Dodge Dakota - III

twill84

does anyone have any information or commets on a '93 dakota 2WD extended cad, standard trans.?

bookitty

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.

Bookitty

themacguy

I believe we (or Dodge) can plug in the little 'programmer' dealy below the steering post on the dash and 'rework' various things - processes and performance data for the engine, tranny, whatever. The reason I said 'I believe' is because I'm sure you actually 'know.' It is your function. To know these things. You know.

%-)

eddiecard

I picked up my 2000 CC 4.7 Patriot Blue SLT Plus 3.92 auto on 3-10-00. The Truck is just outstanding. The ride is great and the engine is impressively smooth. I would recommend the truck to anyone. I ordered the Truck on 2-9-00, so the truck was built and delivered in a month. I paid invoice with only a little persuasion needed. The Truck was delivered exactly as ordered. I live in the Albany N.Y. area and went to Dodge World in Clifton Park N.Y. They were great and everything went easy including the use of the Farm Bureau 500.00$ rebate.
I wanted to thank everyone that has written in on the Dakota in Edmonds Town Hall. I had been following the posts for months and they certainly helped in my preparation of buying the truck. If anyone is interested give Kris a call at Dodge World.

tinyivan

Well I took the plunge recently, my 4x4 Dakota Sport is on its way. I would like to thank all those in this forum for their opinions and experiences. I have 3-4 weeks more to wait although I will find out more from the now infamous Ernie next week.

I'd also like to mention my appreciation for the mature and helpful way in which this forum is conducted. I ducked into the Tundra topic for kicks today and its all name-calling and soapbox speeches. Whew, glad I never have to sift through any of that to get to the good stuff here!

--TI

spike50

bpeebles, Thanks for the heads up on the potential ABS problem by a tire size change. I've ordered 4 wheel ABS, so its twice as important to me. It sounds like the shop manual is essential equipment to understand these "new" computer controlled vehicles.

Do you go through the dealer for a manual or are there other sources and other manuals like Haynes, Chilton, etc?

srw

I have a '99 Dakota and a sheet with the owners manual was included that listed the correct tire pressure for all the different sizes of tires for the Dakota. It lists pressures for both loaded and unloaded conditions for both front and rear tires.

bookitty

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

bookitty

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

tinyivan

Bookitty,

If I understand your situation, they may be mistaken. As post 109 states, I recently ordered a Dakota with alot of yours and others help from this forum. I have the 3.55 axle, 4.7L engine, and a 5sp tranny with the T+H group. I did not get the tow package though. My truck is in D-1 Status according to Ernie and unless there was some weird change by the computer, thats what I will get because I watched the sales guy punch it into the order computer (I don't trust the print and check method). So I don't know if its a tow thing or not but I cannot imagine it is since they GIVE tow numbers in the manuals at the dealer and in the brochures for 4.7/5sp/3.55. Good luck, I know you've been waiting (since DEC!?!?) and like the other folks on here, I am rootin' for you!

--TI

bja4

I have seen other posts that state they have 2000 Dakotas with 3.55 and the 5 spd and the 4.7L V8. I was told when I ordered my club-cab 4X4, that I could get either axle, but it would have to be limited-slip with the 5 spd. I have been to carpoint.com, and used their software to figure out the available combinations. It seemed to me that I could put build a truck the way I wanted with out the limited-slip. I don't know if the software is working right, or if it happens to be a little different than the dealer's software. I agree, there needs to printed documentation when ordering a new truck stating which options will work with other options. I sure hope I didn't order something that wasn't needed to get the combination I wanted. The pamphlet is crap!! The pamphlet seems to show only one color(red) and provides very little information on the different options. Hell I didn't even know I had a choice when it came to the interior color. I drove two 2000 Dakotas with different axles, and could find very little difference. I did get the 3.92 axle though, because that is what was in my previous 92 Dakota. I still got 16-17 mpg with a 1400 pound Northstar camper, 318, auto, and 235/R15 tires.
Check your purchase order and see what you signed your name to. My salesmen went over every item twice. He even called the next day to see if we wanted to change or add anything.

andy_jordan

This combination has never been officially made "unbuildable" as far as I am aware. However, I believe that there have been some concerns expressed that the transmission just can't cope with the torque with the 3.55 rear end.

Information is very difficult to come by on this and I don't know whether this is fact or urban myth. My gut feeling is that DC are having problems making this combination work, but don't want to announce the fact because they are trying to resolve the situation.

My personal feeling is that if this combo is on indefinite restriction (which is effectively the case) then the dealer has an obligation to tell you that, especially as DC are not offering a wait option, but are automatically changing the order. I am no lawyer but that sounds like a material change in the contract to me.

bookitty

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!

Bookitty

abeirnes2

Does anyone know if the steering wheel stereo controls can be installed on a 98' steering wheel?
I have the cd/cassette combo stereo.
Any help would be appreciated.

bja4

This combinations is allowable. The 3.92 axle has to have mated with the limited-slip (anti-spin) when combined with the 5 spd.

bookitty

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 (Quadwaiter)

andy_jordan

Hopefully the wait won't be too long for you bookitty, but hopefully (for the others who are still waiting) it won't be too short either - if you see what I mean.

I can see it now, an invasion of bookitty's home by disgruntled quadwaiters angry that bookitty got two quads while they wait for their one.

Oh, hang on a minute, you're quite safe bookitty, they can't storm your home - without their trucks they can't get there.

Geez sometimes I am so funny I kill myself, or maybe that's should kill myself.

Have a great weekend all :-)

bpeebles

(spike50) I have used all kinds of 'service manuals' over the years and there is no substitute for the FACTORY SUPPLIED SHOP MANUAL for the SPECIFIC VEHICLE and YEAR you desire.

Haynes is better than Chilton but neither of them have accurate electronic schematics. They try to cover so many years of vehicles that they lose much of the important points.

houtslaw

It's a five speed; in 5th on the fwy or throughway or whatever, the gas mileage will be the same; the 3.92 will perform better; the top speed is governor limited and not affected; I have the 3.55 with auto and wish i had the the 3.92; go get your truck; the 3.92 is better anyway; tell them you reconsidered and get them to give you that warranty at cost and some teflon on the paint. JOHN

myersed

When I picked up my Quad I discussed the tire change process with the Maintenance Manager. Supposedly if you change tire sizes they will reprogram the "pinon ratio" into the computer. He did state that somtimes it may have to be entered a couple times (different numbers of course) if the original estimate is incorrect. A detailed calculation should get you there if you know the pinion ratio factor ratio ahead of time. From the conversation, he stated that there is only one Factor to change- not one for tires and another for rear end.

I couldn't find anything on it in the service manual- which reinforces DC's inferiority in service manuals when compared to Ford or GM.

Bpeebles- I like your position on Tire sizing issues relative to Warranty, safety etc. One must be very cautious. It is difficult to tell what options one really has when one wants to change tire sizes. For example- The 2.35 is approx 1.5" larger in diameter when compared to the 2.55 however the overall tire mass may be similar- thus meeting similar performance and safety parameters. Both are approved tire sizes that ship with vehicles in the 2WD configuration. On the other hand, jumping from the 2.55 to a 2.65/75R15 may exceed the suspension limits while maximizing the Diameter (thus MPG)- may or may not be a viable option!!

Has anyone else had a chance to discuss the "pinion ratio" and tire changing options with Maintenance personnel. I'm interseted in knowing if there is definitive agreement before proceeding with any change.

Themaguy- the change from 3.55 to 3.21 appears to be the best option assuming cost is not out of site. Obviously at $2.00 per Gal the Break-even point to do the conversion could occur within months. Have you checked to see if the computer will even allow the conversion? I ask because, the 3.21 axle/4.7 is not an available option and it may not allow for the full 10% change of the pinion ratio?
Ed

carls5

Bookitty, I can imagine how frustrated you must be. You have every right to be ticked off at DC but as the saying goes you don't want to cut off your nose to spite your face. I don't know the total circumstances surrounding your decision but it seems to me that the 3.92 wouldn't be a bad choice vs the long wait. But whatever the final decision is you know that you will have support from the people on this forum.
Carl

themacguy

It's supposedly an option in the Dakota CC. That's how I worked around the warranty issue. Would you believe that D/C calls this a 'major' drive line change ? -- of course you would -- I actually told them that I'd read/heard (somewhere) that THEY were making gear ratio changes for mileage in 2001's and they bought it. Amazing. I started to launch into Leprecauns at that point but decided to quit while I was ahead... no wonder the [non-permissible content removed] companies didn't bid for Chrysler.

fireflyerr

What's the price for the 3.21 conversion? I would be interested getting it, (or maybe a 3.40 or so if available). There is no reason why the 4.7 shouldn't get 21 MPG. If you don't tow anything it would be a welcome option.

tpmiller1

I like it. Let me know when you convince them they missed their last sponsorship payment on your team's 2 dodge car(s) Nascar entry in '01.

bpeebles

(myersed) Check out page 5-33 (Brakes) in the DC shop manual. (I think you have one)
The CAB (Controller Antilock Brakes) needs to be reprogrammed for "rear axle type and tire revolutions per mile" This manual referrs the mechanic to the "Chassis Diagnostic Manual" for instructions. (I do not have that particular document)

Certainly changing the ring/pinion ratios will require this procedure to be performed. Do not forget that a bonus is that the SPEEDOMETOR will also be accurate after programming too.This is because the signal from the WSS (WheelSpeedSensor) is passed on to the rest of vehicle systems.

myersed

Are you planning to have a dealer convert the ring/pinion? I do not recall if you stated in an earlier message.
By the way, made it down your way last weekend to visit my son at Wichita Falls. He was in from Japan for a month of training so the family and I headed down to see him. Wanted to drive the Dakota but couldn't see risking the new truck to the traditional Texas spring hail. In fact my daughter visted him the weekend prior and ran into baseball size hail- nearly destoyed the rental car. We took the wife's car and probably saved $50 in gas.

myersed

You are clearly without peer when it comes to knowledge of the the Service Manual!!!!! Thanks for the tip.
Interesting that the speed pickup is from the differential rather than the transmission- I'm not used to that. (But then I guess things have changed since my 81 Ford was purchased).

By the way, when I was in Texas I looked at a Dakota with a build date of Feb 00 to check the engine compartment. Noticed the same 2 capacitors mounted on each cylinder bank- no connection to either, hmmmmmm! It sure can't provide filtering through osmosis.
Also looked at the ground straps and noticed they now route the both ground straps directly together. They still terminate similar to our truck - one on the firewall the other on the fender. Also noticed the one connected at the firewall is now of the "flat 1/2" wide" type and has no insulation -unlike ours which is approx 1/4" with insulation (of which 2" is to be removed to eliminate the tick)

themacguy

I don't believe that the Dodge boys have the 3.21 for anti-slip applications. Of course I bought mine without lsd (though I may have been ON it, since I bought a black Quad) in order to simplify my life. -- Well you know that that's a load of doodie; I bought it without anti-slip because the dealer ordered it that way! -- Anyway, assuming I WAS a boy genius at the time and knew that the lsd would kill any chance of my adding the Dodge 3.21, I will have to have them do it to keep my stinkin' warranty. D/C does have its limits you know.

I've got my mechanic looking for an aftermarket solution for the rest of you folks out there with the anti-slip (lsd). Surely an OEM maker has that particular combo. Zoom, Schieffer, etc.

bpeebles

I am glad you brought up the ground connections again. I meant to 'report' back to you on what I found. (Now that the snow has melted somewhat)

I pulled each of the three ground connections off and found the following.
**The one on the passenger fender is well connected to the frame because the paint has been scraped to provide solid contact.
HOWEVER
**The two connections to the firewall seem to be 'afterthoughts' because there was NO paint scraped from under the connectors. This causes a very poor connection. I corrected this condition.

Additionally, I used a Weller soldering gun to solder ALL of these braided ground wires to the crimp-on connectors. (I DO NOT TRUST CRIMP-ON CONNECTORS)

BTW... My knowledge of the service manual is due to constant reading of it....I have read the thing from cover-to-cover and I read a chapter each day to pick up important points....
WHY? Am I that bored?
Not really, my technical profession demands that I read and learn from technical manuals every day. Besides... I have always found real-life more entertaining than reading fiction.

myersed

Let us know how it goes and if you do find anything out re: aftermarket. I scanned through the service manual and it just shows all three gear ratios being available (doesn't specify differences for LSD vs non-LSD).

BTW- have you received a cost estimate?

myersed

I will check mine as well!

themacguy

My 'ballpark estimates' from 4 different Dodge boys are in the n/hood of $325 installed. Not too bad if you plan on driving the thing 200k+ like I will... pays out at something like 50k miles or thereabouts. Plus, the warranty stays in effect. :-)

ferous

Well after a long week of traveling on business, I picked up my Quad on Saturday. Wow I love that truck.

Sorry to hear about your rear end.

I have the 4.7 5spd w/3.55lsd (& tow pkg), and I guess I will have to wait for a heavy load to try 1st and 3rd gears. Empty you only need 2nd, 4th, and 5th gears. Note the owners manual states that you shouldn't skip gears.
I didn't think my wife would like the 5spd, but she says it's a lot easier to drive than my 5.0 5spd Mustang was, except the truck isn't a convertable.
Would you believe that my wife made me pick up and haul a new diswasher home in the truck ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER. First scratch at 4.3 miles. Many more to come. Wait... it is a truck!
Well it's bed time... I need to check on the truck, the kids, and the dog (in that order).
Good luck to all (bootkitty) and to all a good night.

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

fireflyerr

Can one of you guys with the shop manual tell me which of the two airbag fuses power the passenger side airbag?
2000 Dakquad/4.7

balser

Just got off the phone with DC Cust Serv and QC 4x4's are on restriction again. We're all supposedly back to BG status as of 3/15. They are building 4x2's.

The guy I spoke to didn't know why the 4x4's were on restriction this time. Does anyone have any more info - like someone smart enough to call Ernie right from the start????

mwolak

balser: If they went on restriction, it happened this morning, or one of us got led astray. I called this morning at 9:15 ET about my 4x4, 4.7 QC auto and was given a build week of 4/1. (ordered 2/10)

I sure hope your agent was wrong.

I don't know the name of the person I talked to.

tpmiller1

Talked to CS at DC 4:30 pm et. No restrictions on 4x4. After giving him VON and minute or more pause, he knew my name, date order placed (1/18) and said I "needed to have sales agent call district manager." When I mentioned that my dealer indicated he had received an allocation while my order was on actual restircition, and that DC wouldn't let him apply that allocation to my build, he went into a "waiter" analogy, "why would someone take your order if they don't have the allocation to fill it" (repeatedly).
Bit my tongue trying not to say- Gee, maybe they anticipated an allocation and want to make some money.
He also stated that effective 2/28/00 DC has ceased interfering by calling Distribution themselves and trying to straighten it out, "the dealer has the phone number".
three most important words in real estate:
location, location, location.
three most important words when ordering a quad: allocation, allocation. allocation.

dbhfd

If you want the most accurate shop manual, I was told to order it from the dealership which in turn orders it for you or give you the number back east where they order it from. Either way, it is specific to the year and model that you request....yes they have them for the QC.

dbhfd

Anyone interested in modifying your QC (with the 4.7) with some non-voiding warranty performance parts, which by the way was not very easy to find, can order a cat-back exhaust system from Borla, an air intake modification kit from Airaid, and a performance chip from Jet. These items together will add about 50hp and even higher torque. The price of everything is right around $750 for everything cause that's about what I paid. If you want to wait to see how it turns out, I'll tell you when I'm done. I just can't leave a new truck alone.

catnip2377

The chip WILL not void the warranty? Wow, thats a suprise. Let us know how they turn out.

Is the chip the module or the reprogrammer?

mrb9

Jet makes a chip for the 4.7L QC, but they say it may not work because of the fit. Mopar also makes a new High Performance ECM-Electronic Control Module. This is available through DC parts suppliers and also does not void warranty. Check with your dealership about the Mopar ECM. Supposed to add HP of 15-20 just by plugging it in?? Does anyone know if you can use both of these and Double the HP gains?? Mrb9

andy_jordan

Check out the warranty coverage guys - and get it in writing!!!

Don't be surprised if your emissions warranty goes up in smoke (so to speak) if you put aftermarket pipes on - and as for a chip - unless it is Mopar supplied and fitted I think you will have exactly the same problem.

balser

Called DC customer service again this AM and confirmed I went back to BG status (restriction) on 3/15. Talked to a different guy this time - he guessed it was the 4.7 again but he couldn't say for sure.

haddon

I am right there with you my friend, going backwards. I was told the same thing. I am getting my dealer more involved now to push for a build date. This is BULL^%$^%

zonk

Thanks to all - I have been reading all y'all's messages and learning quite a bit that will be helpful to me when I take the QC plunge. I think it is a great looking and driving vehicle. Some of the owner's reports, however, are kind of scary. The only one I have been able to test drive is a 3.9L (look, look-I even used a capital L!)and fell in love with it. Most of the talk is about the 4.7L, though. Does anyone have any data on gas mileage, tranny problems, etc on a 3.9L, auto, 2wd? I live in the South and don't really have much occasion to use 4wd unless I go offroading. I seem to remember a message from someone in Texas who said the 3.9L was the really popular engine size there. Any info will help. Again, thanks for the words of wisdom. And you guys who have waiting so long and finally get your QCs - please let us know if you are happy with form, fit, and function when you get them.
zonk

mwolak

You guys had me scared so I called back. The rep took my information and then told me it was on restriction and didn't know why. I then told her that I had called yesterday and was told it was scheduled for the first week of April. She then said to hold on while she looks up my particular vehicle. (Why didn't she do that in the first place???)

When she came back she said it was still scheduled and apparently the restrictions didn't apply to mine. (good living??)

Sounds like an allocation issue. I ordered mine from Wexford Dodge here in Wexford PA. I had asked about potential allocation problems when I ordered. The salesman told me they were a volume dealer and didn't have problems with allocation.

Anyway, I'll expect it when it gets here.

haddon

When did you order and what options does your truck have. I ordered from Washington, Pa. not far from Wexford.

mwolak

Quad Cab, automatic transmission, 4x4 with 3.55 ratio and lsd, intense blue, Sport Plus group, deluxe convenience group, Power overhead convenience group, bench with power driver seat, rear window defroster, AM/FM with CD.

Ordered 2/10.
BX status approx 3/13
D1 status approx 3/16
build week given as first week of April

Will let you know if things change.

bigal31

I had a "98" sport 3.9L.Got me 15mpg "maybe" plus it couldn't get out of It's own way..My"2000" Quad 4.7L is getting 16+mpg and it moves itself..Hope this helps!
Allen