2000 Dakota Quad Cab -Cross Country Trip

bookitty

Thanks guys for your heartfelt support. Unfortunately, stupidity is not a crime. Were it so, most of the dealerships would suffer an extreme shortage of sales people. Stupid is defined as taking an order, having the order manager misinterpet the meaning of "restriction", then not informing the customer of the change. I realize it is extremely difficult to gather together enough inept people to perform thus, but Reedman Dodge is steep with this type of talent. They did offer extended warranty, and I don't think I would want them changing out components of or whole differentials. The level of trust is just not there. I have reordered, and I allegedly have been awarded a high priority profile, but it is difficult to believe some of these people. I truly appreciate your concern for my situation. If this is the worst thing that ever happens to me, then I consider myself lucky. Thanks again, I'll keep you "posted."

Bookitty

hawgdawg

The dealership here in a small town in New Mexico has 3 quadcab Dakota 4x4's on the lot. One with a 5.9L auto, and two with 4.7L auto's and 3.92 gears.

I've driven the 4.7L with 3.55 gears and a 5.9L with 3.55 gears. I personally didnt' think the 4.7 with 3.55 gears was very snappy.

Many here seem real hot on this combination and I was curious why...if there's anything besides the potential fuel efficiency.

I'd like to hear about why others may have chosen the 3.92 gears with the 4.7 and also how the 5.9L are doing on gas.

This dealership has a Silver SLT, 4x4, loaded with tow package, etc. but has auto and 3.92 gears. I'm considering buying it....need feedback.

Thanks in advance.

hawgdawg

I frequently (2-3 times a week) have to put my Chevy K1500 4x4 with 265/75R16's in 4 wheel drive while I'm out road working my dog......anyone have a comparison to going from a chevy to a dodge dakota quad as far as 4x4 ability?

bigal31

Well there is a reason why most of us like the 4.7L.with the 3.55.It's a great Engine,and I love it. This 4.7L is simply "better".#1 its smoother and gets better gas mileage than the 5.9L.As far as the rear end(3.92) I think it was johnnyboy that told me,at 75 mph his tach. reads 2500=rpm's My tach.reads 2200rpm's at 75mph. It is a pretty big difference. If you ask me the 5.9Lw/3.55 is a good choice if you tow a lot.I think It's the same as the 4.7Lw/3.92 or close to it.All I can tell you is that my 4.7Lw/3.55 will spin the tires pretty good,plus at 2500rpms I think I'd be doing around 90mph..What does that tell you...But then again I don't tow...Its my "toy"
Allen

hawgdawg

Or am I hearing the vocal minority?

I was sold on the Quad Cab Dakota especially after driving my brothers Jeep Grand with a 4.7L in it, but then I get on the net and I'm scared the thing will fall apart with all the horror stories...LOL.

I only haul a couple of hundred pounds of dogs and supplies a few times a week. Nothing major.

I need to hear people say they got a good truck so, (if you did) lets hear it.

cowtownkid

I have bought several new p/u's and driven many, many others. My Quad has to be the smoothest machine I have driven in quite some time. I haven't found any flaws to mention (but then again I have only had it 4 days) nevertheless, the quality of the build, the overall engineering, and concept is awsome. I do have a few complaints such as no passenger air bag "off" switch, and passenger dash not having depression for storing minor items, but these are minor complaints, by the way I did order 4.7L with 3.92 axel & Auto. Wouldn't change a thing...

cowtownkid

ozark

I got my 4.7 5spd. 4x4 Quad about a week and half ago and have put about 800 miles on it. It has a 3.55 with lsd towing package, etc. It is the Sport version rather than the SLT. I absolutely would buy another one in a heartbeat. It is a great truck. In my life I have been partial to GMC/Chevy and Nissan and have owned a bunch of trucks. I was skeptical about Dodges to begin with so I did some research. Everyone I talked to loved their Dodge trucks. The only problems that were mentioned to me were auto tranny problems and ABS brake problems. If I were buying an auto I would definitely buy an extended warranty. Since I wanted a 5spd this wasn't a concern. If they have the truck at the dealership that you like consider buying it. The 4.7 is the way to go. Mine gets 16mpg (remember it is a 4x4 with big tires and a v-8 and is not yet broken in). Hope this helps. If you have any other specific questions, please post.

ONE WORD OF CAUTION: Don't drive the ones at the dealer too much or you will have to have it.

carls5

Scott; Glad you are enjoying the toy. By the way I just happened to notice that you live in one of my favorite places. I get into FW periodically on business and enjoy visiting your fair city or town as it may be.

My QC, if it ever gets here, is identical to what you have, course mine won't have a drawl when it idles. I appreciate any words of wisdom you or anyone else may have on what is the best way to break in a new QC and is there anything special that can be done to insure a proper break in? Out of curiosity what kind of MPG are you getting with 3.92?
Carl

rferraro

Howdy all

Just like all of you, fell in love with the Quad cab first time I saw it on the lot... decided to order a 4.7 v8 with towing pkg and a few of the toys, was told by the dealer 4 to 8 weeks waaaay back on Jan 18th, HOOO BOY what a whopper! Sounds just like the "2 weeks and we'll be done" that you get from the contractor re-doing your kitchen.

I finally broke down and cancelled the order today, went to another dealer that had a quad similar to what I wanted and bought it, taking delivery this Thurs. Hope to get it broken in before a late june trip to Gettysburg from MASS>
Have soaked in all the little tips you guys have written here... THANKS! (had to settle for the 3.92 axel w/limited slip but there are absolutely no 4.7 v8s up here w/factory towing pkg w/o the 3.92) I did get 4wl alb and the overhead conv. group w/ trip computer. Will let you all know how I make out.

Papa Bear

rferraro

Howdy all

Just like all of you, fell in love with the Quad cab first time I saw it on the lot... decided to order a 4.7 v8 with towing pkg and a few of the toys, was told by the dealer 4 to 8 weeks waaaay back on Jan 18th, HOOO BOY what a whopper! Sounds just like the "2 weeks and we'll be done" that you get from the contractor re-doing your kitchen.

I finally broke down and cancelled the order today, went to another dealer that had a quad similar to what I wanted and bought it, taking delivery this Thurs. Hope to get it broken in before a late june trip to Gettysburg from MASS>
Have soaked in all the little tips you guys have written here... THANKS! (had to settle for the 3.92 axel w/limited slip but there are absolutely no 4.7 v8s up here w/factory towing pkg w/o the 3.92) I did get 4wl alb and the overhead conv. group w/ trip computer. Will let you all know how I make out.

Papa Bear

hawgdawg

That's what I needed to hear. I'm curious if problems are less on the 4.7L and Auto vs. the 5.9L and Auto????

I test drove one to my house and my dog kennels fit fine in the back as well as plenty of room for my daughter in the back seat.

This is probably redundent but I would like a cap but not sure the Leer for 1300 is what I want. Any other manufacturers that make a color matched cap to fit?

wilmar1

A.R.E. has a color matched cap for your QC. You will probably have to order from The Colonel's in El Paso though. Try www.4are.com for pictures and descriptions.

themacguy

I'm in Midland, TX (sort of a neighbor to you). Anyway, you'll see mostly problem related posts on ALL of the Edmunds topics. It's where everyone seems to come to 'vent' their puppy and sometimes rabid dog opinions. We're just a bunch of 'truck buddies' I guess. At least that's what my significant other calls us. So take most of what we say with a grain of salt, and the rest to the bank - sometimes it's really good info.

As to 'our' opinions? (1) Generally, I'd say we - as a group - are pretty much Dodge independent. Meaning we don't care one way or another for Dodges in general - I'm a GM 'guy' myself. (2) Specifically, I'd say our group is absolutely as passionate (-ly pleased) about this particular product as anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that has come out of Detroit, or Japan or Europe in many years. It's a damned good truck. No question.

About your test drives: I'm guessing that you might be looking at ONLY 4X4's? For dismal NM winters, mountains, etc.? If so, I'd say go with whatever feels best. If you're Hobbs-Jal area of SE NM I'd say that my 2Wd/4.7/4-auto would be fine for you - if you added the ltd. slip. I operate some wells in that area and even without ltd. slip I haven't hesitated to go through some nasties with it this year. I've had mine (QuadCab) since last year and have put 8k on it with nothing other than 2 Mobil1 oil changes for expense or hassle. As I've said before, I run the crap out of this thing every day and I KNOW it's good to go for 200k - easy. You can feel it. It's that good.

If you didn't have any 'oomph' out of yours, just e:mail and we'll meet in Hobbs or somewhere and you can try mine. No problem. It's broken in (the ones at the dealers ARE NOT) and runs better than my Porsches. There's a BIG difference after the break-in process is complete. In the 4.7's favor is the fact that it is the new corporate engine, as is the 4-auto that goes with it. The 360 is both tried and true however, but will fade from the lineup soon. It's a decision all right, but either way you're ok if you buy whichever for the right driving situation - whatever that is for YOU. Personally, I'm not concerned at all about this tranny - I got the extended warranty for the electronics. That's what fails in my vehicles. But anyway you buy it - do it NOW, or you'll be waiting (& sorry) till next fall.

A couple of my friends have Quads because of my 'evangelism' re: this truck. Leftover enthusiasm from my early Mac years, I guess. :-))

You can e:mail & correspond at length - I'll even do the footwork for you on everything here or coming into W TX or to Lampasas to my personal dealer at [www.Bennyboyd.com] - saved a ton of money there with some really nice gals - Pam or Brigitte. They were absolutely painless (and real babes to boot!).

johnboy9

I sold my 96 Chev Z71 4x4 to buy the Quad and I
don`t regret it a bit. I have the same truck you are looking at 4x4 ,4.7,Auto/3:92..Ilove it!
I`m curious,you say you haul dogs and by the
handle you have.I would guess you hunt pigs,which
is one of my favorite things to do.Let me know.
Johnboy9

hawgdawg

I think I will get it. I live up in the Four Corners area of New Mexico so Midland is a haul. I work for an oil and gas company as well...that has an office in Midland.

4x4 is a must....never thought I'd say that but I've really enjoyed getting outdoors up here and with the sandy washes and the deep washed out areas many times you just can't get away from using it.

Anyway, I should have that truck by the end of the week.

BTW, I have bulldogs (american) that I do protection work with but some of the dogs I've bred have done catchwork as well. Two extra large kennels fit (just barely) side by side in the quad. It's a snugg fit (width) in any truck though.

Should be an easy vehicle for my wife to drive as well.

bsparx

Don't just take it from the Dodge guys and ex-chevy guys. I've had 5 Fords and a Mazda (Ranger) and my Dakota QC is the best truck I've ever had. 1500 miles in about 4 weeks, and my only complaint is that you can't turn on the rear dome light only. (For the kids) I use it mainly to haul landscaping materials (HEavy, not too large) and my dog on the weekends. 4x4 is absolute must, I'm a waterfowl hunter so I do a lot of blind maintenance in drained marshes, and it has gone everywhere I ask it to. 4.7 auto 3.55 towing, SLT, all the goodies. Look at as many dealers as you can and buy the one that best matches your needs. Remember, you can easily change almost everything but engine/trans, paint, and a/c. Gearing, tires, wheels, towing packages, etc. are all available anywhere. Don't let the details slow you down, especially as it sounds like ordering is ponderous and error-prone. Good luck. Ben

bsparx

Oh I forgot, I just ordered a Leer cap. Leer has a simpler model with slightly smaller windows (sliders not pop-out), manual locks, etc for $849. Also painted to match and designed for the QC. Ask your truck top dealer about it. They don't mention it because they want you to buy the $1300 one. Ben

tuckmiddle

Have 4x4, 4.7, 3.55, multi-speed (multi-thump is more like it) SLT. Flat GEM cap, flowmaster, K&N, and couple other goodies.
Changed to Mobil 1 after 2,500 miles; yellow crud disappeared and I've used it forever and feel better with it. Having had 8 GMC or Chevy P/U's I sure had to bite my tongue when I bought this truck. My kids are all grown and all 5 thought I had freaked out, having heard me tell them never to buy a damn Ford or Dodge, no matter what you heard. Gets about 17 on highway, 13 in the city of ATL traffic, which really sucks (traffic and mileage). I'm not a heavy footed guy, hardly ever over 70 on I-75/85/20. Seems every where I go, except work is 100 miles round trip, average tank is 15.5. During our big ice storm the end of Jan, I had to go on 100 mile jaunt to turn on gas stove/oven in house in the hills. Ever have to drive your brand new truck through fallen trees, following two other 4x4's on a six mile detour through fields, dirt roads and 10,000 branches? Man, I was hysterical!! Not a scratch. What the hell do they paint this thing with?
In summary: bad things- gas mileage is lousy, transmission goes bump in the night, mainly 3rd to 2nd when you've decelerated and then pick up speed again at about 20- or 30 mph.
Good things - everything else. Did get extended warranty for the electrical stuff and the transmission. As I posted somewhere else, one of my friends was ready to eject when he heard and felt one of these transmission thumps. Must have had a shock absorber engineer sign off on the transmission.
I'd buy another one.
Be careful out there

johnboy9

Hey Tuck where you been ? Haven`t seen any posts from you lately. Just wanted to share that I am having
the same experience with my tranny,in the same range. One day I got in it,put it in gear and got
a big clunk when I put it in drive. Im just going
to watch the posts and monitor my tranny to see
what happens .....glad it`s under warranty.
johnboy9

natdmann

Well just to chime in. I am a Ford guy all the way. Have owned 6 Fords and 1 Mercury I am 27 years old. The trucks I have had are 76 F-150, 87 F-250HD 4x4, 93 F-150 Lightning, and 1996 Ranger. The only one I think I may have enjoyed driving more was the lightning. The Quad would probably get the nod though due to its speed, smoothness, gas mileage, and ability to haul people as well as other stuff. I would not have bought this truck if it werent for the 4.7 and the new tranny, I would have gotten either the Explorer sport trac or F-150 supercrew.

As far as the trnny problems I have recently seen with this new tranny, I personally believe it is due to it being electronically controlled. I have had the same problem with it going into gear rather awkwardly and I feel this may be due to the gear selector. If it is not pulled directly into the right position it wont go into gear, there are no real direct connections to the tranny, you arent really changing the gear by pulling the selector into a position, the computer reads where the selector is and then changes the gear accordingly, my mustang is the same. I believe if there are changes that need to be made it would be in the gear selector, it needs to be made more positive feeling. Dang that was long winded.

themacguy

But you make a darn good case. Thanks.

tuckmiddle

I just love to bash you Ford guys. Being totally truthful, the 69 Maverick and 71 Ford Wagon I had were two of the best cars I ever had - but don't tell anybody.
I can understand the thump theory if you're putting it in gear. I'm talking about leaving it in O/D or 3rd, which I have done in commuting traffic, and the mother will all of a suddeen make the most God-awful thump and not do it for another 2 days. I don't think I've had an exciting thump all week, now that I think about it!!
I sure like most everything about it. My Dashound thinks the windows are too high, compared to the recent GMS and Chevy's.
Anybody purchased and received Smittybuilt (?) rails? GodFather's ordered mine about Jan 20th and they haven't heard a word except "we're working on them".
BE real careful out there.

jpwoodrow

That's the message the dealer left on the machine when he called yesterday. I ordered a SLT Plus, 4.7/5 spd, 4x4 two weeks ago. Who can I call to get the straight dope?

bpeebles

(tuckmiddle) In response to your inquiy..

>>a six mile detour
>>through fields, dirt roads and 10,000 branches?
>>Man, I was hysterical!! Not a scratch. What the
>>hell do they paint this thing with?

I have heard this about Dodge vehicles in the past. Historically (for at leat 50 years) Dodge has had the very best finish of the 'Big 3'. Even recently, a farmer I spoke to said that his Chevi and Furd trucks seem to get all scratched up while the Ram turbo-desiels still shine. (This is saying a lot considering that these trucks are only washed when it rains, are outdoors ALL of them time and usually coverd with clay.... these are REAL WORK TRUCKS)

Additionally, I read somwhere that the Dakota has been used as an experiment in a special POWDER-COATING paint process.

jpwoodrow

To bobemoto, Thanks

themacguy

Yep, heard that too. For the folks that are just a little curious about what this process is. Well for want of a better explanation, powder coating is a finishing technology in which dry paint particles are electrostatically charged and applied to a grounded part. Dielectric powder paint particles retain their 'charge' for several hours. Electrostatic attraction holds powder particles on the surface of the part until heat is added to flow the powder together and 'cure' it - literally melt it to uniform & very high gloss finish - with nearly NO overspray or waste fog. After that a more typical solvent or water borne process using either a higher pressure gun or high volume low pressure (hvlp) (and in the near future, gas plasma) can be used to apply a superhard single or two stage clear coat to the finish making it pretty darn tough. At least as tough as epoxy if applied properly. I use this process on my racing kart, motorcycle frames & race car chassis & nose pieces. I don't have the equipt. or experience to do a complete finish. I expect Dodge does. Very 'cool.'

andy_jordan

Joint venture between Dodge and Dupont in one of the Mexican plants - apparently good results, now the emphasis is on financial viability.

db7700

my black SLT 4x4 Quad Cab came within 5 weeks of ordering. I was shocked to say the least. Actually, I didn't want it to come in for another month or so...oh well, better early than late. I guess the trip to the assembly plant worked a little too well. In fact, I never even got a VIN number on the truck. Never even called customer service. The dealer said there were 3 trucks like mine ordered before I ordered mine and mine came in first (Shelby Motors - Champaign, IL). I guess if your desperate enough and have the $ to travel, go talk to the scheduler at the assembly plant in Detroit. My story is not all peachy though. I'm out or town on a work trip for the next two weeks and won't get to drive it. I your really desperate and customer service/dealer isn't helping, I may be willing to give the name of the scheduler to you. Email me with your predicament and maybe I can help. I'll keep you posted on how the truck turns out. Happy Quading!

toddnct

I am confused after reading all the messages as to what holds up an order. Is it the V8 engine? The 4x4? How long can I expect to wait for Dakota 4X2 V6 with the sports package.

I am trying to decide if I should buy the one on the lot that is almost what I want or order exactly what I want.

I just gave up on the PT Cruiser after I saw the Dakota in the showroom so even though I just started the Dakota game I'm already tired of waiting.. Guess I should get that deposit back.

spike50

I don't profess to understand all of the codes, definitions, and jargon used by DC but to me it sounds like "double-speak". To me DC's "material restriction" could mean one of two different conditions exist. One - is that the just-in-time order didn't show up with enough engines or limited-slip-differentials. or Two - that DC wants to use the engines on Durangos instead of your Dakota.

The other two conditions I guess are dealer allocation and just plain production scheduling issues (line maintenance, breakdowns, holidays, getting enough people to work OT, etc.). Not sure how dealer allocation works exactly but if your dealer moves a lot of trucks per month then your chances of getting yours in a timely manner increases.

ozark

My Quad was 4 weeks from date of placed order to delivery. Part of this may have been luck but a lot of it had to do with the fact that the dealer I bought it from has a huge allocation. They are one of the largest Chysler-Dodge-Jeep Dealerships in the United States and sell a lot of cars. They also have a guy that is in charge of ordering and can move the process along. Since those of you who are ordering now have the benefits of the experience and information of people in this forum I would suggest that you use it. Try to get a good feel for the honesty of your salesman and ask him how long it will take and ask him why should you buy it from him/her rather than another dealer. Let them know that you are making the choice and are an informed consumer. This seems to cut through a lot of the bs. I dealt with 3 dealerships when I was trying to decide who to go with. As far as price they were all within a few hundred dollars of each other. I opted for the dealer I chose because I felt good about the salesperson and felt that she would not try to sell me a truck but let me buy what I wanted. I also knew that she would follow up on the order. Just something to think about.

zonk

ozark - can you tell us the dealer you used and if they conduct business over the internet, ala melton and bennyboyd? Thanks!

ozark

Check out the web site at www.landers.com It has changed since my last visit. I assume the prices listed are mrsp. You need to be armed with your own research.

2drive

My take on this Quad restrictions/allocations situation is this: because of heavy customer demand, the factory appears to be rationing some of the parts common with the Durango and Jeep (ie. 4.7L, transmissions, 4x4 drive line) so that the Quad only gets these parts for assembly every other week or so. So the timing of your order for scheduling comes into play.

Also, and more importantly, your specific Dealer must have an available Quad allocation, or "credit", for your order to get a space on the assembly line. Your dealer gets more allocations as he sells more vehicles (not just by taking more vehicle orders).

Until you get a specific dealer allocation, your order will go nowhere within the system, reguardless of whether or not there are any specific parts restrictions. So be sure to check into your dealer's Quad allocation situation.

BTW, it also helps to get Chrysler to place a call to your Dealership. My order was stuck for over two months in a "no available" dealer allocation, until Customer Service called my dealer. Within the week I had allocation, and after a week of restrictions on the Quad, today, I received a call that my order will be built next week. Then again, perhaps this was all a coincidence???

From what I read here from Quad owners, the wait is well worth it, but, it sure helps to know as much as possible about the process. Good Luck!

zonk

ozark - thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

themacguy

My (eventual) dealer's FIRST comment to me was: "We've got allocation for 5 spec & 5 custom orders until the first of the year. If you want one let me know FAST!" Yeah, right... Thinking that was a little ridiculous, I waited about two weeks. Guess what. I had to buy out of stock (very close to what I wanted). In fact I suspect (nearly sure that) Pam or Brigitte swapped for TWO just to get my business (They weren't sure whether my dad wanted one at the time or not). Hell of a dealer.

Times a wastin' folks, better get your (2000's) while you can - allocations rule with the Quad. That's why I'm trying to help those - if possible - with a 'back door' effort to get Dodge to build out those who've waited so long, first. It may or may not happen, but it's worth a try, and I'm seriously trying. But for those who can't wait: I'd probably do what I did again even not getting 'exactly' what I want. For those of you who have lots of patience (bookitty): by all means wait on your order and get 'exactly' what you want. Though it very well may be a 2001.

There's a lot (more than you think) of truck for the money in the Dakota Quad, it just may be that getting INTO one of your own will help with all of this 'angst.' It reminds me of the 70's Corvette allocations, and having to wait a year or so just to get whatever was available. Very similar. :-I

ozark

My wife took the Quad to work one day last week. Her boss (a chevy4x4 and harley-davidson man) said "wow!". Then he wanted to know "how much over 30k did it cost. Not sure he believed it went for 6k under. Definitely a lot of truck for the money.

meredith

The PICKUPS Conference has gotten WAY too big....

it is unwieldy to manage, and difficult to use for "newbies". There is entirely TOO much topic duplication, so I will be doing some SERIOUS topic consolidation in the next few weeks, getting us down to not more than 2-3 topics per vehicle type, and ultimately down to 200 topics or less.

THIS weeks consolidation candidates are: F-150's, Silverado's, Dakota's, and Dakota Crew/Quad cabs.

In that vein, please consolidate this Dakota Crew/Quad Cab topic to Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - II and continue these discussions there.

Thanks!

Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host