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Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - IV
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Comments
really makes the time fly past, especially when you're semi-comatose.
Bookitty
have the dealership look at this petty thing when I get my oil changed.
As far as the visor stickers...the ones underneath are the regular/extended cab Dakota stickers...(remember those guys have an airbag cutoff switch..) so I'm guessing someone at DC realized "oh shi-, that won't work" and just ordered the right stickers to be placed over the wrong ones. On solution is to go to WalMart, buy 2 of those CD holders that fit over the visor, and put 'em to use with CD's, matchbooks, gas cards, registration slips, whatever fits, etc.....
Repairs update-
Local dealer succumbed to my secret weapon regarding persistent bench seat squeaking/creaking...after 2 trips where I got the typical "we can't hear it/you know, a little noise may be characteristic of the vehicle" BS excuses...I uncorked the big gun (sent the wife down since she ain't workin' right now)...
Whaddya know? New seat ordered, loaner car provided if needed for free, and guaranteed it would be done early next week! Why? I don't know!
She can whip an "evil eye" on ya when pushed...
Got door sill protectors on the truck, already saved a ding when accidently banged the rear sill while loading cargo into the back seating area.
Looking for chrome brush guard (no headlight guards) to match the SLT chrome bumper, but Mopar doesn't show that model in the catalog. Any ideas?
Still shopping for front-end protection as well. Would like to have a push bar that is functional(ie actual pushing surface on front end). Looking for black.
I am not sure who posted the suggestion about user profiles when the new Dakota club gets started but I think it is probably a good idea. Seems to be a lot of interesting folks on this forum.
I am (like themacguy) amazed at the growing numbers of posters (and I'm sure lurkers as well). I would like to encourage those who are just hangin' out to join the conversation. We're a friendly bunch that work at keeping our comments constructive and on the civil side.
For bpeebles or a_j or anyone with the manual or the knowledge. What WILL happen if the airbag fuse (passenger side) is removed? Will the airbag deploy? Or will the computer go nuts trying to find the problem? Anybody been brave enought to try it yet?
I mentioned to him about the right rear wheel.....his response was, it must be normal if they are all like this. I said, "BS!" It appears as if my axle is actually longer on that side, not that the bed is misaligned.
Measuring from the frame to the edge of the wheel well, the distance is the same. But if you measure the distance the tire sticks out from the frame, the distances differ by 3/4" or so. This tells me that it is the axle, not the bed. Any other thoughts before I pursue this any farther.
http://www.westinautomotive.com/
http://www.atlantaauto.com/
Call them to confirm fit for 2000 Dakota. They do not specifically show the Pusher by itself, but Westin does make one. Hope this helps.
Bookitty
A follow up to an earlier question, which drew no comments... has anyone attempted to locate/add the wiring to add the trip computer/compass? (that clip is useless) I have all the electric toys except that, and am thinking of installing it myself if it can be wired in without much trouble. Otherwise some other gadget and the auto mirror from j.c. whitney for $98 will work by itself.
Finally, for several posters about the weather strips galling off: the rubber strips between the doors (upper between windows) fell off on my QC almost immediately. I saw the factory tape was too thin for the job (uneven surface, and did not adhere well), so I simply placed a strip of new 3M 2 sided tape over the original, and re attached to the doors. A little pressure to ensure a good stick and it's there for good.
I will try and explain the engine rpm issue without getting too technical - apologies if the result is too basic or too technical anyway.
Any engine is designed to work within an optimal rpm range - that is why we need gears in the first place. The dangers of over revving the engine are fairly obvious, though not as disasterous as they once were - far fewer stories of pistons breaking out of the cylinders these days.
What many people don't realise is that running at very low revs puts just as much (though different) strain on the engine. Without getting into the detailed engineering of it - much of which is thin ice for me anyway, a lot of forces are being put on the engine block and things bolted to the block (which is most of the engine compartment) in directions that forces aren't supposed to be applied.
Think of the suspension on a race car as an example - it is hugely strong when forces are applied in the direction that the suspension is designed for - but in a light collision they snap like a twig - an extreme example, but a good one.
Now in a strret engine you aren't going to do that kind of damage by hitting 5th when aiming for 3rd, but over a prolonged period of time the damage can occur. My philosophy with the 4.7 would be to keep the revs above 1500 wherever possible, top end is less of a problem because people just aren't going to sustain those revs - they'll shift up. I wouldn't run my truck above 4000 rpm for any distance, but there is nothing wrong with exploring the peak in the hp curve (around 4300rpm) during acceleration.
On another note, I don't know, but I imagine that pulling the passenger airbag fuse (assuming its separate from the driver's side) would work (this was the off roaders approach before switches) - bpeebles will be able to confirm from the shop manual.
Just to let you guys and gals know I call my dealership and asked about the chrome nerf bars and they gave me a price of $650 plus $50 to install. I asked why would I pay them twice the price of the Westin nerf bars, his only comment was I don't know. If Mopar wants people to buy their products maybe they should price them alittle more competitive.
Bookitty
One word of caution about chrome nerf bars. The chrome will chip over time and a rechrome is not a cheap undertaking - remember I have an XJ-S so I know all about chrome!!!
If you want the shiny look you may want to consider the stainless steel - the entry cost is higher but they will last longer. They will still chip, but you still have stainless steel showing. Stainless steel can yellow slightly over time. but with regular care and maintenance 5 year old stainless will look better than 5 year old chrome.
Incidentally, as far as engine technology is concerned - I know at least one guy in the UK who may not agree with you. I was racing a Hillman Imp (if any one knows what that is). It had been souped up for racing and actually generated more than 100hp per litre (just as well as it was only about 1 litre bored out). I was changing from 4th to 5th when I was bumped from the drivers side (RHD) knocking my arm and causing me to go to 1st, not 5th. I don't think that the car's owner thought that I had much of an understanding of engines when he and I were inspecting the 4 holes in the hood that were left behind when the pistons flew out!!!!!
Just read your post. Congrats on your choice of the 100XQ. Should be a great cap. I am picking up my Leer tonneau Saturday. Just went outside and crawled under the Quad. Also gave me an excuse to stand back and admire it some more. Look to the rear passenger side of the spare. There is a "Y" in the wire bundle leading from the front to both rear light groups. Near that "Y", there is a single-wire pigtail with a label marked "HMSL" (high-mounted stop lamp??). I don't have my tester light, but I'd be willing to bet that's the wire. I think you could run a neat pair of wires (hot and ground) from there, up through the tailgate gap, tuck it behind the rear bed post, to the cap's wiring harness. If you have a tester, try it out. If not, I will try it tomorrow and let you know.
I am pretty sure it would have been a bolt on rather than a custom - this wasn't exactly high budget stuff. Having said that I couldn't think of any of the Imp derivatives that had 5 speeds, but I may be mistaken - I just drove the things.
The more I get into the workings of new trucks and the Quad in particular I am amazed at the engineering and complexity of the electrical systems. The only other thing DC could have included with the pigtail would have been switched 12 volts from the bed lamps. The camper light could be wired so that the bed lamp switch controlled power to that topper lamp.
Thanks for the complement on the topper choice, I priced plain toppers and they were in the $900 range so it was kinda a no brainer. I found a Leer dealer willing to sell on less margin so I got the 100XQ for $1095 plus whatever options I wanted to add were at his cost. I hope it will be here by next Thursday but if not the following week for sure. Rick
Bookitty
I was stuck behind a 18 wheeler (OK not stuck, but didn't need to pass) and the computer said I was getting 30 MPG in his draft. Travel 20 miles like that and your MPG goes up quickly.
Every week DC announces its U.S. and Canadian Assembly Plant Schedule, and links to these reports are posted at:
http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/107608.html
You'll see that for the week of June 5 all nine U.S. assembly plants and all three Canadian assembly plants will be operating.
I looked at some old reports, to see what they looked like during the summer shut down. For example, I was able to determine that last year, the Dodge City Complex in Michigan (where I think the QC is assembled) was closed the weeks of June 3 and June 10 for model changeover, and resumed production the week of June 17.
The report doesn't tell you what was being produced, but at least you can tell they were doing something.
Sometimes I think the Net is too much of a good thing. For quite a bit of effort I got a teeny bit of info. Perhaps a bit of patience would have been better.
I bought my truck used about 3 weeks ago. 2000 quad, 4.7, auto, white, legend cover, and stainless steel nerf bars. Only 873 miles when I bought it "used". Love this truck.
My truck also has the leaf spring noise, took it into the dealer, 5 star, and they said that they found out what the problem was and they had to order a part for the leaf springs. That was last week and the "part" still has not come. I will post as soon as it is fixed and let you know what exactly the dealership and what part was ordered.
The URL for further info is http://www.autobulbdepot.com
As far as driving lamps I'd check the current draw of the standard bulbs. I believe the owners manual said they were 899 bulbs. If the hella didn't exceed the current draw of the standard bulbs you'd be OK otherwise you 'd have to install a wiring harness and auxillary switch to control them. Rick
Bookitty
http://users.bart.nl/~franka/tech/gearshif.html
Includes some stuff on gearbox modifications by Knight Developments Ltd. There was a 5-speed box which appears to have cost 150 quid in 1967.
I guess this is about as off-subject as you can get :-)
Those were good little cars, loadsa fun and pretty forgiving. (unless you hit first instead of fifth).
I presently have a 98 Dakota CC, 20,000 mile and it has been flawless. Will be geeting new one in 10 months as this truck is a lease.
Very serious about getting a Quad. This forum has been very informative.
Checked out Cars@cost.com and it now list the 2001 Dodge Dakota's.
Very interesting in that it shows as options as in
the Club Cab that rear window defogger is now an options and the tire and handling package now includes 16" tires.
The Quad cab listed 16" tires also but now includes leather interior with the buckets seats as an option.
Don't know how much of this is legit but check the web site if you guys get a chance.
Rassom1
What you guys may be interested in, is that the dealer got his 2001 spec sheets in for the Dakota. My wife happen in just as they arrived and the dealer made a copy for her to check for any changes that might affect us. More on that later. They also said that Monday is the first day to order the 2001 Dakotas. Nothing about build dates. The estimate is that there is going to be about a $300+ price increase over the 2000.
This weekend, I will look over the paperwork to see if I have to adjust my order before Monday. I might get at least a little lemonade out of this. It is always good to find a dealer that you can have confidence in.
The impression I got was that an after-market hitch was a-ok and that the towing package wasn't absolutely necessary for occasional (or in my case, less than occasional) use.
I'm not sure that a dealer would have given me such candid advice. Thanks to the royal court for your supportive advice!
Have a splendid weekend!
Cyberdad2
1.) Should my ignition light up at night. I see a clear ring around the switch, but it does not light up.
2.) I see the outline of my shift light (a little arrow) just below the "3" on the tachometer and it does not work. (I do not care about that anyway)
3.) On my instrument panel I see the outline of the words "gate open" (If you look close you will see it at an angle) but it does not light up when the tailgate is open, or when the key is turned on as a bulb check. All the other symbols light up. Do they use the same instrument cluster for a 5 speed and an automatic?
4.) Should my cruise contols on the steering light up at night. My power window controls do light up but the cruise controls do not.
thanks.
1) Ignition light, probably not a light. I'm not positive though
2) Shift light, gauge cluster is the same as 4 cyl. Dakota. That truck with 5 spd probably uses an upshift light.
3) Again same gauge cluster as a Durango, they have a lift gate.
4) Most cruise controls aren't backlit, that would require careful engineering.
new aerodynamic power/heated folding side mirrors
new front fascia
new 15x7 cast aluminum wheel
NEW 16X8 CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
new P255/60R16 tire on 4x2s
new 265/70R16 on 4x4s
new I/P cluster with improved heater/AC and controls
new corporate steering column
new front door trim panels
new power outlet in floor console w/bucket seats
new illuminated center console
new interior trim colors, dark slate and taupe
new load shedding battery (battery saver)
new security system
new electric shift transfer case(dial located on I/P)
new single-stage air bag system
the electronic PRNDL on the 4.7L is now on the 3.9L & 5.9L
new AM/FM/cass/CD radio
new premium sound CD radio
new 6 button remote radio controls (added mode function)
new Homelink System in overhead console
I hope you guys find this as interesting as I did. No major changes, but I know some people are going to want the leather seats. I do have a question. Where is the Dodge City plant? I do not think that they are referring to KS, but I cannot find any other Dodge City.
I think Dodge City is in Warren, Michigan.
Later
Chad
I was looking through the MOPAR truck catalog and noticed ITEM#19, The Bed light and power outlet for the bedliner...it says that it has a power outlet that is hot when the switch is on and a light that activates when the cargo light is on...
This tells me that there is (Somewhere under there)
(1) a switched 12V that is hot when the key is on
AND
(2) a switched 12V that is hot when the cargo light is on
I think if we get the install sheet for this item, we could wire our accessories according to MOPARS reccommendations...The wires dont know whats on the other end whether it is a power outlet or a pair of driving lights (with a Relay of course)
Any thoughts????
Im gonna call D/C and see if i can get the install sheet faxed to me on monday
Chad
does the;
new electric shift transfer case(dial located on I/P)
Mean that the Dakota is changing over to push-button-4WD (Such as found on GM S-series trucks)?
AM I reading this right?
The noise comes from the pedal as soon as it hits the floor. The only thing the pedal hits is my floor mat. (too soft to make a click noise) Is that clicking noise possibly the gizmo that must be pushed in, in order for the truck to be started. I have to push the clutch in or it will not start. You guys already knew that........duh!!!!
I thought the same thing as i have the 4.7L 5sp combo...i thought the light was burnt out until i read about it in the Owners manual..
Chad
Have had my QC for a month now. 4.7L with 5-sp, MPG 19.8 avg. Have made several 300 mile round trips to Delaware. GREEEAAAT vehicle to drive and ride in. This is more fun then my '88 Trans Am.
For those who had to wait for the 2001's, it sounds as it will have its own rewards, outstanding upgrades on the new models. Kewl stuff, eh 1meyer1? I was thinking about buying aftermarket 16 x 8 wheels for my QC and going to Bridgestone AT P265-70R16 tires, now it looks as if the factory is going to the same wheel and tire size.
Not much else to contribute tonight, except I was most pleased to see the number of posts today, lots of activity here on our little part of the Forum.
Take care and be safe all.....
Zach