Any questions for a Dodge Truck salesman??

f350_or_bust

I would ask your Dodge sales rep. why is he selling Dodge? Ford, by far has out sold Dodge!!!

andy_jordan

Would you be the same F350 or bust who told people in the slick 50 topic to keep it on subject - sounds like you need to practice what you preach my friend!!!

I doubt there will be a moonroof option, but who knows.

Maxxcab - not sure whether it is definitely a go, but if some version of it has been given approval probably around 2002 / 03

Power Wagon - definitely a concept, but don't be surprised if you see the styling sometime soon.

f350_or_bust

The topic here is what questions for a Dodge dealer...well, I think that answers your question.

Just trying to have some fun...relax life is way too short!

jpwoodrow

I understand DC wants to reward their performing dealers by providing them with a larger share of hard to get vehicles. I also can understand restricting the number of these hot vehicles a small or nonperforming dealers can get to put on their lot. What I don't understand is why DC penalizes us, the people that are ordering instead of buying off the lot. Is this good for customer relations. If this is what they want to do shouldn't they require the dealer to be honest about the real chances of good delivery times. No, I wasn't born yesterday, but it just doesn't sound like good business to me. You probably figured out that I'm waiting for my Dakota SLT+ 4x4 to be built. I'm only four weeks into it, so I've got a long way to go. Has anyone else wondered about this?

haddon

Good luck, mine has been ordered since 11/22/99 and i'm about ready to cancell my order. I went shopping for a silverado, they look like very nice trucks. I had my heart set on a Quad Cab but this is BULL#^%$.

mlabor

Can you tell me if there is a dealer incentive on the Dakota Club cab V6. I know about the $750 consumer rebate which started after 4/3/00.

thanks.

bubalu

I was driving home from work yesterday on I-10 through Phoenix,AZ and was passed by a new full- size Ramcharger with Mexico plates. It has the front end of a Ram sport pickup. It's not fancy, but a clean, nice looking truck. Does anyone know if this is coming to the USA?

asta

I talked to a dealer here in Southern California who told me the 4x4 Quad Cab with the 4.7 V8 had been put on restriction and no more are being built until the new model year is rolled out. He said that would probably be mid July before he knew the 2001 pricing and later still before orders would be going in. He didn't know if any model changes would be occuring for 2001, but the 4.7 and 4x4 are definitely not being built. Evidently the 4.7 is in short supply due to its shared platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Did D/C under-anticipate demand here? This is crazy. I will probably buy the F-150 supercrew rather than wait another 3,4,5??? months for the Quad cab.

any thoughts?????

andy_jordan

Read the Dakota topics here - this is a myth. I first heard this a week or so back - but the now famous 'Ernie' who works for D/C says that it just isn't true.

It seems to stem from D/C taking the computerized ordering system for the Quad down at some point last week. This was probably to 'tweak' the pricing structure. There are quad delays because of the huge demand, but the 2000MY has not been stopped.

asta

Thanks for the feedback, Andy. Would you suggest just contacting another dealer altogether? What if I get this response from every Dodge dealer I contact (so far only one has told me this out of 3 I am getting price quotes from). It seems insane that a car manufacturer would just put a freeze on taking orders (and lose money for its dealerships), so I'm inclined to believe Ernie. But, the sales manager at the dealership could have taken my deposit and put in the order and did not, because of what I wrote in post 425. D/C should get its act together here - this is worse than VW!!!

any more info on this would be most appreciated before I go with the F-150 and bail out of any Quad ordering hassles.

andy_jordan

The Dakota Quad Cab has been a phenomenal success. D/C has no doubt been surprised by the number of orders it has received, and as a result there have been delays in delivery. This stems form restrictions being put on certain components at different times. You can't really fault D/C for this shortage, if they had over anticipated the demand then there would have been oversupply problems and we all know who would end up paying for that. Remember also that one component shortage can affect the entire production cycle - and that component may not even be produced by D/C.

Because of the demand, orders have been coming in at a faster rate than trucks can be built, ultimately this will mean that after a certain date all trucks ordered will be filled with 2001 trucks. The 2001MY will be produced from mid August onwards - the changes to the production lines occur during the two week summer vacation at the start of August.

The apparent problems have been made to look worse because of dealer allocation issues - basically where dealers have exhausted the number of quad cabs that they have been allocated.

My understanding is that price changes were implemented last week to the quad cab - I don't know what they were. This meant that the computerized ordering system was down and the dealers could not order a quad - this would have applied to all dealers. The system should now be back to normal. I would suggest visiting various dealers - especially larger ones whose allocations will be greater. It would also be worth asking if anyone here has experience with a dealer in your area. Finally there are a number of online dealers / specialist websites who may be able to help.

Of course you can also ask the dealer to do a search to see whether there are any vehicles that meet your requirements on the lots of other dealers. This will depend upon what specifically you are looking for - if you want standard transmission for instance you are unlikely to find it on a lot.

The quad cab is a somewhat different vehicle to the F150, so make sure that your needs are met. Remember that you need to live with your purchase long after the waiting period.

asta

Great info, Andy! Thanks again. I will check back with various Dodge dealers here in Southern California. If anyone has any recommendations for my area on this board, that would be very helpful. LA, Orange County, Santa Clarita, even Ventura or San Diego County are all fine. As are San Bernadino and Riverside. Just out of curiosity, Andy, what is your take on a comparison level between the two vehicles I have been consideringt - Quad Cab and the F-150 Supercrew. Obviously the crew is a little bigger (bed-wise and interior) but what other major differences do you see, i.e. utility-wise and performance. Thanks!! Feel free to email off-line if that's more convenient.

andy_jordan

I don't really know. I bought a club cab because I didn't need the larger cab and my wife was a little nervous of a full size. If I had bought a full size it would probably have been the GMC Sierra. My next purchase will hopefully be a redesigned Ram - assuming that I like the redesign.

I drove the F150 extended cab and was impressed with the power, but did not find it noticeably different to the Dakota. I haven't driven the supercrew so can't really compare.

The size is obviously a big factor in the decision, and some people would argue that quality was as well - though that obviously wasn't a concern for me as I bought DOdge anyway.

ksr318i

I am a private Joe with no interest in selling a vehicle to anyone. I have found the key to vehicle ordering is to find a dealership that has the allocations, is honest and willing to work with you. There are several dealerships recommended at the Turbo Diesel Register website ( www.turbodieselregister.com ) . These dealerships are all TDR member recommend and have a great relationship with Dodge truck owners. You can also checkout Dave Fritz’s website (http://dodgeram.com) in the survey section (http://dodgeram.com/buying_info/survey_dealer/Dealers.htm ) for survey results on who to deal with and who to avoid. Great site and some really good information for before, during and after the purchase of a Dodge Truck.

Hope this helps those of you in an earnest hunt for a Dodge truck.

draymond2

Any changes for 2001?
Price increase? New colors? mechanical or cosmetic changes??

andy_jordan

There will be no significant changes in 2001. Expect to see 'tweaks' to address whatever minor gripes D/C have heard from customers. To address your specific points:

Price increases - yep, bound to be. Wouldn't be surprised if they were above the average for the Quad in particular

New colors - well there were several changes last year, so probably not much - but they may drop an unpopular one and replace it with a new one, or one not currently available on Dakota - too early to tell yet.

Mechanical - the 5.9 is going to be replaced, not sure if it will be in 2001 though, other than that I don't know of anything

Cosmetic - probably really minor stuff, maybe a passenger side airbag cutoff on Quad. I have heard of a shift away from Goodyear rubber (oh yes, please), but don't know for sure.

draymond2

Thanks for the info.

johnedod

Any idea on production figures for Indy Ram (I think only offered in '96)? How about SST Rams? What years were SST's offered and were they availiable in 4WD? A friend says he saw a new 4WD on the lot with stripes a couple of years ago. Just wondering if these will be as collectible as the 'Lil Red Express are.

woody2269

Ok, I have TRIED to understand this, but try as I might, I just can't seem to grasp it. On the Dakota, to get a 5.9 v8, you have the choice of an R/T (the only reason why I don't like this model is because it is so low to the ground, kinda like the S-10 Extreme.) or if you want to keep that size engine in the Sport model, you have to have the quad cab. Why can't they keep the engine and just make it an extended cab? I currently own an S-10 ZR2 and love it, but I also like more power. Is there anything close to that? Thanks...

bpeebles

(woody2269) I have the 2000 Dakota sales brochure. All 4 engines are available. The only restriction I see is that the 4cylinder engine is not available in a 4X4.

Where did you get your information?

bpeebles

(woody2269) BTW, the 4.7L OHV semi-hemi V8 has been getting RAVE reviews. It has been clocked quicker than the clunky 60s-era 5.9 V8. It gets BETTER MPG than the V6 too! (When driven appropriately)

woody2269

From the same brochure, and a Dodge salesman. I even asked him if a Sport model with the 5.9 v8 extended cab, and he told me that the only way that you can get a 5.9 in a Sport is to get a quad cab....:( So you say that the 4.7 is better? And it gets better MPG? What kind of MPG are we talking? Hmmmm....always on the conquest for bigger and better, ya know? *L*

bpeebles

I personally have measured around 18 MPG with the 4.7L during break-in. (Have not measured it for several thousand miles mainly due to cold Vermont winters causing poor MPG anyway)

In other forums, some have reported closer to 20MPG when one purposely 'takes it easy' on the highway. THe 4.7L has been compared to a porsche engine in its sound and power delivery. (Peaky tourque curve)

Here are a few URLs to whet your appetite for the 4.7L V8 engine.

http://www.4adodge.com/glossary/torque_charts/index.html?quad

http://dodgeram.com/technical/cammer/4_7_v8.html

http://www.wardsauto.com/best10/99info/dcc47v8.htm

rodeo60

If you are considering buying or know someone considering a Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Diesel, check out our story:
www.bmi.net/kjp/dodge

It is worth the time and could be the best thing you do. Dodge does NOT stand behind their product.

andy_jordan

I suspect that post 441 is similar to the post that was removed from topic 1635.

I would suggest that you scribble your post before Edmunds steps in and (as themacguy suggested elsewhere) be very careful that you don't end up in a whole heap of legal trouble from Daimler Chrysler.

trambitis

I'll soon be buying a compression brake for my new 2001 Ram 2500 diesel 6-speed manual. Problem is, I don't know which to choose. The local Cummins shop will sell and mount me one for about $1,400 while a nearby RV dealership will provide me with a BD unit for about $850. I'm tempted to go with the Cummins unit but that's a substantial price difference. Any advice, fellow Ramheads?
Thanks!

draymond2

What changes can I expect to see when I order my 2001 Quad Cab at the end of the summer?

81chevy

I've been looking at differnt trucks, what is the US-Canadian component % on a Dodge Supercab, 1/2 ton, 4x4?

MercuryNJ

I've decided to buy a 2001 Ram 1500 4WD QC LB, and would like to know the quality level of the bumpers on the SLT with the Sport Group feature. Does this feature provide composite over metal, or just composite? Thanks.

savvy4

With your experience, what's the average selling price (not MSRP) of a new Dakota std. cab short bed 2wd with sport package, magnum V-6, A/C, cruise, and auto trans typically go for at your dealership? I'm in the market for a new commuter/errand vehicle and haven't tried the Dakota yet...

rogburn

I'm going to purchase a dakota quad cab. Do you have any info and advice about availability of a canopy for this unit? I would like to find a canopy that is fairly easily removable, and on which can be mounted boat racks for canoes and kayaks. Do you know if any are available, and what they would cost?
Bob O.

confused20

We are buying a 2001 Dodge 2500 Diesel truck. The debate arises regarding the 5 spd. transmission and the new 6 spd with the 5.9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel. What would you advise? Why?

maestro1

Do you have any ideas/info on the re-designed 2002 Ram? I decided to wait on purchasing a new truck until it comes out. I would appreciate any info or web site that might be able to answer any questions. Thanks a lot!!

pschuur

Yes, I have a question. I have seriously drooled over the Dakota since they first came out. However, when I really became serious about them, I waited because I thought they should have made the Club Cab similar to the Ram, Ford 150, and Ford Ranger extra cabs with the four doors. I know the Quad Cab is great, but the Club Cab sucks compared to the other extra cabs for convenience of entry to the back. WHEN is Dodge going to introduce the Club with rear doors????? I will buy sight unseen if it can be done.

andy_jordan

Don't hold your breath.

Dodge has had multiple opportunities to do this, but it just hasn't happened, and I can't see it happening now that the Quad is out. My guess would be that the Dakota redesign will be the earliest - and that is 2 or 3 years away.

Incidentally, for all those new to this site, the Dodge salesman actually abandoned this topic months ago - you are left with us amateurs now.

khbush

Has anyone had a problem with their Dodge auto transmission?
We have a 99 Quad s/b Cummins that the automatic transmission went out on at 8300 miles last August. We were towing our travel trailer. No hot fluid or burning smells. It just quit. Dealer replaced the transmission. We towed the same trailer with a 97 Club cab Cummins auto trans up to 19000 miles with no problems.
Dealer never said what happened. I've been curious if we were an isolated instance or this is common with the Dodge trans.

andy_jordan

have long had a lousy reputation. In some measure this is justified, although they have made great strides recently, and have set up a task force to replace all trannys with totally new (blank page start) redesigns - expect to see the first in the redesigned Ram in 2002.

A lot of the more recent troubles with Dodge trannys tends to come from inexperienced towers using overdrive (not suggesting you did), blowing their tranny and blaming it on Dodge's inability to make trannys.

Nevertheless, if Dodge has an achilles heel then it has to be the auto tranny, let's hope the redesigns solve the problem.

nrd525

It's kind of funny to me,the old 727 was if put together decently,the strongest one by far at the time,even better than the GM TH400.Now,none of the manufacturers seem to be able to make one that takes big torque like the old big blocks put out.What happened??

bpeebles

(nrd525) The quest for effeciency and build them less expensivly. (Read light weight and low slippage) Todays automatic xmissions are pretty well 'matched' to the engine they are bolted to.

In the past, they were OVERBUILT ,heavey and quite inneffecient(lots of slippage), and generally could stand 100+ HP more than the engine could deliver from the factory.

BTW... the ALLISON AUTOMATIC (related to the ol' GM TH 350/400) is still considerd the BEST in the buisness. The go MILLIONS of miles in Busses and 18-wheelers. GM is supposed to be offering a ALLISON AUTOMATIC in the near future. (With their brand new diesel engine) This should be a formidable opponent to the Cummins in the Dodge with the poor automatics. The Ford diesel is just too noisy and complicated to be a contender in this field. (Ford=V8.... Cummins=I6)

rick63

Trex,
I am seeing a little bit of what appears to be rust on the top side of my rear bumper right next to the rubber piece on the top for what I'm assuming is either traction or protection. It is a 99 SLT and there is no damage to the crome finish anywhere on the bumper that might have started such an insidious problem. I plan to take it in shortly to have them change out the Tranny fluid and want to get this documented and corrected soon. Should I expect this to be covered under the warranty (at this point I am) or will I likely get a song and dance about how this is not covered by the corrosion warranty ?????

bpeebles

(rick63) Any corrosion warrantee I have seen guards against PERFORATION. (Holes rusted clear through)

Even here in Vermont where the roads are coverd with salt much of the year, it takes several years to get HOLES rusted through. (Also known as a 'flintstone-mobile' or 'rust-bucket')

The people that write the warrantees know this too! It is very unlikely that you will get any HOLES in your rig before 3 years are up.

warfish

Can anyone tell me the straight dope on what I should be expecting in performance from my 2001 Ram 2500 Quad cab diesel with 3.54 gears?
I'm towing a 30 ft. fifth wheel with a weight in the 8500 to 9000 lb range. People I know with similar rigs tell me they tow in OD all the time and seldom downshift except on big grades. I can't maintain a steady 65 mph on the highway and it downshifts constantly when in OD. Highway speeds with OD off is very noisy and the mileage is about 9.5mpg, I don't think that's very good for this engine. Am I expecting too much? People tell me I should be able to cruise at 70+ in OD and get 12 to 14 mpg and not be downshifting.

mrlevel

I just received my new 2001 Ram 3/4 ton 4x4 SLT quadcab pickup with all the bells and whistles, it only took 8 weeks not bad. It looks and rides great, and the seats are real comfortable. My question is can I put those small blindspot mirrors on the outside heated mirrors, will the adhesive heat up and make them fall off, and will they restrict the heating of the mirrors.

bookitty

I used the spot convex mirrors on my Ford Expedition equipped with heated mirrors, and did not experience any problems. Traveled PA, NY and New England, using the rear window defroster (engages mirrors as well)and they work really well.

Bookitty

crom

Hey,
I'm planning on getting a Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 SWB with a V10 and Manual transmission this fall with all the bells and whistles. What is the Wheel width on the 16" Wheels that come from the factory so I know what larger tires I can put on without having to buy new wheels? I have found a 315/75R16 tire from BFGoodrich but I would like something wider. I'll take any suggestions and I appreciate the help. Also, I'm not planning on getting a lift kit. Thanks.

markcord

They're 16x8. Ain't gonna get those 315s on an 8 incher.

crom

I had a dealer that knows our family show me a pair of 315s on a Ram 2500 about a year ago that was owned by his mechanic. The mechanic said they were on the original wheels and the front tires barely met the inside of the hub if you turned the steering all the way one direction or the other. No lift kit.

crom

I'm still looking for any sugestions on what tires to get.

markcord:
I appreciate you telling me the wheel size. The 315/75R16 I was looking at can be researched at BFGoodrich's homepage under "I know my size, watcha got?" link. they will fit on a 8-10 in. wheel. It is questionable how far I'll be able to turn the steering though without rubbing. They also make a 315/55R16 that they claim fits on an 8" wheel. Figure that one out.

cordy3

Got my 2000 Diesel Dodge Ram Quad cab loaded with the plus package and a 354 rear end,auto tran. Have had a lot of pickups and this one is the best of all. Have pulled a 5th wheel camper about 6000 miles with it and have a total of 19500 miles on the truck. Picked this truck up on Oct.15 1999. The dealer told me when it was new that I could pull the trailer in overdrive. I did that on my first trip and did not like the way that it shifted in and out. Jumped the dealer about it when I got back and he said OH!!! you should never pull in overdrive. To make a long story short I never did again and over the long haul it works great without being in overdrive. At 62 miles per hour it runs 2200rpm. At 65 mph am running about 2400 or 2500 rpms. With a lot of mountain driving I am averaging 12.3 mpg pulling about 9000lbs. Figure I might be losing 2 miles to the gal. but it is well worth it. Have not had it in the shop yet. Hope my luck holds out. Oh yes the dealer told me that I could not hurt the cummins but that I could hurt the transmission. Think he was right on that one bit of advice.

markcord

I guess I shoulda looked that up before I shot my mouth off! I assume these are ATs and not MTs? It's been awhile since I've been to the site, but www.dodgeram.com had much discussion about this. I think guys were have some rubbing problems with the 295s, but I don't know if they were rumming them on the old steel wheels or the new aluminum ones. Check that site out. I'm sure you can get some good first hand info.