Dodge Dakota - III

natdmann

Ok here we go, got to complain about something. I personally LOVE the way my quad shifts, nice and firm. I think we are all forgetting this is a TRUCK. Thank god it doesent shift like my grand-pa's Mercury Grand Marquis. I have spent alot of money to get my Mustang GT to shift HARDER. I hate sloppy shifts. Another thing to remember, most of the time these trucks are completely empty. The truck was designed to haul and tow heavy loads, believe me you want a nice firm shift when you are hauling or towing. Softer shifts are usually created by more slippage in the tranny which creates friction and heat, both are the main reasons Auto trannies FAIL. Yes, what I am saying is firm shifting trannies should actually last longer and be more reliable. I hate to say this but the best Auto trannies to back up American V-8's was the GM turbo-400, they shifted pretty darn hard. By adding a shift kit to my Ford AOD-E to firm up the shifts it is actually going to prolong its life. I bet that the softer shifts people are feeling are on warmer days or when the trannie fluid heats up. I notice my Quad shifts harder when I first start driving, due to the tranny being cooler. There is another thing, do you have the Heavy Duty service group on your truck, which includes the auxillary tranny cooler. If you do this will keep the tranny fluid cooler and probably shift harder. Keep the wimpy soft shifts in the Lincolns and Cadillacs, give me the nice hard shifts in my TRUCK!

bpeebles

(andy_jordan) My Dak 4.7L has a throttle cable. But the rest of your explanation has been proven many times over....after learning your driving habits and environmental conditions, the 'stalling problem' subsides.

(natdmann) The 4speed automatic xmission on the 4.7L is a COMPLETELY different beast from any xmission you know and love. It is fully a computerized shifting machine. Virtually all aspects of its operation are programmable.

You are totally correct about firm shifts being LESS destructive to the xmission. As you allude to... the ALLISON AUTOMATIC (by GM) is the best automatic xmission on earth. Busses and tractor-trailers have logges MILLIONS of miles on these babys and they are bulletproof!

chevyman007

My 2000 Dodge truck is a LEMON and that is the letter I sent to Chrysler. It has had several problems since 480 miles on it. The biggest problem is hard shifting and poor mpg 12.5. The dealership states that it is normal in all the trucks. Chrysler is not helping out a bit. So the thing is that this truck when it shifts it real lets the driver know it. I don't care what Chrysler says normal or otherwise, they should have told me. If anyone has the same truck with that problem or even without that problem let me know, please.

willywill

hello i have one question to ask MRB9 how does your dakota go 105 and mine only goes 97 mph????
Is that because yours is a quad and mine is a club?? thanks will

njt15

I have read all of the posts and found them very helpful. Thanks. I picked up my new Dakota about a month ago. (4.7L, SLT+,2WD, manual). My question...Why does the single 3" provide better H.P. & torque gains than the double rear exit 2.5"?

Also, FYI-- I have about 3,500 miles now and have found, as the tag in the glove box explains, the gas mileage has been steadily improving. I also returned from an 1800 mile road trip where I experienced between 18.2 mpg & 21.5 mpg. Overall it was 18.7mpg. Not bad.

Thanks again for all of the info.

spike50

Please update us on your experiences (handling, gas mileage, speedometer/odometer correction, tire wear, etc.) with the larger wheels and tires. Many posts ago, I too was exploring the subject. I'll be getting the 15x8 on a 4x4 as you did. BTW - What wheels did you get and what was the source? No one at the dealership could tell me if 16" Ram wheels would fit a Dakota. BTW'2 - The dealer noted that the 15x8 wheels are $385/each.

spike50

Don't have all of the math laid to support or disprove that claim by the author. It probably has something to do with laminar flows within different size pipes. A way to visualize this is when someone is blowing some rings. As the smoke is emitted from the person's mouth the center is moving faster than the outside edges and in turn makes the ring.

In an exhaust pipe, the exhaust along the pipe walls "feels" the drag more than the gases traveling down the middle. The gases in the center can flow faster and faster the further away the center is from the drag along the walls.

An extreme example of this would be to gather up a bundle of fast food restaurant drinking straws and measure the area of each opening. Add enough straws so that the total of all of the openings equal the same area as a 3" exhaust pipe. If you would attach this to your tail pipe. I bet you would be able to measure (using some device) more back pressure, indicating that there is more drag or resistance to the flow of gases even though the numerically the area is the same.

With any exhaust system, you'd also have to take into consideration how long the pipes are, how many bends, and the angle of the bends. All of these add more resistance to the flow. The straightest, biggest, shortest pipe is the best.

bigal31

There is good news.Each time I put a new tank of gas in,I figure out the mileage.The last three tanks-14 to 14.4 to 14.95. Same driving habits same gas station..Things are looking up.I'll keep everyone posted.1375miles to date.
Allen-

natdmann

So you have had the truck all of 480 miles. That is just two tanks of gas. Give it a little time to learn YOUR driving habits. You apparently are a person who likes to learn the TRUCKs habits. This truck you have is a two way street, as you learn about it, it learns about you. They way you drive and in turn it drives you. I have the Quad with the 4.7 and Auto, for the first couple of tanks of gas i was consistantly getting just over twelve mpg, then just over 13, now I get just over 14 with just over 3000 miles on the odometer. The truck is finally learning how to deal with the inputs I am giving it. Remember this, the most detrimental thing to gas mileage is..................................................................................................YOU! You will end up being the cause for the mileage you get, drive around town all day just easing into the throttle and never mashing the gas and expect 14+mpg, drive 55-60 mph on the highway all day and expect 19+mpg, deviate much from that and expect it to start declining.
Just give her some more time and your MPG will increase. The same thing for the hard shifts. The truck is learning how you drive and it will start adjusting the shift points and firmness of the shifts, for me I want HARDER shifts, especially under WOT. I think the tranny shifts way too smoothly under WOT, Id like it to just shift "BAM!!!" right now when i get on it. In short give her a little time, at 3000 or so miles make the switch to synthetic oil and prepare to enjoy that truck for a good long time. I know I will.

bpeebles

(spike50) Your explanation covers the 'flow' part of the reason but does not touch on another reason. Basically said, when a column of fluid is in motion (within a pipe) it tends to 'pull' the fluid behind it.(BTW...a GAS is considered a fluid)

A larger column (as within a SINGLE pipe vs. two smaller pipes) will improve the 'scavenging' effect that the exhaust system has on the combustion chambers. (SCAVENGING = suction/vacuum or negative pressure that PULLS the exhaust from the engine)

There are VOLUMES written on the dynamics of internal combustion engines and the effects of the exhaust design.

Very similarly ... the length, diameter and design of the INTAKE is no less important than the very same features of the exhaust system.

How many people know that the intake manifold of the 4.7L is PLASTIC with 8 very long runners (one for each cylinder) The plastic has very smooth sides AND insulates the intake air from the underhood heat. The cooler intake air improves efficiency (produces more power)The long runners improve low end torque because of RAM effect. (SURPRISE... this effect works in reverse)

I will let the readers figure out why 8 separate runners are better that ONE large one for the INTAKE system...

wannaquad

Isure like the quad of everything I have driven- but wonder if any of you have leased? Be interested in money factor and residual? also did anyone negotiate below invoice? Thanks

spike50

As I noted in the "Single versus Dual Exhausts", there's not enough information to determine if the manufacturer's claim posted by njt15 is valid or not. I do agree with with you (bpeebles) that having a separate runner for each cylinder minimizes the inertia that needs to be overcome to start and stop that column of air going through the intake valve. It also "cleans-up"
the airflow for better mixing and combustion. I love looking at the intakes and exhausts on those 12 cylinder engines you see on TV. A lot of math there.

Why don't we ask njt15 to post more info on the manufacturer's claim that their 3" is better than other mfr's two 2.5" pipes and work together to resolve the issue?

njt15, where are you? Give us more.

mrb9

Will I don't know why your Club will only go 97mph, I had to let off the gas because it would have kept going and going and going.Never any hint of slowing or running out of power. To be honest I was getting a little scared, I did not realize how fast I going and this was also on a slight uphill climb. Lots of power on that 4.7L.
As for the 16" wheels, mine are manufactured by a company called MHT. The wheel is the "Intruder" 16x8 6 on 4.5 pattern. The offset is a little bit off, which is why the fender trimming. But they fit just perfectly inside the fender wells. Almost flush with the fender flares, but enough inside to keep road grime off the trucks paint. BTW the ram wheels will NOT fit, different bolt pattern. Ram's are 5 lug - dakota 6 lug. Gas mileage that I posted earlier was with these wheels and tires, and the handeling has seen no changes, rides just the same as before, only 35 miles on the the others but it seems to be very close. As for the speedometer/odometer issue the dealer can change this ratio simply by plugging in the computer and changing the tire size to match what you install. Hope this info is helpful

spike50

Keep us posted on the 16" wheels experience. I wanted to ask you if the dealer has actually done the reprogramming yet? Is this something all dealers can do with equipment they normally have? How much do they charge? On the offset, what did you get and what should I be looking for to get a good fit?

gallen1586

mrb9,
Are you interested in selling your stock wheels and tires? If so how much?

bookitty

Hey troops, I've been in Boston all week, and returned tonight. Spoke with Ernie on 04/20, and he said that it looked like my truck would be built on 04/26, and completed 04/27. Then off to the shipping depot. On 04/20, the salesman called from the dealership and informed my wife that my truck had been shipped on 04/10, and should arrive in two weeks. Ernie was out on 04/21, so I will speak with him tomorrow. As this is the very same salesman who changed my axle ratios without informing me, I will take everything he says with a grain (or more) of salt. Either way, it draws closer. I'm getting pumped up again.

Bookitty

mwolak

LSD: I got the lsd with my Quad, mostly on the advice of this group. The recent discussions made me a bit curious as to what it is actually doing. (Please, no simple responses, I know what it basically does.) What I am asking is more along the lines of how much spin does it actually allow? Does it really prevent tire chirp? Is the limited slip speed related? Torque related? Etc.

TIRE PRESSURE: A while back it was noted that the factory shipped the trucks with the tire pressure recomended for full load and that reducing the pressure would improve the ride. I reduced mine down to 36 lbs and can say that the ride is better. Less bounceing, more refined. What are you folks running? Any actual miliage or wear observations related to tire pressure? Anyone running at 30 lbs? (which, I think, is the low/no load pressure)

bookitty

Last night I posted that Ernie gave me a build date on 04/20 indicating 04/26 start, finishing and going to "ship" on 04/27. On the same day the salesman left a message with my wife that my truck had shipped on 04/10. This morning I checked with Ernie @ D/C and he said that there was no way that the salesman's information was accurate. I called the salesman this morning and he was out, so I spoke with the sales manager. He was absolutely astounded that this salesman would call me with this information which was absolutely incorrect. Neither of us could determine what this guy is smoking, but it must be strong stuff. As a matter of fact, the sales manager had requested that this salesman no longer contact me and that he (manager) would handle anything. The good part, is that he does not work for me. So, the saga continues.

Bookitty

johnboy9

Just wanted to share a good thing. I just had a
Stockland "Motorsport" cab high shell installed
here in Las Vegas. I paid $953.45 including tax.
It has no side windows,but does have a front
slider.I was concerned about the color match,but
it is just fine. I have Light Driftwood Satin Glow! It took 19 days to get it from the day I
ordered it.I`am very happy with the shell and how
it looks on the truck.I installed Pro-Comp bed
rails on the truck before installing the shell.
I ordered them from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers.
Before I ordered them I emailed them and was very
specific about my truck being a Dakota QC with a
5'-3" bed. They said they had them to fit ! Wrong !They sent me a set that was a foot too long
I was very p...ed.I had to cut them to fit and buy
molding tape to secure them in the area that I cut
I sent them a nasty email and told them I wouldnt
order from them again.
Other than that I`m a happy camper [shell]owner.
Johnboy 9

slr9589

my sender unit in the gas tank has failed after 1000 miles.dealer says tank has to come off and then see if parts are available...also had to have headliner removed to replace missing handgrip behind driver ...
otherwise it remains the best truck i have ever driven for road comfort,acceleration,and general handling.
any cooments ?
slr

ted61

My 4x4, 4.7, auto has 1500 miles on it.The fuel pump seems to "whistle", almost to the point where it can be heard in the cab at idle at standstill. Should I be concerned, or is that a normal thing.
Thanks

bpeebles

(mwolak) The "TRAC-LOC" differential on the Dakota is the the same design as the better-known GM unit named "POSI-TRACTION"

These are NOT locking differentials by any measure. There are two clutch packs witin the differential case that have a specific "preload" which forces torque to both wheels up until these clutches slip. Additionally, there is a measure of centrifical force that assists these clutches to slip less.

What does this all mean? There is a TENDANCY to split the torque evenly between the wheels with LSD. It does not "lock" the wheels together under any conditions.

Is it torque related?... Sure, too much torque differential between the wheels will spin one wheel. Torque does not make the clutches grip any better.

Speed related?... not that I know of.

=================

Now for somthing REALLY different... The JEEP QUADRA-TRAC uses the GERODISK system. This is truly a torque/speed sensitive system. Check out the graphs as compared to LSD with static clutches.

http://www.ashacorp.com/gerodisc.html

mwolak

(bpeebles) So if I understand correctly, if one tire is on ice and the other is on pavement, there is no problem. However, if one were to place a rock or wedge of some type to block the wheel on the pavement, there could be a problem.

Now, you made contradictory statements. You had said that centrifical force helps the clutches to slip less yet you also said it wasn't speed related, at least what you knew of. In the above example, would it help in getting over the wedge if the tire on the ice were to spin faster? Or is it a case of once your stuck, your stuck?

zonk

Kyle - I don't know if my last two direct emails reached you. One was about the QC colors available by model; the other was just general stuff on the QC. Please let me know if you have seen them. If not, then my aol service has a problem and I need to get it fixed.

Does anyone have any info on the 2001s, yet? It looks like it will be December or January before I can get one. I have heard of possible engine changes?

keg3

the fuel pump in my 2wd 4.7 cc began doing the same whining you describe around 4000 miles. i ended up having it replaced under warranty and guess what?? it was quiet for about 500 mi. and now the new one is beginning to do the same as the previous. might be [non-permissible content removed] chrysler fuel pumps or some design flaw, just crank your stereo.

guanner

So how do I get around dealer allocation issues? called to D/C today and got the grumpiest S.O.B. on the phone. he took forever to get any thing done.. but then in his oh so pleasent way informed me that I was in BX Statis... If I do not go to build soon I'll be with out a car for most of the summer the way that things are going.. Does any one have any idea how to get D/C to build/ship the truck to my dealer for me to take home.. to have and to drive, through good weather and bad, through mud and on asphalt, from that day forward..

Would like any help you can offer

Scott

bookitty

The only remedy must come from your dealer if it is an allocation restriction. The dealer may be able to trade around some units in order to free up your truck. Small dealer, small allocation; Large dealer, large allocation.

Bookitty

spike50

Stopped at the dealer tonight to see what I'd get on a trade-in and found out that my truck was built (also confirmed by Ernie) and shipped (not confirmed by Ernie, yet). I guess this means that I'll actually have something in the driveway when I make that next loan payment.

Also, when I asked the salesman about the 2001 models, he informed me that he already has several 2001 Ram 1500's and 2500's. His explanation was that D/C ships some truck lines real early so they can meet their next calendar year CAFE gas mileage requirement. True or not, I don't know but some 2001's are already out there. And no I didn't walk around to the back lot to confirm.

balser

2001 Rams started shipping around the first of March if I remember right. The dealer down the street has had several for a while. The CAFE argument makes a lot of sense, especially since DC is trying to get the PT Cruiser classified as a truck.

bpeebles

(mwolak) I did contradict myself. I know of no way that speed of the axle (or driveshaft) can affect the 'friction' in the clutches. Since basic physics tells us that STATIC FRICTION is greater than DYNAMIC FRICTION. I would have to say that if one wheel starts to spin (Breaks the static friction) that more speed would tend to burn out the clutches in a hurry with little additional benefit to the wheel with greater torque.

If you desire a true LOCKER differential. There are "detroit locker" units that can be purchased in the aftermarket and installed by any COMPETENT mechanic. These units actually LOCK the two wheels together under specific conditins.

I also beleive that electrically-operated "locker" units are available which you can turn on as needed. (Very little use under 'normal' conditions because a locked axle has a tendancy to want to always go STRAIGHT AHEAD and will quickly destroy itslef/tires if you turn sharply)

guanner

I will just have to wait my turn like the rest of the group.. it is hard reading the posts about others ordering theres after mine (2/17) and allready driving the Quad.. I just need to vent now & then..

themacguy: Not talked to ernie in a while but will call him in the morning... Didn't want him to get sick of all the calls, but I guess that is why he is there..

Scott

andy_jordan

Rams went 2001 in January in order to get around the CAFE restrictions. PT Cruiser helps here because it has been classed as a truck (go figure). It all comes down to what constitutes a model year - and in North America the only restriction is that it has to have one January 1st in it - that's it.

So a model year could be January 2nd 2000 until December 31st 2001 or it could be December 31st 1999 until January 2nd 2000.

Locking diffs - nah, you don't want them. Leave them to the rock hoppers, stick to LSD and the ability to steer. Only one occasion where I saw a locker justifying itself and that was pulling a boat up a very wet, very steep ramp. LSD would have done it, but locker made it easier.

lmeyer1

Sorry if this has been asked and answered, but is there someone at DC who can tell me which dealer in a given state or region has the largest allocation?

The salespeople at the dealerships I've vistited act like I'm from Mars when I ask how their allocation will affect order time.

Thanks.

ozark

Let me suggest that if the salepeople you talk to can't answer your questions about allocation etc then you might want to talk to the sales manager. It doesn't hurt to remind him (in a nice, but firm way)that there are many dealers where one can buy a Dodge. These people want to sell trucks but they are under a lot of pressure to sell what's on the lot. Once they know that you are an informed customer it may make them a little nervous. In many cases I knew more about the issues of allocation, product availability, pricing, incentives, than the salesmen did merely because of the research on this forum where everyone has so graciously posted answers to a variety of both my own and others questions and concerns. Considering the problems of some of the Quad waiters, before I selected a dealer I would want to feel assured that they would be doing everything they could to speed the delivery of my truck. I am not sure what area of the country you live but you might want to ask the Quadders on this forum for dealer experiences (good/bad)in your part of the world.

andy_jordan

Ozark makes some very good points - the way that the transaction goes is very important - you want to make sure that you have sufficient information / advice etc. from the dealer.

As a general rule on allocations the more vehicles that a dealer sells the bigger the allocation - so by that logic the largest dealer is probably going to have the best allocations, though not neessarily the best customer service.

tpmiller1

according to customer service is in transit! with est. ship date of 4/20 (vary by 1-2 weeks.) Uh Oh. Wasn't that the date your sales person told you your DakIIRedo was shipped? You don't suppose DC's telling everyone in PA the same story?

bookitty

Tim, the information from my salesman, came from voices that only he hears. It was a message left with my wife that the truck had shipped on 04/10 and should appear at the dealership two weeks from then. This information was only available to him, as no one else was privy to it. When I spoke with the sales manager, he was thoroughly confused by this call, as he requested the salesman to not contact me again. As this is written, I am in D-1 with a build (start) date of today (04/26). Ernie is keeping me updated. Good luck Tim, you will get your truck soon.

Bookitty

themacguy

Guess what? Another CSX / Conrail shipment of Quads went zipping through the West TX wastelands today. Which direction? EAST of course! And my count - whilst a-rolling down I-20 - was 42 cars X 3 decks per car X 5 per row (exactly) = 630 Quads!

Does anyone know why these things would be going from L/A or El Paso TOWARDS Dallas?! I mean I've heard of rerouting and all that crap, butttttt... this delivery business is getting ridiculous - and I'm sure I saw bookitty's at least a dozen times!

:-O

bookitty

Jack, now I know you're seeing things. There is no truck for Bookitty. It's like "Ghost Riders" trying to catch the Devil's herd, across these endless skies.

Bookitty

littlejuan

Hey guys, 653 miles and counting. Very happy.

I have a question, as I read some posts about a whistling noise (fuel pump?)

Q#1) I have the 4x4 Quad Cab 5 spd 4.7L. When I step on the gas I do hear a sort of "whistle". Should I be concerned? I called the dealer and they said that is normal during the break-in period. Is it? I know zip-zero-nada about engines.

Also, the molding on my back driver side door on the bottom was installed wrong. It was put on too far toward the truck (when door is opened), and it makes a squeaking noise every time I open it. Dealer will look at tomorrow when I drop it off to have the bug guard and mud flaps put on.

By the way, I called around for the Leer XQ cap. It will take 2 weeks and $1200 bucks. Looking at others.

Q#2) Last night I drove to the Foxwoods Casino in CT. Pulling into the garage there was a White Quad with a cap on it. It looked like a Leer, had a small sleak roof rack on the top, and made the truck look almost exactly like a suburban, only better of course. I would pay for that right now. There was no name on the cap. Anyone have ideas out there?

thanks guys.

stvdman

My friend at work just received a brand new 2001 RAM QUAD 2500 Diesel and it was made in mexico. If the Dakota Quads are also made there thats why you see them headed east on the train. Up from Mexico then East. 630 Quads on that train? Sounds like this forum is going to get much bigger!

bpeebles

In Brazil. Of course!

http://www.autointell.com/chrysler7.htm

spike50

Talked to Ernie today and mine was manufactured in Michigan on the 20th and its on a Southern Pacific rail car in a Norfolk-Southern train that's currently in Conway, PA. Conway is north Pittsburgh. I guess Newark, DE is the last rail stop then its back hauled by truck to central PA.

Getting weird, after all of the anticipation. Its like being days away from getting married to your "mail-order" bride. Fingers are crossed.

bookitty

Before long, you will be proudly driving your Quad Cab all around upstate PA. You will be driving a five speed, so no one can accuse you of being "shiftless."

Bookitty

gbilhimer

My Quad was made made in Michigan, sticker is right on the door post and also on the window sticker. If they are building them in other countries I bet they are being sold there.
Friend has a Honda Accord that was made in Marysville, Ohio so whats the difference?

crazycanuck

I mentioned awhile back, that I would like to see
photos of some of the forum writers Quads in our forum....I was told that there were ways to post them so I though I would give it a try.

Here is my page address for anyone who is interested in viewing them...or seeing if I am at all computer literate.

www.ocis.net/~rbeve/dakotapage1.htm

Caution...may take a bit to load (photos)

If you view them...please drop me a line and let me know if it even worked.

Thanks.

R.

bookitty

Loved your little photo session. Although I am a big fan of the Dakota Quad Cab, I liked the dog most of all. Looks like a friendly guy.

Bookitty

andy_jordan

Crazy canuck - great job.

I really must get some photos of truck and dogs taken and scanned, though web hosting may be more than a little beyond my capabilities.

I concur though - cute dog (well for a non malamute anyway) :-)

bigal31

Mine was maybe in the USA- US/Canadian parts content: 87%
Note:Parts content does not include final Assembly,Distribution, or other non-parts costs.

For my truck: Final Assembly Point:
Warren, Michigan, U.S.A.

Country of Origin: Engine: United States
Transmission: United States
I am proud to be an American. Just look at the Great stuff we produce..Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X4s.

For some reason I feel very patriotic today!! HE,HE
Allen-

bigal31

Great pictures,that white one was the first that I've seen. Do you know the brand of that brush guard? Manik,Westin,other..
PS. Are you a dealer? How did you get all those pictures?
Allen-