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Dodge has historically had problems with automatic transmissions, the 4.7 is bolted on to a new (in Dakota) transmission that was used in the Grand Cherokee last year. Too early to talk about long term reliability, but I have heard that there are still some difficulties. That isn't to say don't go auto, the vast majority are fine and you will find as many posts telling you that people have had no problems as anything else.
The engine is fantastic - but again only been around for a couple of years so who knows what its like long term.
If you are going to use the 4x4 I would suggest the handling package - upgraded wheels / tires and anti sway bar.
Although the quad cab is new this year you shouldn't have to worry about the new model problems because the only significant difference is the body.
I have the 3.92 rear end so that will reduce the MPG figures over the 3.55, but the larger tires probably balance it back out. I haven't done the math to work out what the equivalent ratio is compared to the stock tires and rear end. Any difference in mileage is going to be minimal.
The tires certainly increase ground clearance. I don't know what the exact difference is but you could probably trawl through the Dodge specs to find it - my guess would be about 3/4 of an inch.
10/28/99
Buzz writes... "I just recieved confirmation that the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is a go......
10/29/99
Buzz writes... "The buzz is that the ETH diesel that Dodge will introduce in January will feature a common rail injection system. As I reported back in may, the ETH diesel engine will put out 245hp and 505 ft lbs. of torque! BUT, that output level will only be available with the NV5600 6 speed, the NV4500HD 5 speed equipped diesels will retain the current 235hp/460 lb.ft. output"
Check in with Buzz often as he always has the lates "scoop" on DC info....
......................T REX....................
Rebates on 2000 Dakota's are not happening yet, and with the new Quad cab Dakota coming out I wouldnt look for them anytime soon........
To:Cosmo8, The snowplow prep group is an option on all Ram trucks, it includes heavier Height adjustment springs,auto trans overheat warning lamp,& heavy duty transfer case, if your truck does not have this package I would not recommend a snow plow, also this may be the reason they would not install it. If your not sure call your local dealer and give them you VIN #, they can check for you........T REX............
1. I've been considering primarily a 4.10 axle with limited slip differential. The postings in Topic #579 seemed to recommend both features highly. Should I stick with either or both options or should I give the Dodge man his money
now and be on my way with a lesser but, hopefully, still adequate axle configuration?
2. The Dodge man suggested that I might want to jump on this deal quickly if I want a 6 speed because this transmission, already a rarity, is no longer able to be ordered because there are already over 3,000 of them on backorder and the factory can only produce around 300 a month. Is
this fact or fantasy. Thanx.
You gan get the limited slip with either of the axle ratios. I can't speak about the tach.
Also the ETH diesle that is coming out after the new year will ONLY be available with the 6 speed trans, that would lead me to believe that they may do something about the availablility of that transmission, like, make more??? I also hear a rumor about a new automatic trans that will be available that has the same hp and torque of the manuals....that would be nice huh????
............................T REX................
Tundra: +++ quiet
--- small back seat
no conveniences above + beyond basic
door pull in center of
armrest annoying.
Silverado +++ FT 4x4
Big back seat
Good convenience (2 position
seat/mirror memory, heated outside
mirrors, auto dim rear view mirrors)
--- Very Cheap plastic compartments :P
The Chevy has more power, and better breaking but the stance is too low and looks are too plain.
Go with the Dodge. Great truck!
Can anyone help. Also, I am dropping from a 16' wheel to a 15' wheel any issues there.
lastly, I am looking at the BF goodrich allterrain TA ko tire, but would love suggestions for another good all around wet, dry, mudd, and snow tire size 33 or 35.
Any other opinions?
this truck was great to look at,and the body was well put together. it would honestly give 21mpg
driving to boston and back each year. but from day one the transmission always acted erraticly.
every time i had in for service, i would have written up on the service order,but the dealer could never find anything! but 30K later it spilled its guts on me. the dealer had the truck 12 days supposedly trying to fix it. they finally had to have one ordered--3/4 more days.the night i picked it up--they had neglected to hook up the indicator that shows what gear your in !!!
this truck also had tire and wheel problems that drove me nuts. two sets of those oem goodyears and
finally a really good set of michelins. a few
months later i traded it in for a 1996 club cab.
this dodge was an even bigger disappointment
than the 1994. it all the same problems and then
some. i only kept it 18 months and was glad to be rid of it.
the real problems exist at the dealer level!!
they just don't seem to care---"just deliver it and
maybe the buyer will never notice anything"--and as a
result, never come back!! PS the GMC P/U i bought next was a terrible truck, i'll tell that sad tale
on the proper thread. i saw the new 4dr dakota---
all i can say---isWOW!!!!!
for more info.
The remainder of the truck has held up well thus far also. Good luck with your choice.
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
...................T REX.......................
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. Should I buy a 99 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 at invoice,or the same thing in a 2000 model for about $2500 more. Does anybody know what the differences are besides the cosmetic changes? Thanks.
Dodge really doesn't have their act together because I ordered a 2500 Cummins 6-sp, regular cab, without the plow prep, but with the HD transfer case. When the vehicle arrived, there was a disclaimer on the build sheet, stating the truck should not be used for plowing. Checking the tags on the front springs, the codes are the same for the Cummins, whether you ordered the plow prep, or not.Go figure???? The only difference is what/how you order. Doesn't make sense.
I did not see this wording in 3year MFG warantee but I did not look for it either. I WAS looking for the possibility to change the muffler to improve the SOUND a bit. but alas... that voids ALL warantees!!
P.S. We finally got 4 or 5 Quad cab Dakota's in last week and I am impressed!!! They are roomier than I expected, I am considering one for myself actually!!...................T REX
post 348 on 28 November??????..........Bill
Something about the THREE catalytic converters and 2 exhaust 'sniffers' on this beast. Even the warrantee states that modifications to the exhaust will void the EMISSIONS WARRANTEE.
Are you saying that I may have been misled?
My brochure for 1999 shows the 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 3.54's, 5spd, Cummins rated at 13,700 towing capacity. The Y2K 2500 QC SB 4x4 3.54's
5 spd, Cummins that I just bought (traded my 1500 QC 4x4) is rated at less than 10,000 towing capacity...............Bill
I will have to speak to the service manager again and see what the confusion is about.
Ron35
Did you get any feedback yet on the difference between the 98 and the Y2K Rams maximum towable loads?.............Bill
If i am not mistaken there is an article in Motrohome magazine that talks about Dingy's, and the Dakota is mentioned for flat towing, certain distance and max speed were part of the article, saw it at Barnes and Noble.......Bill
orders the trailer package, heavy duty service
package, limited slip differential, 5 speed with
4.7 V8, then the order system defaults to the 3.92
and will not allow the order to go through with the
3.55. For whatever reason, I cannot fathom.
Whether it is a glitch in the program or part of a
package, no one at Dodge could say. I will play
with the options at the dealership, and see what
will fly. I rechecked the brochure, and there is
nothing that indicates that the selection is not
allowed. If I cannot get a satisfactory answer, I
will put off ordering the vehicle. If anyone out
there has any ideas, answers and/or input, I would be happy
to listen.