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Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - III

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  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    The QC still catches them off-guard, doesn't it?

    Stopped to see a friend who was up from Tenessee this morning. He looked the truck over... Gave me a sort of quizical look, and said "Wait a minute! How the h#$% did you get four doors on this thing!?"

    We talked a bit about the specs, and he stopped me when I "suggested" that it had a 360 V8... "S$%t you say!" was his reaction.

    Wonderfully entertaining ride!!!
  • wilmar1wilmar1 Member Posts: 32
    Bookitty - I'll believe it when you drive away from the dealer & forget that you are still driving the Ford. You will stick you foot in it and realize that you are almost at red line before you gain control. Then you can worry about blowing a brand new engine. We wish you well!
    Towcrazy - Will automotive goop work on my bug deflector? It has come loose on one end. Assume you put in on and tape it down overnight. Right?
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Will,

    I think you'll find that the "goop" is handy for many applications... It's got the adhesive "grip" that I think you're looking for, yet it's "pliable" enough to give-and-take through cold/warm temperatures.

    You might swab the loose surfaces with denatured alcohol on a Q-tip... Glop a bit of the goop in there, then tape it as tightly as possible and leave it overnight.

    Let me know how it works out!
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Well... Managed to squander another 300 bucks on the QC today, and enjoyed every minute of it!

    One problem... The "big ticket" item... The Fold-a-Cover. First dealer I checked gave me a $712 ticket... Waiting for word from another store... From all I've gathered here, the item should be available for something in the $550 - $625 range, but I've not been able to get a response from the Fold-a-Cover people regarding "approved distributors"... Any further advice???
  • tuckmiddletuckmiddle Member Posts: 37
    Couple guys asked about the muffler. It's on my 4.7 w/multi-clunk. Magic Muffler on Buford Highway in ATL does wonderful work, they did my last GMC with Power Pack muffler. It was just as awesome. They told me you almost had to use Flowmaster, cause it sounds best with the Chrysler engines. They put power packs on a Dakota and the noise was unbelievable. It might be a tiny bit loud with the Flowmaster, but just about silent at 70 to 75. My wife went to Greenville with me yesterday and she never complained once. We have to go everywhere in the Quad, her new Cherokee stays in the garage.
    I'm waiting for K&N or Airflow or someone to come up with a new cold air kit. Tried a 99 Durango K&N kit and it almost fit, didn't have one nipple on it for a hose, decided to wait rather than do the "mod". Should have, that was in Jan.
    I've had Steelhorse steps for 2 weeks and they creak and moan. Went back to Godfather's Customs and they welded them and they still make lots of noise. Guess I'd better get some of the others that are posted.
    Be careful out there.
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    towcrazy2, Be persistent, maybe phone calls as well as email. They sent me a list of dealers in my area right away. Maybe the email person is on vacation.
  • tecknoteckno Member Posts: 30
    While ordering and waiting for my QC I have greatly enjoyed reading everyone's posts and have learned a lot. Thanks for the friendly interchange folks!

    Two questions if anyone can help.

    1. How do you include clickable links on your postings? Do basic HTML tags do the job?

    DC tells me my QC is on Norfolk Southern, headed west. I am unable to enter NS's tracing system.
    2. Any suggestions on how I can trace the vehicle? (I have the rail car number.)

    Thanks
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Can you estimate how far the tires come out of the wheel well with the 2wd T&H package?

    I want the T&H package, but I don't particularly like the look of the flares. I will, however, have to get them if they're necessary to protect the truck.

    Thanks for any input.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Can't offer anything knowledgeable on the T&H package on the 2WD since mine is a 4WD... BUT, can say that the flares will provide a bit of extra protection to your rocker panels.

    I have the flares on my truck and ordered additional mud flaps via the dealership... Not particulary excited about the way they "look," but counting on even more protection from mud/stones in the long-run.

    Signing off... There's another hailstorm brewing and the wife has ordered that I power down all the electronics!
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    OZARK:
    Thanks for the tip on sourcing the step bars... Ordered them from Atlanta auto ($200). They're currently on backorder, but I'm not in a big hurry since there are so many other "goodies" to install in the meantime.

    Ordered mud flaps ($25/set), door sill guards ($32/set) and flat black body side molding ($150) from the dealership. Price on the molding peeves me a bit, since I believe that it should be available on Sport models from the factory. Still fishing for a good price on the Fold-a-Cover. I'll finish exercising the credit card this morning with a call to J.C. Whitney for a set of Lund hood protectors ($65) and ventvisors ($50).

    The wife wants to know what all this is costing... I conveniently misplaced the calculator.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    OK, now for my final dumb question related to the Tire and Handling package.

    After surfing the Web for a while, I've discovered that no one seems to make a snow tire in the exact same size as the tire that comes with the T&H package.

    I can get pretty close in terms of outside diameters. For example, within .2 inches (or a .8% difference: 719 revolutions per mile versus 713).

    Is this within acceptable limits, or would I have problems?

    Thanks.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Topped off the tank after adding another couple ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil...

    The wife asked about the stuff... and was captivated by the can! I stopped for a moment, looked at it, and it dawned on me that the can alone is worth the price!

    Talk about nostalgia! Thinking that I might frame a can and hang it up with my Harley collectibles!

    Monday seems like an eternity away at this point, doesn't it!?
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    I bought a shop manual for the '00 Dakota to read while I wait for my Quad to be delivered. It was built 5/8 and is supposed to be on a train enroute to Omaha. Anyway there is a section on programming the CAB (controller antilock brake) which says the tire revolutions per mile should be programmed if the CAB is replaced. I would infer from this that it would also apply to changing tire type too. Here is a chart from the manual.
    tire size supplier revolutions per mile
    p215/75r15 goodyear 760
    p235/75r15 xl goodyear 729
    p255/65r15 goodyear 755
    p255/55r17 goodyear 750
    31x10.50r15 lt goodyear 689

    My 93 Dakota Club Cab came with p215/75r15 invecta tires and anytime I got on the gas the tires would break loose and turn to smoke. I replaced them with 225/70r15 which according to goodyear they were the same diameter. I also have a set of Bridgestone 235/70r15 Blizzak winter tires on another set of aluminum rims which I trade off in the winter. The speedometer error is insignificant when speed is checked using a hand held GPS unit. Rick
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Rick, thanks a bunch. That was very helpful.

    Here's an interesting URL. You punch in the tire dimensions (width, aspect and wheel size) and it gives you diameter and revolutions per mile. Funny thing, though, it differs from the manufacturers diameter in many cases.

    http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

    Lee
  • tecknoteckno Member Posts: 30
    badassbob.......Many thanks for the tracing assistance. UPRR has now picked up the railcar and I can trace it via their web site.

    bsparx.......Do you have any experiences/recommendations/warnings about Sacramento area Dodge service departments?
  • guannerguanner Member Posts: 31
    the mechanic at the company that I work for has a brother that is the head service mechanic at fair field Dodge the one off 80 by the old nut tree place. Said that his brother and there crew beleave in macking things right for the costumer.. you might keep them in mind..

    Scott
  • texaszachtexaszach Member Posts: 119
    The QC I ordered Wednesday is in the system according to my dealer, but early Thursday morning Dodge sent word to their dealer network that they are not taking any more orders for Quads. The general manager took my name and order number with him as he was on his way to the District Office to see if he could get my truck built. I'll get word on Monday if his attempt was successful.
    Meanwhile, my salesman ran a search on the locator using my specs and came up with zip, zero, nada.....
    Worse case scenario I will end up compromising on something to get a 2000 or switch my order to a 2001. I am bummed!!!!
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I ordered one yesterday and the dealer didn't mention it. He specifically looked at his allocation to make sure it hadn't been used up, but he didn't call DC.

    About two weeks ago, however, he did mention that at that time we were really close to the cutoff day. I'll call him tomorrow to ask. Wouldn't be surprised if your dealer turned out to be right.

    Looks like I'll be waiting till Fall.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Tex,
    Hope you won't give up on that 2000 just yet. I'd wager that if changeover is impending, most dealers will max out their allocations even if they order on spec. There may be a possibility yet of something on locator and a dealer trade.

    Badass:
    Thanks for the info on the Westin step bars... I ordered them simply because I thought they'd be a pretty good match with the Westin Safi Bars.

    To All:
    Haven't ordered front floor trays for the Quad yet, but in cleaning out the Ram for resale, noticed that the trays are manufactured by an outfit called "Fox." Don't know whether they make them yet for the Quad, but will try to get further info. They've been outstanding on the Ram... Molded composite with carpeted surface... Deeply dished, and will hold about 3 gallons of water and shlop if necessary. Factory carpeting in the Ram is still good as new because of those trays.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Tow, now that you mention it, Monday does seem an eternity away. Thanks to all for your good wishes. I wish all "Quadwaiters" a speedy delivery.

    Bookitty
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Hey Boo!

    Enjoy your Sunday with the comfort of knowing that tomorrow's going to be a very satisfying day!

    For what it's worth... A friend with a loaded '99 X-cab Ram was out yesterday... A look at those four full doors on the Quad and he was getting more than a bit envious! I think we've got another convert here!!!
  • texaszachtexaszach Member Posts: 119
    Bookitty...First and foremost, congratulations on your long awaited purchase tommorrow. I hope everything goes smoothly and the new arrival exceeds your expectations! I'll be looking for a post delivery post.

    lmeyer1 & towcrazy...I will post tommorrow as soon as I hear from my dealer. My salesman, Jimmy, is a friend and customer of mine. If anyone can get this done, he can. I asked him about allocation before ordering the truck on Wednesday and the dealer had an abundance. Meanwhile, I'm going to keep the positivity going!
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I hope it works out for you.

    In my case, if I get pushed into 2001, that's OK. The financial end will probably work out better if I'm forced to wait a bit longer.
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    Any one have experience with reciever hitches other that MOPAR's....Ive been looking at DrawTite and Reese...Any comments on either...And by the way...anyone know who makes MOPAR's??

    Later
    Chad
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Zach, thanks for your good wishes, and I hope all goes well for you.

    Bookitty
  • haddonhaddon Member Posts: 26
    Picked up my red 4x4 quad sat. Love it(80 miles). So far no problems' tranny shifts fine(4.7-auto).Waited 6 months for this truck(ordered 11-22) and yes I'm glad I did. Wife is trying to steal it away but I will prevail. WHAT A NICE TRUCK. Gotta run wife is getting the keys.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Jerry, congratulations upon finally getting your Quad. You, without doubt, hold the current record for Quadwaiting longevity. Today, I pick mine up at the dealer. Okay, now that is over and we must address the more serious problem of discouraging your wife without breaking up the marriage (or your body as well).

    Idea 1- "Honey, if you're going to open the door of the Quad, please be careful not to let the snake loose."

    Idea 2- Pick out an old pair of pants and put oil stains on the seat. Then mutter,"darn it! there must be oil all over the seat on the quad, Honey! if you drive the Quad be careful not to get oil stains on your new slacks."

    Idea 3- "Sweetheart, if you intend to use the Quad, it's on empty and will take about $40.00 worth of fuel. I'm a bit short, so would you mind filling it while you're out."

    Idea 4- Have a locksmith friend make up a key that looks like the Quad key, but is actually a blank from a 1960 Volkswagon.

    Idea 5- "Honey, if you're thinking about taking the Quad, stop at the hardware store and pick up a can of wasp repellent. It seems as though thyere's an active nest in the back seat area."

    Idea 6- Beg!

    Good luck with your truck.

    Bookitty
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Haven't checked what the factory put on the Quad (though I will check and get back)... But the factory hitch on my 95 Ram is made by DrawTite.

    Incidentally, however, there was a recall on 98-99 Rams for cracking receivers... From what my friend with the 99 Ram told me, the dealership does a quick fix with some bracing.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Called the dealer just now armed with the info from Texaszach about the order cutoff.

    He wasn't aware of it, but said it shouldn't be a problem in my case. He already has three orders in BX status, and he said he would just switch one of them to my truck.

    We'll see.
  • texaszachtexaszach Member Posts: 119
    Good for you! I have not heard from my dealer yet, its only 10:16 a.m. here. I'm going to phone him at 1 p.m. and I've made a note of BX status. Worse case scenario, with the internet and a telephone I may be able to track down what I want, perhaps a compromise on transmission or color is needed here. I hate to wait for a 2001 but I may have to. I passed on a 5.9L QC Sport 4x4 at a dealer two miles from me, which is now gone, because I wanted the 4.7L.

    Bookitty....Your suggestions to Haddon made for some great reading this morning, nice work indeed. lol

    Haddon....Congratulations on your new truck!
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    You piqued my curiousity on the factory hitch receiver manufacturer... Just went out to the barn to check on it.

    Armed with flashlight and laying on my back, I could not find ANY branding on the receiver! It's certainly different than the DrawTite unit on the Ram, but haven't a clue as to who produces the unit. Wish I could offer more, and would be interested to know who the manufacturer is if you find out!!
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I would have waited for the 4.7, too.

    Unfortunately, even though it looks like I have an order in queue, there are still material restrictions, in particular on the T&H package, so I'm a line going nowhere fast. Can't figure out if that's worth dropping that to speed things up. Can always add the sway bar later.

    Separately, do you (or anyone else) have any idea whether there will be any changes in 2001?

    My dealer said no, just price increases, but I took that with a grain of salt.
  • marellanomarellano Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the great posts everybody. Ya'll have been a great help. I need some opinions on my Quad. The trucks been super. 1 month, 1060 miles and not a hiccup in the 4.7L auto. I have the SLT package but only opted for the 235/75R15's with the 5 spoke sport wheels. My problem...I would greatly like to have the other aluminum wheel which I believe comes with the tire and handling group. Is my only choice to lay out the money to purchase the bigger tire and wheels or does anybody know of a wheel like the T&H pkg that fits the 235/75R15 tire. Would greatly appreciate your opinions! thanks.
    mike
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    To all:

    You're adding to the withdrawal symptoms here! I've had the Quad for 9 days, and it sits in the barn with only 240 miles on the clock!

    Have a couple of tire-kickers interested in the Ram... But until I move the big one out of here, I'm relegated to simply adding accessories to the QC, dusting it off and having occasional conversations with it... Ah well...

    MIKE:
    If I were in your situation with the wheels, I'd check out the aftermarket outfits. They produce some very good wheels that are undoubtedly far less expensive than OEM wheels on the QC with T&H package. Only thing I'd recommend is to stay away from the chromed units... Looked great on the Ram for a couple of years, but they're a PAIN to keep clean and rust is a problem.
  • grokggrokg Member Posts: 9
    If you picked up your QC after 5/1 DC will give you a bedliner for your truck. I picked mine up on 5/3. Last night I noticed an ad for a free bedliner on any Dodge truck, so this morning I called my salesman. At first he didn't want to help me. So I asked him when this promotion was effective. He proudly said 5/1. I promptly responded that I did not pick my truck up until 5/3. He said that he would see what he could do. Ten minutes later I got a phone call to set up an installation time. So, if you just got your QC don't forget to ask about a free bedliner. Obviously they weren't going to tell me about it.

    P.S. I've had my truck for 2 weeks and I absolutely love it. I was out of town for 1 of those 2 weeks so I don't have much to report. Good Luck to those who are still waiting, and safe driving to current owners.
  • texaszachtexaszach Member Posts: 119
    Well heck, since I ordred every option except the 6 x 9 mirrors and the auto tranny, then my order would be on restriction as well. I'm phoning my dealer right now!

    marellano.....There may be some aftermarket wheels which look similar to the Dodge T & H package wheels. If you go the aftermarket route, be sure and get a wheel with the same offset as optional T & H pkg wheels. You could always try and find a set of them which someone has taken off their truck in favor of a different wheel or, WORSE CASE SCENARIO, buy them new at your local dealership. I would imagine them to be a couple hundred bucks a piece from Dodge.
  • cmedcmed Member Posts: 6
    Fellas, just a little note to advise everyone to make a thorough check of their vehicle before delivery. I assumed(yeah, I know) that everything under the truck would be fine. Took delivery on Saturday (4.7, SLT plus) and I did not get on the floor in the dealer's garage to look underneath, but did so at home. I now have to take it back today as there 'problems' underneath. Of course this is the same dealer who did not see the inch long gouge in back of the cab until my wife pointed it out.

    Hopefully they will be upstanding and do the right thing when I get there this afternoon. Other than that, the truck is great. I've had many a compliment already.
  • marellanomarellano Member Posts: 15
    Thanks to Tow and Zach for your reply's. will probably scour the aftermarket and always keep an eye out for someone elses leftovers.
    fellow Quadder.
    mike
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    "...I would greatly like to
    have the other aluminum wheel which I believe
    comes with the tire and handling group - does anybody know of a wheel like the T&H pkg that fits the 235/75R15 tire?"

    I had a Ford pickup with the same size tires mounted on 15x8 rims from the factory so your tires will work with the 15x8 rims. Check this web site www.capitalwheels.com. They have the 15x8 Dakota Factory take off rims for $399 set of four. They also sell your 15x7 rims for $349 a set so you may be able to sell your old rims to them. For others interested they have a "reproduction" 17x9 R/T rim listed also but no price. Hope this helps. Rick
  • marellanomarellano Member Posts: 15
    Thanks Rick, your post is most helpful. Will go straight to capital and check it out. This Quadder site never ceases to amaze and fulfill.
    thanks again.
    mike
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    Where are you located? I haven't seen the free bedliner offer. I wonder if this is regional?
    thanks, Rick
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    grokg,

    I have not heard anything about the bedliner promo. It looks like my truck will come in around the end of June. (as of this A.M. the truck is D status with projected build in June).

    Having said all of that . . I had some questions for everyone:

    How long will the promo for the bedliners last?
    Does this promo come from the dealer?
    Will this be Nationwide? -(I am in Texas)
    Is there any place I can get more info on this promo?

    Sorry for all the questions. I just wanted to be "well armed" when I talk with my dealer.

    Thanx for the info!

    Cowtown Aggie
  • grokggrokg Member Posts: 9
    I am located in Knoxville, TN. I saw the ad on television last night. I am not sure if it is regional or not. I will get the specifics from the dealer on the promo when I go get it installed.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Quark, I was just glancing through one of the older boards (I think # 1636) where the problem with chains was discussed.

    The solution there was to use some kind of spacer. I didn't fully understand it, but you might do a search through that board or some of the other Dakota boards and read it for yourself.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Quark,

    Sounds as though you're experiencing the "typical" defects that seem to come as "standard equipment" with a truck, no matter what badge!

    I've noticed a bit of "looseness" in the power seat (bucket), though no squeeking or squawking yet (give it time!). It's the same "feel" as the power seat (split bench) in the Ram, so I suppose I'm somewhat immune to the problem. I immediately noticed the rear window molding (seems to be a common complaint), though it was easily cureable.

    Such things as the bed alignment problem reported by some owners area a real concern! While I haven't noticed that problem, I can certainly relate to their disappointment!

    Funny... Used to be that we'd "expect" these minor annoyances in a "truck." But when you look at the engineering and build complexity of the Quad (much less the price), you're getting into some significantly higher expectations regarding quality!

    Haven't heard a word from bookitty... Presumeably he's taking delivery today, and will probably be out "playing" with the new Quad for a number of hours... No doubt, however, with some well-defined opinions upon his return to the forum!

    Have to get out and spray off the Ram for another prospective buyer... I've learned to park the QC out of sight when a shopper stops by... A good look at it, and it seems to discourage them from looking further at the Ram!

    Luck to all!!!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Picked up my truck this afternoon and received VIP treatment right to the nines. I was offered the D/C top warranty at a very reduced price of $650.00 to make up for previous problems. Had no contact with my salesman and even that was more contact than I desired, but the sales manager was absolutely super, and made the purchase a comfortable and pleasant experience. Absolutely
    l-o-v-e this truck. Although I haven't put very much time in the seat, it is a superb vehicle and worth the wait. This dealership has Quads in stock, so if anyone is interested, Email me with a list of specifications and I'll see if any truck there would meet your requirements. If it does, I'll give you the name of the sales manager and you can contact him on a direct basis. They are located in Eastern Pennsylvania, so if it makes sense, contact me.

    Bookitty
  • texaszachtexaszach Member Posts: 119
    Well, my dealer has found the 4x4's are not affected by the memo received from Dodge on Thursday, however as you were told, the T & H package is on restraints as of today, but that could change. The question is whether or not it will change before Dodge gives the ax to current QC 4x4 production. My salesman said there are no changes on the 2001 models but that production will not start until August, meaning I would take delivery in Sept. Meanwhile, I phoned another dealer and found a QC close to my specs, except it has auto tranny, 3.55 and the bigger outside mirrors. So for now I am going to give MY dealer a chance to see if the T & H goes off restriction in time to get my scheduled.

    Bookitty! I am happy for you sir, post any and all driving impressions your heart desires, if you are able to sit long enough at the computer to do so.

    Grokg...Great info on the bedliner, the truck I found on the ground today had one in it and the dealer was going to charge me 231.70 for the darn thing. If I end up trying to deal on this truck I will ask them to remove it, I plan on having a rhino sprayed in like I have on the F350 anyway. Knowledge is power, thank you!
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    BOO:
    Congrats on the delivery!

    NOW THEN... Let's see what sort of restraint you can show with that right foot!

    You might consider notching that seat back a few inches to help resist the temptation! (kidding)
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Tow, I have actually considered sitting in the back seat. That would prevent somewhat the desire to "put my foot in it." This truck is so cool. I have an appointment tomorrow to have the A.R.E. lid installed along with a bedliner. I waited for the York, but they had fallen far to the rear on their load-lok line for this truck. I'm getting a Duraliner and Westin side bars in black. I liked the Smittybilt step bars in textured black, but my dealer who handles both recommended the Westin brand. I examined the truck as carefully as was possible, but it is difficult to remain calm and objective when you have waited such a long time.

    Bookitty
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Boo,

    Phew!! You're certainly a lot quicker than I am with the accessories! I'm still putzing with the Ram trying to unload it... The Westin Safari bar sits in the corner or the garage awaiting its turn... The ventivsors, Westin step bar, bug deflectors, etc. haven't arrived... And I'm still looking around on the Fold-a-Cover! Ahh well... At least it'll keep me out of the street for awhile!

    From my perspective, the best is yet to come for you! By that, I mean it won't be 'till you pile 4 adults into the thing that you'll REALLY appreciate what the "Dodge Boys" did with this truck! I still marvel at being able to open those back doors independent of the fronts... It's everything I ever wanted in a car without sacrificing a TRUCK!

    ENJOY! And let us know of your initial impressions!
This discussion has been closed.