Dodge Dakota - III

gallen1586

I did not like the way the quads drove with the 255/65's so I got the 215/75's. But the they look to small for the truck.If I had it to do over again I would have orderd the 235/75's. The 31/10.50 on the 4x4's look best of all. During the
next few months I am going to put my 215's on my
wifes van she will be needing tires anyway. Then I
will probably put 30/9.50 all-terrain tires on my
quad.

spike50

The 30-9.5R15 in the "C" load range will fit on the 15x7 wheels, have a 29.5 inch outside diameter, can carry 1990 pounds, and will look better. The standard 31-10.5R15 Goodyear Wrangler RT/S with the Tire and Handling Group isn't much different to warrant changing your wheels to 15x8's. BTW - dealer's parts dept told me that a factory replacement 15x8 is $385.

spike50

Seems that the three of us are interested in some system to carry canoes or kayaks on a Quad. The "old" frame in the bed appears not to work because of the shorter Quad bed and the longer roof.

Since to Quad roof is more "car-like" than a truck, I've been looking at roof racks from Mopar, Yakima, and Thule. At this time, I'm not convinced that any of these are a 100% solution.

Keep posting on anything you find.

spike50

On my way back to PA, I picked up last Friday's National Post in Toronto. Besides having a nice article on the 2000 Quad, right beside it was an article on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).

The basic message was that in 1998 manufacturers won 36% of the complaints but in 1999 manufactures are found to have "no liability" 52% of the time. Now you have to interpret these statistics, which can be found at www.camvap.ca to determine if:
a. Has the number of complaints decreased over the years;
b. Do the manufacturers have better lawyers now;
c. Are the manufacturers producing a better product and more complaints are found baseless or due to owner/lessee abuse.

Does anyone know if the USA has such an organization, website, and statistics?

littlejuan

Well, I have spent the last 24 hours going over my new quad with a fine tooth comb. While I am extremely happy, there are 4 problems.
1) There is a small ding above the driver side door handle.
2) There is a small "ripple" on the hood. Way up by the window, closest to the driver door, where it gets real skinny.
3) There is a pinhole (that small!) that looks like it was filled in with metal, on the back tailgate. Almost invisible, but I noticed it when it grabbed cloth off a towel.
4) There is a small bubble in the paint under the handle on the passenger rear door.

First I flipped out and screamed and yelled (to nobody). Then I asked my neighbor to come over and give it a once over. He noticed #1 and #2. I called the dealer and told him. He told me he would fix anything immediately. We will see.

Anyway, after cooling down and looking at it again, I ask the following:

a) The ding (#1) can be fixed easily.
The ripple (#2) is not noticeable. Maybe I can live with it
C) The pinhole scares me because I think it may open the door for rust, etc.
d) What do I do above a small bubble in the paint, that nobody notices except me?

One other small complaint...in one of the wheel wells, the black paint show a big blotch that dripped down and hardened. Do you guys think I should make them sand it and repaint that too? Or am I too anal about my new baby?

Thanks. - john

brookzie

I recently ordered the QC, 4.7, auto, 4x4, tow, cooling T&H, etc. on 3/28, can't wait to get it in and have been checking on this post for results from others. What have you heard in terms of wait time from others? The is my first post, but have been reading for a while. Doesn't sound like to many horror stories on the QC. Has anyone had problems with the auto tranny?

Brookzie

2drive

Just be sure to stock appropriate medication in your glove box so that it's available when you spot that first parking lot ding in the passengerside door of your new beautiful black baby. Such is life!!

bigal31

Thanks for the input everyone!

96g11,the reason I said Fram is out is because Andy J.said he wouldn't go with them a while back,good enough for me.LOL
Themacguy, I think your right.I'll be using the Mobil 1 oil,might as well use the Mobile 1 filter.

colbates

Looks like I found my solution, unless someone can report some bad experiences with it. I think I'll be going with the Fulton Canoe Caddy. A friend of mine pointed it out in the catalog, but it's online at www.cabelas.com

It is located under Storefront > Marine > Boating Accessories > Watersports. The direct link is complicated since the site uses frames.

I'll still need to get a front rack, but I think this will be a good solution.

(P.S. I wrote this once, but I clicked on "scribble post" and it disappeared. Hmmmm..)

andy_jordan

No pressure then!!!

If I say don't use it, you won't use it - hmmmm

Now couldn't we have some fun there.........

macguy, I haven't ignored your e-mail, been busy (hard to believe I know). FWIW I think that the FAQ is one of the best ideas anyone has come up with.

mwolak

A while back, there was a discussion about the A/C being on in the defroster setting. I was surprised when it also appears that it is on with the switch pointing to the little guy/gal with the arrows pointed at his/her head and feet.

The manual calls this the bi-level setting which is familier but not obvious from the dial. My last car, a Plymuth, had this icon and the A/C did not ingage. So much for DC standardization.

Anyway the manual says of this and the defroster settings that the A/C MAY be on.

What is this????
Does this mean it MAY be off?
Does it have something to do with the temperature dial?

4daughters

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to give an overview of the trip I just finished. My wife and I put over 500 miles on my Quad in the last couple of days therefore breaking the 1000 mile marker on the odometer.
As for pulling to one side or the other I found that the truck tracked straight and true the entire trip. There were however idosyncrisis's with the shifting patterns but nothing too alarming. I used O/D at all times except for long uphills. MPG was not tracked, sorry.
The destination was to Cannon Beach Oregon from central Washington and back.
One thing we do notice when it comes to the heater. When we use the "feet" direction only the wind/blowing noise is much louder then any other setting. ?? A slight nuisance.
Thanks for the forum involvement!

littlejuan

So there I am sitting in a meeting regarding ISO 9000 standards, as some guy from accounting babbles on. I look out the window and see my new forest green Quad with only 96 miles on it. It is lonely. Nobody is driving it. Nobody is listening to the 6 speaker Infinity CD player. Nobody is standing next to it, fielding questions about it. I am drawn to it. I excuse myself and head to the bathroom. Just shy of the door, I head downstairs, out the side entrance and over to my Quad. I push the remote and open the door. I jump in, and smell that new car smell. MMMMMMMM. I put the key in and turn it on. The 4.7L engine roars. I push the power button and Quadrophenia by the Who rises from the speakers. I push the clutch in and put it in first gear. Do I blow off work? Do I leave some rubber in the parking lot as I tear off down the road? I glance at the picture hanging from the overhead clip. Keenan and Dylan, my tow boys 3 & 4 smiling after a days fishing. Back to reality. I shut off the eninge, hop out, close the door and push thte remote to lock it. Beep. I am back in the meeting. Someone else is babbling. My boss taps me. "What did you need outside?"

If he only knew....

linzh20

I got my new QC Sat. Ordered on 27 Feb. Was at dealer 10 Apr. Very pleased. No bed/door alignment probs. Dealer couldn't give a rats [non-permissible content removed] when I mentioned these being a problem, I even mentioned that the ones he had sitting on the lot were quite noticable(bed).

My Q is does anybody know of a good dog leash device for trucks. I have seen a runner type unit that bolts/rivets to the bed and has a slotted wire rope type restraint for Fido. Anybody familiar with this setup or any other type other than just tying Fido to a corner eyehook?

Thanks
Bill

balser

you still out there? Did you get your truck yet? Even though I cancelled, I still like keeping up with you guys - read the posts every night. May look at the 2001 QC if order turnaround improves and my wife doesn't buy a car.

PS - we got a 2000 Suburban - nice, but nowhere near the 'cool' factor of the Quad. Figures, the Dodge dealer calls day after we take delivery. Someone else cancelled after their QC arrived and the dealer thought I might be interested. Anyway, my wife said she may tire of the 'burb in a year or so (it's our third, my fourth), then I get it. I'm kind of hoping she decides to keep it so I can get a QC. Good luck to all.

themacguy

'Quadrophenia' may descibe a lot of us...

themacguy

- or not - or me - or taxes - or Texas - whatever.

spike50

Sounds like falling in love again. Sure you don't write TV commercials for Dodge?

haddon

I'm still waiting. My dealer is on his local rep to get this thing built before a new restriction shows up. This time it is on allocation rest. I finally got smart and started dealing with Ernie at cs ( what a guy-you da man Ernie). I have looked at the silverado and the local ford dealer has an f-150 supercrew on the lot that I am going to look at. Some days I don't mind the wait but other days I just want to go buy a differrent brand and to hell with Dodge. Nice to hear from you balser, I think I hold the record now for longest wait.

andy_jordan

A/C - didn't see it mentioned, so at the risk of stating the obvious, the A/C runs to provide dehumidifying effect and clear windows quicker.

The Who - takes me back to school when I was the Pinball Wizard (no really, we did the show) - there is nothing better on the way home from work than hearing that intro (and knowing that I have a Pinball in my basement when I get home).

Dogs in trucks - oh boy. Before I say anything let me say that this is my soapbox topic - kinda like themacguy and oil company bashers. My dogs ride in the cab. They wear car harnesses with a tether that fits into the seat belt receiver and attaches to the metal loop on the harness - IF ANYONE EVER, EVER TETHERS THEIR DOG IN A MOVING VEHICLE BY THEIR NECK I WILL PERSONALLY COME AND DO THE SAME TO YOU.

If dogs have to go in the bed, and yes I know that that is often the only way, I would prefer to see them crated and the crates secured using tie downs, straps etc. I would also prefer to see a cap being used, with windows open to ensure circulation of fresh air - but NOT the windows directly over the exhaust. If they have to be secured in the bed without any of the above then I would again use a full body car harness, but I would use two straps attached to the metal ring and anchored at different points in the bed - preferably fairly close together to prevent excessive movement. At the very least, if the dog has to be in the bed, please ensure that you do the following:

Use straps to secure, not rope, cable, wire etc

Never anchor to just one place

Make sure that there is sufficient room to move, without excessive range of movement

If you have more than one, ensure that they are close enough for contact, but not so close that they will play / fight

Try and put the dogs close to the cab, and if you have a sliding window leave it open to allow the dogs some contact.

Finally, once again, NEVER, EVER SECURE THE DOG BY ITS NECK.

OK, climbing down off my soapbox now.

steve234

While my personal preference is to keep a dog under a cap (over 40 lbs) and the small ones in a carrier up front, you can connect a strong cable between the front tie-downs in the bed. Attach a slider cable on that and then attach that to the dog, preferably to a harness. The cables need to be adjusted to where the dog can easily move around, but cannot get closer than 4-6 inches from the sides. This is important because if the dog can lean out over the sides, it may try to jump out. In the long run, a carrier secured in the bed is best, but that was not your question.

antony

The 4.7L V-8 in the Dakota does get the same auto
tranny as the Jeeps with the 4.7L do. From the
Jeep Topics, there are quite a few complaints
about the tranny, as well as as about the engine
stalling.

antony

Of course, we wouldn't have to live with
troublesome computer-controlled engines and
transmissions were it not for *%!!!! excessive
gevernment regulations.....................

4daughters

Because of the Quad being so new I still play with the gadgets. One thing I did was while at idle during a long red light I rotated the climate control buttons from left to right, (or vice-versa,) and noticed that in the two singular positions, at the feet or at the chest, the engine idled at approx. 700 rpm but in all other positions minus the A/C ones, the engine began to rev. higher, around 800 / 850 rpm. Usually this represents the A/C being engaged, at least I thought. Hmmm??
Again, just a note!

cyberdad2

Thanks for confirming the transmission relation of the quad to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I had read the same concerns posted by those owners about 'clunks' and stalling.

I haven't heard the same complaints yet from the quad owners here in the II and III discussions. Has DC changed the computers or software used to control the engine in the quad? Perhaps someone can shed some light on the subject.

Thanks

littlejuan

So you guys liked that one huh?

Well, I need a cap. Any suggeestions? How much do you think the Leer cap in the catalogue costs? Anybody have one? What should I look out for? Or more importantly look Out for. Hey MacGuy, you kill me. I love your smarts, but it's your 2 cents I always like.

Keep it up guys. Dodge Quadromaniacs live!

renegade69

After talking and reading posts in the Dodge
section here I am ordering an A.R.E cover. I do
not believe anyone can touch thier warranty and
quality. Plus if you visit thier site you can
print out a $20.00 coupon to use at time of
purchase.

Later renegade69

Heck with $.02 here's $20.00 !!!!!!!

bpeebles

(mwolak) There is no MAY about it. The easest way to tell when the AC is engauged is to get out of the truck and stand in front of it. In the 2000 models, the wooshing sound of the electric fan will be VERY apparent. This fan is on at ALL times when the AC in engauged.

Somthing I discoverd reciently is that when the setting is in 'feet' , There is a measure of air coming out of the side-window defroster vents. This is a nice touch because in cold weather, the moisture tends to condense on the side windows after the 'feet' vents evaporate it from the floor.

henne

95% of the problems with the jeep drive trains on the jeep are the drive train components i.e. rearend, driveshaft and select and quadtrac.this is not related to the 4.7 and multispeed auto.

antony

I hope the Quad uses different engine control
electronics than the Jeep V-8's do. The Jeep
owners with the stalling problems seem to have
a TERRIBLE time getting rid of them.

andy_jordan

The stalling problems are our fault!!!!

No really, that's the theory.

If this gets technical, I apologise, but here goes:

The 4.7 is fly by wire - there is no throttle cable, the computer translates the pedal movement into fuel flow through who knows what kind of computations. Furthermore the computer adjusts to your driving style - it 'learns' what you do when you drive.

Think about that for a minute - what a system, not only does it adjust the engine speed for temperature (inside and out), a/c, gear, acceleration etc, but it adjusts to the idiot in the driving seat.

Now, occasionally it gets it wrong and stalls - it want's to run the engine idle as low as possible because the computer gets real upset about all you guys who complain about gas mileage :-)

Usually the stall is caused by one of the following:

New vehicle with less than 500 miles
Different driving habits
Different driver
Rarely used gear (1st, reverse)
Unusual weather conditions

Basically the computer hasn't learned (or is that learnt) how to handle the combination. As the weather warms up this will be a factor whilst the computer learns how to handle it. Similarly if drivers keep changing the computer gets confused - you are starting to get the picture.

I only have problems in reverse when the engine is warm, and that is getting better. D/C could increase the tolerances built into the computer system which would reduce stalls - but then the fuel economy would suffer - swings and roundabouts guys.

crazycanuck

I test drove the Quad with the 4.7L and Auto transmission, and I noticed it shifted rather hard, with a jerk when coming out of park to drive and vice versa. I did not experience this problem with the 5.9 auto. Anyone have similar experience? Is this normal? I did not have any stalling problems at all however.

Thanks.
R.

baditude

I purchased the new XQ cap the one designed special for this ride. I paid $1295. + 7% sales tax and that puts it to $1392. (not Cheap) Drove it for 2 weeks till the rain and then it leaked. Not in only one spot but all through the gasket. The rear hinges snap as you close the door halfway. One window on the driver side is not in its window jam correct. Not happy to say the least so Leer is replacing it as we speak. Oh - by the way the cap looks great it is fully carpeted on the inside, they call it a (head liner) I call it speaker carpet.The cap does not sit exactly flush with the cab however the design is made to look like the cab is booted into the cap. It seems the design is perfect but the product testing is up to the consumer. Buyer Beware.

steve234

Littlejuan; I checked out several cap manufacturers and found the Leer XQ to be highly overpriced by about $200. After looking at Leer, Snugtop, A.R.E and several others, I am going to get a A.R.E. Z top. They look good and have a latching mechanism like a SUV. They have a good rep, but only time will tell on anything. The Z top is not the cheapest, but it fits my wants. Also check around. I checked three dealers for A.R.E. and had three very different prices.

henne

the only time i have had a stall problem is when my uncle drove my 4.7, auto quad. he doesnt wait until the car has stopped before he shifts from reverse to drive, then the truck went dead.

robert

mwolak

Stalling: Had my Quad 4.7, with auto for about 2 weeks now. Have about 550 miles on it. It almost stalled upon start up once but the "brain" caught it and revved it up. It did stall one other time upon start up. Hopefully this is not a bad omen.

Caps: Bought an A.R.E. LSII cover. Love it, hate the dealer. Let this be a lesson. I didn't have a chance to monitor the install. When I finally got a chance to inspect the final job, (after I got it home), it was obvious they did a terrible job. I could crouch down and peek up under the cover into the bed. I could actually stick my hand up under into the bed. I was able to adjust it myself in about 20 minutes to where everything appears nice and tight. Haven't been through a major rain yet so water tightness is still a question.

Miliage: 12.7 according to the computer. 98% city.

andy_jordan

Don't want to defend your dealer, but.....

Just keep an eye on the lid. It will settle within the first few weeks of being installed so you may have to adjust the pads again to prevent the lid from touching the bodywork.

themacguy

Yep, that's what happened to mine before it had about 1k on it (stalling upon backing). Since then, only weirdness is when I back out of the driveway when it's cold, don't wait to let it stop before I engage drive and then I get a 'whump' from the tranny's electro servos as it engages. I perceive this to be computer and poor driver (me) related. Definitely a 'smart' tranny. I have every confidence it'll go 200k+.

crazycanuck - the hard shifting pretty much 'ceases' at about 1k and/or when your driving style gets to be routine for the computer brain. Now then, here's the rub: What do Dodge salesmen tell the hundreds of people test driving these 'non-broken in' quads on the lots? Love to be a fly on the wall for THAT sales pitch! Or is it sales 'dodge?' ;-P

littlejuan

Baditude - Thanks for input on cap. Will check out Leer XQ Cap.

Steve234 - Thanks, will check that out as well.

MWolak - Appreciate the info on the lid.

Does anyone know what the Leer cap model # is that they show in the Dodge Catalogue?

Also, If I get a cap does anyone recommend a liner (I would go spray-in), or will a mat do?
I will carry my dog (crate), fishing poles, coolers, etc back there)

Thanks. 234 miles and counting.

bigal31

Crazycanuck,Mine is 4.7L 4X4 automatic. The hard shifting is mostly between 3-4 gear.I have 1350 miles on it and still shifts hard when it warms up!The first few shifts (1-4) then 0 drive are smooth. Then it starts acting up.I don't get it,doesn't make much sense to me..Anyone else with the same problem?
Allen-

baditude

This 4.7 4x4 auto shifts and pures like a kitten. Could be the full boar duel exaust or perhaps the K&n filter or maybe the mobil 1 with the K&n oil filter. It does seem to red line quick however its breathing and firing alot of smoke from the rear wheels. With only 4,500.miles in about six weeks I can assure you to check the driver before the truck a little pedal never hurt.

catnip2377

I was at my local dealer today and was amazed to see a Dakota Quad Cab with Leather Interior! I had no idea leather was even available. Just thought I'd share that with you.

Also.. does anyone know of any changes for the 2001 model year?

themacguy

Probably just a one-off. Kits are available for the other two cab models, so I'm sure the Quad won't be far behind in the aftermarket. I've been told by a 'well placed' Dodge management person that leather is not to be available until the remake of the Dakota in 2-3 years. Also, told me that an 'earthtone' interior is 'in' for the next model year (read that early to mid 2001 model). I personally hate leather, it's in nearly everything I own. In Texas it's just too $%^#& hot and dry for the stuff. Another reason I love this Quad.

crazycanuck

Can anyone translate for me the 4.7L and the 5.9L into cubic inches for me...I know I read it somewhere, I just can't find it now.

Also, I have read the majority of posts about the 4.7L, auto trans. problems, and have experienced the hard shift myself.....I would love to hear some non-horror stories of the 4.7L auto combination before I panick and order the 5.9L.
Just kidding...kinda....I am definitely having a tough time convincing myself that the 4.7L/auto is a safe bet. I sure did like the quickness and fuel economy compared to the 5.9, but I still can't believe the "learning" aspect of the engine. I guess I'm just an "old fart" when it comes to trucks.

Thanks again Macguy and all for your input.
R.

rmr71676

I've had my 2000 CC 4x2 with 4.7, auto, and 3.92 LSD for 2 weeks now. Yes, those of you who remember my posts about it coming in early, I was able to get the dealer to hold my check until I could move money around. I've had no problems with rough shifting so far (around 600 miles). The truck does LEARN how you drive. First tank of gas was 14.6 MPG, 2nd was 15.0 MPG, and so far it looks like it is still improving on tank 3. My experience with the truck in general has been good, but I do have to go back to the dealer for one thing. It looks as though the factory forgot a trim panel that goes on the drivers side along the seat bottom near the door. There is one on the passenger's side, but not mine. No big deal though. The dealer I got it from takes their 5 star rating pretty seriously and I'm sure they'll help me out. My only complaint so far is that in 1 week some scratched me already in the parking lot. UGH! I'll let you know how things pan out in a few thousand miles, but so far I'm liking th 4.7 a lot. More power than my tweaked out GM 4.3 V6 S-10, and I haven't done a darn thing to enhance my Dakota's performance - yet. :-)

steve234

The best way to figure liters to cubic inches is to multiply by 61. Just remember that older engines do not always match exactly. The chevy 350 doesn't cut it as a 5.74 and the Ford 351 as a 5.75.

tpmiller1

tire and handling package still on restriction. Am in "F" status (paint) none the less. First actual movement since 1/18 order date.

iowabigguy

For those people looking for the new Leer 100XQ topper. The Leer dealer in Newton Iowa will sell the topper for $1095.99 installed with clamps etc included in the quoted price. Sales tax is 5% and he will sell accessories (ie front slider) at his cost when the topper is ordered. I am writing this from work so I don't have a phone number but I found his address from the authorized dealer on the Leer web site. I called every dealer in a 300 mile radius of Omaha Nebraska and got quotes from $1399 down toh his $1095.99. I stopped by his shop yesterday and ordered mine for my new Quad which will be built one of these days I hope. Newton Iowa is approximately 25 miles east of DesMoines Iowa and just 6 miles or so off of Interstate 80. If Iowa is too far to drive try calling every dealer in whatever you consider a reasonable range, I bet you'd be surprised at the variation in prices. Delivery is 2 to 3 weeks. Rick

ozark

I found another site for running boards at www.boards4less.com Thought some of you might be interested.

Has anybody completed the install on the Westin steps on their quad yet? I am wondering what the drop in inches is from the floorboard to the top of the step. Local dealer tells me that the Westin steps are on national backorder and doesn't expect any for three to four weeks. Does that sound right or is that just salesman talk?

bigal31

I ordered my nerfs the 11th(Westin)They should be here 7-10 working days from then.That means Monday latest,I hope..Keep you posted.I hope you are wrong on the "NATIONAL"back order..Think I'll make a call.
Allen