DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

clk323

I'm ready to order my Quad Cab but I haven't gotten a definitive answer regarding the $2000 cash back incentive. The rebate expires on 4/3/01 and the truck probably won't be delivered by then. Does anyone know if the rebate will apply if the truck arrives after the expiration date? Three different dealers were unsure.

steve234

It bothers me where you inferred that the automatic with the 4.7 has problems. While all automatics often have a slightly higher problem rate than manuals, most of the stuff going around have been about the learning cycle. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. It is just like ABS, once you realize what is happening, you begin to appreciate how nice this tranny is. Just because you are a manual fanatic, you should not scare a potential buyer from his decision. I wish Iman333 luck in trying to find a dealer with a 5-spd. They do not like to have them on the books. He might have better luck in a farming area dealership. He definitely should try to find one before buying, but if he does decide to go with the automatic, he will probably be very happy, especially, if he lives in Sacramento.

1stdakota

I purchased a 2000 QC in November off of the lot, and it did not have the fog lamp package. However as some of you know the lower bumper has to dummy circles where the fog lamps would have gone. Has anyone had aftermarket fog lamps installed in those dummy cutouts? If so how did it look after installation? I'm afraid it might not look like factory installation.

tvay

Go to web http://www.dakota-truck.net/order_status.html . That has all the info you need to call Dodge customer service.

bpeebles

(steve234)If full disclosure "bothers" you, Feel free to skip my append and not read it. I do not intend to ruffle feathers. My technical nature somtimes riles others. I tend to "tell it like it is"

Make no mistake about it the 45RFE automatic has some 'teething pains'. I am very aware of the "learning" nature of the 45RFE automatic. There were some early broken internal parts that were redesigned as well. I have to admit that in more receint months, the reported failures have lessened.

It would not be fair to 'hide' these facts from anyone that is considering ALL of the options available to them. Dodge has a history of weak automatic transmissions in the RAM and in certain minivans. The 45RFE automatic is one reason I orderd the 5Speed manual.

Another VERY IMPORTANT thing to consider with the 45RFE automatic is that the suggested maintenance schedule is almost TWICE more $costly$ than any other automatic xmission I have ever encounterd. This is important to some people.

steve234

The vast majority of people are better off with automatics. Most kids born after 75 don't even know how to properly shift or take care of a clutch. Those who tow or do a lot of stop and go driving are usually better off with an automatic. This is why I would guess that over 80% of the trucks are sold with automatics. Yes the maintenance on an automatic is higher, just as the initial cost is higher. There are no free lunches. As for the maintenance schedule being more expensive, it is happening on all makes and is more a reflection of how long we expect vehicles to last. You gave the impression that the multi-speed was problem plagued. I am actually impressed with how few complaints are made about actual problems. As many people use automatics and as complicated as they are mechanically, it is not surprising that the automatic is the number one complaint about any make. There are entire boards about particular automatics.
I have no problems with anyone who prefers a 5-spd, but I would never advocate anyone buying a 5-spd or automatic unless they had the chance to test drive one. The amount of money spent is too much to have regrets about something so fundamental to the driving experience.

biglucy

Dave,

As far as warranties go, If you're planning on keeping your new truck longer than the 3/36 plan then you may want to look into the plethora of plans that are offered - check out Dan's post in Dakota Owners Quad Cab forum post #2038. If you're gung ho on keeping your truck covered, then the time to get the extended warranty is when you sign all your paperwork, that is when purchasing extended coverage is the cheapest. You can still purchase extended coverage any time before the 3/36 runs out, but the price increases as you add time and mileage to the truck.

An electric sliding rear window is a great idea, I also had a Chevy extended cab and when I got my new QC I found out that I couldn't reach the slider from the driver's seat ! But unfortunately I doubt that Mopar even makes an electric sliding rear window (???) so you'll have to buy an aftermarket and I would guess that if you do find one, the price will be quite high$$$ considering the sliding window motor, wiring, lock mechanism, and installation charge. If you really -need/want- a sliding rear window then you might want to add the manual window now with the new truck purchase (about 100 bucks) unless you find an electric slider quickly, or else you'll be left with no rear window at all if you can't find an aftermarket (or you find it's way too expensive for you). Good luck and let me know what you find out about the electric sliding window.

weebedna

Looking to buy either the Dakota Quad (4.7-4wd) or the Ford SuperCrew. Ford is a bit more expensive, but not much. Any advice on the merits of buying either would be appreciated....

davids1

Ford is considerably more expensive when you consider comparably equipped vehicles. Factor in the incentives and the Dakota Quad becomes even more likeable. The question is, which one is right for you.

jglenn

Thanks for the info!

davewarwick1

biglucy,

Thanks for response. I called the dealer today and asked about adding the manual rear slider. Unfortunately it is too late as they said the truck will be here in a couple of weeks. I just ordered it on 2/10 so I will have to take their word on it. They did have a contact to put in a warranteed rear electric sliding window and will find more about it. They said it is ~$1k installed. much. Anyway, will let you know when I know.

As for the extended warranties. I will go over that again with the dealer at time of truck arrival. I hope to have the truck a long time.

dave

steve234

Last year I was in the same quandry. As a life long Ford fan (30+ years), I was waiting for the Supercrew to come out. I felt that with my 4500 lb boat and other needs, the Supercrew was my only solution. Then I took a ride in a Quad with the 4.7 and was impressed. The Quad will fit a standard garage and parking spaces better. If you do not need the size of the Supercrew, the Quad is an great vehicle. The decision is going to narrow down to a few details that will only apply to you and yours. Study and test drive both vehicles. Bargain with both brands. Read the forums here, just remember that there are occassional bashers in all the forums. When you get the decision down to a dealer from each, Check out their reputation and their service department. Good luck.

john1726

To clk323, if the deaer places the order as a sold order with your name, it will be price protected from any price increases and you will be eligable for the current incentives.

crawly16

Hello fellow quad owners. I was disappointed that I got no responses on my last questions, so I hope someone can help this time. I am a first time truck owner, quad cab 4x2 4.7 V8 SLT etc etc. This is also the first new vehicle I've ever purchased, so I am very careful with it. I am wondering if I should purchase bug deflector shields from Dodge. I have an SLT that is patriot blue, and the I love the chrome. I want to know how important the shield is, and how if anyone feels it is really worth putting on, or if it is just a cosmetic thing. My main question is in the long run, will this thing really make a difference in protecting my beloved ST or no.
thanks for any help or opinions you can give me.
crawly

txqc2000

I had the same concern b/4 I installed my bug deflector, especially re:covering the chrome. As it turns out, mine fits between the hood and the chrome grill, so it won't block it at all. It is an aftermarket product (I think made by Ventvisor), NOT the Mopar product. Based on the pictures I've seen in the Dakota accessories book, it seems the Mopar product DOES attach in front of the grill. BTW, the ONLY reason I installed the bug deflector is that a friend of mine who owned a Durango SLT said he got numerous chips on the front of his hood and he regretted not installing a deflector. Now that it is installed, I think it looks good as well.

Go to msgs. 619 and 627 to read about issues with installment, etc. In msg 627, I have a link to pics. of my SLT with the bug deflector on (all 3 pieces), if you want to see what it will look like installed.

Good luck.

quadtruck

LIKE YOU, I DIDN'T WANT TO MESS UP THE CHROME, I GOT A "LUND BUG GURD THAT I LIKE. IT SEEMS TO BE A LITTLE MORE RIGGED THEN THE MOPAR. I AM IN THE NW AND THEY SELL THEM AT "GI JOE'S AUTO PARTS" THE PRICE WAS ONLY $42.50 FOR THE SET. THEY LOOK GREAT.

sscckk

I ordered recently and was told that my price is locked in and I will have the choice of current rebates or new incentives at time of delivery. My choice depending on what is better for me.

zonk

I have a question regarding the noise I hear when shifting at a stop: it is a buzzing noise I hear when shifting from Park to Reverse or Neutral to Reverse or Drive. I shift and I hear the buzz as I complete the shift. Fluid level is ok. I first heard it while parked under a canopy at a drivein fast food place. The canopy and wall of the store kept the sounds from dissipating, I suppose. Now I hear it when I park at work if I listen carefully. Can anyone tell me what it is?

billyhill

My Quad 4x4,5 spd man,4.7 V8 will be delivered around 26 Feb. I think an acceptance checklist was prev posted to include a list of factory directed modifications (such as the oil filler sludge problem)plus exterior/interior visual checks.I would appreciate anyone remembering what folder and what msg number it was or maybe reposting it.I plan on looking for dings and scratches,operating windows and doors and kicking tires but what else?

scottieeck

I don't know how it happened, I don't know where it happened, and I definitely DON'T want to know who did it (I could possibly lose my composure), but somehow there appeared upon my beautiful Gretchen, a SCRATCH! Passenger side door, dead center. Deep but not down to the metal. Does anyone have experience with any products that I could use to make undetectable this blasphemous abomination?
Tears . . . leaking into . . .keyboard . . .
;^p

rm13

I feel your pain! I followed my wife to the shop to get the oil changed(2100 miles) on our brand new BLACK Supercrew. I looked at the truck as she parked and saw mud on the hood. As I got closer, I realized that it was muddy cat prints and the little #@%$^& was apparently spinning his paws for a few minutes. The guys at the shop were all predicting a horrible death for the next cat I caught near my truck, but I like animals too much for that. As far as a cure, wax didn't do it. Good luck!

barb123

Hi guys -

I'm looking to replace my 96 Ranger 4x4, 3L, 5spd with 4.10 rear. Loved the truck till about 2K miles ago - got 20mpg with NO repairs other than new tires and battery (oil changes every 3600mi) but now I'm into the emission systems problems which occurred at 79000miles!! IMHO, Fords are great so long as you don't let the service department touch them!!

Want a Dakota Quad 4x4, LSD, but my commute of 50 miles a day makes gas an issue. What I'm confused about is after reading all the posts on this list what I seem to be seeing is that the 4x4's with 4.7 5spd with the 3.92 rear are getting BETTER gas mileage than with the 3.55. (Bookitty says 18-20 mpg but I didn't read if that's a 4x4).

So what gives?? Sure, I'd love to have that quick acceleration that the 3.92 will give ya but I thought it would be at the expense of the gas mileage. Are the 4.7L 5spd 4x4's out there with 3.92 getting good mileage??

Thanks and sorry to be so long winded.

barb123

Hey, anybody out there have a sunroof installed in their Quadcab?? (After my '84 Ranger, then '96 Ranger regular cabs with no sunroof - I want that light and ventilation in my Quad!)

Wasn't sure if if could be done because of the ribs on the roof and I think I read somewhere about a roof support beam causing problems . . .

bookitty

Barb, my truck is a 4X4, 4.7, 5 speed and 3.55 LSD. The mileage that I have been experiencing may
not be under the same conditions that others have.
My typical trips are mostly road, mostly flat, 60 MPH, cruise control and very little to no traffic.
I used to get this mileage on my 1995 Club cab with the same specifications other than the 5.2 was the available V8 with a 5 speed. When my first Quad cab arrived, it had the 3.92 rear(s) due to an ordering mistake caused by the dealer. I refused delivery and had them order another. If
you tow heavy loads on a regular basis, there is justification for the 3.92. If you only like the acceleration aspect, then you can expect poor mileage because in order to see a difference, you must jump on it, and that will in itself create poor fuel economy. Under most driving circumstances the performance difference will not be noticeable, but there will we a difference in RPM and subsequent mileage.

Bookitty

mikeintoronto

Has anyone put on side molding on the sides of there QC to prevent dings and scratches from over enthusiastic door openers in parking lots. I hadn't seen any Dakotas on the road with it installed and I didn't see it as an option at order time.

gator72

My '01 QC makes a popping or creaking sound when making a slow right turn and applying the brakes.

HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM???

I have an '01 QC SLT+, 4.7L, rear-drive (4x2), tire & handling package (includes anti-sway bars), and, antilocks on all wheels. 2900 miles.

The dealer's technician said it is normal "torque steer". Sounded reasonable at the time.

But, afterwards, it occured to me that torque steer usually applies to FRONT-wheel drive automobiles. (My QC is REAR-wheel drive).

Articles I read on the net confirmed my belief. Sent an e-mail to DC. DC replied that "yes" torque steer would not apply to my truck. They suggested that I take it to another dealer for a 2nd opinion.

Does anyone have any idea WHAT this is??? I'd like to get some feed-back BEFORE I go to the other dealer.

PS. I love my QC; a great truck. My fear is that the problem might get worse and turn into
an emergency on the freeway.

GATOR72

barb123

Mike those side moldings are available from Dodge, at least on the new trucks it's code K17 - Bodyside Moldings and the invoice price is $64.
They sit down on the lower part of the body where the two-tone paint divides and look like they stick out far enough to do the job!

barb123

In my quest for a Quad sunroof I found a site that has a "Powr-slider." Right now they only show it for the '97-'00 Dakotas and no prices check out the www.crlaurence.com web site.

Where are all the sun worshipers?? Someone MUST already have a sunroof in their Quad!! I found one from ASC - a 750 VSS but the local distributor didn't sound too convincing about installing in a Dakota Quad.

packerbelle

I'd appreciate your thoughts. We're looking to replace our 2000 Ranger 4x4 with a 2001 Dakota 4x4 Quad. Due to the delightful winter we've had in Minnesota, we managed to roll our rig yesterday,so it looks like a new truck for us.

How are they towing a boat (we have a 17' boat). How comfortable are they hauling 2 kids, 2 adult and 1 Lab around? Thanks for your help.

davids1

I would be very careful installing a sunroof in a Dakota Quad. Dodge added a cross-member to the roof of the Quad. Look at your headliner and you will see an area where the liner drops down to allow room for the cross-member. Do not allow anyone, or even yourself to cut through this cross-member.

bookitty

Dawn, after driving around in a Ranger (extended cab I gather), you will think that you died and went to heaven. The Quad cab besides having lots of room, offers extremely easy and comfortable access and egress thanks in part to four front hinged fully accessible doors. Two adults, two kids and a reasonably behaved Labrador should present no problems and/or cramping. The 17 foot boat should be an easy task especially for the 4.7 V8. I would seriously recommend that you choose the 4.7 and also, the limited slip differential. The towing package would come in handy in conjunction with the heavy duty service group. Nothing against the Ford Ranger, but you guys will
absolutely love this truck. When you have specific questions, please feel free to post them under this topic or in the Owners Club. Good luck.

Bookitty

danodw

I never did like the b/d on a truck. My experience was they had rubbed the paint off the hood from where it touched. At first it didn't touch but after wear it started touching the paint. Also after wear I had to fix cracks, etc. I guess it would help stop chips on the hood but I think its a
cosmetic thing. Maybe I had a cheap one. Some like them and some don't. Anyway check with others and don't just take my opinion. The truck I had mine on was a 96 nissan. Didn't work and didn't like it. Hope this helps. Good luck

biglucy

Firstly, I have to agree with davids1 that with that cross beam in the roof (and also the overhead covenience console) I doubt it's possible to put in a sunroof in the QC or DC would have been all over it to compete with the sporttrac (and frontier?).

Dawn, take some time, get a hot cup of joe, or crack open a brewski and read through this forum and dodge dakota owners - quad cab forum. You will find gobs of information on exactly what you are asking - towing things, back and front seat room and the like, and if you're not sold on the quad cab by then, then Wow! I will be flabbergasted!! (how did you like that word!) While you're at it check out my truck at

http://www.geocities.com/rfroache2001/

and tell me how puurty she is!!!!

biglucy

There has been quite alot of posting about bugdeflectors in the quad cab forum. Are they more than just cosmetic? ABSOLUTELY! If you do alot of high speed driving or put alot of mileage on your truck then sooner or later the front lip of the hood is going to take some punishment. rocks and road debris jettisoning out from the folks in front of you will eventually do a number on the front of your truck. If you read my earlier posts, you'll see that I have actually been against the bugdeflector because, being an aesthetic primadonna, I can't stand the way they look on that nice V-shaped hood. And the three piece deflectors - yuk! Looks like it belongs on a Range Rover! Sorry guys - strictly my opinion. But through all this hubbubb I know that I could wax the front hood lip to death and still incur some damage so someday, Yes, I will probably cave in to the lower aesthetics and buy a deflector, hopefully before that big rock dings the front (Dooo!)

danodw

I ordered my QC with the moldings on it. I only paid $64.00 for them. Wish I would have gotten the wheel flares. It helps on door dings and looks good too. I think they just stick on so you could do this yourself if you ordered them.

If you had a ranger then you will love the QC. It has the most room of its size. No problem in the back seat for adults are kids but I haven't had mine long and kids like it. Had 2 adults in back under 6' tall. They liked it. When you test drive one, set the front seat to where you like it and hop in the back to check out the leg room, also have someone drive and you sit in the back to see if you like it. As for towing, I,m waiting on my tow bar to come in. I also have a 17' boat and without having done so, I don't think I will have a problem towing. I would get the V8 and anti slip diff. Sorry to hear about rolling your truck. Hope no one got hurt.

danodw

Everyone talks about the limited slip diff as being a positive track ( anti slip Diff ). I may be wrong but I don't think they are the same thing. Limited slip means it will slip under certian conditions. Only one side really hooks up. I have this on my full size 94 dodge truck and don't like it. Didn't no better at the time. Dodge calls the Pos track rear end a Anti spin Differential code # DSA. Both sides hook up. my Dakota Quad cab has the Anti slip and its much better. Both are 2 wheel drive. I would hate for someone to order the wrong thing. I would not have a 2 or 4 wheel drive without it. If I am wrong about this, sorry just trying to help.

mulderig

I have a 2001 Medium Bronze QC SLT and I did not like that the molding is only availible in Black on the SLT. I installed medium bronze molding for the Darango and it looks great.

davids1

No, not what you think. Had my 99 Ram 1500 Quad 4x4 with the LSD in some loose gravel a few days ago. Decided to step on it and see if both rear wheels would hook up. Yup!! Two loose gravel patches of equal length were behind my truck when I let off of it.

scottieeck

dawn,
my hunting buddy, who is 6'3", 300 lb., sat in the back seat of my quad for the entire three hour ride home from the mountains. He had no complaints. My only worry would be the hair from your lab ( I know mine sheds like crazy when he rides ).
p.s. big lucy is a pretty truck. She looks almost exactly like mine!
scottie

scottieeck

has anyone used any scratch removal compounds on the pearl-cote? There are about 50 of them on the rack at pep-boys and I am a little leery of choosing one without hearing any feedback.
Thanks all!
scottie

bookitty

Scott, I don't know who the other 47 on the shelf are, but there is Manny, Moe and Jack. I just love to help people.

Bookitty

brake4me

Need some help regarding type of bed liner. Is it better to order a Quad Cab with a plastic bed liner, or should I have a bed liner sprayed in. With either fad over time? Will water/rust form under plastic bed liner? Which surface is more likely to scratch. Any in put would be appreciated. It sounds like a plastic liner is cheaper, but I would rather have protection that still looks good after several years of use.

Also, I am going to purchase a white QC, and was wondering if the protective molding can come in white. I don't want to make the body look cheap, and for $64 you wonder what you are getting. An earlier post said molding comes only in black. Can anyone verify the color and does the molding add or distract from the QC body.

Steve

bpeebles

(scottieeck) Check out this URL. This stuff comes highly rated.

http://www.langka.com/index.htm#top

livnlrn

Bug deflectors:

I put the bug deflectors on my Quad. They do not rub on the paint and do not cover the front grill. They bolt on between the hood and the grill. I have a link to the MFG on my web page that I bought mine from and you can see what they look like on my truck. EGR was the brand $56.

http://www.geocities.com/stang460_67/Dodge.html

Sunroofs:

A local aftermarket parts dealer has put a sunroof in the Quad they tricked out. So it can be done. They also have front bucket seats with TV's in the back of the headrests so the rear passengers can watch TV! A bunch of other goodies too. I don't know the brands or anything but it looked like a nice job and the truck sits outside so it must not leak haha.

crawly16

Thanks everyone for helping me with my question about the bug deflectors. I still haven't made up my mind, but i'll make a decision sooner or later. I have a different question for you knowledgeable quad owners. when i start my car, sometimes it makes a sound, like the sound a car makes when you try to start it when it's already running. i am not holding the key in long, so i don't know what is wrong. I am worried i could be damaging my engine and would like to put a stop to this immediately. anyone have a similar problem or know what it could be? any info would be appreciated.
thanks

iowabigguy

I hear a "Weird sound" on my Quad when I start it first thing on a really cold morning. It sounds like a bearing on the idler pully. It only lasts maybe 3 to 5 seconds then it goes away. The sound could be described as crawly16 described. In fact I hear a lot of creaks and groans when the temp is below zero but I'm not sure if it is the Quad or me. Rick

biglucy

I figured as soon as I spouted off I would find out I was wrong! Check out ayrow's post #2191 in the Dodge Dakota Owners - Quad Cab forum. That's definately a sunroof in his awesome truck! I just don't think you can have both the sunroof and the power overhead convenience console.

mulderig

brake4me, as I posted in post #738 the body side molding only comes in black and it is only an option on the SLT not the Sport. I saw a flame red QC with the black molding and did not like the look at all. Noticing the molding on the Darango matched the color of the SUV I took my tape measure and sure enough they are the same length. So now I have medium bronze body side moldings.

brake4me

Thanks for input mulderig. I just ordered a QC on Tuesday, and I called the dealer today to cancel the side molding. It would be nice if Dodge showed more truck photos with some of the accessories. I like the idea of added protection, but I don't believe black and white look good together.

Now I just have to figure out if the Dodge bed liner I ordered is better then a sprayed in bed liner. Probably a trade-off, but some friends tell me spray bed liners are now more popular then plastic liners? The back seat room was one of the reasons I purchased the QC, but in my opinion the back seat needs head rests. I'm 6'1" and when you put your head back (slightly) it rests on the cab rear glass window. Not good for whip lash.

barb123

Thanks biglucy and others!! I'm not planning on the overhead console so a pop-up should work out fine. Actually I may never find my QC - it seems there aren't any 5spds in my area and none of the dealers will guarantee the rebate if I order. I'll have to checkout what John1726 said about placing the order as a "sold order." $2K is money I can spend on the sunroof, electric rear slider, bedliner, or just gas!

Thanks again - this message board is great!