DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB FUEL ECONOMY 3.9 4.7 5.9

awielgosz

Hi all great site I'm ordering a 01 slt quad right now my question ...is this new "hemi" engine available in this truck? is it even out yet?
also am doing the full blown version any suggestions.. plan on towing a camp trailer 26-28 ft. how about gears? and I read something about a tow hitch option. is that in the tow package?I'm leaving a 96 tahoe for this cause it won't tow much, previous truck was 92 dakota club v8 witch I loved and by the way I'm taken a hosin on my tahoe have never lost so much $$ on a vehicle will never do that again!!! thanks Al

awielgosz

Hi all great site I'm ordering a 01 slt quad right now my question ...is this new "hemi" engine available in this truck? is it even out yet?
also am doing the full blown version any suggestions.. plan on towing a camp trailer 26-28 ft. how about gears? and I read something about a tow hitch option. is that in the tow package?I'm leaving a 96 tahoe for this cause it won't tow much, previous truck was 92 dakota club v8 witch I loved and by the way I'm taken a hosin on my tahoe have never lost so much $$ on a vehicle will never do that again!!! thanks Al

fat_fenders

Based on what you're planning on towing, I'd suggest the 5.9 with the 3.92 gear. You shouldn't have any problem with that. Lot's of power.

Heck, I think my 2001 Quad with a 4.7L, auto, 3.55LSD is rated over 9000 lbs capacity.

I have the "Trailer Tow Group" on my Quad and it's basically $275 for a Class IV receiver hitch and one of the round, 7 pin jacks for trailer lights. It comes with the round plug that converts the 7 pin to the standard 4 pin connector. One nice aspect is this group also includes the wire harness for connecting in an aftermarket electric brake controller under the dash. I will get one of these because my pop-up camper has electric brakes.

This towing option may be available elsewhere, cheaper, but mine came off the dealer's lot with it. Others on this forum may have other suggestions for you.

I would also suggest the HD Service Group @ $180 that includes 750 amp battery, auxiliary transmission oil cooler and HD engine cooling.

Prices quoted are MSRP by the way.

Good luck on your purchase and keep us posted!

fat_fenders

mrjake

I am going to be purchasing a dakota 4X4 club cab slt here as soon as my current truck sells. As many people I am concerned with the mpg I am going to get with the V8. There are two trucks I am looking at right now, one with the 4.7, auto tranny, and the other is fully loaded with the 5.9, auto tranny, and all the heavy duty towing package etc. Is there a significant difference in mileage and power? I have a short comute to work which doesn't help (2 mi.) Any advice or good internet links would help as I am looking to purchase in the next week. Thanks for your time.

bookitty

Ryan, you did not mention the axle ratios on the two trucks. This will make somewhat of a difference. Traditionally, the 5.9 uses considerably more fuel, but offers very a strong torque factor. You also did not mention if you will be towing on a regular basis, an occasional basis or no towing at all. Then, what you will be towing and driving conditions will also enter the equation. If I were you, I would go to the Dakota Owner's page located within the "conferences" window located in the left hand margin of any topics listing page. You can address your questions to people like "towcrazy2" and others. Towcrazy2 has a Quad with 5.9 and is a knowledgeable bright resource as are several others. Give them as much information as is possible in order for them to help guide you to an intelligent decision. I have a 4.7 Quad Cab with 5 speed and average 19-20 MPG, local and highway (relatively flat highway, and hilly local area). I hope that this gives you some idea or point of reference. Good luck.

Bookitty

jcakely

I have noticed it pulling to the right. I thought it was just from the full time 4. I have 5800 miles and I will be bringing it soon, should I have them look at that or is it normal?

mrjake

Being new to this site, I appreciate the info. I think all of this insight will be very helpful in deciding on which options to get. I had decided on getting a dakota a while ago, its just now coming to reality, and getting to actually decide on this stuff for real is great. Thanks again, I'll be looking in the owners page as well as the accessories and many others I suspect.

jsten2

Is this pulling a common occurance?
What is the standard auto trans with the 4.7 engine? What milage can I expect from a 4.7 and 3.55 rear end doing a mix of highway and city?

bookitty

Jerry, in another posting I answered some of your questions. The automatic transmission is not standard, but an option. It is a quite sophisticated multi speed such as has been used in
Jeep products. I average 17-19 in mixed driving with a 4.7 coupled to a 5 speed with 3.55 LSD in a 4WD Quad Cab over flat to mildly hilly terrain.
Hope this helps.

Bookitty

bigal31

I have the 4.7L with automatic and 3.55. Plus 31" tires.
I get 16 mpg give or take a .10th. Everytime I fill up I check.

Allen-

bitterooter

Hi. I have seen alot of responses from gas mileage on the 4.7 but nothing on the 5.9 I am looking at the 2001 5.9 quadcab. If anyone can tell me what kind of mileage they are getting with it, that would be great. I am looking at pulling a 18 foot boat here in montana and would like the extra power (at least I think there would be on the 5.9) for the mountains. Please. I would like to hear. Thank you

mll977

Hello: I just filled my first tank on my new 2001 Quad cab.....4WD,4.7 V8, Auto, SLT+, HD,T+H. My first 275 miles I averaged 16.9 mpg. That's a combined 11 mile commute with just one stop light and a little city. Haven't even been on the highway yet. I was taking it easy, but gunned it a few times. Hope it just keeps getting better from here but I'm quite pleased so far. Love the truck. Lots of room compared to the Jeep Gr. Cherokee I've been driving.

awielgosz

Just was informed that my Quad SLT+ came in. It had only been on order three weeks!!! Fully loaded no options left off even power butt seat!
4.7 3:55 s I noticed the skid plates are now plastic any one know how they are holding up?
Glad to see the gas mileage some of you are claiming.

bpeebles

(awielgosz) This was the approxamate build time of my 2000 Dakota last year during the month of October.

The skid plates on this style of Dakota have ALWAYS been plastic-composite as far as I am aware. Ill bet that for most people they NEVER touch the ground.... thus they are suitably rugged for their type of driving. The plastic is DIRECTLY related to MPG.... less weight!

GAS MILAGE... Be sure to follow the 'break in' procedure. The "occasional full throttle accelleration" followed by decelleration is the ONLY way to seat the rings on any internal cumbustion engine. Most other tolerances within the engine (bearings...etc) are such that the traditional "break in" is not really needed.

abalto

That questions and technical advice web site...

I have also looked for a good Dodge web site to ask questions and technical advice, opinions, etc. The best site I have found is www.moparchat.com This site is clearly the best in quality, with over 60,000 posts! Good luck either way Trevor!

scout16185

Have2000 quadcab 4WD with 23,000 miles. Midwest are get 14.2 mpg with 4.7 and auto. Driving to Florida get 16.2 all highway. Best ever 17.3
Service is expensive. Frequent Trans service recommended by Dodge. Trans fluid change 15,000 miles at a cost of $149 At 30 thousand, expect $500+ for service including spark plugs. 90% highway and I needed brakes (front) $144 Great ride, handling and love size but will not buy another Dodge. GM full size trucks are far superior and much cheaper to operate. I have 2 GM trucks now (business) and had 5 others in the past. Present 99 Chev. P/up with 5.3 & 4WD gets 18.5+ on road and no service other then changing oil with 59 thou. on it. Son has Durango R/T 5.9 and gets 11.5 mpg average. This is NOT a fast vehicle. Lots of hype. Peerspective Dodge buyers LOOK before you buy. Dodge cheaper because they are made cheaper. Not trying to anger Dodge boys but know from experience.

kmine

I am in the process of ordering Quad Cab with 4.7 V8 and 3.92 rear axle. I will be towing a boat about 2800lbs. do I really nead the 3.92. What about fuel economy

bookitty

Carmine, in a word, no. The 3.55 should suffice for towing your boat. Now if you are going to tow the boat on a daily basis up and down on hilly terrain, you may want to consider the 3.92 but even then with that type of load you could handle it with the 3.55 with no problems. If you choose the automatic transmission, refrain from towing in overdrive.

Bookitty

dmould

I just test drove a 1999 Dakota Reg Cab 4x4, 5.2 5speed, with a 3.92 (I think). Any thoughts on the mpg for this one? Also, it is a demo unit with 6000 miles. Truck looks very clean, but do you think it's a good idea to buy a demo, driven by the sales manager? The truck has been on the lot a long time, so they may deal on it, although asking price is way high at 80.5% of equivalent new list price.

bookitty

Doug, I had a 1995 club cab with the 5.2 (318), 5 speed and averaged around 18-20 on the road. I ususally only drove highway miles. Look up that truck in the Blue Book (access via Edmunds) and see what the wholesale price indicates. A demonstrator is nothing more than a used car that has not been titled. That should get you a closer look as to the "real" value. Also, pursue the warranty issue and see if they will provide an extended warranty. 6000 miles is certainly not a big deal, but the price is way off. I think that you can buy a new one at invoice, less the $2000.00(?) rebate and a Farm Bureau discount of $500.00. If you haven't already, post your query in the Owner's Club for the Dakota. Good luck.

Bookitty

chadc777

I have a 98 Dakota 4x4 club cab with 3.55 and 31x10.5. I with this rear ratio and tire hight, I get about 16mpg day to day which is mostly highway. Stomp on it maybe once a day, and the average goes to 15 or 14. On long trips, I can get 18mpg running around 65. If it get over 70, it drops back down to the 16/17 range. This trucks highway mileage is VERY dependent on RPM. At around 70, the rpm breaks 2,000 and it's all over. Mileage suffers GREATLY. At 60, I run about 1650 rpm and mileage is good. If I am in a highway situation where I run only 55, I'll get 20mpg.

Good engine, but the new 4.7 L trucks that I have driven have sold me. If I replace my truck with an 4 door Dakota, it'll have the 4.7L. From my studies, I would expect to get at least 2mpg better with that engine.

obyone

It's a winner.

facebro

I have a 2000 Quad Cab with the 4.7L - 5 speed auto - 3.55 gears - 31" tires. The truck has just over 7,000 miles and has a hard time getting much over 13 mpg with a 70/30 split between highway and city driving. Wondering if I should sit tight for a while hoping the mileage improves with more time on the engine or gripe to the dealer for free diagnostic check.

If things don't pick up I am considering opening up the exhaust system with a Flow Master or some other after market exhaust. Does anyone have experience opening up the exhaust on a 4.7 - whether in a Dodge or Jeep?

bookitty

Without knowing your particular driving habits, I will say that your mileage is extremely poor. I have the same build in a 4X4 (you did not elaborate on that factor) and I have never gone below 16 mpg usually averaging 18 mpg and 20 on some occasions. On the 16 mpg, I was involved in some heavy city traffic or rush our situations. I doubt whether an exhaust modification will make that great of a difference. I also use cruise control, to help keep my speed steady, and to avoid getting a speeding ticket. The 4.7 has a tendency to provide a great deal of power, and if one does not pay attention, you could be moving along much faster than planned. Unless you spend a lot of time drag racing, I would make the dealer aware of the unsatisfactory mileage.

Bookitty

steve234

There is no way that a 4.7 should get that low of mileage without a problem or really poor driving. My 91 F150 has twice the frontage, a cab high cap, a nice but not as efficient push rod V8 and I can still get 13+ MPG out of it. My 01 Q with 4.7 averages 16.5 MPG. Talk to your dealer. I have seen references where the PRAM has been updated and got better mileage.

facebro

I appreciate the input you folks provided around the poor mileage my 4.7 Quad has been getting. Just got it back from my dealer indicating they could find nothing wrong. When asked about the PRAM update they indicated it didn't apply to this vehicle and they could have legal problems making any changes... I know where they are coming from - I've dealt with the EPA myself.

Just to be more complete in my background - The truck has been used in the upper Midwest in that I'm from Wisconsin. The truck also carries the Leer cap. Overall I'm still pleased with the truck. Works well with the two small kids in that I can holler for them to get in the back without jacking around the front seats. Yet, part of the reason I went with Dodge over the Ford F150, was the rave reviews about the 4.7. For the moment I'm going to sit tight and see if things improve with more miles. At least the problem is on record at the dealer. Thanks again.

tuvtest

One thing to consider, thanks to our friends at the EPA, is the mandated use of Oxygenated gasolines in certain metro areas. I have read reports of up to 10% loss in MPG due to this. I myself found that in my Ram there was a 2 MPG increase whenever I got out of the Chicago Metro area. As far as I know the EPA mandates that this gas be used in areas from Gary,IN area all the way to north of Milwaukee,WI and as far west as Rockford,IL. I don't know if your area fits into this. My guess is that the same applies to other large cities in other areas of the country. This gas is probably a good reason for some of the discrepancies in milage figures. Right now, I'm getting about 15MPG with a Dak QC 4.7L/5spd/3.55/4x4 with oversize tires and mostly suburban city driving.

bpeebles

(facebro) I know that I have read about some defective ECUs (Engine Control Units) that made it out of the factory. One guy that drag races on weekends borrowed an ECU from ma friend and his truck was significantly faster and more effecient. (MPG-wise) His friends truck got slower and used a more fuel too.

Although the dealer could not find anything 'wrong' with his original ECU... the poor overall performance was enough to warrant replacing it.

I read this on one of the following sites;
http://www.moparchat.com/
http://www.dakota-truck.net/

indychapell

1500 miles every fillup check milage. city driving is 15. highway (2 trips) 18 plus. quad cab 4.7 auto 4/4, 3.55lsd. hope mobile 1 change will pick it up some. still don't think its to bad. One question. why Dodge has not made thier engines capable of going 100,000 before tune up. would be interested to hear.

chadc777

Facebro, just wanted to ask real quick to ensure you are actually calculating your mileage rather than relying on the overhead computer. There seems to be times when the overhead is as much as 2mpg off on my '98. It seems to be getting worse as time goes on, too. Make sure you calculate it and do so when you fill a nearly empty tank to get the best estimate. Sorry if this is already how you do it, but just wanted to ensure you are not trusting the finicky computer.

Chad

spike50

(Previous Posted) Last weekend, I made a 435 mile trip (each way) from south central PA to Toledo, OH with 5 MC's (dirt bikes) on a trailer behind my QC bumper hitch (4x4, 4.7L, 5sp, 3.55, T&H pack). Bed with tonneau cover had gas cans, food, and gear. Overall, probably exceeded to weight limit on the truck license. Ran 65-75 mph on Rt 80 and got 15 mpg on mid-grade gas. Rarely, had to downshift into 4th gear. No tread separation on the Goodyears!

I guess I would have gotten better mileage at 60-65 mph but I was pleased with the truck. Window visibility, ride (suspension and bucket seats), power, etc all seemed great. Turned 7,000 miles on way home. Still hoping for better gas mileage one of these days.

bookitty

Spike, considering the load you were towing, the payload in bed and the speed range you stayed, I would not think that 15 mpg is anything to sneeze at in the realm of reality. If I ever got 15 mpg on my Expedition empty on a downgrade, I would have thrown a party. Had you taken the trip using cruise control and running without a trailer and a lesser payload I feel that your mileage would increase remarkably. Unfortunately, you have not been able as i see it to take a long trip that would give you an opportunity to see what you Quad could do under different circumstances.

Bookitty

jhayescar

Just brought a new 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad (with 0.9% interest) and I noticed that it seems to have alot of wind noise (on the highway). Maybe it's just me, I went from a 99 Honda Accord to this truck. I really like the truck but the noise is driving me crazy. I was wondering if anybody else is having this problem or is it normal for trucks to be so load inside.

shannon1000

I'm looking into a new SLT Quad Cab, and am contemplating the 5.9L with auto, or the 4.7L with 5 speed. The money isn't an issue, as it is a company vehicle. However, gas mileage and towing are, as I pay for that I strongly prefer a 5 speed as I'm the racer type, but thats not an option with the 5.9 (obviously)

I plan to tow my 3000# race car from time to time, a couple weekends a month, on a 12000# capacity (not sure of its actuall weight) twin axle trailer. Besides that, mainly just about 50/50 highway/city. Any reccomendations? Please email a copy of your suggestion to shannonkeo@email.com, as I'm not a usual here. Thanks for your help.

facebro

I am not sensitive to road noise, but my wife is. She had indicated the passenger side front door whistled a bit like our old minivan. The dealer said they did a sonic leak test and could not find any leaks. I doubt if your quad will match the quietness of your Honda. The cab noise on our quad seems fine to me compared to some of the early 90s trucks I used to drive.

xena1a

My '00 Dakota is much more quiet compared to my previous truck ('99 Mazda B3000). In fact, the excessive road noise of the Mazda was one of the reasons I got rid of it. Driving that truck on long road trips was so uncomfortable, that I ended up wearing ear plugs!

zonk

I took delivery of a new 4.7L 2wd auto Sport QC on Wednesday and completed the drive home on Thursday. I got 19.5 mpg on the first tank. Still on the second tank which has seen mixed interstate/US highway (thru towns along the route)/city driving. This tank looks like it wil be around 17 mpg.

jehiggins

After I put 5,000 miles on my Dakota 4.7l, I was getting 20 MPG consistantly. Big mix of driving, mostly interstate but 50% less than 30 MPH stop and go and 50% at 80+ MPH. This is an awesome engine, power, speed and great mileage.

tacoma_trd

If anyone in here owns an R/T, I was wondering what kind of MPG you are getting, and If you have a heavy foot, how good is the MPG. Thanks

zonk

I filled up Sunday for the second time in my Sport QC, 4.7L auto 2wd. Got 17.75 mpg; two thirds of my driving was finishing the trip back home and a third was city driving. Third tank will be all city/go to work type miles.

sg40739

I have a 2000 QC 2wd with 4.7 5 speed. I get an average of about 17 mpg. I have a gibson cat back and k&N filter, thought i'd do a little better But still love the truck

traumagas

I have a 4.7 4x4 01 qc want to do the gibson
and k&n thing How was the sound post change
how about power change? traumagas@aol.com

bpeebles

Lets not confuse the issue... Any INTAKE/FILTER changes cannot (by definition) change the MPG.
You will get that GREAT intake howl with the right set-up on th e4.7LV8 hemi.

see
http://www.intenseperformance.com/
For perhaps the VERY BEST intake for the 4.7LV8 hemi.

DEFINITION: The limiting factor in the intake system is ALWAYS the throttle plate. Thus a different filter does NOTHING for the flow because its affect on the flow is a small percentage compared to the throttle-plate. Even at WOT, the venturi in the throttle=body is the limiting factor.Even so...no one drives at WOT all the time. Anyone that does use WOT often is not looking for MPG gains anyway.

jeeper8

I own a 2001 Dakota Re. Cab with the 4.7L(AWESOME ENGINE) and could not stand it being so quiet. So, 3 days after I bought it I put a single inlet, dual outlet flow master 40 series on it and it sounds very, very good. I can't tell you if it gets better gas mileage cause it wasn't broke in yet, but the sound of that thing when you get on it nearly brings a tear to my eye. It is relatively quiet running 65-70 as long as you are just cruising on the highway, but when you want to hear it just mash the gas and watch every one in town turn to see your beautiful intense blue Dakota hauling [non-permissible content removed] again!!!. I know this doesn't have anything to do with the discussion, but I thought you all should know how good that 4.7 sounds when you fix it up right.

dakota99

I have a '99 Dakota 4x4 extended cab with the 5.2 engine, 3.55 rear, automatic, and 31x15 tires. I constantly get 9-10 mpg in town and never any better than 15 on the highway (at 65mph) here in CA. I have installed a Flowmaster exhaust and K&N filter charger to help but to no avail. Any ideas as to what may help or be the matter? I run with a Snugtop shell on and am fairly light footed with the gas pedal.

greg116

My father owns a '98 Durango SLT 4x4 with the 5.9. He put on the bug deflector on the hood and lights, and a K&N filter. Around town he averages 14.9 mpg, and he's no lightfoot either. I drove it from Calgary alberta to Vancouver, a route with quite a few hills, and averaged 18.4 mpg. maybe the computer is a little off, but I dont think so. Anyway thats my story.

bookitty

Greg, are you figuring mileage on the U.S. gallon or the imperial gallon? Would make a considerable difference.

Bookitty

pocahontas

Let's please continue this subject in either our regular Dodge Dakota Quad Cab disussion , or in our new Truck Gas Mileage discussion.

Thanks for your participation. ;-)


Pocahontas
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