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Comments
(8.0 liter) in the Dakota. I am talking about the same V10 they put in the Ram 2500. Now that would be a heck of a truck. Of course they would have to beef up the suspension and driveline, but with todays technology I think it could be done. I may sound a little crazy, but I bet most of you would like to see that. By the way, I hear that in the year 2003, Dodge is supposed to put the Hemi engine in the Dakotas. They will only be available in automatics, and I believe it will be a 6.2 liter and a 6.9 liter. I am not real sure about the 6.9 liter, but I did hear the 6.2 will replace the 4.7 in the year 2003. The Hemis were great engines, and got its name because the tops of pistons look like Hemispheres which gives the engine a high compression ratio. Has anyone else heard anything about this?
Draw-Tite
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#75073 OR #75038 (Never got a straight answer on the difference between the 2)--->i bet the dealer sold you the one for the 1999 with the factory rollpan...i.e. 4cyl stripper with no bumper..
Funny story about the draw-tite---> While i was talking to a drawtite dealer, he was giving me the "oh it mounts so easy" speech while walking me back to the service bay where one was being installed on a club cab..As soon as we walked through the door, the mechanic installing the hitch on the Dak threw his air ratchet across the garage and into the wall and said, and i quote: "These G-D DAMN hitches NEVER fit up on these Fu--ing Dodges" It was the funniest thing ive ever heard...If i only had a picture of the salesman's and the installer's faces..
Reese
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#36047---> this is the 3-piece design which means the side brackets must be bolted to the cross bar and then botled to the truck (Uses Factory hole and NO-Drilling)Nice hitch but i didnt like the look of the 3 Long bolts sticking out of each side hooking the brackets to the crossbar
#44018---> This is the 1-peice welded unit(Which I installed by the way)..Looks great and went on easy...I found a local dealer that sold the Hitch-ONLY for $99....NO Drilling and easy fit up
All 44xxx Series Reese hitches come with the drawbar, Pin, and clip from Reese (Dont let the dealers tell you otherwise..I didn't need the bar/pin so the guy took them out of the kit and took about $50 off the selling price.
Reese was by far the best looking hitch i found and i looked at them all (Hidden Hitch ,Drawtite,Reese,Putman,Valley,etc) Reese had the cleanest look and the best finish...Some of the mentioneed used the existing holes BUT you had to drill One Hole in each Frame Rail..
Here are the websites for both manufacturers:
Drawtite----> http://www.draw-tite.com/
Reese-------> http://www.reeseproducts.com/
happy Hunting
Chad
http://www.draw-tite.com/
Chad
I believe that D/C has said that the 4.7 is a 10 year (plus) design. Any new design should simply be that - a new design. I've heard the new Dakota ('03) is supposed to be in the mid 5 liter range, and several other posters have said similar things - who knows at this point. Either way, it looks like a larger displacement hemi (as opposed to our 4.7's hemi like design) is definitely on the way, and I agree, it'll be an amazing package. And in my driveway.
I'm also debating the 3.55 vs the 3.92. I know this will probably be a tough call. I will have a 4x4 quad with the 4.7 & 5 speed. I will tow a single or double jet ski trailer (1,000 to 2,000+ lbs). I am leaning toward the 3.92, hoping that the power difference will be greater than the mileage difference.
Last thing, the Dakota brouchure does not show lower towing capacities for the 5-spd. I used to own a 99 F-150 5speed and the 5 speed was rated ridiculously lower than the automatic. Is the Dodge 5-speed just as good for towing as the automatic?
Thanks guys.
It's not my intention to steer anyone clear of this particular vehicle. I may have just gotten an exception. But my last 3 cars were Japanese--one of them, a '93 Nissan Pickup went into the shop once in the five years I had it for non-maintenance repair. Ditto for a '95 Suzuki Sidekick, one A/C problem. My wife's '99 Suzuki Esteem has yet to encounter so much as a loose screw. That means the QC has been in the shop in the 4 weeks I've had it more than those other three cars combined--over several years!
So, rather than face protracted back and forth with the dealer and regional reps, I decided to bite the bullet and trade it with only 1.5k on the odometer for a Mazda MPV. I estimate I had to pay about $1200 to get out of the Dakota. Meanwhile, I'll use my old beater Jeep Grand Wagoneer for towing and maybe I'll actually have the Mazda in my driveway once in a while instead of the service department. I just wish the MPV came in the Amber Fire Mist.
There is a membership fee for joining the Farm Bureau that varies from state to state, county to county ect. My membership fee was $70 and others have posted fees as low as $35. Still, this is a worthwhile investment for a $500 rebate. You do not need to be a farmer to join. Some dealerships even process the membership forms for you. If the dealership you are considering does not, check out <<A HREF="http://www.fb.com/">http://www.fb.com/> for the location of your local office.
Ordered my QC 4/13, Black Sport, 4.7L, Auto, 4x4, LSD, T&H Group, Overhead console, power everything etc., all the toys except buckets. Had test drove a 2WD V-6 (all the dealer had in stock) prior to ordering. I figured the 4.7L 4x4 would 'feel' more substantial, but had no way of knowing how much, so I basically ordered one on a 'wing and a prayer'.
The dealer called yesterday to tell me my QC came in. I saw and drove it for the first time last evening. Wow!! It feels so big, heavy, solid, responsive, smooth, .... could go on and on here. (Just a great 'feel' that I haven't experienced since the first time I drove a Land Cruiser). Very impressed!! In comparison to the feel of the 2WD V-6, well, .... there is no comparison.
For me, the RAZ stereo was worth every penny. For my 'maiden voyage' I popped in a Doobie Bros. CD and cranked it up. About half way through 'Long Train Runnin', one could almost think there's a subwoofer hidden somewhere!
Was pleasantly surprised by the range of the power seat. The fold-away 6x9 mirrors give a great view and are not 'elephant ears' as I had feared. Glad I opted for the bench seat. To me it feels just as comfortable as the buckets, but I like the folding armrest much better for arm support. T&H group does a lot for appearance and I believe contributes to that great ride and handling 'feel'. Overhead console is nice with more functions than I realized: an elapsed timer, outside temperature, direction of travel, instant MPG, average MPG, and estimated miles left for the amount of gas in the tank.
What a great truck! Looking forward to picking it up (for good) later today after they finish all the prep. I did endure a 'Bookitty' type of experience last night though. After special ordering this thing and waiting all these weeks, I drove to the dealership last evening very anxious to see it. When I got there, it was nowhere to be found. Apparently, one of the salesmen had a 'brain fart' and gave the keys to some browsers, .... who took my new Quad for a fifty mile - hour and a half test drive (despite the bright yellow 'SOLD' stickers on the windshield). Sheesh!! Talk about being dumber than a bag of hammers!!!
Look forward to learning more from this group! Thanks again to all who have contributed over the past months. It certainly helped me chose the right options and configuration!
Bookitty
The installation went without a hitch, though I misplaced a stop rivet in one side rail (a trip to the hardware for a replacement rivet, redrill the hole (through the plastic mounting rail and NOT the truck rail, so no big deal).
INSTALLATIION IMPRESSIONS:
-- Very thorough instructions
-- Advise having a helper to drop the (folded) cover into place to avoid chance of missing the mark and scratching the bedrail (the wife helped).
Locking it in place is a simple matter of folding it up, installing a clamp bracket to each bedrail (3 bolts with locknuts on each side)
-- Removal can be handled "solo"... Loosen the clamp bracket nuts, fold the cover completely, drop the tailgate, stand in the bed, grab the cover and lift straight up (allow 10 minutes solo, 5 minutes with a helper).
I have the "TA" (total access) cover, and like it very much... It allows access to not only just the rear, but also the front area of the bed... Very versatile!
If you don't mind the looks of a textured black cover, and want someting versatile, I'd highly recommend it!
NEXT STEPS:
For what it's worth, nexts steps for me:
-- Wait for the Westin step bars to come in (back-ordered) and install.
-- Remove the cover, mask off mounting rails and take the truck back to Ziebart (who sold me the Fold-a-Cover) and have them spray in an over-the-rail Rhino Liner. While it's there, they'll put it on the hoist and install the Westin Light Bar.
After that, installation of the electronic brake controller I scavenged from the Ram, have the trailer dealer install it in the Quad, get different hitch ball unit to compensate for lower receiver height of the Quad, and I should be in business!
--
bigal31....You were correct, baddassbob knocked a grand slam home run right here in Dallas, Texas this morning, once again this forum proves an invaluable source of information!
lmeyerl....Tough call on the Double Cab. The sales manager of a local Toyota dealership here told me that Toyota has realized they need to bring prices down on the Tacoma to become competitive in the market and have started to do so. A comparison between the QC and the Toyota is quite interesting, though the Dodge wins in the value department at this time , considering the horsepower of the 4.7 V8, available amenities and price. I like that Toyota offers a factory supercharger kit for the V6 used in the Tacoma, Four Runner and Tundra, BUT its three thousand dollars. It can be purchased over the counter and installed by the buyer or the dealership will install it . I would think that the extra length of the Double Cab would offer a better ride than that of an extra cab Tacoma but I doubt it will be as good as the QC. Who really knows until October though?
Jkinsley....Congrats on the new arrival!
Take care and be safe all....
Zach
Vehicles from Chrysler that are delivered with about 65 miles, have a sticker on the drivers window, informing the consumer that the vehicle had been pulled and driven for a comprehensive quality check.
I would say that dealer owes you something.
Just to nit-pick:
The Hemi name came to be not because of the shape of the pistons, but to the combustion chamber shape in the head.
It is logical to assume that both of these will be hemis or at least near hemis (like the 4.7). It is also logical to assume that DC will be looking to put versions of these engines into sports coupes / sedans to coincide with the resurgence of the Dodge name in NASCAR next year and to get on the retro throwback bandwagon - I would virtually guarantee that these cars would be powered by true hemis - those that remember the hemi-cuda now have money to burn.
It is a known fact that the Ram will be redesigned for 2002 with a more rounded, and fairly aggressive styling, though not a radical departure from the current models. These trucks will require new engines and larger versions of the 2nd generation magnums is obviously the way to go - will they make it to Dakota - well maybe, but I wouldn't put money on it.
Finally the heavy duty Rams will be launched as 2003 models with distinctly different styling from the new Rams - I am hearing more and more about a very close approximation to the Power Wagon concept. The Power Wagon was shown with a diesel and MB are now pressurizing corporate DC to put an MB diesel in these trucks instead of the traditional Cummins. You can also expect to see V10s at this level, even if not in the 'regular' Rams, but as noted these will be bred for torque not hp, so I really can't see one of these being wedged into a Dakota, and whilst the concept is nice, I sure as heck wouldn't want to drive one on a regular basis - especially with all that weight at the opposite end to the driving wheels.
Ford pulled a remarkable coup a couple of years back when it broke the Super Duty line (particularly 350 through 650). In fact, it created a new market all its own which spanned the gap between light duty pickups and what we knew as medium-duty trucks. Upfitters and personal-use buyers loved it!
Then comes Chevy, green with envy, scrambling to compete, worked up the Silverado HD (due out next month I believe). It doesn't have the market "spread" of the Ford SD's, so it settled for competing with the Ford 250/350 series with high cards in both gas and diesel power and capacity. Chevy's 300 hp Mitsubishi Diesel mated to an incredibly strong Allison trans blew both Ford and Dodge diesels away.
Now comes Dodge... And I suspect its HD Ram will be aimed primarily at Silverado HD... Better late than never... And it should be very interesting to see what the Dodge Boys come up with!
I worked on training programs for both the Ford and Chevy HD entries, and regret that I won't have the same chance with Dodge on the Ram... Guess I'll admit to "wandering by" the test track surrounding DC headquarters (about 15 miles away) for a glimpse of the new stuff. Vantage points are tough to find... But after all, half the fun is in the "hunt!"
One other question (off the subject). Just in front of the muffler on my truck (toward the front of the truck) is something that resembles a catalytic converter, but there are no 02 sensors on it. Any clue what this is. I plan on putting a flowmaster 20 series on with dual pipes running out the back. Can I remove this muffler looking thing. Don't worry, I am not going to remove the converters. (I found them just below the exhaust manifolds.....there are two of them and each one has an 02 sensor) The thing I am talking about is about 18 inches long and is the shape of a cylinder. Thanks again.
Thanks for your responses. You can now call me farmer Vic
This is the one BIG reason i went with Closed-Tube (Seal-Welded) type from Reese...Most of these types i see on older trucks are in pretty good shape finish wise (at least better than a Open-Style with similar age)...
I know what some of you guys are thinking: "Its a TRUCK and its supposed to look like its been USED" Well not my truck...I prefer to keep it looking showrom fresh(With the exception of the bed floor)...Some call it ANAL but i call it getting a better resale price when the time comes to buy the new
2005(?) V-10 QuadCab R/T.........What do you think guys???
Chad
I love the power in this truck -- this engine is amazing. I took on a 10 mile dirt/rock road and handled well, except for the turn posted at 25 mph, I took at 45. :-) This is the engine to get over the v-6. Never say a 5.9 to test drive in my area. Driving home from the dealer some guy driving an old chevy pulled up next to me and waved/honked at me, rolled down my windows and he said "Cool truck man, way cool". My first tank was 17.5 mpg, not bad and second was 17.45 mpg. My commute is too short -- only 2.4 miles each way and has a lot of stop signs.
Now for the subject of my post -- I found info on the TOYota Tacoma Double Cab at http://www.toyota.com -- search for double. It's bed looks a lot smaller, says it has a fold down seat -- better than the Frontier CC but not as good as the QC and it only goes up to 190 hp via a V-6, no V-8. It only seats 5, not 6 -- one of my requirments if my wife were to have a kid all of a sudden. Hey honey, are you pregnant or are you just getting chunky? SLAP!! Bed size only says "more than 5 feet long" -- so I guess its about the same as the QC or slightly shorter.
Then there are the new GM twins, these sound even worse than the Toyota (by my standards). See http://gmc.com/sonoma/crewcab/index.html
My opinions of these one are the lack of the v-8, top v-6 is 190hp. I am surprised they call it a mid-sized truck. The bed is only 4ft 6inches -- 9 inches shorted than QC. Payload is about 400lbs less, 1125lbs instead of 1500lbs. Seats 15 passengers, 19 gallon tank instead of 24. Their brakes one-up Dodge, they come w/ ABS and disc standard on all 4 wheels.
In sum, I am glad I did not wait for these. I didn't even test drive the Fords, F-150 SC was too big and overpriced, the SportTrac too ugly. The Nissan lost me due to its non-folding and small rear seat -- I needed the sto-n-go feature of the QC. The QC is the way to go. This board is great!! This is my first post, sorry for the newbie truck owner questions above.
-Bob
I'd probably have to pay someone to do both, since I'm all thumbs, but my guess is that if you're reasonably handy you might be able to add the stabilizer bar yourself. I think you'd need be more than "reasonably handy" to change out the rear diff.
I've seen stabilizer bars for other trucks (uninstalled) running well under $200. Never checked on prices of LSDs.
I've not seen a final answer here on the overhead computer, but I could have missed it.
For what it's worth, I think the bed on the Double Cab will be 61 inches long or just about two inches shy of the QC's bed.
Evan
Also, the dealers don't have pricing yet.
On to spark plugs...
The 4.7 L V8 has NO spark-plug wires in the conventional sense. Instead, each plug has its own coil plugged right on top of it held in with a bolt. It is rumored that replacing the sparkplugs requires removing parts of the intake system.
This engine has several other 'special' features such as the carbon-composite bedplate. This is usually found in engines specifically designed for competition. (Over 20 bolts hold the main bearings in place)
The oiling system uses some 'neat' features to ensure that everything is well lubed. (hollow OVERHEAD camshafts feed half of the valve-actuators.)
The cooling system uses what I call a 'bypass system' that regulates the temperature of the coolant ENTERING the engine very precisely with a minimum 50% bypass at all times. (Notice that the thermostat is mounted LOW on the engine)
Valve covers are MAGNESIUM which is very light. (However DO NOT let any wires/hoses lay against them or risk wearing a hole in the VERY thin material)
Paraphrased from the DC service manual
side of the oil-fill tube. To remove it, pull the
rubber hose from the firewall-side of it the valve.
It then takes a quarter-twist to release the
'ears' and remove it.
CAUTION: The 4.7L V-8 engine is equipped with copper core ground electrode spark plugs. They must be replaced with the same type/number spark plug as the original. If another spark plug is substituted, pre-ignition will result.
So much for platinum plugs. By the way the part number per the book is RC12MCC4 gapped at 1.01mm (.040 in.)
Although the book makes no reference to it, I have heard problems reported with spark plugs left long term in aluminum heads. It was suggested that you use a copper antiseize compound when changing plugs. Can anyone confirm this?? I would also think due to the odd part number of the spark plug a person might be advised to get/order the plugs ahead of time when planning to change them. Rick
What happened to good quick clean neck snapping shifts? Tire chearping shifts? These new autos should be called slideamatics since they sllliiiddddeee into gear.
Anti sway bar - fairly easy, low(ish)cost after market add.
LSD - less straightforward add, but can be done - themacguy did a rear end swap - ratio change, not lsd, but he should be able to add something.
Spark plugs / anti-seize - definitely need to use some kind of anti seize when changing, I can't think of any problems with copper.
After 9,000 miles the love affair with this truck is still going strong and I would buy another one tomorrow. My wife loves the truck as well and we are seriously considering a second one (2wd version) as a second family vehicle. Depends on the end of year deal we might find.
themacguy and sir a_j- how's the owners group going? I know you all have been working on it and I would like to add my thanks to that of others who appreciate your efforts.
Anybody had any experience with or heard any reports on the geautowarranty product. As 12,000 miles approaches I am about to make a decision on the extended warranty. Again, any help or comments would be appreciated.
Bonnie suggested one topic last week that kinda passed me by - that of a meet the members topic. At first I thought, cool, it would be good to know motre about the people here, but the more I think about it the more useful it sounds.
We can provide details of our knowledge / experience / skills etc and then be available either here or via e-mail to address specific issues. Just think about some of the topics that we cover here - dogs, cats and Hillman Imps just for starters - oh yeah and some truck stuff occasionally ;-)
impy2: I'll confess that I don't know a thing about AMSOIL (though I've had some experience with Mobil 1).
I do, however, have 2 cents to add regarding WHY I went back to using conventional oil and changing every 3,000 with a fresh filter.
My understanding from those who know better is that particulates aren't the only problem... That over time (particularly if the truck sits for periods of time), acids will accumulate in the crankcase... Acids that cannot be removed by a filter.
Maybe I'm old-fasioned, but I switched back to conventional oil and filter change every 3,000 miles (2,000 when towing). I found a GOOD quick-oil-change outfit nearby (no small task)... Drive in, sit with a coffee for 10 minutes, lay out my 20 bucks, and I'm off!
shifts? Tire chearping shifts?"
Why they are still there, It's called a 5 Speed Manual Transmission
Evan
Ben
1st fill-up: 15.47mpg (break-in miles and a couple trips to work. Work is 70 miles round trip almost all hwy at 60+ mph
2nd fill-up: 15.65mpg (more break-in miles driving around town and back and forth to work and topping off tank before heading to NY)
3rd fill-up: 17.48mpg (After I arrived in Rosco, NY. Traveling mostly Hwy from North of Boston through Conn. to Rosco, NY)
4th fill-up: 17.52mpg (Driving around Rosco to various fishing locations and getting lost in NY on my way home, this time heading North to Vt.)
5th fill-up: 21.5mpg (Miles from Bennington, VT through the moutains to South Eastern New Hampshire. Steep moutain driving conditions and secondary hwy driving)
I still love my truck. Although I've noticed that sometimes when I first start out, I really need to give it some gas before it starts to accelerate. Once this is done, it feels as though I've got the "cobwebs" cleaned out of it and a little change on the gass peddle brings on some nice acceleration.
I've got a little over 1,200 miles on it and so far it's only stalled once. I had taken a wrong turn on a dirt road in NY and had to back up to turn the truck around before driving out of a wash-out in the road. I was pleasantly surprised I didn't need 4wd for that.
Onto other things... The Rhino Liner will be sprayed in tomorrow morning. The CD player from my old truck will be installed on Fri. My step rails have been ordered (Smittybuilt Sure-steps) and should be arriving any day.
I'm a happy owner. :-)