50 might be the age of our bodies but our minds are still 18, 19 or 20. I can still pull a hole shot on most of the young kids with my Dakota 4.7 auto. Great throttle response! This truck reminds of the Muscle Car days of our youth, the Hemi Cuda's, the Yenko Camero's, etc. And I bet with the manual transmission there is soon to be a little Power Shifting going on ???? Well I hope you enjoy your new truck as much as I do mine. I've had it for 34 days and now have 2150 miles on it. Do I like it or what! Happy motoring and go easy on the tires..yeh right.
Glad to hear you guys are lovin' those Dakota's!!!I ordered my 4.7 auto 4x4 Sept.29th.,but was told today I won't see it till mid.Nov.It's gonna be a long couple of weeks...Enjoy your new rides-can't wait to get mine.
Just bought a 2000 Dakota CC 4x4 Sport Plus 4X4 with the 4.7L and 5-speed and have a few questions.
-Did anyone have a clicking/ticking sound from front brakes while driving and a loud pad to rotor noise when applying the breaks when new? I have noise comming from the brakes when applied and a ticking noise while driving that I assume are the brakes. Truck only has 116 miles on it now.
-How is your low end power? Once going the truck is all right but torque seems low when below the 2000 RPM range. Is this new motor a high winding beast only?(2500-4500RPM)
BTW I find the rear room to be very small and would have like a jump seat option so one could stretch their legs. Third door would have been nice as well.
Glad to see all the good remarks on everyone's new Dakota's. Yep, I'm 52 and feeling more like 25 with my Dakota Sport. Jethro8 all I can say is be patient. I ordered my Dakota 7/21/99 and didn't pick it up until 10/12/99. But after getting it I think it was worth the wait. I haven't had any problems with it at all.What little I could find out on all the delays were that they were doing more one on one inspections.?? It must have worked because I haven't had any problems. Rasha, in my truck there are no noises at all. It is a very quiet running machine. My Dakota has a 4.7L 5sp. with 10x31 Tires. and a 3.92 rear axle. I don't hardly use 1st gear in it. But if I want to push it a little bit she can really come out of the hole pretty hard. Rear wheels will turn pretty easy if I want them to. Oh what fun it is. So far all I have is a little over 500 miles. So have to still hold her down and take it easy. And as far as torque on the other end if I want to just cruse in 5th gear at 25mph or less it seems to do quite well there to. That engine is so smooth you never realize sometimes what gear I'm in.
Glad to see all the good remarks on everyone's new Dakota's. Yep, I'm 52 and feeling more like 25 with my Dakota Sport. Jethro8 all I can say is be patient. I ordered my Dakota 7/21/99 and didn't pick it up until 10/12/99. But after getting it I think it was worth the wait. I haven't had any problems with it at all.What little I could find out on all the delays were that they were doing more one on one inspections.?? It must have worked because I haven't had any problems. Rasha, in my truck there are no noises at all. It is a very quiet running machine. My Dakota has a 4.7L 5sp. with 10x31 Tires. and a 3.92 rear axle. I don't hardly use 1st gear in it. But if I want to push it a little bit she can really come out of the hole pretty hard. Rear wheels will turn pretty easy if I want them to. Oh what fun it is. So far all I have is a little over 500 miles. So have to still hold her down and take it easy. And as far as torque on the other end if I want to just cruse in 5th gear at 25mph or less it seems to do quite well there to. That engine is so smooth you never realize sometimes what gear I'm in.
No noise, no torque problems. Not sure what the torque curve is on the 4.7, but if you want to find out I am sure that Dodge can provide it.
I personally have not gone much above 2500rpm yet, and rarely if ever above 3000. I can't say that I have noticed any sluggishness, like jwm2 says sometimes I have to look at the stick to remind myself what gear I'm in. And 1st gear - isn't that just for decoration?
Custom-ordered my new 4x4 4.7L several weeks ago, but am getting a little concerned about these trucks holding their value as I see a ton of these trucks (as well as Rams) sitting on our dealer's lot... many more than usual for this time of year. Could it be the demand for both the Ram and Dakota has peaked and is now in a tailspin? If so, why? Comments anyone?
My 4.7 cc with the 355 rear end responds Extremely well. For those of you that are afraid of giving it too much gas....don't. If the engine is assembled properly with the specified clearances your engine will not blow up if you take it over 3000 or 4000 rpm right out of the box. As a past engine builder for a super pro and super gas car the engine was put together with the proper clearances, fired up, adjusted the valves then it was a 7000 rpm hole shot with the tac ending up over 9000 rpm by the time the quarter mile was over. No break in time, no waiting on the rings to seat. Never lost an engine. I don't believe the computer will allow the engine to over rev, in gear, so don't be too concerned. My salesman told me, and I haven't tried to prove him wrong, that the factory has placed a chip in the computer that will not allow the truck to run over 105 mph. Is this true ? I don't know but I don't know why the salesman would lie to me, nothing to gain from his standpoint. So don't be afraid of pushing the petal to the floor. If they didn't want the throttle body open all the way they would have placed a wood block under the gas petal :-) If she's gonna blow let it happen while the warranty is in effect. If it does blow the engine was bad from the beginning and no easy does it will make it heal itself. Have fun, enjoy the hp!
jd12 here in CR Iowa I couldn't find any used Dakota's at least a 4x4 CC. And what few I checked out for what they were asking for on them I would rather just order a new one. Here I think everyone is keeping theirs. Now that I have mine I can understand why. I think I'll be keeping mine!
jd12, There may have been a push to build a bunch of Crew cabs before switching focus over to the Quad cabs. That could result in a lot of stock on dealer's lots to hold them over--just a guess...
At the risk of being unhelpful - whichever you prefer.
I am not being facetious in saying that, you have to sit in it so you have to like it. Personally I went with the buckets because I found them both more comfortable and more supportive. I have also heard a lot of people rave about the bench.
Try and arrange an extended test drive and see for yourself, or find a buddy who has a late model Dakota and ride around with them.
Risking to be as unhelpful as Andy Jordan I liked both seats(both are very comfortable) but I elected to go with the split bench. The reasons for me are: 1. Function better. A large center armrest/business counsole. 2. A larger cup holder. 3. $200.00 cheaper. I agree with Andy that should try them both out. One of the selling points for me was how comfortable the seats were.It makes for a great ride!
I have had my Dak. a little over 2 weeks now and Luv It !! The truck is a 2000 4x4 Ext cab with the 4.7 liter V8 with Auto. Took first trip to wisc. and Galena and found everything to be great - no noise and very comfortable.
The icing on this cake is that I paid a $100 over true invoice and got the truck I wanted.
Meant to add to the description above (item #117) that the dealer also gave us a tube of paint, a full tank of gas, a new current month State Inspection Sticker, and a real nice pin stripping job for absolutely nothing. When I asked what I owed him for the above, he said not to worry about it. I could hardly believe it - I haven't gotten much for free in a long long time. The salesman we dealt with was real pleasant, knowledgeable and just very accommodating. Because they did not have the bedliner we wanted this past Monday, he provided us with a purchase order for the bedliner of our choice (Pendaliner) from a local dealer. This also at no cost. Just wanted to fill in the blanks left open in my previous input. Keep on Dodge Dakota trucking friends.
Hi! I have been reading this site for a while and I am glad that there more happy truckers then unhappy! (comparing to the Ford Explorer). I have a question that may be should not be here, but I will ask it anyway. I have a 1991 Dakota, extended cab, short bed (6 1/2), 3.9 6 cyl, auto with o/d, radio/casette, two tone paint, 75000 miles. What you think it's worth? Planning to trade it in, but don't want to be taken like a child by a dealer! I live in Illinois (Chicago area) and cannot find any to compare to. Cannot find 1991 Dodge Dakota. Checked newspapers, dealer lots...nothing. BTW. in 10 years had only one repair done last summer-new oxygen sensor was put in. Don't want to realy sell it, however mu kids got older (13&10) and for the longer trips back space is not enough for them.
You're almost in right place, just look at Edmunds used truck location and price your truck. I used it to price a 1992 Dodge Van that I recently sold. It was a big help to have some basis. Good luck. normb3
2000 4.7 with auto; got a ticking noise I can hear from the right side interior; like a valve noise, or an electric fuel pump; anybody else got ticking.JOHN
I didn't hear it in one I test drove more extensively, but this one does it and I can't get the dealer to hear it; annoying; I'm going to go to another dealer. At freeway speeds it is noticeable; if you put it in neutral, it goes away; so it's engine speed related. Almost like electric fuel pump sound coming through the speakers; or valve noise; I hate it bc I hear it and I love absolutely everything else about my white SLT loaded up truck. Got it all but not the heavy bed load rating, but got the good low profile tires 55's I think; makes ingress and egress a breeze and put a Penda bedlinier drop in in for half of mopar which is made by penda; thing screams too; dig the two speed action on second on the auto; you understand? It accelerates from stop to about 65 or so in second; but it will kick down well over 65 into second. Plus got anti spin and the big radiator and coolers and battery deal; to me it is just way better than a ranger, and there really is no other midsize, F150 and Tundra are too big. Hope to get to the bottom of the ticking. Regards. JOHN
i am seriously thinking about purchasing a 2000 dodge dakota sport with a 4.7, 5 speed, regular cab, can i get some advice on the bad and good things about the truck?
I've noticed that just about every Dodge product has a rebate of financing incentive except the Dakota. Any ideas why or any is planned in the near future?
Cool, at least someone besides me can verify that this happens; I am certain it is not affecting performance; however, I have driven at least one 4.7 that did not make the noise; hopefully there will be a bulletin on it sometime; Kamala, if you get to the bottom of this with a dealer, please let me know; I bought this truck to keep and it is my only gripe. Thank you JOHN HOUTS
kyle16 I agree with Andy pretty much about the 4.7L eng. If I was to look on the down side of the truck. (I have a 2000 4.7L with a 5sp.)I had to go with a 3.92 rear axle. Now that's not all bad because you can really come on hard out off the line if you like to and the first gear otherwise is there just for lookes. Dodge would not build it for me with 3.55 gears with the 10x31 tires. So I opted for the 3.92 rear. Sure does run great. I now have just turned over 1k miles and so far there is not one thing that I can complain about for quality. The truck is very well built. I haven't checked real close but according to my mpg readings I'm getting 16mpg right now. I must confess though I still am coming off the line a little heavy with the foot : ) Jim
My dealer called this morning, and told me that they just unloaded the first Dakota Quad Cab last night. Guess where I'm going after work today? If I can wait till 5!!!!!
I have the 2000 with the 4.7, Auto, and A/C. I also have a ticking noise. At first I thought I had a valve problem but listening more closely it sounds like a solenoid of some kind.
I also have two other noises I want to try and locate before bringing it back.
The first one is a high pitched squeek that seems to come from the floorboard around the transfer case. It happens as I am driving and if I park the truck and turn it off, I can rock the truck back and forth and it also makes the same noise.
The Other is when I head out on the highway, After "dusting" everybody behind me er, I mean after reaching about 55MPH or greater I start to hear a flapping or buzzing sound from the middle or passenger side of the cabin. Almost sounds like a leave or piece of paper is caught in the ducts or a speedo cable is defective.
I also notice that after a cold start I smell a strong odor that smells like something is burning It lasts for about a minute then clears out.
If the truck is warmed up and I start it there is no odor. I have had the truck for about a month but I am not sure if this is the catalytic converter or something else.
Anybody have anything similar to this? Any suggestions? I figure if I can give the dealer a good clue to these problems they won't have to completely rip apart my dashboard looking for the noise. Or worst yet have them saying "They All Do That"
I have a Dakota 2000 w/4.7 and auto tranny. I had heard the faint ticking noise and disregarded it. Now, sfter reading this web site, I'm concerned. Has anyone been successful in getting a dealer to figure out what it is and fix it? Or should it just be ignored as normal operation? I have a faulty fog light switch waiting replacement, which is on back-order, when it goes in for that I will ask my dealer about the ticking noise. Anyone else have any ideas??
Jim mentioned the 3.92 rear end. I personally like it, but there is a thing at the moment that people are being pushed into it because of 3.55 delays. I understand that it doesn't matter how good something is, if you didn't want it you don't like being pushed into it.
As I have already mentioned to Jim separately the 3.92 rear end with the 31x10.5 is about the same as the 3.55 with stock.
Ticking may be a solenoid - yeah you are right it could be that from the sound, but I can't think what it would be. I can't think that it is serious simply because it is so obvious (except to any Dodge service guy being asked to fix it). I imagine that dealers would have been given some answers from Dodge - I am sure they are getting questions, just got to hope that they have the right answer. kcram, any ideas on this one?
jwr2,
squeek - sorry no clue.
buzzing or flapping - are all the windows closed, sealed ok. May be obvious but all I could think of, either front, quarter or back slider.
odor - only thing I can think of is if you have the heating ramped right up, that can always generate some interesting aromas. If it was the cat I can't believe you would be able to smell it in the cab.
Well, I just had my truck into the shop to have the catalytic converter replaced....after just 13,000 miles (99 CC, 3.9 5 speed). The truck was rattling really loud, but of course the dealership claimed they couldn't recreate it until I made the shop foreman take a ride with me....which magically fixed his hearing problem.....
Why is it so hard to find a dealership service department that actually wants to help their customers instead of always claiming there is no problem? It was obvious nobody ever looked at it because he heard the rattling right away once I started the truck in their parking lot....
Only other problem I have ever had is once in a while when I start up on a cold morning (under 30 degrees) somewhere in the power train I am getting a sqeeling noise (only at 1500 RPM's) that goes away after a minute.....Has anyone had a similiar problem? It doesn't seem to do it as much now that I have a few miles on it...hopefully a self-correcting problem?
I have a 4.7L, 5 speed, and so far I have not heard the sounds described above with nearly 500 miles driven. I have the 3.55 rear end with the limited slip differential and I really like the way it handles in all respects. Agree that 1st gear on this truck is for heavy loads only. I have not smelled any odors (other than the new truck smell) as described above. Maybe I got lucky, or I just haven't had it long enough - so far all is A-OK.
Ok truck guys. I have on order a 2000 Quad cab 4.7 V8 Auto, Limited Slip, 3.55 rear, 31X10.5 tires. Am I going to be wishing I had chosen the 3.92 rear instead? I know it lowers the towing capacity by 1000lb, but I can't think of anything heavy I will tow in the near future. Will I get better mileage to make up for it, be the slowest person off the line, or be faster? I suppose I could take the torque curves, gear ratios, tire sizes, etc. and calculate some estimates, but that's a pain so I'll ask those of you who seem to have some real experience. Should I start kicking myself now for not giving it more attention when I ordered?
Hi everybody! I have my 4.7, auto, 4x4 for a week. I've noticed that fine metallic noise on the first day. I am very sensitive to strange noises in my vehicles so this one irritates me too. Maybe if we, who have these noises, report this to Chrysler as a group of customers with the same problem, someone will try to make us 100% satisfied with our purchase. After all it's a very nice truck. This is my first truck and I am a little shocked by gas mileage. I am getting around 15 miles to the gallon driving mostly @75 on the highway and some on the streets. Anybody tried to improve it with different spark plugs, air filter, and etc? Next tank I will drive @60 and no pushing around the town. Lets see. Good luck to you all!
The ticking seems to have nothing to do with the AC operation; when I hear it on the freeway, if I put the truck in neutral and let it roll, the noise goes away; I don't see how it could be a solenoid as it appears to go at engine speed; more when under load; sooner or later someone will get this defined and we'll all get it fixed; but we do need to define it as the service dept can't hear it. I'm going to a different dealer when I have some time later in the month. Thanks John Houts
My kid has a Suzuki Sidekick that makes the same high pitched noise on cold starts. Not too bothered as it is 10 years old. Usually goes away with a brief blip on the throttle. Don't have a clue what it is though.
rlholm,
The 3.55 rear end is in no way 'bad'. You will get better mileage, but not significantly. You will still out drag most things from the line. Remeber you still have a 235hp V8 purring along there. You will lose more get up and go by taking the auto over standard than anything else.
pirat5,
Welcome to the world of trucks!! If you are driving at 75mph consistently then 15mpg isn't bad. You should notice an improvement at 60. Bear in mind though that you are driving a 2 ton truck with a V8 engine. Your gas mileage should improve as the truck gets run in, but one thing concerns me. If you have only had this thing a week have you run it in properly yet before you start driving at 75? The first 50 miles or so should be no higher than about 45, the next 250 at 60 or so.
A K&N air filter is probably the biggest bang for your buck upgrade you can get, improved power and mileage.
Ticking - I don't know what's going on. In fact thinking about it I don't remember hearing it the last couple of days. I'll listen carefully tonight.
Andy, thanks for the advise on the 3.55. I would have chosen a manual transmission except Seattle traffic is awful. I get so sick and tired of creaping along burning up the clutch in my Nissan Maxima wishing I could just drop the clutch and dust everybody. V8 in the Dakota or not, I'll switch to the Maxima for stealth family car performance. Many have tried, but few can argue with that beautiful 3.0 190hp V6 in a 3000lb vehicle. With 205ft-lbs of torque by the time I shift out of 2nd at 80+ mph all but the real sports cars are mere specks in the mirror. Lots of fun but I still want a truck.
I agree with andy jordan concerning your gas mileage. However, I do not agree with the concept of going easy at first. Go back and read posting 110. I do not abuse my new truck but if it's built correctly there is nothing wrong with 75 m.p.h. on a new engine. New engines are not like babies, you don't have to be THAT careful. Enjoy your truck!
I recently talked to two different dealers and got them both to their bottom line of $100 over invoice. However both of them insisted that their invoice costs includes a $420 advertising fee. Has anybody us ran into this and had it removed or this is this a legitimate expense.
andy jordan, Just as jbauer said, according to the manual you need to push the truck from time to time especially on the highway to give the engine proper "break-in". That's what I was doing, not crazily of course. This obviously hurt gas mileage. After having over 700 miles I will be easier on my horse. I shift @ max.2000 rpms. I'll let you know how much gas I save. jbauer, thanks for support. Today I've checked oil level for the first time. Surprise, 0.5" above max. line. C'mon,truck just came form the factory. This is just another example that the truck is not "polished". Every truck is different. I hope that buying this truck won't remind me some lottery, got lucky got good truck, no luck got lemon. Design on the paper is good, but production line is far from German or even Japanese. Going back to ticking. I've listen carefully today. It's associated with accelerating or simply pressing gas pedal. It could be just as kamala said air pump or gas pump. It will be a challenge for service guys to hear it first and than find what it is. Isn't it interesting that many trucks have it and guys from Chrysler didn't heard it or didn't want to. Good luck to you all!
JWM2,Why would'nt Dodge build your 4.7 with a 3.55 and the 31x10.5 tires? Was it because you had a 5 speed verses auto trans? I ordered a 4.7 3.55 auto.4x4 with the 31x10.5 tires and they didn't say anything about it -but I have'nt taken delivery yet either.Am I due for a surprise at delivery?I don't trust any of those salesmen as it is.
Apologies if anyone thought I was slamming anyone about running in - not intended. I agree that 'brief periods of full throttle acceleration' to quote the manual help. Personally I took it fairly easily because it was a small price to pay - each to their own.
My understanding of the 3.55 situation is that the 3.55 is on restriction right now, and in an effort to clear backlogs before quad production really ramps up the 3.92 is being 'encouraged'. To my knowledge there are no technical restrictions on the standard / 31x10.5 / 3.55 combination.
Jethro8 At the time I put my order in it was the only one that was not getting built. My dealer had to call to see what was going on because it was slipping behind orders coming in after mine. As my dealer found out then that that particular configuration the 31x10 tires with a 5sp manual trans. with the 3.55 axel was what they called unbuildable. I beleive they said it was to much torque on the drive train and would not be able to warrant it for fear of something breaking. I was pretty surprised then since I believe the 99's with the 318's were built that way. If you are going with the auto I don't think that's a problem. I've seen them putting the 3.55 in alot of them. My first demo ride in a 2000 was with the auto 4.7L and a 3.55 axel. As far as your salemen go and anyone can correct me if I am wrong but if it don't come like you ordered it it's theirs. I don't believe you have to accecpt it. But they should know by now what is buildable and not. Mine was the first 4.7L with a 5sp order for quite some time. So it caught my dealer off guard. I couldn't fault him for that and he made sure I knew before it was built if I wanted it that way. I could have said no and walked out on the deal. Glad I stayed with it. I'm sure you will to. Still smiling : ) Jim
I wasn't aware of the problem relating to torque. The auto transmission came across from the Grand Cherokee along with the engine. I believe the standard is the same box as last year. However the torque is actually marginally down this year (300 for the 5.2, 295 for the 4.7).
Still I guess that DC should know what they are talking about, just surprised that they are still allowing orders.
I just picked up a slightly used '99 with the 318, 5-speed and 3.92 rears. I've installed a Kenne Bell intake, JBA shorties and Gibson single side exit exhaust. Because of all the fun I'm having stabbin' the throttle every chance I get, I've been averaging 11.8 mpg. I think I could dramatically improve the mileage by leaving it parked in the garage. ;-) If you're going to get an aftermarket intake, don't go with the K&N Generation II setup. It's more costly and draws warm air from under the hood but it looks nice. The Kenne Bell setup works better, costs about $30 less and pulls cool air through a 4" duct from the front fender. I installed mine in about 20 minutes; I let a shop handle the headers and exhaust. BTW, most dual rear exit exhausts will not fit on a 4x4 with the big wheels and tires unless you carry the spare around in the bed.
jwr2 I have that dash noise as well. My windshield had a leak and that was fixed but did not cure the noise in dash. I can hear the noise where the firewall meets the floor board and through the center ventalation openings. It sound like a rattle or .... something?!? Like a leaf or piece of paper is in the ventalation ducts, almost sounds like the blower unit fan is spinning loose slightly even though the fan and AC are off. On the other had it sounds like engine noise leaking through. I just can't nail it down yet but will keep trying. Dealer is no help with this noise so far.
Could you guys describe the ticking noise more? I am hearing a noise from the motor that sound like a ticking but faint... somewhat like a sticking lifter.
Truck is a 2000 4X4 Dakota CC w/ 4.7 and 5spd with AC.
Also, has any of your dealers suggested the pinion bearing is too tight in the rear end? What does this mean? While fixing my windshield leak they told me to bring it back in so they could replace the pinion bearing which is too lound and known to them as a problem. Dealer says they were installed too tight.
...and on another note does anybody have drive train clunking. Must be over 2500 RPM when shifting to eliminate clunking through the gears. Same in reverse. Could be my driving but the demonstrator Dakote did not exibit this problem and I have driven many a manual trucks before with no problems like this.
Comments
-Did anyone have a clicking/ticking sound from front brakes while driving and a loud pad to rotor noise when applying the breaks when new? I have noise comming from the brakes when applied and a ticking noise while driving that I assume are the brakes. Truck only has 116 miles on it now.
-How is your low end power? Once going the truck is all right but torque seems low when below the 2000 RPM range. Is this new motor a high winding beast only?(2500-4500RPM)
BTW I find the rear room to be very small and would have like a jump seat option so one could stretch their legs. Third door would have been nice as well.
Jethro8 all I can say is be patient. I ordered my Dakota 7/21/99 and didn't pick it up until 10/12/99. But after getting it I think it was worth the wait. I haven't had any problems with it at all.What little I could find out on all the delays were that they were doing more one on one inspections.?? It must have worked because I haven't had any problems.
Rasha, in my truck there are no noises at all. It is a very quiet running machine.
My Dakota has a 4.7L 5sp. with 10x31 Tires. and a 3.92 rear axle. I don't hardly use 1st gear in it. But if I want to push it a little bit she can really come out of the hole pretty hard. Rear wheels will turn pretty easy if I want them to. Oh what fun it is. So far all I have is a little over 500 miles. So have to still hold her down and take it easy. And as far as torque on the other end if I want to just cruse in 5th gear at 25mph or less it seems to do quite well there to. That engine is so smooth you never realize sometimes what gear I'm in.
Jethro8 all I can say is be patient. I ordered my Dakota 7/21/99 and didn't pick it up until 10/12/99. But after getting it I think it was worth the wait. I haven't had any problems with it at all.What little I could find out on all the delays were that they were doing more one on one inspections.?? It must have worked because I haven't had any problems.
Rasha, in my truck there are no noises at all. It is a very quiet running machine.
My Dakota has a 4.7L 5sp. with 10x31 Tires. and a 3.92 rear axle. I don't hardly use 1st gear in it. But if I want to push it a little bit she can really come out of the hole pretty hard. Rear wheels will turn pretty easy if I want them to. Oh what fun it is. So far all I have is a little over 500 miles. So have to still hold her down and take it easy. And as far as torque on the other end if I want to just cruse in 5th gear at 25mph or less it seems to do quite well there to. That engine is so smooth you never realize sometimes what gear I'm in.
I personally have not gone much above 2500rpm yet, and rarely if ever above 3000. I can't say that I have noticed any sluggishness, like jwm2 says sometimes I have to look at the stick to remind myself what gear I'm in. And 1st gear - isn't that just for decoration?
Probably people are waiting for the four door quad cab. Of course dealers still need something on their lots until they turn up.
I am not being facetious in saying that, you have to sit in it so you have to like it. Personally I went with the buckets because I found them both more comfortable and more supportive. I have also heard a lot of people rave about the bench.
Try and arrange an extended test drive and see for yourself, or find a buddy who has a late model Dakota and ride around with them.
1. Function better.
A large center
armrest/business
counsole.
2. A larger cup holder.
3. $200.00 cheaper.
I agree with Andy that should try them both out.
One of the selling points for me was how comfortable the seats were.It makes for a great ride!
The icing on this cake is that I paid a $100 over true invoice and got the truck I wanted.
I have been reading this site for a while and I am glad that there more happy truckers then unhappy! (comparing to the Ford Explorer). I have a question that may be should not be here, but I will ask it anyway. I have a 1991 Dakota, extended cab, short bed (6 1/2), 3.9 6 cyl, auto with o/d, radio/casette, two tone paint, 75000 miles. What you think it's worth? Planning to trade it in, but don't want to be taken like a child by a dealer! I live in Illinois (Chicago area) and cannot find any to compare to. Cannot find 1991 Dodge Dakota. Checked newspapers, dealer lots...nothing.
BTW. in 10 years had only one repair done last summer-new oxygen sensor was put in. Don't want to realy sell it, however mu kids got older (13&10) and for the longer trips back space is not enough for them.
V-8 with auto trans, so far no ticking--but then
I've only got about 1,100 miles on it so far.
Bob
Also is a crew cab and quad cab the same thing?
Thanks for any help.
Jim
I also have a ticking noise. At first I thought I had a valve problem but listening more closely it sounds like a solenoid of some kind.
I also have two other noises I want to try and locate before bringing it back.
The first one is a high pitched squeek that seems to come from the floorboard around the transfer case. It happens as I am driving and if I park the truck and turn it off, I can rock the truck back and forth and it also makes the same noise.
The Other is when I head out on the highway, After "dusting" everybody behind me er, I mean after reaching about 55MPH or greater I start to hear a flapping or buzzing sound from the middle or passenger side of the cabin. Almost sounds like a leave or piece of paper is caught in the ducts or a speedo cable is defective.
I also notice that after a cold start I smell a strong odor that smells like something is burning
It lasts for about a minute then clears out.
If the truck is warmed up and I start it there is no odor. I have had the truck for about a month but I am not sure if this is the catalytic converter or something else.
Anybody have anything similar to this? Any suggestions? I figure if I can give the dealer a
good clue to these problems they won't have to completely rip apart my dashboard looking for the noise. Or worst yet have them saying "They All Do That"
As I have already mentioned to Jim separately the 3.92 rear end with the 31x10.5 is about the same as the 3.55 with stock.
Ticking may be a solenoid - yeah you are right it could be that from the sound, but I can't think what it would be. I can't think that it is serious simply because it is so obvious (except to any Dodge service guy being asked to fix it). I imagine that dealers would have been given some answers from Dodge - I am sure they are getting questions, just got to hope that they have the right answer. kcram, any ideas on this one?
jwr2,
squeek - sorry no clue.
buzzing or flapping - are all the windows closed, sealed ok. May be obvious but all I could think of, either front, quarter or back slider.
odor - only thing I can think of is if you have the heating ramped right up, that can always generate some interesting aromas. If it was the cat I can't believe you would be able to smell it in the cab.
Why is it so hard to find a dealership service department that actually wants to help their customers instead of always claiming there is no problem? It was obvious nobody ever looked at it because he heard the rattling right away once I started the truck in their parking lot....
Only other problem I have ever had is once in a while when I start up on a cold morning (under 30 degrees) somewhere in the power train I am getting a sqeeling noise (only at 1500 RPM's) that goes away after a minute.....Has anyone had a similiar problem? It doesn't seem to do it as much now that I have a few miles on it...hopefully a self-correcting problem?
I have my 4.7, auto, 4x4 for a week. I've noticed that fine metallic noise on the first day. I am very sensitive to strange noises in my vehicles so this one irritates me too. Maybe if we, who have these noises, report this to Chrysler as a group of customers with the same problem, someone will try to make us 100% satisfied with our purchase. After all it's a very nice truck. This is my first truck and I am a little shocked by gas mileage. I am getting around 15 miles to the gallon driving mostly @75 on the highway and some on the streets. Anybody tried to improve it with different spark plugs, air filter, and etc? Next tank I will drive @60 and no pushing around the town. Lets see. Good luck to you all!
My kid has a Suzuki Sidekick that makes the same high pitched noise on cold starts. Not too bothered as it is 10 years old. Usually goes away with a brief blip on the throttle. Don't have a clue what it is though.
rlholm,
The 3.55 rear end is in no way 'bad'. You will get better mileage, but not significantly. You will still out drag most things from the line. Remeber you still have a 235hp V8 purring along there. You will lose more get up and go by taking the auto over standard than anything else.
pirat5,
Welcome to the world of trucks!! If you are driving at 75mph consistently then 15mpg isn't bad. You should notice an improvement at 60. Bear in mind though that you are driving a 2 ton truck with a V8 engine. Your gas mileage should improve as the truck gets run in, but one thing concerns me. If you have only had this thing a week have you run it in properly yet before you start driving at 75? The first 50 miles or so should be no higher than about 45, the next 250 at 60 or so.
A K&N air filter is probably the biggest bang for your buck upgrade you can get, improved power and mileage.
Ticking - I don't know what's going on. In fact thinking about it I don't remember hearing it the last couple of days. I'll listen carefully tonight.
thanks for the help
Just as jbauer said, according to the manual you need to push the truck from time to time especially on the highway to give the engine proper "break-in". That's what I was doing, not crazily of course. This obviously hurt gas mileage. After having over 700 miles I will be easier on my horse. I shift @ max.2000 rpms. I'll let you know how much gas I save.
jbauer, thanks for support.
Today I've checked oil level for the first time. Surprise, 0.5" above max. line. C'mon,truck just came form the factory. This is just another example that the truck is not "polished". Every truck is different. I hope that buying this truck won't remind me some lottery, got lucky got good truck, no luck got lemon. Design on the paper is good, but production line is far from German or even Japanese.
Going back to ticking. I've listen carefully today. It's associated with accelerating or simply pressing gas pedal. It could be just as kamala said air pump or gas pump. It will be a challenge for service guys to hear it first and than find what it is. Isn't it interesting that many trucks have it and guys from Chrysler didn't heard it or didn't want to. Good luck to you all!
My understanding of the 3.55 situation is that the 3.55 is on restriction right now, and in an effort to clear backlogs before quad production really ramps up the 3.92 is being 'encouraged'. To my knowledge there are no technical restrictions on the standard / 31x10.5 / 3.55 combination.
If you are going with the auto I don't think that's a problem. I've seen them putting the 3.55 in alot of them. My first demo ride in a 2000 was with the auto 4.7L and a 3.55 axel.
As far as your salemen go and anyone can correct me if I am wrong but if it don't come like you ordered it it's theirs. I don't believe you have to accecpt it. But they should know by now what is buildable and not. Mine was the first 4.7L with a 5sp order for quite some time. So it caught my dealer off guard. I couldn't fault him for that and he made sure I knew before it was built if I wanted it that way. I could have said no and walked out on the deal. Glad I stayed with it. I'm sure you will to. Still smiling : )
Jim
Still I guess that DC should know what they are talking about, just surprised that they are still allowing orders.
Could you guys describe the ticking noise more? I am hearing a noise from the motor that sound like a ticking but faint... somewhat like a sticking lifter.
Truck is a 2000 4X4 Dakota CC w/ 4.7 and 5spd with AC.
Also, has any of your dealers suggested the pinion bearing is too tight in the rear end? What does this mean? While fixing my windshield leak they told me to bring it back in so they could replace the pinion bearing which is too lound and known to them as a problem. Dealer says they were installed too tight.
...and on another note does anybody have drive train clunking. Must be over 2500 RPM when shifting to eliminate clunking through the gears. Same in reverse. Could be my driving but the demonstrator Dakote did not exibit this problem and I have driven many a manual trucks before with no problems like this.
Any info would help me greatly.
Tank You Kurtis