Dodge Dakota - III

spike50

Oh yes, the virtues of WD-40. A little off subject but I've used WD-40, successfully, to "pre-treat" fake rubber fishing worms and jigs to catch more fish. Even though we have a bit of globe warming going on, I do get to do some ice-fishing in northern Pennsylvania. Its great stuff to entice those "fish sticks" to bite.

ptfii

Just wanted to say thanxs to all who post in this site.The information I have recieved has really helped in my decision for this truck.I have an appointment next week to talk price and armed with Edmunds info and my past experience should be no problem(already got offered at $777 over invoice).We have a Costco program out here thats not to bad regarding pricing too..just have gotten tired of slimmy dealers saying "oh no, that doesnt include Quad Cabs, not on high demand models".I Called Costco and they called the dealer!!Also, thanks for whoever it was telling us about the Farm Beurau incentive.I joined today and looking forward to $500 bucks cash back once I take delivery.Hey, anyone want to buy a 1999 Jeep Wrangler?

thesandman

Ordered Quad middle of December, it's April 8th and I'm still waiting. Did they sell my Quad out from under me? They say it's in Califorina waiting to be unloaded off the train. No room in the car carrier yard to unload the train! They'll call me when it's in. The checks in the mail. I didn't have sexual relations with that woman. Uh ha. It's white, SLT, 4x4, 4.7, auto, 3.92, tow package, hitch, Infinty, 31.50 tire handling package w/flairs and some more stuff. So long ago it's just a distant memory. Any ideas out there. I paid $500 over invoice. I've got the farm bureau certificate, (dealer knows). They have my $500 deposit since December. Dose anybody see a reason why my Dodge is not parked in my garage?! Should I ask for the service manual to become part of the deal because I've grown much older and wiser since the day long ago that I ordered that Quad. Alll-men. Thanks again, Ken.

bigal31

This might be a little off topic but. The other sites we all use here are frozen..
I live in NY and It seems that every new truck or car has the California emissions on them.I know that it better for the "air" but I can't help but to think of the better gas mileage that I would get with out it.
Question:A small survey who else has to deal with this?, and where do you live?(State)I would like everyone to chime in.I would like to here everyones thoughts on this,sound off.
Thanks,Allen-

themacguy

thesandman - your screen name sounds prophetic - like you've become 'comatose' while waiting... CALL ERNIE @ D/C, tell him your problem. Also, get your area dealer's rep name from the dealer you ordered from - that should stir em into action. You might e:mail me your specs (and the dealer's name - I won't burn you, don't worry), I've got a list started (and working at D/C) of people's long awaited Quad no-shows. See below.

bigal31 - yep, I've got the Texas emissions 'package' on mine = all it can produce. ;-P

All - been looking into some issues with D/C (an 'anonymous' insider has informed me that dealers were (as someone recently noted in the posts) indeed using 'bait and switch' tactics at the dealers. Apparently eager for any type of sale, they've been taking all orders, filling the most lucrative out of inventory and allocations and then letting the lower profit deals 'slip through' the cracks; essentially feeling that the buyer would simply buy a Durango or Ram instead. I've seen this several times in the past - most notably with the 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Cars and Silver Anniversary models - it happened to me several times before I threatened a SERIOUS lawsuit and they 'found' a car for me (the VERY last Silver Anniv. built in July of 1978). Once again, as someone has previously indicated -

THE ALLOCATIONS ARE RULING THE ORDER PROCESS HERE. IF YOU WANT A QUAD, FIND THE DEALER WITH THE LARGEST ALLOCATION FOR THE QUAD (4X4 USUALLY) LEFT, AND ORDER NOW. This doesn't necessarily mean that you will / won't get a 2000 the way you want it, but it takes some 'pressure' off a sales manager to 'not' fill your order due to allocation limitations 'squeezing' his profits for the year.

crazycanuck

Well, I just finished a two day test drive (rental) with a 2000 Quad Slt. It was light driftwood color (Forest Green was the first). I was again impressed with everything about the vehicle. I don't have much experience with 4x4 but I managed to plow through to some nearby lakes with about 1-2' ruts and 3" of mud and snow.
I was very uneasy so I am sure more could be expected from this truck. I again like the 5.9 but have yet to try the 4.7. There was a slight whistle at idle from the engine...possible a belt?
Everything fit and performed perfectly. No bed alignment problems either. No I hear of a Bronze one coming in....I'll try it next.

TheMacGuy....I think the photo addition will really enhance the forum....God speed....I am afraid I am not html litterate...but I'll try.

Catnip2377.....thanks for the info...I'll give him a shout. Headed down in a few weeks. What did you purchase....Quad or Club....specs etc...just curious. How was your buying experience or are you a quad waiter also? Thanks again for the info.

R.

ted61

I purchased my Club for invoice - 500 farmers
4.7,3.55, auto, lsd, 4x4, tow & hdl pkg. Red Sport with black step bars and tonneau. Black spray epoxy liner, with black rubber mats. I get 15.5 and 19 mpg. Looks and runs great.
I too have a slight whistle problem, heard best at the back wheel wells. With just 1200 miles, could it be the fuel pump? But when I press on the brakes, it seems to decrease in volume. Any ideas ?
You have a great forum here, no trash talk,
just sensible info.

blue76

First, thanks to all for the information thus far. I ordered my QC (4.7, 4x4, 3.92, 5spd, SLT+, LSD, Anti-Lock, Tow, Pat-Blue, etc.) on Feb 17th via carorder.com (Invoice - Farm Discount). According to Union Pacific RR its now sitting at the Benicia, CA rail drop. Hope to have it soon.

My two questions are:

1. Has anyone had a Childseat Tether Mount
installed behind the rear seats?
2. How well will a spray-in "overrail" bedliner
look? Specifically over the rail vs. under
rail.

Thanks, Tom

zonk

Having nothing else to do on Sunday afternoon, I visited two local Dodge dealers. One had no QCs; the other had six. Four were 4.7L, one 3.9L, one 5.9(?)L. Only one 4x4. All but one were misaligned to the right, some not so bad as others.

themacguy

We really need 'lifes.' %-)

hillfla

Hi-
I just bought a 4.7, auto, SLT plus, quad cab beautiful green/driftwood two-tone this past weekend. Believe it or not I am giving up a 98 Camaro Z28 for this truck and so far I love it! I have already put 300 miles on it - its funner to drive than the Z28!!

I have a couple of minor questions if anyone can help me out here.

1 - What is the 'clip' for on the overhead console? I did not get the trip computer so instead I have this crazy clip that cannot hold anything! Does anyone know if I can remove it and put something else in its place?

2 - I bought a truck off the dealer's lot and as such was not able to get all the options I wanted (although I got a great deal and most of what I wanted!)
One of the options I wanted was the fog lights, which my truck does not have. Mopar offers fog lights aftermarket - does anyone recommend that or what should I do? I really like the look with the fog lights installed. I do not have the button in my truck to activate the fog lights so that would have to be installed as well.

Thanks for all your postings on Edmunds. I have been reading them for a while and they really helped me when I went to buy this truck.

mrb9

When I tlked to "ernie" this morning he put me on a conference call with the automated system for the railroad company shipping my Quad. Together we listen and learned that it was unloaded in Portland Or, at 4:35 am Sunday (PT). From Portland to my house is about 3 hours , so it should be here my mid-week (fingers crossed). Ernie is soooooo helpful, wish all customer service people all over were more like him. So if all goes well,I will be updated to Quad-Driver/Owner from Quad-Waiter. Hope Bookiity sees his soon. Mrb9

marellano

Another Quad-Waiter here. Can anyone help to put me in touch with this "Quad Guru" Ernie? Would like to know the whereabouts of my Quad. Thanks for the great posts guys and gals. marellano

4x4x4

Just picked up my Dakota Quad Cab, April 5/2000. Placed order on February 12/2000. Ordered it fully loaded except full time 4x4, wanted part time, and 4 wheel anti-lock brakes. Absolutly love this truck! Also looking for a Childseat Tether Mount. Dealer in Calgary,Canada says 48 are on backorder. Does anyone know of a suitable replacement, and where to mount ? Still waiting for my gull wing tanneau cover, something about a recall (Patriot Blue)? Anyone know where to get a custom fit carpet bed liner? With the tanneau cover, and molded carpet I'd sure have a nice big trunk!

themacguy

I keep my insurance certificate there - when you drive the thing like I do it comes in handy. ;->

ozark

hillfla, I use the clip to keep my gas receipts. Unfortunately they accumulate quickly. Somebody needs to market an aftermarket compass outside temperature guage for the hole.

Any 4x4 owner out there? Have you ordered steps or nerf bars to make getting in and out easier. I am a short-legged fat guy and could use some help. I like the looks of the Westin step bars but I wonder if the Starboards or a generic black molded step would be more practical? Any experience with this? The Westin black metal bars look pretty cool but I am wondering if they will actually work as a step.

If you have the skid plate take care when changing oil. I warned the oil change guy(3000 mile change) and then watched as oil went everywhere. He had bad things ##**%$$# to say about Dodge, Chrysler, etc regarding design. It cleaned up fine and I will find another method when I start doing it myself.

While it was up on the lift I took time to seriously inspect undercarriage. Mostly looks pretty intelligent and sound. One obvious note for future concern was the heat shield above the exhaust about half way back on the truck. This is a thin metal sheet that is pieced and overlapped and not very securely attached. I know it will develop a rattle in the future. Stupid design.

Still love the truck despite minor flaws. It seems to get 17 mpg gallon on the interstate. I can't tell that adding the tonneau helped. Still, not too bad for a v-8 4x4. Could be better but not bad.

Sorry for the length of this post, but one more question. Has anybody added an electric trailer brake controller?

carls5

thesandman, Sounds like you were caught in the same mess as me. The vehicles are backed up in Benica because of a mini strike at the haulers DC uses. This caused all railroad cars to be delayed, even after the strike ended. My truck was delayed in Oroville for around a week and 1/2 before it got released to Benica. It is such a mess in Benica that even after the vehicles are unloaded it takes forever to get them trucked to their final destination. After waiting close to a week my dealer made arrangement to pick up the truck and not wait for the transport. I hear they are starting to get the mess cleared up but you will probably have to wait a little while longer. It may help if your dealer calls the Benica yard to find out status and see what can be done. It will be worth the wait.
Carl

stvdman

Actually the Fog lights can be turned on without the headlights, at least mine do. They are factory installed and all I do is turn the knob to turn on the parking lights then PULL the knob out and the fogs come on. So basically you have to turn on the parking lights to get the fogs to work not the low-beam headlights. Like I said thats how mine work.

marellano

Thanks spike50 yer awsome. Talked to Ernie today and found out my Quad order, Black, 4.7 auto SLT arrived in Phoenix on Friday April 7th and right now sits at the rail yard. soooo close!
marellano

carls5

Well my truck finally came in last Friday after close to a 3 month wait but it was well worth the wait. It is a thing of beauty, QC, 4X2,4.7, Auto, 3.92 and just about every other option except 4X4 and LSD. I want to thank everyone for all the knowledge that you have been sharing. This has been quite a support group. The people here are not only very knowledgeable but you are also extremely professional in your correspondence. Unlike some the of the correspondence that I have observed in other forums. Keep up the good work. I did encounter one unexpected problem. I order the SLT Plus Decor gp which includes the Tire and handling group. This gives me the P255/65R15 tires. According to the Dak manual pg 132-133 you cannot use tire chains with these tires. I did confirmed this with DC Customer Service. First time I had heard of this restriction. Means I cannot travel in snow at all. No trips to Reno in the winter. Does anyone have a possible solution, other than a 4X4 :>}.
Thanks Carl

guanner

hello group. I too have been sitting back watching others with there questions and now have one of my own.. Does any one else have a QC on restriction for the tire and handling group? my dealer said that it should clear this week or so.. ordered on 2/17 and really want the truck.. 4x4 4.7 auto 3.92 every thing but power seats.. thanx for all your posts..

iowabigguy

I just got off the phone with my dealer in Omaha. He said that the restriction for the 15x8 wheels had just been lifted. He also said that scheduling is normally done Wednesday afternoon or Thursday mornings. I'm part of the minority as I want a 2wd Quad. Eventhough we get some extreme winters here I survived with my 93club cab 5.2 auto lsd the last 7 years nad really couldnt afford the additional 2500 or so for the 4WD.

iowabigguy

My solution was to order a second set of wheels and tires from www.tirerack.com. I bought Blizzack snows for all 4 wheels and really never had any problems in either snow, ice or slush. Ihere are also several places that specialize in used/takeoff factory alluminum wheels. I found one that had Dakota 15x7 rims for $349 for set of 4. $399 for 15x8 and 17x9 (R/T?) listed as email for price. Rick

bigal31

Ozark,I just ordered my nerfs today (Westin) they will be hear in 1 week!They cost me $187.95 (black) plus tax and shipping $217.00..I did a lot of research on this first.I can give the company name if you'd like, (Auto styles, presents)they also have Smittybilt,basicaly the same bigger name I guess a little more $. They just came out.I'll let you know when I install them!
Hellfla,As far as that clip.It is pretty useless,unless you travel on a thruway(hold your ticket)or to hang your sun glasses from.You know the string that you clip on each side of the ear things.Other than that your guess is as good as mine.
Allen

andy_jordan

As I understand it the reason you can't use chains with the bigger tires is body clearance, in which case studs may be a solution (if they are legal). I don't know whether they would give you sufficient clearance but may be worth looking into.

Clip - well if it was bigger I would say it was for storing all the cash you saved by coming to Edmunds before purchase - the nasty side of me wanted to say by buying a Dakota over a Tundra, but I'm not nasty ;-)

wilmar1

To avoid drilling the firewall for the switch, has anyone installed driving or fog lights w/the clicker (like the TV channel clicker) to turn on the lights?

carls5

Thanks for the thought and url. I'll give them a look. I have a hunch it probably won't help. You either need a 4X4 or chains to go through the sierras in winter. I don't think a 4X2 with snow tires will be acceptable to the CHP. In thinking about it I would have to change the rims/tires to a smaller size, to allow chains, which I think would mess up wheel & handling package and the computer/speedometer/etc. It will probably be cheaper to rent a car for the one or two time a year that I would need chains.
Thanks again
Carl

carls5

a_j that is the reason I was given, body clearance. It is just to bad that they do not have an advisor out that will forewarn buyers of the problem. Nothing was said to me and I just happened to read it in the manual. I would have been up the proverbial creek if I planned on going into snow country more than once or twice a year.

tpmiller1

just off phone with customer service-Jody. Remain in BX status, "some sort of restriction" no details. order placed 1/18. Fortunately, Bookitty has taught me patience. Or is it patients?
In the waiting room.

beevo1

Hey...I am in Central Texas and can't find exactly what I want on my Quad (Sport 4x4, 4.7, etc). I am considering ordering...a dealership here promises 6-8 weeks. The only dilema is that in 11 weeks I will be leaving Texas, so I really need a decent delivery time. Also, let's talk pricing. I have been offered 1/2% over invoice...anyone getting better? Also, how can I sign up for the Farm Bureau discount. My father was a member so I might as well follow along. I would appreciate all advice. Also, what's the real difference with the gear ratios?

spike50

Stand corrected on the Dakota light switch and fog light operation. Since I'm still waiting, I don't have any switches to play with at the moment. I do have a '98 Stratus that the fogs / driving lights only work on low beams. Plus, no matter how much you adjust them, even with shims, they still shine into the eyes of uncoming drivers. What a waste.

Ernie says that I'm off of allocation restriction and am now scheduled for the second week of May. This may also bode well for you bookitty.

zonk

You're so right! But, I really wanted to test drive a 4.7L, and I couldn't convince my wife to go with me (so I should at least get credit for trying to do something together, shouldn't I?). I didn't know the one dealer that had the QCs was closed, sooooooo I thought I would try and do something constructive.
BTW, why do you think Dodge isn't trying to fix the bed alignment problem before the QCs leave the factory? Surely, they are aware of the problems people have been bringing back to the dealers?

spike50

tpmiller1 - As a way to gauge your order, both of my orders have been through E-town Dodge (Elizabethtown, PA). The first one went in on Feb 17, built on March 27 and it arrived at the dealer April 7. Although I tried to change from a multi-speed to the manual, it still came in as a multi-speed. The dealer saw that their paperwork hadn't reflected the change so on March 20, they took the initiative and ordered the same truck with the manual. As stated in a previous post, it is scheduled to be built by the second week of May but Ernie thinks it could go quicker.

BTW, the salesman called me on Monday, April 10, to make sure that I still wanted to wait for the manual, which I do. He says that they're selling 5-6 Quads/Clubs a month and this one can quickly find a home.

newquad

Has anyone put dual exhaust on the quad? If so, what type do you recommend? Any better on gas mileage with it? Thanks!

rsk

My father just purchased a 98 Dakota and was wondering if there is any thing to watch out for. It has 40,000 Kms or 25K miles on it. The truck is basically loaded it has the 3.9L V6 and the 4 speed automatic. He is a long time Mopar fan. Any help would be appreciated.

Randy

bpeebles

(ozark) I have the mopar, dealer installed, steps/bars. They are color-coordinated with my truck and carry the factory warrantee.

I call them steps/bars because they are true bars that are bolted to the FRAME but have wide rubber treads like a step. A metal 'bar' surrounded by countoured high-impact material. I got them so my wife could climb in/out of my 4x4 Dakota. They also serve as door-bumper-protectors since most car doors will hit them instead of my truck.

Contrary to some storys that mopar does not MAKE add-on stuff, They are marked MOPAR on the bottom side and I have not seen ANYTHING like them from the various aftermarket sources. They can be seen in the 2000 Dakota sales brochure pg 20-21. Also can be found in the Dodge accessory book.

renegade69

My wife wanted a small clock up there. She was
out at Wallie-World and found a small digital
clock with date and indiglo lite. Runs on a
small battery in back the unit. She stuck it
up there, it looks very good. Cost about $5.49
plus tax. Located in the auto parts section.

Later renegade69

96g11

My buddy took a ski trip to aspen and was concerned about the snow. We don's see much here in Houston. We basically have the same truck, mine a sport and his a slt. Both 4.7 auto/ tire-wheel package/ lsd. We both installed the factory wheel flares. To get to the point, I read about the clearance problem so we bought a pair of chains and test fit them. (find a pair of tire chains in Houston? good luck!) Anyway the only clearance problem was with the suspension fully compressed. I installed a set of 2" spacers between the rear axle bump stops and frame. This took care of the clearance problem and he had a great trip. Uses the chains with no problems. Then when he returned home we just removed the spacers and stored them until next time needed. Worked for him. Good luck to anyone else. Another possibility would be to install add-a-leafs in the spring packs but that would require more work.

hillfla

Thanks everyone for the great advice and quick response to my questions.

As an FYI - filled up for the first time today! (I had to get rid of that reminder dinging!!) I so far have averaged 16.8 MPG - that is mostly city driving here in the Panhandle of Fla. Not too bad for the 4.7 with auto!

I am researching the fog light thing - if I get any good info I'll pass it along!

I checked out my truck real good today due to all the postings about mis-aligned doors and beds and all that and my truck seems to be fine. It's brand new so maybe they are finally fixing the factory problems. I have noticed a pull to the right - dealer is going to realign for me.

iowabigguy

I bought/ordered mine from Jim's Dodge in Omaha NE. I got mine for invoice and got them to split the cost on a towing package on top of that. I've been told possibly 8 to 10 weeks. Mine just came off restriction for the 15x8 rims but still hasn't been scheduled for assembly yet. I ordered mine 3/25. They have a bunch of quads on the lot and I believe the ones they already have in stock go for 300 over invoice. I looked at what they had and most were 4.7 auto lsd and hi bucks stereo. Only had 1 5spd 4x4. None have anti lock brakes which is one of the reasons I ordered mine.
Plus I wan't to install my own stereo so I also want just the basic radio. Rick

guanner

Does any one know why the Gull Wing Tonneau is not avail.? my dealer said there were some bugs.. any idea what they were? and does any one have one and do you like it?

thesandman

Yes I was told Lodi is a great place to hang out on a rail car. Cropdusters,tagers,pigions who knows. Union/nonunion trucking dispute was what I was told. You should here what my wife is telling me as I reassure her "this week honey". Its her quad, I sold her Camry in February just before we left for a four week trip to El Salvador so I could go surfing. The dealer told me "the quad would be waiting" when we got back. That was March 22. I'm a trusting person. I find it hard to get angry, but there is a point... Ken.

themacguy

beevo1 (U of T guy?) - have you tried Pam or Brigitte at [www.bennyboyd.com] in Lampasas? They pulled off a miracle (or two) for me - sure nice to deal with (and a great price too).

guanner - my gullwing works just fine, fits well and is tremendously useful. The only 'bugs' I would watch out for work at your dealer. ;-)

spike50

thermacguy - A few posts ago, you talked about inserting pictures into our posts. I was looking at the BIG TRUCK BLAST forum on Edmunds and some have even inserted movie clips into their posts.

How do they do that?

Also, I've noticed that some posts use bold fonts and some are in red.

How do they do that?

Finally, I've seen "code words" like BTW, LOL, etc. used with these posts. How can I get in on the secret meanings behind these?

I'm more of a spreadsheet energy guy and some of this internet / chat room vernacular has evaded me.

tpmiller1

re:etown dodge-spoke to John Briner there several times b4 ordering in Shamokin to save 250 bucks. Great move huh? (BTW=by the way;LOL=laugh out loud; #%&!=ordered at the wrong place).

andy_jordan

Don't think I misse much this time - I think I am finally working it out - stay away and all the questions are answered before I get back - does that make me redundant?

Couple of things I think are still outstanding:

Farm Bureau - website has all the info - www.fb.com You have to be a member for 30 days (I think) to get the benefit of the discount, but some dealers will work with you to help you get 'creative'.

98 Club Cab, well I guess the tranny is the obvious thing to be sensitive to. If the truck hasn't done much heavy work and has been serviced on schedule then you should have a very reliable truck, if not, well you probably still have a very reliable truck. I would just be sensitive to any tranny 'features' and get them checked out whilst the vehicle is still in warranty (assuming it hasn't exceeded the mileage limit).

Internet stuff - yeah its all a foreign language to me too. I haven't tried it, but I believe that you can put something into a post by typing src= followed by the web address. To make it work you have to put the whole expression in <</A>>. As I understand it that works for jpg, gif etc.

Bold, red is beyond me - but that's me.

andy_jordan

Told you I was Internet illiterate :-(

gwizz

Hello all. Been reading this forum for months, hope to order a quad cab in the next few months (2x, 4.7, 4spd auto, 3.55, HD cooling, towing, tire/handling, etc etc etc)

Anyway, I also took a look at the Ford Sport Trac. Invoice is about the same when I load them out the same way. I like the utility and drive train on the QC of course, but I must admit I like the idea of the electric rear window and the sunroof.

My question is if anyone here has had any experience with aftermarket sunroofs on a Dakota?

I found a company called Donmar that makes sunroofs and an electric sliding rear window for the QC. They recommend a "spoiler" model (tilt and slide sun roof), and say I should order a plain rear window since they replace the entire thing with the electric one.

url is www.donmar.com.

Comments?

PS> I live in Memphis, will join the farm bureau. Any dealers I should consider/avoid?

Thanks

tpmiller1

when I spoke to CS 4/3, Robert Andrews set up a "corporate tracking #". Today I get call from dealer saying DC called him to advise scheduling approved with no "gateline date" yet. Dealer said my calls to DC customer service didn't advance anything, but I wonder about the coincidence(s) of the 4/3 and 4/11 calls.

gwizz-thanks for the info, I am interested in an electric rear slider.

pomyc

If you were trying to post a picture, you succeeded. It opened without any problems for me. I want to commend you on your efforts with helping these critters - its nice to see people care. I would love to help but my wife and I are at our limit with the number of critters we can handle. The exchange between Colorado and Canada would be tough but I will get the word out about your mission and animals on my end.