors to your existing exhaust system. You should get a HP gain from this change alone.
Eric G.
My local Dodge dealer tells me that Dodge is not shipping anymore Rams til September. That's when the '00s are ready. What he has on the lot are all he can work with right now. Is this true?
Eric G.
I figure there will be "big blow out year end sales" and I want to take advantage of that as well. Any info would be apreciated.
Lets see.....the Dakota pricing is not avail, at least not for the Quad Dakota's yet.....as for the crew cab Rams.....I AGREE!!!!! every time I go to truck training seminars and schools I bring this issue up and they always say the same thing....THEY say the crew cab segment makes up about 3% of the market and thats not enought o justify building them, I say then wouldnt it be the same for Ford and Chevy?????? Why the heck shouldnt we be getting a share of that 3%???? also I know in my area the crew cabs probably make up about 30% of our market and were losing that to Ford (not to leave Chevy out but they dont have a decent diesel and their long awaited body change only looks like a rounded version of the same ol' Chevy)so if you boys in Detroit are reading any of this HOW BOUT OUR CREW CABS??????
I mean really, wouldnt you like to see a big 4 full doors on a 3/4 ton Ram with a cummins????
I've heard rumors about the quad cab growing another 5" or so sometime soon but I still dont think thats the same....anyways....as for when you'll see 2000 my trucks on the lot, we have one sitting right here its a "spec" truck but its here reg cab 4x4 swb with the 360, and its a 2000......theyre on their way.......
Eric G.
yes, detroit, get those crew cab out onto the market -- SOON!
price?
Jeff
Does anyone know what the paint code is for Patriot Blue Pearl Coat?
Thanks,
Andy
Hi. I am planning to buy a 3/4 ton Dodge 4x4 with Cummins but am now concerned with this front end problem. Do you know specifically what is wrong with them? I am also considering a Ford diesel but have some reservations about them as well. The with whom I have the least reservations will end up in my garage. If Dodges problems are minor then my decision will be easy.
Thanks
I've seen the Patriot Blue on quite a few Durangos. If your dealer can't give you the paint
code, check around other Dodge lots for a Durango
in that color. The paint code is usually listed on
the door edge.
Also, when I got my Dodge Ram, I ordered the cap before the truck was delivered. I just had to tell them the name of the color, Intense Blue, and they were able to look up the code.
ladyblue
Community Leader/SUV Conference
Go to
http://www.carprices.com/pricingreport/style/dodgeram1998.html
Go to
http://www.carprices.com/pricingreport/style/dodgeram1998.html
orders for the Dakota 4x4's 6 cyl. and the new 4.7
eng. My dealer says that they will not even take a
order for the 4x4.
Has anyone heard what the problem is?? Dealer
can't find out now what it is. The manufacture is
not talking to the dealer as to what the problem
is.
Dodge are not prepared to deliver 2000 models until they can deliver all models - including the quad cab. They aren't prepared to release the quad cab early because they think it will take away from sales of the 99 club cabs, production of club cabs has been reduced for 2000, but still a ton of 99's around.
They therefore said September 1st would be the first delivery date for 2000s. Worst case scenario is that delivery will happen at the end of September. It won't be later because 2000 officially starts October 1st so that is when showrooms will have their trucks - and sold vehicles get priority over showroom vehicles.
They do have a couple of 2000 Dakota's on the lot. Though these are 4x2 drives.
They still have a load of 99's here (southern Ontario), but then they haven't been advertising as heavily as some of the other (lesser) car companies.
I spoke to my dealer yesterday concerning my 2000 dakota - ordered the day after Canadian pricing was announced at the end of July and was told that tentavively the date is 4 weeks away.
By the way, last I heard quad cabs won't be on lots until December / January.
Great idea for the Durangos by the way John.
Coming with the 2002 redesign of the Ram will be a 3.7 OHC V6 (replacing the 3.9 V6), a 5.7 OHC V8 and 6.1 OHC V8 (similar to the 5.3/6.0 split by GM to replace the 350), and the possibility of a new V10 - rumors are either 7.1 (5.7 plus 2 cylinders) or a 7.7 (6.1 + 2). The Cummins gets a revision in January but undergoes a full redesign in the summer of 2002 for the 2003 models.
The 3.7 will be made alongside the 4.7 in the Mound Road plant, and the larger V8s will be made in Mexico. No word yet on the V10's fate.
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
Can anyone shed some light on this?
Mike
As for Ford, I was always a Ford man, but it seems they are lost children in the styling world the last couple of years - F-150's - girlie toyota trucks, F-250's - exagerated Dodge wanna-bee's with a god knows why dip in the side windows, I don't want a tall truck and still have people in cars be able to see my hand in my lap (ha). Mechanically they are still good trucks though, styling comments are just my opinion.
Maybe if Ford choses their OWN styling road again I will look at buying one next time.
However the Dakota factory in Campo Largo Brazil is not the only Dakota production plant (there is one outside of Detroit if that makes you happier jbauer). The Brazilian factory has been used for a number of experiments over the last year, notably the modular chassis construction technique that you allude to, but also a new PPG paint process.
The reason fo this is two fold, firstly the Brazilian recession has led to reduced production of Dakota in Brazil meaning that the imapct of change is minimized. The second reason (sorry jbauer, but its true), is that Brazilian workers are considered to be more able to adapt easily to changing processes than US workers. This is not a reflection of individual workers, rather of the North American union culture.
Incidentally Dodge consider the modular chassis to be a valuable experiment, but not one that they will implement elsewhere. By contrast the PPG coating process is likely to be used throughout the industry.
Thanks!
Mike
TIA
I guarantee you haven't ordered a 2000 Dakota with the 5.2 V8.
The 2000 Dakota comes with two available V8, a second generation Magnum at 4.7 liter (basically the jeep engine), or the 5.9. 5.9 is available only on R/T and as an option on Crew Cab.
The 4.7, especially when combined with 4x4, has been the subject to many delays, with some reports that dealers are now refusing orders. I spoke to my dealer on Saturday who told me that they should have a production date for my Dakota (ordered July 31st) by around September 2nd / 3rd. Delivery to dealer is usually 10 days to two weeks after that. Yours may be quicker, that time is based on Canadian delivery.
In more general terms, Dodge is painfully aware of the reputation its transmissions have. they have recently announced plans to design a new auto transmission from the ground up which will debut in the 2002 redesign of Ram. They have also set up a three person focus group including Richard Schaum (D/C senior VP in charge of powertrain operations), to look at transmission stratgey. Their first report is due in September, so expect to hear more.
Sorry if this is a little in depth, but it seemed relevant to the transmission issue.
I also have kind of an ignorant question... the gas mileage posted on stickers for a 4WD truck is lower than that of a 2WD. Is that gas mileage reflecting the truck engaged in 4WD or the best that can be hoped for in 2WD mode? I know the big tires and extra weight will reduce mileage, but since I'll hardly ever use the 4WD mode I was wondering if I could hope for better than what the stickers say?
Dennis
Besides, those South American and Mexican workers really appreciate the $5,000 they make.
But hey, your truck now costs $300 less to buy. Enjoy the truck and the extra cash. Until your undereducated and low paid fellow american decides to boost it for some cash, that is.
We can't all program computers and sell each other life insurance policies.