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Comments
to this sort of stuff. As I understand it, the
full time transfer case is essentially a transfer
case with an "open" diffeential. Does this mean
that if ANY one wheel slips, most of the power
goes to THAT wheel and you are stuck? How does this differ from the PART-TIME transfer case where
the transfer case is "locked". With PART-TIME 4wd
if one wheel slips, what happens?
At least you can still lock the differential. In that case the front and rear work together and then it takes a front and a rear locked together to slip. That's why I got the limited slip rear end and part-time 4wd. In 2wd, two rear wheels have to slip together. And in 4wd lock, the limited-slip seems to benefit the front as well. To what degree though I'm unsure. I know the manual says to be careful in 4wd lock because locking up the front brakes will affect the rear as well even though there are anti-lock rear brakes standard.
Here's where my understanding starts to break down. Does the front have a differential as well? It has to if the hubs don't unlock. Is is limited-slip? If not, when the rear is tied to the front even with a limited-slip rear, one front wheel could still spin with the back two. Still, three out of four ain't bad. I guess that's why Jeep's Quadra drive has 3 limited-slip devices. Theoretically you should be able to spin all four!
Somebody feel free to help me out if I missed something here.
"Engine - Maximum Cooling". Now I'm not a thermodynamics expert, but it seems logical to me
that anything which contributes to engine cooling
might improve A/C performance. Opinions anyone?
http://www.autosite.com/new/grabbag/colors/1954.asp
Apparently, Agate and Mist Gray are the only interiors available, and Dodge also seems to be
picky about which interior goes with which exterior color.
Lots of information all things Dakota.
The dealer put on 40 miles test driving, and spent all day with it checking things. They could not find any exhaust leaks or problems, but have decided to put on a new exhaust system (which I'm waiting for to come in). I have very little confidence this will solve the problem (short of leaks, what could possibly be wrong with the exhaust system?).
I'm interested if other owners of the 3.9L have noticed unusually lound engine noise while cruising? Other than this noise, this is a super truck -- but I just can't live with it like this. Also interested in any advice what I should to next if the new exhaust system does not solve the problem.
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks.
That may be a good thing or a bad thing depending upon your choice. Tell us a little about yourself and your truck usage - hauling, towing, people carrying, on / off road, weather conditions etc. and we can probably be a little more help.
As far as the auto tranny goes Dodge has had a bad reputation, they are getting better but there is still a stigma. My personal view is that many of the more recent problems are as a result of transmissions being damaged by incorrect towing practices and then being put down to tranny problems. That said there are still the occasional problems.
replaced by the Jeep multispeed auto tran, or is
that only for the 4.7L V8 option?
If any one is interested there is a serious awareness of this problem at DC (if you're not interested don't read the next bit).
DC has set up a dedicated steering committee to look at the way that they develop automatic transmissions. This is headed up by some seriously important people - I think the committee chair has some wonderfully imaginative title like Senior VP, Powertrains and Transmissions.
Anyway, they have been given the task of developing a new series of transmissions, and when I say new I mean new. The starting point is a blank piece of paper (or computer screen), these won't be based on anything that exists today, they won't utilise existing parts. The first deliverable is the auto tranny for the 2002 Ram redesign, with more following.
Also, only the 4.7l uses the multispeed auto transmission. The rest of the engines still use the old stuff.
Oops sorry, In your case it really is going to come down to personal preference in terms of comfort, looks, handling etc. Because you aren't going to be pushing the limits of your truck it really is up to you.
Course Dakota beats Ranger every time, but this is a Dakota topic.
My question to all 2000 3.9L 5-speed owners is this: Does your throwout bearing clunk whenever the clutch is engaged? I have taken my truck to two dealers, and they both say that it is a "normal" noise for this vehicle to make. I don't like to hear clunks from my transmission, so I wonder if anyone else has heard the same thing. My dealer said that the reason is because the distance from the bearing to the plate (clutch or pressure, I can't remember) is longer than it used to be on the old trannys.
Thanks.
4.7L V8 and auto trans, one with the 3.55 rear end
and the other with the 3.92. The 3.92 DEFINITELY
had the better acceleration. In my opinion, for
anyone planning to get the auto trans, the 3.92
rear end is the way to go! Also, does anyone know
if bedliners(Pendaliner, et al) and yet available
for the Quad Cab?
You can always get a spray in and then not have to worry about specific ones for the quad.
Thanks...
This is mentioned several times in the shop manual. (I have the very same manual that the factory prints for the dealerships)
This could be GOOD or BAD depending on your point of view. If you wish to change the tire size, I assume that the equipment is available to re-program so it may not be a big deal refering to your speedo concerns.
I too am looking at the 2000 Dakota, CC 4x4 with the tire and handling package and have thought about chains. I prefer to do most of my own work and would love my own shop manual.
JCWhitney shows chains that look like they would not take up much space.
I'll be checking out JCWhitney for chains but I think the answer may lay elsewhere. I'm tempted to just pile some iron in the back with the intention of never hanging it. The Bears will be busy with the Big Trucks.
My 4.7l ticks. It is most definitely related to the fuel delivery system. The faster you go and (probably more accurately) the more fuel being pumped the louder it is. When I switch o/d off it gets louder, when I shift into neutral (both at highway speeds) it goes away. It was a little annoying at first, but I barely notice it any more. I doubt there's much chance of getting rid of the noise without a bunch of insulation and some sort of isolation mounts. Dodge will just say "That's normal..."
Bpeebles: I would also like to know how or where to get the overhall manuel to.
Jim
The sticker price was a little over $24,000. I thought this was quite reasonable considering it was pretty much loaded.....even had the full time 4 wheel drive system. I know I won't be paying MSRP so actual price would probably be somewhere in the low 20's. I think you can't beat this truck in bang for the buck. It's roomier and has more power than anything else in the class with a sticker price that is very comparable.
I'll be visiting the Dodge dealer again, probably next month when I'm ready to buy. I want to test drive a V6 for the heck of it to compare. But I'm pretty sure there won't be much of a comparison and I'll want the 4.7. I'm in no rush since I have a perfectly good running ten year old station wagon hauling my stuff right now. So, I may wait for some good rebates to come out before I buy.
Just my two cents for now.
Anyone have any good buying advice for me?
Skip
I believe it is about $90US if ordered outright.
It explains many of the 'systems' of the Dakota that are not described elsewhere... i.e. ... How to access the built-in diagnostic features of the on-board computer using the ignition key and the 'engine trouble lite'.
This gives me an 'edge' when I approach the service people with a problem. Since I make a living reading technical manuals and repairing $500,000 equipment, the simple Dakota systems are a trivial matter.
As far as buying is concerned, my home town Dodge truck dealership....who also sells Chevy trucks on the same lot.....has a good reputation and I have a feeling I can get a pretty good deal from them if armed with the right info.
Talk to you later,
Skip
Black Clear Coat, Heavey Duty Service Group, 40/20/40 Split Bench, Sport Plus, Deluxe Convenience Group, Power Overhead Convience Group, 4 wheel ABS, Front Floor Mats, 4 speed auto, 4.7L v8, Anti-Spn Differential, way power drivers seat, power 6x9 mirrors, rear sliding window, am/fm/cass/cd, steering wheel audio controls, and leather wrap steering wheel. Now... From what the dealer said, and from what I saw, the 40/20/40 bench seating is the SAME thing as the bucket seats, except the armrest/console can be put up and become a third seat for the front, which I would never use. But actually, the console in the bucket seats would be filled with all my crap/trash, so I don't know, it could be a good thing. What's your guy's opinions. How is the bench seat -vs- the buckets? Is there a physical differnce in the actual driver and passenger seats? Thanks for all your help
William H. Hiatt III
I do think it is wise to go with the power seats so you can take care of some of the lumbar support that you really get with the regular seats. That's the biggest pitfal to me with the seats.
Jim
As for lumbar support with the power seats, I doubt it would be of much use. I am accustomed to the expensive air ride seats found in newer model Big Trucks. They have adjustable bladders for lumbar support. I find them of little value. If you really need extra back support, as I do, they are entirely inadequate. A rolled up towel strategically placed will do a better job.
1- an extra seat in a crunch
2- I use it all the time to write on, I use my truck much like an office.
already taken. Somebody might want it. I should know tomarrow, Thursday
by sure. I could get a nice red one, that's exactly the same from
another dealer. It has everything I want on it that the other one does,
except the front ABS. Does the Front ABS really make a difference? I
live in Southern California, so we don't get that much rain. Just trying
to get your guy's opinions. I don't know that much about ABS vs non-ABS
cars [I'm only 17]. So, do you drive it any differantly, and does the
car drive any differantly. I know you're suppose to keep your foot on
the abs cars. That's about it =]
Thanks for all your help
william
Bookitty
There was an attempt to institute an ABS standard for commercial vehicles years ago before the technology was ripe. It was a disaster that generated a lot of bad press--deservedly so. Forget about that, on the Dak at least, this technology is now for real.
I tested the system on my first trip. I performed a panic stop in a rain storm on a downhill curve with water over the road. It was nothing short of awesome. I felt the pulsing as the ABS took over and that little truck put roots down into the concrete. The system allows you to stop and steer at the same time in a way that even a professional driver cannot match with a non ABS vehicle.
As for whether or not you need it in southern calif., I say this. I have logged a million miles over the road through some of the worse roads and weather conditions you could imagine. And one of most dangerous trips I ever made was across the LA basin and out to Oxnard. It was in heavy traffic through the first rain following one of the longest dry spells in recent memory. An eight month accumulation of oil and rubber on the pavement mixed with the water to make it as slick as ice. Yes William, you need ABS.
In addition to the superiority of ABS performance there is the incalculably important fact that the system is Idiot Proof. Avoiding skids, recovering from skids, and negotiating obstacles at speed are high performance driving skills that the average driver just does not possess. In an emergency there is no time to think, if you have not been trained and are not well practiced so that your actions are instinctually correct it's too late. With ABS all you do is slam the brake pedal to the floor and point the steering wheel where you want to go.
William, say you only needed it once in all the years you own that truck. Would it have been a good investment? YES! Trust me, I was seventeen once.