I didn't cancel. Thanks to everyone who talked me out of it. Kind of like a support group for frustrated Quad customers.
Talked to the dealer today and tried again for a no charge extended warranty. He agrees that Dodge should do something, but told me not to hold my breath - they probably won't do anything for us.
In all honesty, when I started looking at the alternatives, I couldn't find any other vehicle that can satisfy all my needs as well as the Quad - room for a family of 6 (one of the kids is real skinny, so he fits in the middle front seat), towing, handling, cool looks, on and on.
My wife saw a window of opportunity, however, and has started lobbying for an Audi Quattro. C'mon Dodge - hurry up and get me off the hook!!!!
Now I know what should be done with the regional advertising fee we all get hit with by D/C and the dealer organization. It should be awarded to themacguy for his stunning commercial in post #105. That posting certainly made me feel good about my choice of a truck. I'm happy that balser decided to wait, now all that remains is to fend off the Audi. Great advice from themacguy. We can always depend upon him for a sensible intelligent opinion.
Please inform me on how to track my order. What do I need? What do I need from the dealer? I have placed an order for a 2000 Dakota Quad Cab three weeks ago, and would like to discover its progress. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Balser, my wife's car is a Subaru Outback, basically the Audi Quattro with $ 20 K taped to the dash. Buy her one of those (its a '96 and the only vehicle we've ever liked as much as our new Quad) and you'll still have almost enough $$ left for your truck. Remember, the Audi is a rebadged VW. Ben
The Outback was my second choice behind the Quad too. Believe it or not, the kids were more comfortable in the back of the Quad than the '00 Outback. That, and the seating for 6 sold my wife on the truck. The delivery delay is the only thing working against me at this point.
I agree the truck is well worth the wait. I too was looking at the nissan frontier crew cab. Being it was the first 4-door on the market, it appeared to be the best bet for me. I took a few for a test drive and really like the truck. It was comfortable, looked sharp and the peppy v6 was nice. However, after test driving a Grand cherokee the salesman told me about the new dakota quad cab. I saw some pictures and fell in love. However, this was last fall and he said it could be awhile before they get one. So I started looking at the new silverado. Nice nice truck, but so big. Finally I waited and waited for the dakota. I finally saw one on the dealer lot. It is really a beautiful truck. The four doors look as though they were meant there from the start. Dodge get's an "A" for a job well done. So the decision was an easy one to make. Quad Cab all the way.
Granted. I'm a mere rookie having only ordered 1/17. But I couldn't stand it anymore after bookitty's last post. Bit the bullet and called customer service (and was very polite BK). They can put my von # with my name. Period. No status. The CSR guy hoped I wasn't counting on getting the truck anytime soon. I told him no, I'm not suprised and mentioned Balser-Haddon land, which I then had to explain to him. He actually wasn't suprised to hear November orders not yet filled. I figure I qualify for this land in another week. You guys' got room?
Welcome tpmiller1. We must all stick together to get through these rough times in our life. I called today and am still bx (3wks) status,no new progress.Will call again next wk.
Man, I could no more order and wait 2 or 3 months for a truck than anything I can think of. I must have seen 10 quads here in Atlanta today - just driving by two dealers. When I finally decided it was going to be a Durango rather than a Nissan ( or keep my 98 GMC, which I had just like I wanted it), I looked at several dealers and jumped all over a grey quad with everything but the steering wheel radio controls, 4x4, 4.7 auto, SLT etc, in JAN. Was I going to wait weeks for that one feature, not on your life. I added stuff I wanted at local shops, GEM cap from the Dodge dealer, quicker delivery. I am the happiest guy in ATL, far as trucks go!! K&N, Grizzly front bar thing, flowmasters, and Steelhorse black bars for the side, whenever the *.#.* guys make em - been ordered from Godfather's customs for months. Hope this doesn't bore you, go buy one, you won't regret it, except for the crummy in town 15 MPG, highway is about 17.5, with the tonneau, which comes off in about 1 minute. Even got the stupid bed extender, which I haven't used yet, except to keep junk near the tailgate with the cap on. Oh yea, I am concerned about the automatic and a couple things, so got the extended warranty from Warranty Gold for 100,000. Now all I've got to do is live that long!! Be carefull out there.
Ok. My Quad (SLT, loaded, 4.7L V8, 5 spd, towing package, cd, etc.) has been ordered, and is in D status (all parts allocated with no hold), supposedly D1 next week, meaning scheduled to be built in the next 2-3 weeks. I anticipate arrival early April.
My problem is I don't want to pay almost $700 for the chrome step rail, or $1300 for the cool Leer cap. Can anyone point me in the direction I need to go for other sources?
Also, I want an over the rail bed liner. I have looked at so many I am lost. Some look like they can fly off while driving. Others were warped!
Last? --- Does an over the rail bed liner effect the caps ability to keep air/water out of the back in the winter?
Just got back from a scout campout, only to find that haddon and I are approaching legendary status. Bookitty, you were right - my patience paid off. Had I cancelled last week like I planned, haddon would have had all the glory to himself. Now if tpmiller1's comment to DC customer service would just help move our two trucks along.
Just got my computer fixed so I`m back online. Allen I don`t tow anything with my truck,I bought the truck off the lot with the 3:92 rearend.I would have ordered the 3:55 given a choice . bsparx thanks for the info on the 4Wheeler parts web site . I`m going to price the 3:55 gears.I would gladly get rid of the 3:92`s. I`m starting to worry about my tranny.It is starting to have some harsh shifts between 2nd/3rd and 3rd/4th. Keep the info flowing guys. Johnboy9
It's good your back. I'd like to know the cost of the change back to 3.55. I wouldn't think that it would be all that bad. All things being equal, I think It will be easier on that "NICE" 4.7L.Let us know what you find out.... Allen
here are the basics: i have a 2000 dakota quad, 4.7, auto, 4x2, 3.92 rear, towing package and just basically loaded. i traveled from the mississippi gulf coast to just 40 miles east of kansas city missouri which was 850 miles one way. i ran 70 mph the whole trip out of overdrive, and the rpm was 3500rpm. i pulled a 1200lb 6x12 uhaul trailer up there empty, and i averaged 10mpg, the return trip was with an additional 1000lbs in the trailer and still averaged 10mpg, i dont think the weight really matters to the truck, i think it is more the wind drag, my boat is more aerodynamic and it weighs 4900lbs and i average about 10 mpg with it also, i think once you lock out that overdrive its just gonna hang in the 10mpg range if your rpm's are in the 3500rpm range.
well i hope this helps any body thats interested in trips and towing.
robert
p.s. i know someone will ask why i didnt just rent a trailer in missouri, well it costs 125.00 to rent local for 4 days, it costs 250.00 to rent one way, so i figured in estimated fuel costs and i decided it would be cheaper to pull it with me than rent it there.
Firstly bear in mind the problems of chrome - they will corrode and they will chip - stainless steel may be a better option. Have a look at any of the many websites for nerf bars and you should find a better deal. They may not be advertising QC steps yet but they should be able to give you some idea. I paid about $800 Canadian for stainless steel on my club cab.
Over the rail might not be a great plan if you are going with a cap - under the rail is a better option. As far as price of the cap is concerned - it doesn't seem that far off, even for a quad - but again have a look around and contact some of the suppliers.
Spoke with Ernie at D/C this morning, and he traced my truck to the rail head in Twin Oaks, PA. At least it is now in the proper (for me) state, and awaiting truck transport to the dealership. I'm getting very excited now. Hope all of the other "quad-waiters" on the forum receive good news as well.
Picked up the Red 4x4 Dakota Quad Sport, 4.7, 5spd, lsd, trailer tow, sport quick order pkg with a/c and tire and handling group, leather wrapped sw, buckets, tilt, cruise, skid plates and 6x9 power mirrors on Saturday. You all, it is worth the wait to get exactly what you want. The truck is great! The tires and 4x4 ride height, change the overall response, look and feel of the truck compared to the 2wd I was first considering. The SLT 2wd seems more like a sports car while the 4x4 has the ride and feel of a cowboy cadilac. And I had forgotten what an V-8 sounded like. God I love it. Stopped at the camper dealer on the way home and got a Pendaliner bedliner for $180. I was planning on ordering a tonneau cover and the salesman talked me into the Leer tonneau(another $679 + a 10 day wait). Only other tonneau cover he recommended was the ARE even though he handles several brands. He had some interesting comments about the various covers and his take on their pluses and minuses. He was going to check on the availability of the Westin Black Nerf bars for the Quad (another $275). For those of you considering the Quad, I think you will not regret your choice. I seriously considered the Nissan Crew(I have owned Pathfinders, Nissan XE PUs (2) and even had a Datsun(back before they became Nissan) PU when they only made a 1300cc engine. The Dakota had an almost irresistible appeal and made me take a chance on Dodge reliability. And as far as the wait goes .. . I order 2/5 and picked up truck on 3/11. A large dealer(claims to be the world's largest Chrysler dealer) and an ordering staff and salesperson that was great and stayed on top of my order helped to speed up the process...One complaint...the stock stereo is awful but I guess there are aftermarket remedies. Wish I would have bought the upgrade. All and all, I am very pleased with the Quad. Hang in there Bookitty.
into the Balser/Haddon (and soon to be me) time warp. (I don't count Bookitty since he actually can show build and transport progress). I am very heartened to see deliverys made in less than 6 weeks from order. Congrats and good luck and let us know how you like as us waiters continue to live through the hope the delivered provide.
Great news, I hope that youreally enjoy this great truck. My A.R.E. lid is sitting at the truck shop as we speak, and he is checking on the availability of the Westin side steps. He handles both Westin and Smittybilt, but prefers Westin because the mounting/support plates are heavier. The reason I originally opted for Smittybilt, was the fact that they offered the bars in textured black, which has a very low key appearance. Other than that, I don'y know much about the Westin product (I have Smittybilt on my Expedition). Does Westin have a web site? Your choice of the Quad options and the fact that you considered the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab very nearly parallels mine. We probably are kindred spirits or something like that. Except you're the spirit that's driving the Quad, and I'm the spirit who comes closer to driving the Quad. Again, good luck; we are all very happy for your good fortune.
Check out www.sema.com for links to most aftermarket manufacturers. If I remeber right, look under the 'Consumer' button on the left. I found this site to be a great one stop shop.
I have had both over the rail and under the rail bedliners and if you are going to get a cap the way to go is with under the under the rail liner. To attach a cap with an over the rail liner they will end up drilling holes in the top of your rail and exposing you to a far greater risk of rust in the future. With an under the rail they will end up using a type of C clamp which will not penetrate the body of your truck; it will eliminate the chance of rust and it will be easier to remove the cap if you ever want to.
If you want to 'hide' your sema.com error, just click on the 'blue posting number' of any of YOUR posts (example: #131 that shows up in blue) and then select 'scribble' on the page that comes up... only you can change it. I've done this a couple of times, and it helps to un-confuse (sic) folks regarding little errors now & then... :-)
Thanks, accessed westin site via sema and found needed information (although no up to date). Site for Westin is as follows: WWW.westinautomotive.com Appreciate the help.
I ordered black. May not be the best color for practicality, but I like it. Heard Zaino Bros. have the best stuff for your paint. Can anyone confirm or deny this rumor to the best of their knowledge?
before it's removed. And if you want to know how I've treated my black Quad Sport for the last 3 months, just e:mail me. Also, when you get it, you're probably better off not doing anything to it for a month of so (of cooking). I've had lots of cars, but this clearcoat finish (of several I've owned) is easily the 'softest' when new. And I don't use Zaino (although sounds pretty good). I use Meguiar's products for my show cars and Liquid Glass for my daily drivers.
Well after reading the information on the various quad related posts here, I placed my order yesterday for a loaded 4.7L black 4x4 sport. So now I have been officially added to the list of "quad-waiters". I know it will be worth the wait, but damn 8 weeks is a long time.
I want to thank all of you guys for the helpful information that is available here. Without die hard truck guys like you, these posts would be useless. Instead you have provided a forum of powerful information that helps people obtain what they are looking for. One bad truck!!!
If anyone wants info about my experience ordering a truck in the Knox, TN area. I'd be glad to offer up anything I have that may help. Good Luck to the "quad-waiters" and Congratulations to you owners. I truly think the Quad is a unique truck for unique owners.
Black is beautiful! I had A "96" Black Ram.One thing as Great looking as they are CLEAN. They are just as bad looking when they are dirty. Keep that bad boy clean! Congrats! Allen
I won't say it was a complete waste of time, but I didn't get much accomplished either. My contact did tell me that restrictions are not the problem. He said the problem is 44,000 orders for the Quad Cab. They can't keep up with the demand at this time. Hopefully they will catch up soon.
Another 4.7/auto 4x4 showed up at the dealer down the street. It's parked out front with the other inventory - obviously not a special order.
Even the dealer I ordered from can't understand why Dodge keeps building trucks for dealer lots and isn't building ordered units that are already sold.
Maybe they think we'll keep waiting forever, and that they'll get people off the street to buy the ones on the lots. More units sold, more aggravated customers, lousy customer service!!!
My quad only took 4 weeks from actually order date to delivery date. I wanted a Sport 4x4 and a 4.7 with a 5 spd(the dealer had a half dozen auto SLT 4x4's on the lot) I asked the salesperson (Melanie at Landers Jeep-Dodge-Chrysler www.landers.com why it came in so fast. She claimed their order guy stayed on DC and insisted that it get built. They wanted to keep me as a customer,etc. Now this may partly be sales hype, but I do have the truck. This is a huge dealership employing 50 to 60 salesman that sells a lot(I mean a lot) of DC product. Not only do they sell a lot but they have great customer service as well and people drive from all over the state to deal with them...anyway, my point is that (and I may be wrong) your dealer needs to get involved in this to keep you a happy customer. It is ok to bash Chrysler but ultimately this comes back to the individual dealer's willingness to put out a little extra for those dollars he is making off you. If units are on restriction for parts shortages, quality issues, etc that's one thing...but in your case, I would talk to the man who took the order. Like I said, only my two cents.
This is my first truck and the Quad Cab looks like the perfect start. My wife and I fell in love with it as soon as we saw it.... After doing some research and finding this awesome site, I wanted to get some opinions of what options are/are not needed before I purchase. I want to have the capabilities of towing and will not be doing any major off road driving (just snow and sand). I'm ordering a 4.7L auto 4X4 3:55 XLT w/Heavy Duty Service Gr., Trailer Tow Gr., SLT Decor Group, Rear Window Defroster instead of sliding glass. A couple questions: 1)Is the defroster worth having over the sliding glass? 2)Do you need anti-spin differential w/4X4? 3)Is the skid plate only for major off road ventures? Any comments for a first time truck owner (except lower gas mileage) would be appreciated! Thanks!
The sliding rear window is almost a joke, i dont mean that it is weak or defective, but you need a REAALLLLLLY long arm to reach it from the front seat. Ford realized this with their sport trac and thats why they made it an electric window with a dash mounted switch. Also you have two full size windows in the back that go ALL the way down for extra wind-flow. Skid plates are there for protection during more "aggressive" off roading. If you expect to encounter rocks, boulders, or tree stumps, I would get the skid plates. If you are doing some relatively easy off-roading the really arent needed. The limited slip differential is worth every penny when driving in slippery conditions, it is a highly recommended piece. Just my $.02 worth. STEVE
vaugley remember someone posting they are installing an electric switch on the sliding rear window from their '99 dak to the '00. Guessing it was aftermarket. Is anybody aware of where this could be obtained? You're right, they should have it as an option, and probably will at some point.
I am not sure what happened to my post #148, but it didn't show up, so here it goes again.
The rear sliding window offers excellent ventilation, and is not meant to be reached form the front seat. It also keeps the dog in the back, and not in the cab, with enough room to stick his head in and see what's going on. Anyway, let me share something funny that happened with you all. Yesterday I stopped for a cup of joe at my regular haunt on the way to work. As I was coming out a guy zoomed into the parking lot with his new Ford Sport Trac. I chatted with him about it, and he let me sit in the drivers seat and check it all out. He told me his brother owns a Ford dealership and he got the first one. Have you guys seen these things? They are boxy with hard lines. And look like a little kids soap box truck. There is no comparison to a Quad! I told him about my recent order of the Dakota Quad cab and asked if he had seen it. He had, and agreed it is bigger, and maybe better, but the costs are not comparable. Then I told him I paid $24,900 for the top model with everything and his jaw dropped. He paid $25,500 without any goodies on his truck. He thought his brother hooked him up. Maybe he just hooked him. Anyway, I went on to tell him about my order: a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, Forest Green, SLT with a 5 speed 4.7L V-8, towing package, HD cooling on engine, CD Stereo, rear sliding window, etc. etc. I talked, but kept drinking my coffee and looking at his truck. He was silent, and I was busting up inside laughing hysterically. The Ford may have a sliding rear window gadget, that we all would like, but think about it. If you have to get out and slide it open from the back seat, people will be able to check out who is driving the baddest truck on the road.
I ordered mine 2/23 and call every week to find out where it is. I love it!! I am like a little kid who has been told by his dad that he is going to get a new bike for his birthday! My birthday should arrive sometime in early April.
By the way, thanks for the tips on bed liners and step rails/bars. I have already bought the bug deflector and splash guards. Next is a cap, and a bed liner. Who knows, maybe a satelite dish and a toilet and I can move in?!
Hey guys and girls, how about helping out a student working on a doctoral dissertation by participating in a painless survey. Go to topic 1693. Thanks.
I would think hard about ordering the skid plate for your truck. I am on the Dakota Mailing List and the members there are very disappointed in the skid plates for 2 reasons: one they are made of composite materials (read plastics) which make them a dubious choice for protection and second they are right in the line of fire for draining your oil for an oil change; making it necessary to remove them or create an unbelievable mess. For these reasons many have removed them permanently and are having steel ones fabricated.
I have yet to see the composite skid plates in person so I didn't even know they were composite, but I do have a comment on the knee-jerk reaction so many have when something is made of a composite material (which sometimes is a type of plastic and sometimes is not so please don't automatically say plastic for all composite material).
Many people snub composite materials, polymers, and plastics for unfounded reasons. They assume they are weaker than metal when usually they are stronger (at least the varieties used to replace a metal part. There are thousands of varieties).
They also have the benefit of being lighter and much, much cheaper to work with than metals. Metals require machining and waste a lot of material. Polymers and composites can be molded.
Everytime a metal item is replaced with a composite material, people assume it is inferior to the metal part. I've had people ask me what the fender flares are made of on my Dakota. "Not sheet metal, huh" is the usual reaction like they would somehow be better if they were. This seems to hold true from everything from the new composite truck beds, handgun frames, synthetic rifle stocks, camera tripods and camera parts, etc. and what I have usually found is the synthetic items are better than the metal ones they replace.
I was never one to believe a manufactures word for it, though, and did rely on real world performance to show the facts, but I did not unconditionally shun composite material as many do. When synthetic stocks first showed up on rifles, most people made fun of the first guy in the hunting party that got one. When they proved to be THE superior, longest lasting, all-weather material for this use, everyone quickly shut up and went and bought a rifle with synthetic stock. Yes hardwood stocks are better looking, but were talking about functionality here.
The moral of this rant? Don't automatically assume that composites, polymers, or "plastics" are junk. They will likely outperform the metal part they replace and also reduce weight and cost.
We'll see how the composite skid plates hold up before I pass judgement on them. If they can take as hard a hit as metal without damage, I'd say they are superior since they surely weigh less.
Well folks, today I received a call from my dealer that my Quad had arrived. Went to the dealership tonight (my wife drove me there) and did all of the paperwork. Went to delivery, only to discover that it was equipped with 3.92 ratio differentials. Refused the truck, salesman came over and showed me that the order manager had changed the ratio because you cannot get the 3.55 with 4.7 and 5 speed with towing. Problem is, that no one informed me and I have been waiting since 12/24/99. They were rather casual about the whole thing, but I was very upset, since no one bothered to call or inform me. They said that they could order me another truck, but that was all they could do. Now I'm wondering if the combination of 4X4, 4.7, 5 speed, and tow is available with 3.55. Unfortunately, it was 9:45 PM and the manager was not there. Please respond by post if you have the same combination and a 3.55. I can call D/C tomorrow, but right now I am crushed. Perhaps themacguy's prophecy is accurate.
Bookitty - I say this in all sincerity - I am truly sorry your truck didn't come through as ordered. I'd hate to see it happen to anyone, but especially hate to see it happen to you.
Just a suggestion - why not make the dealer change the ring and pinion? This should be a fairly easy swap. Just get him to sign a document warrantying the swap the same as the base factory powertrain warranty. Just a thought.
Thank you troops. I did ask for an extended warranty, but the salesman is not empowered to rectify or do anything, and it was late in the evening and everyone else had gone. It does have limited slip. The salesman showed me where the order manager (mangler) had a written notation that only 3.92 was available with 4.7 5 speed. The fact is, that I was not in the loop. I am really upset, and anxious to find out for certain if that is true. If it is, I will be upset that the information was not passed on to me, if it is not so, then I will be livid.
Bookitty, Sorry about the letdown, I've been through similar ordeals. The www.4adodge.com website for building your own truck doesn't force a 3.92 when the 4.7l and 5 speed manual are selected. Check with the factory and other dealers to see if this is really a requirement.
All, Thanks for all the info. I'm not very chatty, but have had all my questions answered here. I'm still waiting for the $ situation to get better before I order, but hopefully it will be soon.
I've had a variety of skidplates on offroad motorcycles. I assume the use on a truck is similar - to spread the load without damaging the attachment points or protected parts. Thick aluminum is good (but don't undent it). The composite should be okay as long as it doesn't deflect too much. You could try it out with a sledge hammer, but the dealer would probably have you hauled away pretty quick.
Checked with D/C, and the combination is completely allowable. Error on the order manager (mangler) and subsequently the salesman who was supposed to call me, but did not. Another case of the misunderstanding the word "restrictions." I spoke with the sales manager, and told him that although I wanted to be reasonable, an additional long wait is not an option. I told him that if I asked to use the Quad until another came in, that would not be reasonable. Or, if I asked to use his vehicle, that would not be reasonable. Changing the differentials, or gifting an extended warranty such as the one they proposed (7 year, 75K, $100.00 deductible, major coverage) for $1,298.00 would in my estimation combine fairness and reasonability. I await his call. The truck is really nice (or keen in my era) and looks super. Again troops, thank you for your support. Next phase; We storm the Bastille!
They would not come up with an acceptable offer, and I really did not want the 3.92. I could get an attorney, but that is not practical. While it is against my principal to re-order, I have done so, and they have promised to push through the order. Principal is an expensive hobby, and I really don't have the time to wade into battle. It was an honest mistake, but my mother always told me that I would have to pay for my mistakes; She never mentioned that I would have to pay for Reedman Dodge's mistakes as well. You're a great bunch.
Bookitty - what's the odds you get your second before Haddon and I get our first. Anyway - I hope you do because it's far worse to have almost Quadded than never to have Quadded at all. I have to tell you, we adopted four kids and that was easier than 'delivering' one of these trucks.
Comments
Talked to the dealer today and tried again for a no charge extended warranty. He agrees that Dodge should do something, but told me not to hold my breath - they probably won't do anything for us.
In all honesty, when I started looking at the alternatives, I couldn't find any other vehicle that can satisfy all my needs as well as the Quad - room for a family of 6 (one of the kids is real skinny, so he fits in the middle front seat), towing, handling, cool looks, on and on.
My wife saw a window of opportunity, however, and has started lobbying for an Audi Quattro. C'mon Dodge - hurry up and get me off the hook!!!!
Bookitty
Ben
Ben
So the decision was an easy one to make. Quad Cab all the way.
I figure I qualify for this land in another week. You guys' got room?
Hope this doesn't bore you, go buy one, you won't regret it, except for the crummy in town 15 MPG, highway is about 17.5, with the tonneau, which comes off in about 1 minute. Even got the stupid bed extender, which I haven't used yet, except to keep junk near the tailgate with the cap on. Oh yea, I am concerned about the automatic and a couple things, so got the extended warranty from Warranty Gold for 100,000. Now all I've got to do is live that long!!
Be carefull out there.
Trust me, it's a Dakota.
Better go wash my mouth out with bad Scotch!!
Still be careful out there!
My problem is I don't want to pay almost $700 for the chrome step rail, or $1300 for the cool Leer cap. Can anyone point me in the direction I need to go for other sources?
Also, I want an over the rail bed liner. I have looked at so many I am lost. Some look like they can fly off while driving. Others were warped!
Last? --- Does an over the rail bed liner effect the caps ability to keep air/water out of the back in the winter?
Thanks for your answers.
Allen I don`t tow anything with my truck,I bought
the truck off the lot with the 3:92 rearend.I
would have ordered the 3:55 given a choice .
bsparx thanks for the info on the 4Wheeler
parts web site . I`m going to price the 3:55 gears.I would gladly get rid of the 3:92`s.
I`m starting to worry about my tranny.It is starting to have some harsh shifts between 2nd/3rd and 3rd/4th.
Keep the info flowing guys.
Johnboy9
Allen
i have a 2000 dakota quad, 4.7, auto, 4x2, 3.92 rear, towing package and just basically loaded.
i traveled from the mississippi gulf coast to just 40 miles east of kansas city missouri which was 850 miles one way. i ran 70 mph the whole trip out of overdrive, and the rpm was 3500rpm. i pulled a 1200lb 6x12 uhaul trailer up there empty, and i averaged 10mpg, the return trip was with an additional 1000lbs in the trailer and still averaged 10mpg, i dont think the weight really matters to the truck, i think it is more the wind drag, my boat is more aerodynamic and it weighs 4900lbs and i average about 10 mpg with it also, i think once you lock out that overdrive its just gonna hang in the 10mpg range if your rpm's are in the 3500rpm range.
well i hope this helps any body thats interested in trips and towing.
robert
p.s. i know someone will ask why i didnt just rent a trailer in missouri, well it costs 125.00 to rent local for 4 days, it costs 250.00 to rent one way, so i figured in estimated fuel costs and i decided it would be cheaper to pull it with me than rent it there.
Firstly bear in mind the problems of chrome - they will corrode and they will chip - stainless steel may be a better option. Have a look at any of the many websites for nerf bars and you should find a better deal. They may not be advertising QC steps yet but they should be able to give you some idea. I paid about $800 Canadian for stainless steel on my club cab.
Over the rail might not be a great plan if you are going with a cap - under the rail is a better option. As far as price of the cap is concerned - it doesn't seem that far off, even for a quad - but again have a look around and contact some of the suppliers.
Bookitty
I am very heartened to see deliverys made in less than 6 weeks from order.
Congrats and good luck and let us know how you like as us waiters continue to live through the hope the delivered provide.
Bookitty
Ron 35
Appreciate the help.
Bookitty
I want to thank all of you guys for the helpful information that is available here. Without die hard truck guys like you, these posts would be useless. Instead you have provided a forum of powerful information that helps people obtain what they are looking for. One bad truck!!!
If anyone wants info about my experience ordering a truck in the Knox, TN area. I'd be glad to offer up anything I have that may help. Good Luck to the "quad-waiters" and Congratulations to you owners. I truly think the Quad is a unique truck for unique owners.
Allen
Another 4.7/auto 4x4 showed up at the dealer down the street. It's parked out front with the other inventory - obviously not a special order.
Even the dealer I ordered from can't understand why Dodge keeps building trucks for dealer lots and isn't building ordered units that are already sold.
Maybe they think we'll keep waiting forever, and that they'll get people off the street to buy the ones on the lots. More units sold, more aggravated customers, lousy customer service!!!
After doing some research and finding this awesome site, I wanted to get some opinions of what options are/are not needed before I purchase. I want to have the capabilities of towing and will not be doing any major off road driving (just snow and sand).
I'm ordering a 4.7L auto 4X4 3:55 XLT w/Heavy Duty Service Gr., Trailer Tow Gr., SLT Decor Group, Rear Window Defroster instead of sliding glass.
A couple questions:
1)Is the defroster worth having over the sliding glass?
2)Do you need anti-spin differential w/4X4?
3)Is the skid plate only for major off road ventures?
Any comments for a first time truck owner (except lower gas mileage) would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Skid plates are there for protection during more "aggressive" off roading. If you expect to encounter rocks, boulders, or tree stumps, I would get the skid plates. If you are doing some relatively easy off-roading the really arent needed.
The limited slip differential is worth every penny when driving in slippery conditions, it is a highly recommended piece.
Just my $.02 worth. STEVE
You're right, they should have it as an option, and probably will at some point.
The rear sliding window offers excellent ventilation, and is not meant to be reached form the front seat. It also keeps the dog in the back, and not in the cab, with enough room to stick his head in and see what's going on. Anyway, let me share something funny that happened with you all. Yesterday I stopped for a cup of joe at my regular haunt on the way to work. As I was coming out a guy zoomed into the parking lot with his new Ford Sport Trac. I chatted with him about it, and he let me sit in the drivers seat and check it all out. He told me his brother owns a Ford dealership and he got the first one. Have you guys seen these things? They are boxy with hard lines. And look like a little kids soap box truck. There is no comparison to a Quad! I told him about my recent order of the Dakota Quad cab and asked if he had seen it. He had, and agreed it is bigger, and maybe better, but the costs are not comparable. Then I told him I paid $24,900 for the top model with everything and his jaw dropped. He paid $25,500 without any goodies on his truck. He thought his brother hooked him up. Maybe he just hooked him. Anyway, I went on to tell him about my order: a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, Forest Green, SLT with a 5 speed 4.7L V-8, towing package, HD cooling on engine, CD Stereo, rear sliding window, etc. etc. I talked, but kept drinking my coffee and looking at his truck. He was silent, and I was busting up inside laughing hysterically. The Ford may have a sliding rear window gadget, that we all would like, but think about it. If you have to get out and slide it open from the back seat, people will be able to check out who is driving the baddest truck on the road.
I ordered mine 2/23 and call every week to find out where it is. I love it!! I am like a little kid who has been told by his dad that he is going to get a new bike for his birthday! My birthday should arrive sometime in early April.
By the way, thanks for the tips on bed liners and step rails/bars. I have already bought the bug deflector and splash guards. Next is a cap, and a bed liner. Who knows, maybe a satelite dish and a toilet and I can move in?!
Bookitty
Ron 35
Many people snub composite materials, polymers, and plastics for unfounded reasons. They assume they are weaker than metal when usually they are stronger (at least the varieties used to replace a metal part. There are thousands of varieties).
They also have the benefit of being lighter and much, much cheaper to work with than metals. Metals require machining and waste a lot of material. Polymers and composites can be molded.
Everytime a metal item is replaced with a composite material, people assume it is inferior to the metal part. I've had people ask me what the fender flares are made of on my Dakota. "Not sheet metal, huh" is the usual reaction like they would somehow be better if they were. This seems to hold true from everything from the new composite truck beds, handgun frames, synthetic rifle stocks, camera tripods and camera parts, etc. and what I have usually found is the synthetic items are better than the metal ones they replace.
I was never one to believe a manufactures word for it, though, and did rely on real world performance to show the facts, but I did not unconditionally shun composite material as many do. When synthetic stocks first showed up on rifles, most people made fun of the first guy in the hunting party that got one. When they proved to be THE superior, longest lasting, all-weather material for this use, everyone quickly shut up and went and bought a rifle with synthetic stock. Yes hardwood stocks are better looking, but were talking about functionality here.
The moral of this rant? Don't automatically assume that composites, polymers, or "plastics" are junk. They will likely outperform the metal part they replace and also reduce weight and cost.
We'll see how the composite skid plates hold up before I pass judgement on them. If they can take as hard a hit as metal without damage, I'd say they are superior since they surely weigh less.
Chad
that my Quad had arrived. Went to the dealership
tonight (my wife drove me there) and did all of the
paperwork. Went to delivery, only to discover that
it was equipped with 3.92 ratio differentials.
Refused the truck, salesman came over and showed me
that the order manager had changed the ratio
because you cannot get the 3.55 with 4.7 and 5
speed with towing. Problem is, that no one informed
me and I have been waiting since 12/24/99. They
were rather casual about the whole thing, but I was
very upset, since no one bothered to call or
inform me. They said that they could order me
another truck, but that was all they could do. Now
I'm wondering if the combination of 4X4, 4.7, 5
speed, and tow is available with 3.55.
Unfortunately, it was 9:45 PM and the manager was
not there. Please respond by post if you have the
same combination and a 3.55. I can call D/C
tomorrow, but right now I am crushed. Perhaps
themacguy's prophecy is accurate.
Bookitty
Just a suggestion - why not make the dealer change the ring and pinion? This should be a fairly easy swap. Just get him to sign a document warrantying the swap the same as the base factory powertrain warranty. Just a thought.
Bookitty
All, Thanks for all the info. I'm not very chatty, but have had all my questions answered here. I'm still waiting for the $ situation to get better before I order, but hopefully it will be soon.
Bookitty
and I really did not want the 3.92. I could get an
attorney, but that is not practical. While it is
against my principal to re-order, I have done so,
and they have promised to push through the order.
Principal is an expensive hobby, and I really don't
have the time to wade into battle. It was an
honest mistake, but my mother always told me that I
would have to pay for my mistakes; She never
mentioned that I would have to pay for Reedman
Dodge's mistakes as well. You're a great bunch.
Bookitty (Quadwaiter)