You guys are making me paranoid about people running into your quads...I'm Starting to wonder if the Big Metal Bar in rear under the bed is not really a vibration dampening mechanism after all...Could it be that these bars are huge magnents installed to cause other vehicles to be pulled directly into the quads???...It sounds like a conspiracy that Dodge has implemented to sell bumpers at $500-$800 apeice....Any thoughts??? The answer is out there.......
Hope you all don't mind if a regular cab Dakota owner joins the Quad group. I have been watching the quad posts for some time. Very informative. I ordered a 2000 RC 4.7L 2wd Dakota Sport Plus w/Auto, 3.92 w/LSD in October and picked it up in December (total of 9 weeks). Very pleased with the 4.7 engine. Ended up keeping my old 91 5.2 V8 regular cab also. Like the 4.7 much better, although the 5.2 has been very dependable(101k and counting). I was a little leery of the 3.92 gear ratio at first, but I find I like it much better than the 3.55 I had in the 91. With the 3.55, I was constantly hitting the O/D lockout button when going up any kind of hill. I have added a Leer cap and a Line-x spray in liner. Only have 3000 miles on it so far. I have really been babying it. I drive the old truck when the weather is bad. Hate to ruin that new finish before I have to! Mileage started out at 13 mpg and has gone to 17.5 on the latest tank full. If I could only stay off the gas, I think I could get some real mileage. Thanks again for the informative posts.
Not one problem. 4.7, multi-speed auto (sure goes klunk a lot), 3.55, 4x4, SLT, GEM tonneau, Rhino push bar, Flowmaster muffler, K&N filter, Steelhorse step bars that creak, Godfathers promises to fix them on Monday. Extended warranty through Warranty Gold, etc. Truck has been wonderful. Only 15-17 MPG, but that's life. Had 11 GMC/Chevys, this is as good or better. This transmission has me paranoid though. Been in snow, ice, water everywhere and it's been wonderful. Another of my friends just bought one off the lot today; that's what I did. No way I could wait for this thing, saw the one that had everything except steering wheel radio controls and bought it in Jan. Dealer knocked off about $2,500 and not another one in sight. Be careful out there!
Own a Patriot blue Quad Cab, loaded and love it! 4.7 Magnum, 4 speed auto, 4x4, 3.55 limited slip. But only able to get 14/15 mpg highway, at 65 mph.How much better should I expect? 2500km on odometer. Anyone have the chrysler gull wing tonneau yet? They say something about hinges? Been waiting for 8 weeks. I could probably make one myself in that time.
My Quad was backed into with only 700 miles on the odometer. I only pinched/scratched the lower urethane bumper but since it was so new we got a whole new bumper top and bottom, almost $1200 total just for that front bumper replacement.
Had a couple 250 mile runs that were mostly on highway. 17 with just the truck; 13.5 with a 12 foot u-haul, with the o'drive button pushed. Sure didn't like the 3,000 or so rpm @65. Worse part is the 14 - 15 mpg around town. Did pay $1.08.9 for gas yesterday though, in Jonesboro, GA. Almost turned over making the turn into Quick Trip. That stretch of Hwy 41 always has the cheapest gas around Atlanta, but the other places were all $1.21.9. Be careful out there
about crunched quads and protecting my baby. Maybe I'll go ahead and order the push bars and grille guard assembly from Westin. The Westin step bars arrived today and I will install tomorrow. Tuckmiddle do you like the Rhino push bars? Where did you buy them from? Anybody added driving lights yet like KC, etc.? Either I'm getting old (probably) or the high beams seem awful inadequate on these Ozark mountain roads?
A_J and themacguy thanks for the information on touch-up paint. Themacguy--you don't write tech manuals for dummies like me do you? You might think about it. Thanks again.
I have the Arma coating,very happy with it on my '98 clubcab, I don't know about the line-x brand,but the diff. between Rhino and Arma is the way it's applied! How it was explained to me is; Rhino is "shot" cold so is more difficult to get an even surface and is more tacky than the Arma. Arma is "shot" hot and at a higher pressure than Rhino. Coating is basically the same material.
I prefer the Arma, but items left in the bed will slide around a little,with the Rhino you will have to pick up and move thing's around in the bed! I would suggest to anyone thinking of getting any spray-on to check them out in person. I have friends that prefer the Rhino and some that prefer Arma. If you are going to do any hauling in the bed I believe that the spray-on with a life time warranty is the way to go!
Way back in the infancy of these topics I recall reading some posts about stress cracks in the door skins. On my passenger side door, at the bottom left hand corner of where the window meets the door, I have a small series of cracks that have started to rust. I'm not sure how long they have been there since I just recently noticed them during my first hand washing. Does anyone recall this problem and it's remedy? I also have noticed 3 paint imperfections that would otherwise go unnoticed without close inspection. Hopefully, it's not too late (over a month & 2000 miles) to have the dealer fix.
Delivery time is near, so it's time to make some decisions. From all that I've read, it sounds as though both the spray-on liner (Rhino or other) and the Fold-a-Cover are the way to go. I've always had Duraliners in the past, so the spray liners are entirely new to me.
Does anyone here have that combo? If so, what's your experience been?
It sounds to me as though the liner should be sprayed on OVER the rail before the Fold-a-Cover rails are installed. Is that the case?
Also, I visited the Fold-a-Cover website listed in an earlier post, and it doesn't appear that they list a part number for the "dinky" QC bed. I e-mailed them, but received no response. Can anyone enlighten me?
The side rails to attach the cover are taped to the top of the truck sides. I think this wouldn't stick on the rough, flexible surface of the spray in liner.
I got some indication that the Fold-A-Cover is currently shipping for the Quad, but I can't remember exactly how I came by that info.
On April 15 I ordered my Quad 4x4 SLT Auto 4.7 with standard ratio posi differential. Does any one have a thought on whether the better choice might have been to get it with the 392 ratio ?? Most of my driving will be on the highway, but will, on some rare occasions tow a small fishing boat and trailer to the lake. Did order the towing package with road handling package, but felt the higher rear would better serve me. Starting to have second thoughts now, and wanted another opinion on whether to try and change order now, or leave alone. I seem to have a window of opportunity to change, as my order is in Restriction hold for parts according to DC. Thanks for any input.
Guess I was drunk and incoherent when I called it a Rhino the other day, it's a Grizzly. Boy is it super. Probably paid too much, $500 or so, but it's a beauty. Has a flattened step as the bottom bar, in case you want to jump on the hood for some reason. Also has the brush bars for the lights. Mounts easily with correctly drilled holes and attratches to the truck with no movement when you shake it real hard. My Smittybuilt steps are rubbing and making all kinds of creaking noises on rough ground, turning into driveways, etc. Godfather Customs called them and they have to remount them so the step mount can't touch the frame; the mount must be centered on the body doughnut, or whatever you call it. The four mounting places are where the body is bolted to the frame. We'll see on Monday.
I have 4x4 Quad with the 31x10.50's, 4.7L, 5sp, LSD....This thing will pull itself out of anything..I havent towed anything superheavy..The Biggest thing i have towed is a double Jetski trailer(+/- 800-900#) with (2) 3-seater Seadoo's(+/- 500-600#ea) and a toolbox filled with gear(+/- 250#)..I had no problem pulling both of them out of the water on an EXTREEMLY steep and slippery ramp..I didnt even need to drop it in 4wd..It crawler right up with no problems...
As far as highway speed while pulling this setup...I cant even tell its behind me (I couldnt say that about the nissan i had before this)...No problems pulling hills in 5th gear (Which i assume is about the same ratio as the auto Overdrive)....The only thing a 3.92 will do for you and me, who spend most of our time on the highway, is hurt gas mileage..
In my opinion, Youve already done the wise thing by getting the LSD...Take the $40 bucks or so and put it toward a "truck goodie" or something.
(lmeyer1) - I have the 4.7L 3.55lsd w/5spd with a 85 mile round trip commute to work that is all two lane roads, so I'm forced to drive on the easy side.
(geecap) - The 3.55lsd is a great rear end. Don't think twice about it.
TOWING - I towed 2,200 lbs of rock in a 1,000 lbs trailer yesterday. I finally needed 1st gear. I haven't tried my 1,800 lbs pop-up camper yet, but it should pull really easy.
Crash Magnets - It must be the color your trucks that attract crashes. I went with the conservative Driftwood color and I've only had one close call.
To "bobemoto": Thanks for the info on the Fold-a-Cover rail install! That seems to change the "logistics" a bit.
If the rails install with double-sided tape, it would seem that the proper sequence would be:
1. Install the Fold-a-Cover rails, test-fit the cover, check necessary clearances. 2. Remove the cover, mask the rails, then have the spray liner done.
Thanks again for the info... NOW, if I can get the straight scoop on availability of the Fold-a-Cover for the Quad, it sounds like I may have a plan!
Perhaps it's a fetish, but the two things that grind me most are (1) Tailgaters and (2) "Touch-Parking".
After one particularly annerving experience with a tailgater who pulled just close enough to me at a light to crease the rear bumper in 2 spots, and another $350 for a new rear bumper on my Ram, I'd had enough. The Ram has a 2-inch receiver hitch. I went out and spent $30 for the LONGEST hitch bar I could find (prodes about 8 inches past the bumper... Got some scrap steel tubing and angle steel support material... Welded up a homemade "nerf bar" that works beautifuly! Just "threatening enough" so that would-be tailgaters seem to hang back.
Then there's the "touch parking" problem. I walked out of the market about a month ago and watched in horror as a woman in an SUV nosed very slowly into the nose of my truck... Once she felt her front bumper touch mine, she was satisfied that she'd done an adequate job of parking her vehicle.
The rear "nerf bar" will be transplanted to the Dakota. But front protection is still an issue. I found a Westin "Safari Bar" in JC Whitney's catalog for $140. It's a bolt on (no drilling) that attaches to the undercarriage rather than the bumper. This seems advantageous to me, since there's no contact between the bar and bumper... Rather pay $140 for a replacement bar than $500-plus for a new color-keyed bumper.
Has anyone fitted this particular bar to their Quad? If so, was it a fairly easy install?
Thye Grizzly that I put on is mounted to the frame in 4 spots and should do fine for the front. I'm also putting my hitch extender on the rear with a small bar I'll have made up, unless I find one somewhere. Have to remember it's there, My shins are all beat up from walking into my last one all the time. BOY am I stupid, but you probably already know that. I was going to a small country airport yesterday afternoon. The hand drawn map my friend gave me showed a 45 degree turn to the right just before you get there. Come to find out it's a 90 degree turn. Like a jerk, I decided to turn right too close to the turn. Luckily, noone was behind me, but the poor slob at the stop sign must have thought he was going to die when I jammed on the brakes too hard and the screaching and sliding towards him probably made his heart explode. It all worked out, but was I ****ed at myself for being that stupid. No anti skid, which may or may not have helped, and brain out of gear. Haven't done anything that stupid in years. In retrospect, it should probably have slid at least 180 degrees, but only went about 75 or so, and part of that because I turned the wheel before the sliding started,I almost felt in control!! Be careful out there, and that means all of us.
Did anyone else see the segment on "TRUCKS" this weekend?? It comes on the TNT network on saturdays and sundays..They had a pretty good segment on a 4x4 testdrive...Overall they were very complimentary on the Quad...
To Tuckmiddle: Thanks for the tip on the Grizzly bars up front! I'll check it out before ordering! There are any number of front "nerfs" out there that mount to the frame but contact the bumper (Hence, when that lady in the SUV kisses your nerf in the parking lot, it creases the bumper). I'm interested in the nerf bar more as a "sacrificial" component in function.
Glad to hear you're rigging up that rear hitch extension!... But had to laugh when you described its encounters with your shins!!! How many times have I walked around the back of the truck to load something and banged my shins against it? Siffice to say that we buy bandages in bulk at Best Buy!!!
Glad to hear you survived your big adventure yesterday. Next time you are on the highway, make note of how many RPM's you turn at 70 mph. I'm interested to see how your automatic / 3.55 combination compares to my 5 speed / 3.92. At 70 I'm turning 2300 rpm as best I can tell. The tach isn't broken up into 100 rpm increments.....its more like each line represents 125 rpm. Made me dizzy and I had to pull my shoes off to figure it out!
Bring me up to speed un your brush guard choice....I'm looking for that too.
Thanks for the info and comments on your Arma coated bedliner.I think I will get that done on my new quad.I was quoted 300 bucks and it is guarnteed for life.Thinking about having it in matching red.Not sure about the color fading.Is your black one faded?If so how badly.A local accessory shop said they could turn my current lights into daytime driving lights with a relay switch.I was thinking of buying after market jobs like kc's.Their idea sounds better to me.Yes I did see the quad on tnt today.The quad also did very well in a head to head test against the ford super crew in this months motor trend truck trend magazine.Very impressive specs.The quad's performance specs blew the ford's away.
hi everyone, all is well with my 4x2,4.7,slt......just waiting for dodge to ship a gas tank fuel sensor unit so i can now tell how much gas i've got left on board. Where is the Owners Discussion area for us ????
Thanks for the info and comments on your Arma coated bedliner.I think I will get that done on my new quad.I was quoted 300 bucks and it is guarnteed for life.Thinking about having it in matching red.Not sure about the color fading.Is your black one faded?If so how badly.A local accessory shop said they could turn my current lights into daytime driving lights with a relay switch.I was thinking of buying after market jobs like kc's.Their idea sounds better to me.Yes I did see the quad on tnt today.The quad also did very well in a head to head test against the ford super crew in this months motor trend truck trend magazine.Very impressive specs.The quad's performance specs blew the ford's away.
I dont have any experiance with ARMA but i do have a friend that had a red RHINO sprayed into a Red F150 Lightning...It looked great for a year or so but after that it faded into a pinkish color..Looked awful...He followed all the steps and tips on cleaning that the installer gave him...I guess the sun just worked its magic on it..He ended up putting a used drop-in liner in it and trading the vehicle in...It was a shame because it was a beautiful truck minus the pink bed...From what he said there was nothing the shop could do for him..Those things are pretty much a one shot deal from what i can gather..No way to get them out and start over..But this was 4 years or so ago...mabey they have changed the formulation to prevent this...who knows
About the Black though...I know lots of people with black rhinos some as old as 4-5years and if they are faded i cant tell...I will get a black rhino sprayed in next month...
The last thing ive heaerd about ARMA is that it is sprayed in SUPER-HOT as compared to the room-temp spray of the RHINO..Just curious on how spraying this molten-lava into the bed and heating up the body panels would affect the paint if any...This cant be good for a factory fresh coat of paint... Then again, im no expert...Any Thoughts???
I installed the Westin step bars this weekend. They look great in powder coated black against the Flame Red Sport Quad. Wife and kids like them as well and say that they make getting into the truck a lot easier. I bought them online from Atlanta Auto Accessories for $199 including shipping. Highly reccommend this outfit. I ordered on Monday and received the bars on Friday.
Now I am also looking for some front-end protection--both for the pavement parking lot and a some mild off-road adventures. Westin seems to make a good product so I am considering their push bar with the optional headlight protectors. But I am also considering something I could mount a winch on down the road. Hey after the new wears off the truck is going off road. Anyway I love to hear from you all that have found a good product or have had good experiences with a particularly brand in the past. I think all of us (or at least a lot of us) on this forum tend to research purchases to the max. Hey ain't that what Edmunds is all about. Thanks in advance to any feedback.
I just wanted to second Ozarks remarks on the service of www.Atlantaauto.com they were first class, check them out! I ordered my nerfs on Wednesday at 4:30 and they were at my house Friday by 3:00. By the way I live in Syracuse, NY. Ask for Holly.Tell her Allen sent you,she's great... Allen-
Apparently just about ready to go... sometime in the next couple of weeks I guess. There's one other scheduled to 'hit' just in front of ours, according to our group rep at Edmunds.
At least ours will be an owner's group instead of an owner's 'gripe' like some of the others.
By the way, on the rear nerf bar thing, I noticed back in Dec. or Jan. a set of rear oblong 'loop' looking dealies - one for each side of the rear end - at a site that I believe, was the WAAG outfit... they were a new idea that 'won' a show of some sort late last year. I'll look it up and post the address as soon as I get some time. Though I don't believe they were for a Dakota then, they might be by now.
jtjohn1 - I assume that you have the skid plates which is why the oil filter is a little awkward. I have access to either a pit or a lift (depending on which friend owes me) so I don't have much trouble, but someone suggested using a plastic bag over the filter to catch any seepage - sounds like it should work.
I had an accident Friday night!!!
Stuck in traffic in the left of two lanes - guy in front of me in an early 90s Safari decides that he wants to move to the right hand lane so he pulls part way across. Traffic isn't moving so he can't go anywhere.
Police car comes down the middle of the two lanes to get to an accident ahead (the cause of the delay) - Safari friend is blocking the road. He decides that he has to reverse back so that he can move to the side of the road.
So with me sitting waiting with no where to go, and the police car on my right side we both watch as the Safari reverses straight back into me!! He thought my horn was the police car wanting to get by (!).
Anyway I get out, he gets out, the policeman gets out. I'm ticked, policeman's ticked - Safari man thinks it's my fault.
Anyway my nice stainless steel grille guard is untouched, his rear doors are, how can I put it, redesigned. Policeman and I left him too it.
It occurred to me that it has been a while since I posted the details about my truck, so, if anyone is interested:
2000 Patriot Blue club cab, SLT+, 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92, Stainless steel grille guard, bug deflector, stainless steel nerf bars, door sill protectors, drop in under rail bedliner, A.R.E. LSII tonneau, with 15,000km (9,000 miles).
Clearly, from your description, you made no reasonable effort to avoid Safariman's maneuvers (stuck in traffic is no excuse), and further, you've apparently illegaly adapted your horn to sound exactly like a police siren. For the life of me I can't understand why, as it is well known that virtually everyone attempts to back into vehicles with a police siren in operation. Well, maybe it's different in Canada.
the irony of it is that if Safariman had stayed where he was I could have pulled up the kerb (grass verge) and level with him which would have given him plenty of room to move out of the way.
You can understand my disppointment that my grille guard was just high enough to clear his bumper :-(
Anyone know where I can get a red bubble light to go with that siren like horn - after all this is Canada the police either drive tricked out trucks or wear red coats and ride horses - it is the only way to cover the frozen wastes - right?
My cousin Morty has had a good many accidents somewhat akin to yours. However in Morty's case, it is usually a static or inanimate object that backed into him. Some examples are a tree, stone wall, light standard and a flag pole. In each instance, Morty has always laid the blame upon the "other guy." I haven't seen Morty lately, but when I last spoke with him, he was considering a Safari.
Tryin' to decide what brand of bug deflector to purchase. I'm not interested in the ones that cover the top part of the grill but on the other hand I'm leery of the adhesive types that attach where the grill meets the hood. Also is there another type that is mounted by sandwiching it between the grill and the hood?
The part number for the Quad Cab is 0225-B/TA according to an e-mail I received from Paulette Catton at Fold A Cover. My local dealer was not aware of this part number, however. So be careful if you order. I can't get over the fact that installing the Fold A Cover involves drilling and is permanent, therefore, I'm probably going to go with the Extang Black Max soft tonneau. I hope I don't regret my decision!! Good luck.
I've been interested in a Quad Cab for some time and have been reading the posts in this topic and I have a few questions and comments. 1. It seems that most everybody orders the SLT package which has all of the chrome. Is it more expensive than the Sport Pkg?
2. Many of the people out there have the 4X4 also. I am looking for comments on the 4X2.
3. I've also noticed the gas mileage figures that many people have posted and from what I've gathered, the reason for the mediocre mileage is that this truck is so much fun to drive with your foot all the way to the floor. I can't wait to get one sometime this year.
The SLT package offers a group of options and generates an option package type discount. If you go to www.carsatcost.com you can use that site to price out the vehicle, and it will also explain what comes in the SLT option packages. Also, if you choose to join the Farm Bureau, there is a $500.00 discount offered on the sale or lease of a Dodge truck or full size van. The four cylinder is not included. As far as a comparison between a 4X2 or 4X4, that would apply to any vehicle. If you need, or feel you need the extra tractive effort offered by a 4X4, then that is what you should buy. If your usage does not place a demand on tractive effort, then a 4X2 will do the job. Actually, it all depends on how good your story is that you tell your wife, and whether she believes it and allows you to go for the 4X4. As far as mileage is concerned, there are many conditions governing this aspect, and a variety of results have been posted. Hope this helps.
I just ordered a dakota quad cab 4x2 with 4.7 liter engine. My wife's durango has the 4.7 and I like the way it runs. It was smoother and felt stronger than the 5.9 along with better gas mileage.
Been reading all the postings about the Farm Bureau rebate and wanted to remind everyone that there is also a $400 college rebate. It counts for undergrad and grad school. All you need is to bring in a signed letter on school letterhead stating that you are a student. Worked for me - nice to know that I can spend thousands of dollars on a college education so that I can get $400 off of my new quad cab!! Hey - I never turn down free money!
FYI update - on my third tank of gas - 4.7 with auto trans 4x2 so far averaging 16.5 mpg in city driving.
I've been lurking (my apologies) in the Dakota topics for the last week and have read as much as was possible. I had a 95 C/C 4x2 3.9 ATX SLT up until last year and had started perusing Edmunds over a year ago actually researching the newer Dakotas. I ended up trading the 95 in on a 99 Contour as a daily driver, but just today ordered a 2000 SLT Quad Cab (Amber Fire), 4x4, 4.7L, ATX, tow group, power group, HD group, LSD/3.55, 6-way seat, and 6x9 mirrors for $200 over invoice. This truck is the perfect thing for us. The 4.7L blows the 3.9 out of the water! My eyes lit up when I test drove that platform. Considering economy, engine choice was a no-brainer. Now I can haul/tow when I need to, take the ATV and camper out at the same time, and support the daily transport needs for the wife and kids.
This truck is replacing an 86 Bronco (good truck), which we have simply outgrown. I hope the new engine/trans combo proves reliable. I'd have gone with the MTX, but the wife doesn't want to shift anymore. I don't blame her, though, one less thing to worry about when hauling kids around.
A note to others: It may vary by area, but around here, the order cutoff for a 2000 is this week. The dealer told me that the plant is closing for two weeks (or something) on 6/23. I guess that means mine will be in transit by then!
Bookitty: I'm in the local area surrounding Reedman's, but would never buy there. It's a neat place to browse and test drive, but it's too "busy" to get any personal attention. I've never had a good experience there.
I think the rash of accidents is really a conspiracy by jealous drivers who would much rather be driving a Quad. Once they realize their not sitting in one of their own green jealousy bubbles to the surface and they try to take it out on a great truck.
500 Miles on my QC Sport 4.7L and I love it. Thanks to all of you who helped convince me to go with the 4.7 rather then the 3.9. This is one very cool truck. For those of you still unfortunate enough to be waiting its well worth it. Mileage after a tank and a half has been running at 17mpg according to the computer with a 50/50 combination of City and Highway.
That 6/23 date may be correct, but it is very early. Usually the shutdown occurs at the end of July - beginning of August - it's all to do with union agreements.
Anyway, if that is correct then you can certainly expect to see cutoff soon for 2000 orders, with the quads likely having the earliest date. One of the things that happens during the 2 week shutdown is that all of the tweaks are made to the production lines for the 2001 model so that it is 'impossible' to build a 2000 once the factory reopens.
Appreciate your comment(s) regarding Reedman, as I had a terrible experience there. Mr. Reedman as well as the truck sales manager have made efforts to "set things right." My problem stemmed from a total lack of communication and follow-up from the salesman. I can certainly understand your reluctance to deal there, although I have had good experience in the past, and it is very convenient. It looks like there will be three (3) Amber Fire Pearl Quad Cabs locally now. Yours, mine, and the one that came in for me with the incorrect axle ratio compliments of the incompetent salesman. Good luck with your truck. Mine is, as we speak, on its way to the dealership.
Well I bought a pretty much fully optioned sport 4x2, the only options I didnt get were the upgraded stereo, ovr head convenience computer thing, and bigger mirrors. I also got the 4.7 with auto tranny. The reason I didnt get the SLT option package is I love the look of a monochromatic truck. I fell in love with the look of a chromeless truck when the 1993 lightning came out (with the exception of wheels). As far as 4x4 or 4x2 thats as much personal choice as necesity. I used to think 4x4 was a must for a truck but after owning a couple and in my case hardly ever finding myself needing it I have since owned only 4x2's. If you are worried about getting stuck in the mud, snow, etc.. it may be worth it but if you dont find yourself in those situations it really isnt worth the exrta cost. For what it is worth my friends and I used to fool around on sugar sand raods and open sand areas and I used to have the fastest truck on the sandy dirt roads in my 4x2 lightning. It had limited slip in the rear and that was enough. I know, off-roading in a lightning!?!?!?!?!? I was young.
I saw an Amber QC on the lot the other day. It was the only one. Hmmm....I wonder.
I went there a few years back with the wife to test drive a Stratus or something. They unfortunately forgot about us and left us standing there for about half an hour. We ended up just walking out.
Any one out there know if the Quad has an air bag shut off switch. I ordered my 4x4 Quad on 4/6/00 I was told by the DC that it is shipping now. Cant wait to get it. I have been wondering though if there is a shut off switch for the air bag when you take this truck off road not that I will take it that far off road just yet. I live in the Atlanta area and want to know if any one else lives in the area that has a Quad I need help with where to find accessories at a good price. Need to get back to work now or at least act like I am working.
hillfla thank for the idea about the college grad rebate, my wife just got her masters. $400 would be a great graduation present for me.
Comments
Chad
Mailman
Truck has been wonderful. Only 15-17 MPG, but that's life. Had 11 GMC/Chevys, this is as good or better. This transmission has me paranoid though.
Been in snow, ice, water everywhere and it's been wonderful. Another of my friends just bought one off the lot today; that's what I did. No way I could wait for this thing, saw the one that had everything except steering wheel radio controls and bought it in Jan. Dealer knocked off about $2,500 and not another one in sight.
Be careful out there!
Be careful out there
A_J and themacguy thanks for the information on touch-up paint. Themacguy--you don't write tech manuals for dummies like me do you? You might think about it. Thanks again.
I prefer the Arma, but items left in the bed will slide around a little,with the Rhino you will have to pick up and move thing's around in the bed! I would suggest to anyone thinking of getting any spray-on to check them out in person. I have friends that prefer the Rhino and some that prefer Arma. If you are going to do any hauling in the bed I believe that the spray-on with a life time warranty is the way to go!
Hope this will help! Keep-on Truckin
I also have noticed 3 paint imperfections that would otherwise go unnoticed without close inspection.
Hopefully, it's not too late (over a month & 2000 miles) to have the dealer fix.
From all that I've read, it sounds as though both the spray-on liner (Rhino or other) and the Fold-a-Cover are the way to go. I've always had Duraliners in the past, so the spray liners are entirely new to me.
Does anyone here have that combo? If so, what's your experience been?
It sounds to me as though the liner should be sprayed on OVER the rail before the Fold-a-Cover rails are installed. Is that the case?
Also, I visited the Fold-a-Cover website listed in an earlier post, and it doesn't appear that they list a part number for the "dinky" QC bed. I e-mailed them, but received no response. Can anyone enlighten me?
I got some indication that the Fold-A-Cover is currently shipping for the Quad, but I can't remember exactly how I came by that info.
Boy is it super. Probably paid too much, $500 or so, but it's a beauty. Has a flattened step as the bottom bar, in case you want to jump on the hood for some reason. Also has the brush bars for the lights. Mounts easily with correctly drilled holes and attratches to the truck with no movement when you shake it real hard.
My Smittybuilt steps are rubbing and making all kinds of creaking noises on rough ground, turning into driveways, etc. Godfather Customs called them and they have to remount them so the step mount can't touch the frame; the mount must be centered on the body doughnut, or whatever you call it. The four mounting places are where the body is bolted to the frame. We'll see on Monday.
As far as highway speed while pulling this setup...I cant even tell its behind me (I couldnt say that about the nissan i had before this)...No problems pulling hills in 5th gear (Which i assume is about the same ratio as the auto Overdrive)....The only thing a 3.92 will do for you and me, who spend most of our time on the highway, is hurt gas mileage..
In my opinion, Youve already done the wise thing by getting the LSD...Take the $40 bucks or so and put it toward a "truck goodie" or something.
Chad
(geecap) - The 3.55lsd is a great rear end. Don't think twice about it.
TOWING - I towed 2,200 lbs of rock in a 1,000 lbs trailer yesterday. I finally needed 1st gear. I haven't tried my 1,800 lbs pop-up camper yet, but it should pull really easy.
Crash Magnets - It must be the color your trucks that attract crashes. I went with the conservative Driftwood color and I've only had one close call.
If the rails install with double-sided tape, it would seem that the proper sequence would be:
1. Install the Fold-a-Cover rails, test-fit the cover, check necessary clearances.
2. Remove the cover, mask the rails, then have the spray liner done.
Thanks again for the info... NOW, if I can get the straight scoop on availability of the Fold-a-Cover for the Quad, it sounds like I may have a plan!
After one particularly annerving experience with a tailgater who pulled just close enough to me at a light to crease the rear bumper in 2 spots, and another $350 for a new rear bumper on my Ram, I'd had enough. The Ram has a 2-inch receiver hitch. I went out and spent $30 for the LONGEST hitch bar I could find (prodes about 8 inches past the bumper... Got some scrap steel tubing and angle steel support material... Welded up a homemade "nerf bar" that works beautifuly! Just "threatening enough" so that would-be tailgaters seem to hang back.
Then there's the "touch parking" problem. I walked out of the market about a month ago and watched in horror as a woman in an SUV nosed very slowly into the nose of my truck... Once she felt her front bumper touch mine, she was satisfied that she'd done an adequate job of parking her vehicle.
The rear "nerf bar" will be transplanted to the Dakota. But front protection is still an issue. I found a Westin "Safari Bar" in JC Whitney's catalog for $140. It's a bolt on (no drilling) that attaches to the undercarriage rather than the bumper. This seems advantageous to me, since there's no contact between the bar and bumper... Rather pay $140 for a replacement bar than $500-plus for a new color-keyed bumper.
Has anyone fitted this particular bar to their Quad? If so, was it a fairly easy install?
BOY am I stupid, but you probably already know that. I was going to a small country airport yesterday afternoon. The hand drawn map my friend gave me showed a 45 degree turn to the right just before you get there. Come to find out it's a 90 degree turn. Like a jerk, I decided to turn right too close to the turn. Luckily, noone was behind me, but the poor slob at the stop sign must have thought he was going to die when I jammed on the brakes too hard and the screaching and sliding towards him probably made his heart explode. It all worked out, but was I ****ed at myself for being that stupid. No anti skid, which may or may not have helped, and brain out of gear.
Haven't done anything that stupid in years. In retrospect, it should probably have slid at least 180 degrees, but only went about 75 or so, and part of that because I turned the wheel before the sliding started,I almost felt in control!!
Be careful out there, and that means all of us.
Chad
Thanks for the tip on the Grizzly bars up front! I'll check it out before ordering! There are any number of front "nerfs" out there that mount to the frame but contact the bumper (Hence, when that lady in the SUV kisses your nerf in the parking lot, it creases the bumper). I'm interested in the nerf bar more as a "sacrificial" component in function.
Glad to hear you're rigging up that rear hitch extension!... But had to laugh when you described its encounters with your shins!!! How many times have I walked around the back of the truck to load something and banged my shins against it? Siffice to say that we buy bandages in bulk at Best Buy!!!
Ahh well... What we do for "protection," huh!!!
Glad to hear you survived your big adventure yesterday. Next time you are on the highway, make note of how many RPM's you turn at 70 mph. I'm interested to see how your automatic / 3.55 combination compares to my 5 speed / 3.92. At 70 I'm turning 2300 rpm as best I can tell. The tach isn't broken up into 100 rpm increments.....its more like each line represents 125 rpm. Made me dizzy and I had to pull my shoes off to figure it out!
Bring me up to speed un your brush guard choice....I'm looking for that too.
Talk to you later,
Rick
all is well with my 4x2,4.7,slt......just waiting for dodge to ship a gas tank fuel sensor unit so i can now tell how much gas i've got left on board.
Where is the Owners Discussion area for us ????
About the Black though...I know lots of people with black rhinos some as old as 4-5years and if they are faded i cant tell...I will get a black rhino sprayed in next month...
The last thing ive heaerd about ARMA is that it is sprayed in SUPER-HOT as compared to the room-temp spray of the RHINO..Just curious on how spraying this molten-lava into the bed and heating up the body panels would affect the paint if any...This cant be good for a factory fresh coat of paint... Then again, im no expert...Any Thoughts???
CHAD
Now I am also looking for some front-end protection--both for the pavement parking lot and a some mild off-road adventures. Westin seems to make a good product so I am considering their push bar with the optional headlight protectors. But I am also considering something I could mount a winch on down the road. Hey after the new wears off the truck is going off road. Anyway I love to hear from you all that have found a good product or have had good experiences with a particularly brand in the past. I think all of us (or at least a lot of us) on this forum tend to research purchases to the max. Hey ain't that what Edmunds is all about. Thanks in advance to any feedback.
Allen-
Mine is Black, but I have a Gaylord fiberglass tonneau cover, so it's not in the sun that often.
Hope this helps!
Keep-on Truckin
At least ours will be an owner's group instead of an owner's 'gripe' like some of the others.
By the way, on the rear nerf bar thing, I noticed back in Dec. or Jan. a set of rear oblong 'loop' looking dealies - one for each side of the rear end - at a site that I believe, was the WAAG outfit... they were a new idea that 'won' a show of some sort late last year. I'll look it up and post the address as soon as I get some time. Though I don't believe they were for a Dakota then, they might be by now.
Thanks
Jeff
jtjohn1 - I assume that you have the skid plates which is why the oil filter is a little awkward. I have access to either a pit or a lift (depending on which friend owes me) so I don't have much trouble, but someone suggested using a plastic bag over the filter to catch any seepage - sounds like it should work.
I had an accident Friday night!!!
Stuck in traffic in the left of two lanes - guy in front of me in an early 90s Safari decides that he wants to move to the right hand lane so he pulls part way across. Traffic isn't moving so he can't go anywhere.
Police car comes down the middle of the two lanes to get to an accident ahead (the cause of the delay) - Safari friend is blocking the road. He decides that he has to reverse back so that he can move to the side of the road.
So with me sitting waiting with no where to go, and the police car on my right side we both watch as the Safari reverses straight back into me!! He thought my horn was the police car wanting to get by (!).
Anyway I get out, he gets out, the policeman gets out. I'm ticked, policeman's ticked - Safari man thinks it's my fault.
Anyway my nice stainless steel grille guard is untouched, his rear doors are, how can I put it, redesigned. Policeman and I left him too it.
It occurred to me that it has been a while since I posted the details about my truck, so, if anyone is interested:
2000 Patriot Blue club cab, SLT+, 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92, Stainless steel grille guard, bug deflector, stainless steel nerf bars, door sill protectors, drop in under rail bedliner, A.R.E. LSII tonneau, with 15,000km (9,000 miles).
Well, maybe it's different in Canada.
You can understand my disppointment that my grille guard was just high enough to clear his bumper :-(
Anyone know where I can get a red bubble light to go with that siren like horn - after all this is Canada the police either drive tricked out trucks or wear red coats and ride horses - it is the only way to cover the frozen wastes - right?
Bookitty
I can't get over the fact that installing the Fold A Cover involves drilling and is permanent, therefore, I'm probably going to go with the Extang Black Max soft tonneau. I hope I don't regret my decision!! Good luck.
1. It seems that most everybody orders the SLT package which has all of the chrome. Is it more expensive than the Sport Pkg?
2. Many of the people out there have the 4X4 also. I am looking for comments on the 4X2.
3. I've also noticed the gas mileage figures that many people have posted and from what I've gathered, the reason for the mediocre mileage is that this truck is so much fun to drive with your foot all the way to the floor. I can't wait to get one sometime this year.
Bookitty
FYI update - on my third tank of gas - 4.7 with auto trans 4x2 so far averaging 16.5 mpg in city driving.
This truck is replacing an 86 Bronco (good truck), which we have simply outgrown. I hope the new engine/trans combo proves reliable. I'd have gone with the MTX, but the wife doesn't want to shift anymore. I don't blame her, though, one less thing to worry about when hauling kids around.
A note to others: It may vary by area, but around here, the order cutoff for a 2000 is this week. The dealer told me that the plant is closing for two weeks (or something) on 6/23. I guess that means mine will be in transit by then!
Bookitty: I'm in the local area surrounding Reedman's, but would never buy there. It's a neat place to browse and test drive, but it's too "busy" to get any personal attention. I've never had a good experience there.
500 Miles on my QC Sport 4.7L and I love it. Thanks to all of you who helped convince me to go with the 4.7 rather then the 3.9. This is one very cool truck. For those of you still unfortunate enough to be waiting its well worth it. Mileage after a tank and a half has been running at 17mpg according to the computer with a 50/50 combination of City and Highway.
Anyway, if that is correct then you can certainly expect to see cutoff soon for 2000 orders, with the quads likely having the earliest date. One of the things that happens during the 2 week shutdown is that all of the tweaks are made to the production lines for the 2001 model so that it is 'impossible' to build a 2000 once the factory reopens.
Bookitty
The reason I didnt get the SLT option package is I love the look of a monochromatic truck. I fell in love with the look of a chromeless truck when the 1993 lightning came out (with the exception of wheels). As far as 4x4 or 4x2 thats as much personal choice as necesity. I used to think 4x4 was a must for a truck but after owning a couple and in my case hardly ever finding myself needing it I have since owned only 4x2's. If you are worried about getting stuck in the mud, snow, etc.. it may be worth it but if you dont find yourself in those situations it really isnt worth the exrta cost. For what it is worth my friends and I used to fool around on sugar sand raods and open sand areas and I used to have the fastest truck on the sandy dirt roads in my 4x2 lightning. It had limited slip in the rear and that was enough. I know, off-roading in a lightning!?!?!?!?!? I was young.
I went there a few years back with the wife to test drive a Stratus or something. They unfortunately forgot about us and left us standing there for about half an hour. We ended up just walking out.
hillfla thank for the idea about the college grad rebate, my wife just got her masters. $400 would be a great graduation present for me.