Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - II

ozark

I managed to get the $400 college incentive as a grad student but I had to argue with the dealer about it. They knew about the college graduate deal but not the grad student bit. After the saleperson checked with Daimler about it they were happy to give me the rebate.

Now about those airbags switches. #$@!%^?# It will probably take legislation and someone willing to stand up to the insurance companies before this travesty gets solved. There are no cut-off switches on the Quad. The kids(under 12) are supposed to go in the back and I'm not sure what we're supposed to do if we go off road. When I rode bikes in my youth I wore a helmet but I hated for the government(ie insurance lobby) to tell me that I had to. Same thing or worse with the airbags. I believe that a passenger side cut-off switch comes with the club cab and not the Quad. What's that about? Sorry for the ranting but this is a real concern. The airbags are potentially harmful for young or smaller passengers and could be as well in off-road situations. It seems that it was liability rather than intelligence and safety that drives the decision to mandate non-controllable airbags. I believe it will only be a matter of time before this issue is settled in the courts. Hopefully no one will be seriously hurt before this occurs.

Sorry for the extended rant. By the way, at 5000+ miles I like the truck more than when I first bought it. I am continually amazed at what a good all around vehicle it really is. The 4.7 is the only problem. After driving it,(and listening to it purr) it sure is hard to drive anything else.

jtjohn1

Thanks for the advice. Before draining the oil I removed the front skid plate (Just four bolts) but after I removed the handy oil filter cap I noticed that the hole that they want you to remove the filter through and the filter don't line up. I made a bit of a mess but I cleaned most of it up (I hope) I will try the coffee can trick the next time I change my oil.

Jeff

bsparx

I bought a 4.7 QC here in California in February, and got a commercial rebate. All I had to do was bring in our business license. We keep it tacked to the wall, like most businesses...I'm not even the owner. Instead of the $300, they offered me the 7 yr/100K warranty, which I took in a heartbeat. You rebate qualifiers might want to ask what else they're willing to part with if they don't want to give up the cash. Mine was only $300 over invoice to begin with, so I let the dealer save face by not selling a truck at nothing but hold back...good luck

Ben

marellano

anybody have any experience with extang covers. just shopping around and interested in a soft cover that protects my cargo but is fairly easy to remove as i wont necessarily drive around with the cover on all the time. also do these covers work well with spray on bed liners? should i spray over the rails or not? would love someones input. my quad specs...black auto, 4.7L, t&h pkg, 235's, 3.55, 650 miles and lovin it!

jtjohn1

I just bought an Extang Black Max Tonneau cover for my QC. They sent me the wrong tarp with the kit but when I called them they apologized then overnighted me the right tarp free of charge. Installation was a snap (at least after I got the right tarp) and I like the way it looks. I have a Mopar under the rails bed liner and had no problems with it. The Black Max has snaps on it but I have not had any problems taking it off/putting it on.

Jeff

marellano

thanks for the reply Jeff. installation was "a snap" meaning that there was no drilling during installation correct?

steve234

I am beginning to feel like Rodney Dangerfield on this rebate business. I don't get the Farm Bureau $500 because Oklahoma is the only state in the continent that is exempt, I work for a university, but don't qualify for the college discount and I don't qualify for the business discount. Don't they have a discount for pathetically broke underpaid peons? Oh well, maybe I'll forget it all when I am in the seat of my new Quad, if they don't screw my order up.

bookitty

Try this URL www.atlantaauto.com They are located in Atlanta, and testaments as to their prices and service have been posted. bigal says; ask for Holly. Claims that she has been extremely accomodating.

Bookitty

themacguy

wvboy - the Mopar branded air / bug deflector is mounted by drilling a few easy holes up under the (through) the top of the grill (f/glass) and into the lower (steel) portion of hood. Takes 15 minutes to install the large center portion, another hour plus to do the side (smaller) pieces. Looks good, fits great - I believe similar to what you're looking for.

stevef50 - the 'Sport' is for those who don't mind 'building' an option list to suit their tastes; and for people like me, who absolutely, positively HATE chrome. And I'd refuse to paint over it if I had it... but some have already with good results.

In West Texas temps are so extreme that leaning against or touching chrome 'blisters' skin on contact - guessing 180 degrees + at surface. Also, the bugs out here are so thick you can't get em off the shiny parts (especially after cooking for a few weeks), but we're all used to waxing our finishes heavily (and forget to polish / wax the chrome) so paint usually lasts a bit longer and bug free. We 'sport-sters' also just like the monochrome look as opposed to the shiny parts that attract the 'SLuTs.' Interesting, since the SLuTs are probably - at least demographically - a bit more mature as purchasers, and value conscious.

I'm also one of those that can't imagine needing (ever) a 4X4. If I go skiing or somewhere I'd need 4WD, I'll simply rent a Pathfinder or 4Runner, pay the fee, get the use and then come home to the Quad 4X2 for the other 99%+ of my needs. Now this seems logical to most folks; however, depreciation is higher on 2WD, usefulness in 'needed' areas of the US is limited (snow, rain, extreme offroad use etc.) and the ride and fuel penalties are really not - if I've read anything here correctly - very noticeable on the whole Dakota line in the 4X4s. Of course I believe that the Quad is not as penalized as most by depreciation since it's so new and exclusive - time will tell.

Oh, and though I don't have ltd slip (and don't need it either), I definitely had it on the dealer order until I bought the one off the truck - just couldn't wait, I had a tax situation at the end of last year. Major options that I would NEVER go without: top-end radio with steering wheel controls, 4.7 engine, new auto tranny, A/C, bed protection, Sport package and HD cooling and power assists on EVERYTHING. I could do without certain tire / wheel combos, 3.55 rear w/ or w/o ltd. slip (3.92 OK), bench vs. buckets (still prefer the bench), trailer tow package (can add a better one for the price), overhead tripmeter (nice to have, but not essential). Would ADD to Dodge's std. or option list: side protection for the Sport, tan interiors, better push / nerf combos that are price competitive, a useful 3.21 rear (I tried one for $1400 - it didn't work too well), in-dash CD changer, grab handles lower in the rear area (for kids ease of entry), add an R/T model (or Super Bee - or 'Q'?) and maybe a sunroof. I'd fix / alter: 'crunching' tranny noises (electro - mechanical stuff), up the mpg, install real rear seat headrests, change the glue on the weatherstripping (terrible, so far), add 3" or so of width INSIDE the fender wells for regular plywood to lay 'flat' on the floor, put some support in the front seats and add electric adj. to the passenger sides AND correct the labeling on the A/C! The last thing I'd change - or actually throw out - is the 'attrocious' dealer sales network. I'd just let the good ones sell over the net and keep the rest for service centers (with some real mechanics - not just 'technicians'). I tried a dozen local, regional dealers for four months BEFORE e:mailing an unknown (incl. the city) over the net - guess where I bought. And guess who helps me with problems as well. Amazing.

zonk

Saw your posting and was wondering what you thought about ABS brakes - a necessity, nice to have, etc? I am kind of undecided. I, too, like the Sport looks (and have lived in both east and west Texas and know what you're talking about), but it seems several hundred dollars more costly for the same equipment that you would have in an SLT. I guess there are some package savings that might be the difference, tho.

stevef50

I also like the monochromatic looks of the Sport model. I've had a Jeep Cherokee Laredo for the last 10 years and it has a lot of chrome and there is too much upkeep on it.
When I priced the Sport and the SLT with the same equipment I also noticed there was a several hundred dollar difference ($500-800). From what information I've been able to gather, there seem to be more aftermarket body add-ons for the Sport than the SLT also.

badassbob

The Quad cab does NOT have the cutoff switch because it has a full rear seat...The gov does not enforce them unless you dont have a real(Ext.Cab doesnt count)backseat...If you take a close look when your truck comes in...You'll notice that the airbag stickers onthe sunshades are just that...stickers...They cover up the screenprinted warning of the reg and club cab that states you should never put a child seat in the front unless the switch is off....I guess this was cheaper than having two different sunshades for the different models..

Do like me...Have your dealer order and install the new style tether hooks(Free from Dodge) and keep the kids in the rear...Beware that they are on backorder(So the Parts Guy says)..Good luck

Chad

badassbob

Oh yeah...In the place of the Airbagswitch on the reg and club cab between the power outlat and the cig. lighter, You get the rear window defroster button if you otp for the GFA group that comes with the Big Power Heated Mirrors and Rear Defroster(Around $340?? I think)..

In my opinion, the rear slider is useless unless you have at least 1 four foot long arm to reach it..Now im trying to find a power sliding rear window WITH an integrated rear defroster that will work off the OEM circuit... I havent been successfull as of yet so anyone that knows of one...please let me know by forum or email at gchadsmith@cs.com Thats enough rambling for now...

Chad

lmeyer1

The one thing that does appeal to me about the SLT package is that it has more sound insulation ("Deluxe Insulation Package" or something like that). Don't know whether it makes a difference in the real world, however.

Otherwise, I would agree with themacguy. In particular, don't like the chrome.

engine16c

I have only written one other time. I thyink this is a wonderful forum for Quad owners or orderers. This site is very helpful. i like many of you are awaiting my QC. i order 2/28. Finally on its way. SLT, 4x4, SLT=, 6-way PS, CD, Overhead Power, Medium Bronze with Silver, 5-sp, LSD, 3.55, Will be putting in a LINE-X spray in line $325. Soft tonneau cover. Can't wait.

Bookitty - we may have something in common. When talking to Ernie on 4/10 he stated he was watching 2 other QC. Believe your may have been one of them. My last 6 VIN are 754748. Good luck.

cowtownaggie

I ordered a 4x4, 5 spd, LS diff, 4.7 V8 sport on 4/28/00 'cause I could not find a sport(ANY COLOR!) with a LS diff and/or 5 spd in the 4 state area (from Ft Worth Tx.). Dealer said 6 - 8 wks. Do you think it will be here on time?

Also,

How do I find/get the tracking number & how do I get to the rail / mfg site to track the order. (lost previouse posts w/ this info) please help!

Thanx,

cowtownaggie

navycb29

I ordered my Dakota CC about 5 weeks ago. I just called the dealer and she said that it was shipped , and that shipping took 17 days. I'm in Maryland, does anyone know where the Dakotas are assembled?

tsoprano

I have new red sport 4x4 4.7 quad with all the options but overhead computer.Would have got it but bought it off the lot.I am putting in a rear view mirror that is auto dimming with temp. and compass.Just got the bed sprayed with black arma coating.Looks great.I did not go with over the top rails being sprayed as I am getting a red snugtop fiberglass tonneau cover and did'nt want the black to show plus I love that red paint.Next step are westin nerf bars that will be painted red as well as red westin grill guard.I am also putting in a relay switch to convert my lights to daytime running lights.I also removed all the decals.People now come up and ask what kind is that? Looks great drives great and don't mind paying those payments as much.Happy Quadding to all.

firstdodge

I picked up my 4x4 Quad in February. Took a ten day trip. Couldn't wait to get back to drive it! Waited since Thanksgiving '99 for delivery. Paid $1000 over invoice since I wanted good local service.(Dumb) Started noticing brakes pulled to right in front end and door panel on driver's side did not fit well and screw holes were stripped in plastic. Took my pickup for service April 4. Mechanic backed into steel pipe buried at dealership! Took them 1 week to body putty and paint and order wheel flare for my truck with 1100 miles! I actually stayed calm but insisted someone at least say they were sorry. Mechanic finally got told to call and apologize. After driving truck for another week I noticed, besides that the brakes still pulled and the door panel was still not right, that the truck was 1 inch higher on the driver's side than the passenger's side. After further inspection I found the guy had actually bent the leaf spring by the front shackle. I am still waiting for them to get a new leaf spring and I have requested a new tire and rim due to the force necessary to bend spring steel!!!! Does it take 10 days to get a spring?
I have an appointment May 5th to get this repaired. Does it seem unreasonable to anyone else to take a full month so far to correct a problem that they caused? Could someone enlighten me as to what I should do? To add to my frustration I have been dealing with kidney stones at the same time! The manager even knew about this and hasn't taken pity on me. I think my two Dodge driving attorney friends are going to have to get in on this. I said Ford had the worst service but so far Dodge has proven me wrong. They have nice trucks and neat advertising but I wonder if they'll back this problem up. I am a dentist that can tell several hundred patients a month about my "new crippled truck". Kind of lost my patience about this. I feel better already!!!

2drive

tsoprano: Where did you get the auto dimming mirror? How much was it? That's the one option I wish I had ordered.

navycb29: Dakotas are made in Warren, Michigan.

Oil change on the 4.7L: I just changed the oil on my 4.7L and here's a tip for mess free removal of the oil filter. I cut the top off a 2 liter pop bottle and used the bottom 2/3 as a very convenient container for holding the old filter and oil. The bottle fits easily through the access opening and fits completely around the filter and mounting bracket. The flexible plastic allows a good grip on the filter completely catches all the oil draining from the oil line. It's a completely mess free filter change. Just be sure to wear gloves: the oil is hot!

2drive

Ten days to date in my Q-Ship!!!

For anyone considering an engine choice: the throaty rumble of the 4.7L alone, at both idle and at 70 mph, is worth the price of admission!!!

God, I love this beast!!!

tsoprano: Where did you get the auto dimming mirror? How much was it? That's the one option I wish I had ordered.

navycb29: Dakotas are made in Warren, Michigan.

Oil change on the 4.7L: I just changed the oil on my 4.7L and here's a tip for mess free removal of the oil filter. I cut the top off a 2 liter pop bottle and used the bottom 2/3 as a very convenient container for holding the old filter and oil. The bottle fits easily through the access opening and fits completely around the filter and mounting bracket. The flexible plastic allows a good grip on the filter and completely catches all the oil draining from the oil line. It's a completely mess free filter change. Just be sure to wear gloves: the oil is hot!

themacguy

Yeah, I guess I missed both the abs and insulation items. Since mine's got the stock (rear?) abs, and I live in a powder dry area and have raced most of my life, I hadn't given it much thought. Thanx much for pointing it out - good 'catch.' Of course I'd add it if ordering - I had it checked off, but cancelled my order and bought out of dealer stock. Which reminds me of something else I've wanted to bring up: one of the KEY features that sold me on this truck is the front passenger airbag. It's a 'next generation' low energy model. Isn't that a good safety item to have? It seems everyone in here hates the airbags for some reason or another - I like em. And of course my kids ALWAYS ride in the back, so it's more of a protection thing for adults (and my laptop) in my case. What's wrong with the new models?

As for the insulation, I wondered about that. Most of my other auto luxury package purchases over the years have had something like deluxe this or that. I've no idea - can you enlighten me further on what is included in the insulation upgrade? It sounds like another pretty good reason to get the SLT package.

spike50

Besides the other upgrades, you mentioned the daytime running lights. Back in Feb, someone posted that K-Mart had a special switch / relay for $12 that would accomplish this. Where is your source, how much is it, and how easy is it to accomplish? Thanks

spike50

In my early car driving days, I purposely modified the appearance of my cars by what in those days was called "bulldoging". That was to remove all brand / model tags and minimizing the chrome, ie, the Sport. Although I still like the Sport-look, I too saw the price difference and like it or not I'm getting more conservative in my old age.

I guess I'm now going for the "Sleeper" type vehicles. Look conservative on the outside, ie, SLT, but can catch others by surprise when you haul [non-permissible content removed] right by them.

ozark

The monochromatic Sport is a thing of beauty. Or should I say chromeless Sport? Couldn't agree more with themacguy and others who have voiced similar opinions. I have been careful to avoid aftermarket chrome and have opted for powder coated black that looks great with the flame red.

Push bars, brush guards, grille guards...Anyone know who makes the official Mopar versions that are in the truck book? I love the tubular design but not the mopar price. Anyone know of anything similar? I am looking for front end protection that bolts to the frame not the bumper.

Themacguy..airbags...Sure the airbags are a great safety feature but a simple on-off switch would have given a lot of us the option we wanted. I am not anti-government or anything like that, but some government mandates (surely being an oil field guy you know this) are not as well thought out as they could be and usually reflect some hard lobbying by special interest groups. I mean, does anyone beside me think it is a little bizarre that we have to be warned by a sticker on the visor about the potential lethal danger of something that is supposed to be a safety feature? Enough said.

bookitty

Clyde, as we speak, my Quad is winging or should I say railing its way to Twin Oaks to then continue the trip via truck. I'm getting excited. Thanks for thinking of me and good luck with your truck.

Bookitty

bookitty

Ed, it seems that you were nice, too nice. Some people tend to take advantage of that level of behavior. If it is taking this long, enlist the aid of your attorney friend(s). Sometimes getting anything out of some dealerships is "like pulling teeth." Ouch! Sorry doctor, couldn't resist. Also, it may behoove you to deal with the principal at the dealership. Sometimes they are kept on a "need to know" basis by their respective staff personnel. Hope they make you whole.

Bookitty

lmeyer1

themacguy, I don't know for sure what's included in the package, but I seem to recall some mention of special under-the-hood insulation. If that's it, then I imagine it wouldn't do anything for road noise.

bobemoto

Customer service says I'm in D1 status to be built by 12-May, but they can't give me an exact date. I thought I read that they scheduled these down to the day. What's the scoop?

andy_jordan

It has long been suspected, but now, thanks to themacguy - it has been proved.

I am a SLuT!!!!!

bookitty

And?

shannond2

I'm reconsidering the Fold A Cover and would like to know if the Fold A Cover is the same brand used by MOPAR. I was under the impression that they were the same, but my local dealer says the MOPAR cover cannot be completely removed once installed. An earlier post indicated that the Fold A Cover could be completely removed in five minutes with a wrench.

My local Dodge dealer has offered me the MOPAR folding cover for $625 installed. I can get a Fold A Cover for $585 installed. If they are the same product, I would probably go with the dealer to get the 3 year warranty and, hopefully, a more professional installation job. But if the MOPAR cover cannot be completely removed, I would not consider it.

zonk

My question about ABS was not meant as a critcism, I just wanted your advice. The only vehicles I have had ABS on have been my wife's 97 Blazer and her current 00 JGC; my Tacoma has them on the rear. (All my other cars have had "regular" brakes.) But I didn't know if I have ever had the occasion to really use them (as in stopping in bad weather, or a whole lot of emergency braking in normal weather conditions, etc). Just needing some advice if I really needed them. We haven't had a lot of winter weather in Alabama the last two or three years, other than a couple of ice storms. I tend to stay indoors then. I also have been hearing that the insurance industry was losing a bit of its love affair with them, so I was beginning to think that maybe they were not all they were cracked up to be. Would appreciate some thoughts on this subject.

steve234

Themacguy: While I like the look of the Sport, I found the offering with the SLT package too good to pass up. In Oklahoma the bugs are a pain , but they can be cleaned, its the flying chips from semis and Texans that make the chrome a better deal. I just wonder what it is with not getting matching paint on the air dam in the SLTs. BTW, where do you go to ski. I make two trips each year to CO and have never needed anything but my F150 SC 2WD and no LSD.
Firstdodge: There are good dealers/mechanics and bad dealers/mechanics. Where I live, I would not take anything to the dealers. I bought my 91 Ford here in Stillwater and they would never fix anything right and would never get to it on the day they said. I found an excellent Ford dealership in Vinita and would be a customer of their's for life if the Supercrew was what I needed. You have to do your homework and find a good shop and the best mechanics. I always specify the mechanic to work on my trucks. It is a shame that there are so many bad dealerships out there, but there are some good ones, you just have to find them.

vman

The ABS "thing" is debatable ad infinitum. Insurance companies are taking note because people tend to tailgate at high speed with or without ABS. With ABS in that situation, you need more cushion space as you can't stop dead in a short space. Regular brakes let you lock up but can tend to throw you sideways and possibly lose control. My preference is no ABS on a light car or rear only ABS on a pickup. If you can keep the light rear end on a pickup straight and still lock up to an extent, you will have more predictable control when skidding. Of course, the best safety feature is defensive driving and thorough knowledge of your vehicle in normal and abnormal conditions. Only experience can earn you that.

tpmiller1

what brand flying chips do them Texans expell your way? are they that low fat stuff?
We have a sect in this area similar to the Amish, (who drive and farm using only horse/mule powered vehicles and use no electric), whose religion allows them to own vehicles but there can be no chrome showing on them, (they paint the bumpers and other chrome black)and I'm guessing that's where the "sport" model market is aimed.

jtjohn1

No, No drilling. It came with some clamps that you just clamp onto the bed. The clamps have rubber pads where they touch your bed so you don't damage the paint. I paid $215 delivered for mine.

Jeff

gsu1

Sorry to guys and gals that are waiting for their Quad to come in I am just excited. I ordered mine on 4/6/00 and got a call from the dealership this morning and its here. I ordered 4x4 with the 4.7 loaded, Patriot Blue. I just need to know what I need to look for when I pick up my truck. I already know to look at the bed of the truck and make sure it all lines up. Is there anything else to look for.

Thanks to everyone that answered my question about the air bag switch.

Let you know tomorrow what the truck is like.

teckno

Bobemoto,
Dodge customer service told me that my QC was in D1 status scheduled to be built on 5/8/00. However, he also said that that seems like a soft date. He said that the production run (?) for that car was actually the 3rd week of May (14th-20th). I am surprised that things are moving along this quickly (after reading of the wait times experienced by others)! I ordered my truck on 4/11/00 through Carorder.com (at about $300 below invoice). This actually pushed the dealer's order date back to about 4/15/00. I suppose I will ACTUALLY have a firm delivery date when the truck shows up.

snowedin

When picking up your new truck, also check each door for alingment problems. I'm not sure how common it is but my driver's side door was protruding a bit at the top and the gap between the door and truck body was off; the dealer was forced to remove the door and shim the hinges. Others complained of this problem as well awhile back.
As far as the deluxe insulation groug on the SLT, my salesman (I know, consider the source) stated that it included only the hood insulation and the rest of the truck's insulation was identical to the Sport.

tpmiller1

congrats. Insure all correct options on invoice and price as to agreed. Observe exterior, fit (doors and bed) and finish. Observe interior fit and finish (moldings etc.) and move the seats. Look underneath for any fluids/tow equipment (if ordered). Open the hood and check fluids. Turn over engine and check all accessories. Go through the operations with seller.
If I'm missing something-am sure others will add.

ozark

take it for a good drive before you take delivery and sign the papers. Also, if you haven't already decided on extended warranty you might give it some thought ahead of time. The finance guys are always pushing these. If you are considering it try this site for some quotes on Chrysler coverage that is probably the same that the dealer will offer you. I wish I would have known about this site before I inked the final papers.

www.chryslerwarranty.com

Having this information ahead of time might be helpful in negotiating.

Bookitty-are you really going to get your truck?

tpmiller-I didn't know we started a branch of the sport sect in Pennsylvania. I am about out of black paint here in the hills and am looking for another source.

rjoder

I think we have talked a lot about fender flare pricing but what about the Bed Extender prices? The quote I got from the dealer was $230. Is this a fair price????

Also: Our quad cab had the door and bed alignment problems, both are fixed. However, we have the two tone paint as well and I have noticed a place where the paint is peeling between the two colors. Has anyone else noticed this??

Thanks in advance..

bigal31

As I was reading your post #541 the word "wow" came to mind.I couldn't agree more with bookitty-you are being to nice about it,sounds like they are taking advantage of you.I know this should go without saying but you spent good money.Put your foot down,make them make things right.
Sitting here I feel really bad-that's some tuff (bad) luck.I wouldn't go buying any lottery tickets any time soon!"Man" Hope it all works out,let us know.
Allen-

krusty2

I ordered mine back around 3/25 and took delivery on 4/24. It's a 4x2 slt w/4.7l and AT, 3.55lsd. So far the only flaw seen has been a paint scratch inside the bed. This thing is great! Can someone explain the new "free" hooks or latches or something regarding seatbelts and children? I missed that one. Also, has anyone needed any legitimate service on their 4.7l V8 yet? I'd be interested in hearing what, if any, problems have been seen.

bookitty

Ozark, just because my truck is on its way does not necessarily mean that I will actually take possession. I've been down that road before. Here's hoping.

Bookitty

steve234

Federal law requires that all manufacturers provide for tether hooks on seats. Child seats are difficult to secure with existing 3-point seatbelts. The tether hooks provide a solid point to secure the seats at the top. Since many people do not need the tethers, the manufacturers provide upon demand.

snowedin

Check the bottom corners of where the exterior window molding meets the doors---it is apparently put on by machine and if it gets put on too hard, it can (and did on mine) put tiny cracks in the door skin that eventually rust.

stevef50

I read the post from teckno about ordering from Carorder.com and just out of curiosity I priced a Quad Cab Sport in 3 different states (AL,TN,FL) with the same options. There was as much as a $1200.00 difference depending on the state. Does anybody know why there would be such a big difference? Would demand play a part in this?

bookitty

Caveat emptor!