Piaa makes a few good replacements, they also offer a custom mounting kit for the Dakota/Durango. IMHO Piaa is one of the best aux. lighting companies around.
Hello to all again! Just wondering if anyone has tried the new aftermarket systems coming out for replacement intake filters and tubes for the 2000 QC, 4.7L-specifically K&N or Airaid. I have been watching for them and they now seem to be coming to market. I've installed several on my buddies Ford pickups. Seems like a pretty simple/harmless upgrade. Just want to get the right one. Love the truck and the very useful info gathered on this site.
Perhaps I have asked you this before, and if so, please excuse me. But do you know if this voids the manufacturer's warranty on the QC when you install this modification? Thanks!
despite what the dealers try to push off, the only way an aftermarket part will void the factory warranty is if the warranty claim can be directly attributed to that part, ie:having a nitrous kit and blowing a hole in a piston, or if the factory emission controls are removed or altered (in addition to being illegal). An aftermarket air intake system will not fall into either catagory.
I have the Intense Z-Tube. It's a little more radical, but I love the performance of the unit. Try http://www.intenseperformance.com/products/intense_air/intense_air.html and scroll to the bottom. The sound is amazing and the filter, like any K&N, meets DC's specs. No warrantee problem there.
(ohc_baby) I love the look of the Intense Z-Tube and can only dream of the great sound it would make. But what they are asking for a $25 metal tube is OUTRAGEOUS
Sadly. I understand all too well that the market can bear such high prices :-<
Any industrual electrician bends these things all day long. Anyone know a local electrical union that wants to make some $$?
It's actually a pretty nice unit. It's ceramic coated mandrel-bent steel. It's got a fitting for the PCV tubing on the underside, all needed hardware, and brackets to relocate the Cruise bracket to give you enough room for the filter. I couldn't make on any nicer and it made sense for me.
(ohc_baby) I am curious about how it handles engine movement under torque.How does the Ztube mount? To the engine only? Is there any flex-couplings to allow movement?
The ceramic coating is high-tech but this is better suited for an exhaust header.Technically, an intake plenum should be well INSULATED to keep the intake charge as cold as possible. I tend to lean twards FUNCTION over LOOKS. When I said that I love the way it looks, I refer to its ability to create a ram-effect on the intake plenum.
(bpeebles) It handles engine torque just fine, as it's supported only at the throttle body. It's the one thing that I wasn't thrilled with, but the silicone couplings do a surprisingly good job supporting the assembly. My understanding was that ceramic coating would be a good idea for any intake that runs over the headers in order to keep the intake charge cooler. As far as the ram effect, the filter is actually pleated on both the end and periphery, so it draws air in from directly ahead, especially with the rubber airdam removed beside the radiator. In time, I'm gonna compare MAP sensor values with the stock intake and this one, to see how many inches of head it picks up, if any.
By the way, if anyone wants a commercially produced intake for a 97-99 Wrangler with a K&N filter and heat shield, let me know. I was shipped one by accident.
Just an FYI on a company that was recomended by someone here. I was looking to get a K&N filter for my new truck, and someone recomended Truck Performance http://www.truckperformance.com Their website states that the correct K&N filter is available, and usually shipes within 24 hours. The price seemed right, so I ordered one. Two days later, my card was billed, but after two weeks, I still had no filter, and their website had no shipping info for my order. I finally sent an email requesting tracking info on the filter, (figuring that it had been lost in shipping). When they replied, it was to tell me that the filter had not been produced yet, but they hoped to have them from K&N in several weeks!
Now I know that if K&N has not produced them yet, there is nothing more they can do to get it to me quicker, but even today, their website states that this filter usually ships within 24 hours.
And to bill me, for something that they don't even have yet, and not even bother to let me know that it may be a month or more yet, is VERY poor buisness.
I know many of you have stated that you already have a K&N filter for your 4.7's Where do you get yours? Let me know so that I can cancel my order, and get one at a real company.
Just go to Auto Zone (where I bought mine) or any other parts store that stocks K & N filters. The filter for the 6 cyl and both 8 cyls are the same part number as they use the same filter housing on all of them. I have the 5.9 and they did not show it as available (I thought they did show a 4.7), after looking we found that they are the same for all. If you can't find it let me know and I'll get the part number for you or you can scroll back quite a ways where I posted it a couple of months ago.
for the drop in filter the # is 33-2084. I have it in my 4.7L & have not noticed any differance.. 5565 miles and best gas mileage is 13.5 mpg. 4.7l auto, 3.92 4x4 quad.
xkarter - Been busy as the infamous "one-legged man in that contest" and therefore missed a timely response. I did not get the factory foglights but added a pair of Catz MSC's (3.5" dia and real yellow) afterwards.
Although my set-up looks and functions great, it did require a lot of "under the bumper" work. I had to create a mounting block for each side that fit the triangular "wings" on the frame right above the facia's foglight holes and these same blocks had to provide the properly angled surface for mounting the foglight brackets. This process took at least 8-10 hours (with a beer).
After the lights were mounted, then you have to find a route and method to "fish" the control wires into the cab to the Catz supplied switch. After reviewing many potential routes I ended up using a blunt-tipped piece of coat hanger as a sort of sewing needle to pull the wire through a soft rubber weather boot around cables that enter the cab above the driver's feet.
Anyway, the whole process took a lot of time but I like the results. If an after-market company has mounting brackets, etc. for the Durango/Dakota, I'd go for it. I'd rather have "real" foglights or driving lights than the factory fakes.
(spike50) I guess this is why the factory wiring kit is highly recomended. It even includes the proper pull-out headlamp switch and "off with high beams" that is mandated in many areas.
You are right on about the factory fog lights themselves being lame. I still consider installing PIAA or BOSCH optics in place of the factory plastic bubbles.
bpeebles - Thanks for the lighting sites. Now that its dark to and from work, I've been wishing I had better headlights. I was impressed by the intensity of a newer BMW's system that I followed home the other night. I don't plan to install that extreme of a system but higher intensity replacement bulbs, all around, seems to be in order. Hope its all legal in the fine Commonwealth of PA.
(spike50) I have a higher-wattage bulb in one of my headlamps. One of the originals burnt out and I needed a new one for a long trip. (The dealer did replace the original later)
This gives me a unique oppertunity to compare the two bulbs. I can see a VERY slight difference in the output between them. Also, a higher wattage bulb WILL have a shorter life.
Some people have suggested that a higher-wattage bulb may melt the plastic headlamp housing. I have not experienced this.
Having a different bulb on each side might be the best way to test the various wattages and color combinations. Might be able to get away with using the 80/100 W bulbs during the winter and not melt the headlight housing. In the summer it might be better to switch back to the 50/65 W range.
During the fall, I did see a lowered 2WD CC Dak with clear tail light lenses w/ red bulbs and the headlights had a greenish tint to them if your eye was off-axis. I don't think it was a HID set-up like the Audi, Mercedes, etc.
My new 4X4 quad cab is due in a couple of weeks. I'm selling my '94 Dakota, which has been the most trouble-free vehicle I've ever owned (I've been a car owner since 73).
I'm requesting feedback from anyone who's put the Mopar folding tonneau cover (or other similar after-market product) on their Dakota. Is it waterproof, and how easy is is to completely remove when it's time to haul something?
I have a roll-top cover on my old Dakota, it's very convenient, but it takes up about 10", which is valuable space when you're only starting with 5'. Also, after a couple of years, water started seeping in around the edges when it rained.
The Mopar cover is not completely waterproof, but it keeps the bed reasonably dry. It is easy for one person to take off, but you do need a wrench.
You should also do some searches through this topic and some of the other Dakota topics. There is a two piece competitor to the Mopar cover out there that actually looks a little better (for example, it can be removed with no tools).
Finally, the Mopar cover is the same as the Fold-a-Cover, which is a lot cheaper. (I bought the Mopar cover because I didn't want to install it myself and I couldn't find anyone to put in the Fold-a-Cover.)
To all of you troops out there. Harbor Freight sells an extender that fits into the 2X2 receiver hitch. It has a 36" extension bar, a 48-3/8" cross bar and is height adjustable. It is on sale now for $29.99 from $39.99. If it is anything like the hitch extender I purchased from them for $19.99 on sale from $24.99, it is built "Hell for stout" as they say in the Midwest, with a solid 2X2 insert. Believe me, I couldn't make it for that price. They have a great catalog and any order over $50.00 is freight free. They also have free freight and half price sales from time to time. I have bought welders, pipe threaders, numerous air tools and accessories, hand and power tools, trailers and trailer supplies, and much more. Their stuff is good and has always been a good value. Their website is as follows: www.harborfreight.com and the item number is 39168-1ANA. The first group of numbers is the item, the following group determines the price. They will send you a free catalog(s), and no bathroom is complete without it.
I have found a reputable dealer that puts moonroofs in all new caddies from the nations largest dealer (Memphis) He also puts moonroofs in other trucks and cars. I spoke to the main guy and he says the Qc is not a problem They have been in business for over 30 years and are very respected in this town, the price is 1100.00 and comes with a lifetime Guarantee will be looking at a Qc done by them next week. WHAT DO YOU READERS THINK? Traumagas
I would get some references for customers that have had to live with it for a few years and see if there are any structural flex cracks or leaks, ect. that may take time to show up.
The Dodge sticker on the tailgate of my quad was black when I got the truck. I have the SLT package with the chrome bumpers and the two-tone paint with the silver rocker panels and fender flairs. I did not like the black sticker so removed the Dodge sticker from the tail gate.
I did replace it with part number 55076520AB which is the word Dodge but in a reflector style. Looks kind of like chrome, kind of reflector like in a bright white/chrome color.
Now I also happen to have a stainless steel tailgate protector so with the chrome bumper and the tail gate protector, the "chrome" Dodge really ties it altogether. The "4x4" for the other side of the tailgate is also available in the same reflector style but I have 4x2 so do not have the part number.
The letters are prespaced and covered with a clear plastic sheet to make placement easy. Peel off the adhesive cover, apply to truck, peel off spacing cover. Smile.
Bruce, why don't you get the "4x4" sticker, and put it on the tailgate. Then, you will have 4 wheel drive for a fraction of the cost. I don't know why you guys don't think of this stuff yourselves. Seems as if I have to come up with all of the good ideas.
Ok guys, I did not get the computer in my 2000 SLT, altho i have the overhead console. I really want it for the temp and compass and i believe i can find/buy/make the probably missing wirebundle and put the appropriate sensors in place. dealers of wrecked/parted out vehicles have no idea how I can find one and the dealer wants $300+ for the module. Does anyone know how I can get the module used or aftermarket? A good chance i wont get great results hooking it up this way, but i like tinkering with this kind of stuff and it sounds like an good weekend/6 beer project. Thanks, Bill
Maybe I should mount the 4x4 sticker on a magnetic sheet. That way I could remove the 4x4 during unneeded times to save on maintenance and fuel. When I need the 4x4 capability, just slap the magnetic 4x4 on the rear. ;^)
I had a friend who had a Honda Civic (one of the original small hatchbacks). She went to the local Porsche dealer and bought the Porsche sticker logo that they used on the rocker panels. She installed it and you would not believe how many people stopped her to find out where they could buy a Porsche like hers cause they loved the new style. Some people are so gullable....
An outrageous $39.95! $40 bucks for a sticker seemed way out of bounds. The parts guy gave me the part number and I carried it around in my wallet for a two monthes before I broke down and gave away my money.
I had removed the orginal black stickers and liked the plain look for a while. Finally I decided what the hell, if I want the sticker, I should get the sticker. I think it really makes a big visual difference to have the chrome look sticker with the chrome bumper.
The chrome/reflector stickers are 3-diminsional. The orginal stickers were just flat plastic. The new ones have a measurable diminsion. Kind of like the reflector material is incased in a thick coating of clear plastic. At least twice as thick as the Quad Cab sticker on the C post of the cab.
Whats the reasoning for the placement of chrome onto 304 grade stainless nerf bars that westin makes? I have witnessed chrome peeling off other items on auto over the years. The polished stainless seems to me to be the trick. stainless handrails on boats are not chrome plated and talk about abuse of salt spray Traumagas
Jon, I think the reason for chromium plating on stainless, is due to stainless "yellowing" when exposed to the elements. Every material oxidizes in one way or another, and this is how stainless steel responds.
Im getting ready to order a 2001 CC and need some help. I want to get the CD changer controls and get a 12 disc cd player. I had one in my old truck which wasnt an extended cab so I just mounted it behind the seat. Since Im getting the Club Cab I want to try and mount it somewhere out of the way possibly UNDER the seat .I dont know if there is room under the rear seat. Im open to any other installation ideas..
Dodge offers a kit to install the changer in the console if you are getting buckets. I lf you scroll through previous messages in this board ( at least I think it's this one) one of the members has a website dedicated to the installation. There is not a lot of room under the front seat for a changer there.
I have the website that has the CD changer installation. My site was shut down because I reached my monthly limit for traffic. It should be back up Jan 1. check my profile for the address. Most of the attention to the page was for the head unit. I only have a couple of pics on the actual changer.
After living with my Quad for a little while, I've come to need a toolbox, seeing as there's no place in the cab for my odds and ends. Is there a tall toolbox that would sit between the rails and come up to rail-level? Do toolbox companies make boxes to custom dimensions? The bed's short enough, so I'd like a short tall toolbox that I can Line-X. Any info on existing boxes or any companies that would custom-build one?
This is my first truck. It is a 2wd 4.7L V8 SLT Quad Cab. It's silver with graphite leather interior. I love it. I will use it to tote bushes and trees, mulch, and other landscaping stuff as I'm trying to put in a garden. Will also use it to make trips to and from Home Depot. I will probably never take it off road (hence no 4 wd). I've already had a LineX spray in liner put in and although I haven't put it to the test yet, it looks great. I'm trying to figure out what accessories I should consider adding now to keep my brand new truck in pristine condition. I hope to get opinions from you seasoned truck owners out there. Do's and don't's as well as product recommendations are appreciated.
1. I feel like a real idiot, but what is the purpose of fender flares? My truck did not come with fender flares and besides appearrance, I'm trying to figure out if there is a need for them since I don't plan on off-roading. (Besides, they are kind of pricey for me!)
2. Splash guards seem like a good idea to keep my shiny silver truck looking good. I've read through the posting on this board but didn't get a feeling if there is a consensus on molded vs. regular ones. Any opinions? I live in a low snow area, if that makes a difference. Also, I plan on installing myself and probably won't be able to bring myself to drill holes in the truck.
3. Heavy duty front rubber mats seem like a good idea to preserve the interior from NC red clay. I also ran across a rubber molded cargo mat for the back seat of the QC that I think will be useful if I ever need to put plants in the cab instead of the truck bed. Opinions? Recommendations?
4. Door entry guards...are these actually useful or mostly just for looks?
Just a note. Unfortunately, you can't get the flares in silver. That color is new for 2001, and several dealers in my area, and DC customer service, tell me it will be a while before they have flares in silver.
Of course, a 4X4 silver Quad with the Tire and Handling package comes with the flares, which means DC is obviously making them. It's just that, for some reason, they've chosen not to make them available as an accessory yet.
I want them because, with the T&H package, the tires jut out a fair bit beyond the wheel wells, which is a recipe for dings. But I'm gonna have to wait.
Does anyone know what kind of adapter I need to connect a CD changer to the factory radio?? Im getting the changer controls and want to hook a 12 disc direct.
edpatruck, the main reason for fender flares is to help protect the sides of your truck from stuff thrown by the outer wheel edges, especially if you've got the bigger tires with the tire & handling package. The secondary reason for them is to help cover up the fact that many (most?) recent Dakotas have a right rear tire which sticks out about an inch more than the left rear tire (again, more noticeable with the T&H package).
-CD player- as far as I have found, there is only one out there if you want to use the factory hookup & controls unfortunately I have forgotten the name of the company. The problem I have is the price for this adapter is $179!!! for the adapter!! plus the cost of the changer. For this reason , personally I completely dropped the idea of using an after market changer and am going with a Mopar one. For a mere $300 you get one designed to plug in already, plus it's made by Alpine. -Fender flares- they also are needed to get past many state laws stating that the tire cannot extend past the wheel well. One option that could be pursued is to order the silver flares as replacement parts rather than accessories. -mud flaps- a veery good investment. Not only for snow, but they protect the rockers from chips, dents, mud, tar, stripe paint, etc. As for molded verses flat, it purely your preferrance for looks. I have a set of molded that I'm going to paint to match my silver QC rater than leave them black. I also share you reservations about drilling. I've got a roof-rack sitting in the garage waiting fo me to get up the nerve to attack my rig with power tools. The good news on the mud flaps is that you only drill into plastic as far as I can remember.
i have a 01/qc with the tire/handle pkg.like others i my right rear tire is offset about 1/2-3/4 farther then right making stick out slightly from the wheel well. thus. if you have the tire/handel pkg take a good look at your right rear tire chances are yours is the same way,WHEEL FLAIRS GOOD CHOICE, DINGS FROM ROCKS ETC= PRICELESS....door seal guards i just installed them on mine as i requested them for c-mas. they will protect that strip of paint on your door seal that dodge forgot about?? GOOD CHOICE.vent visor makes them about $15.00 for a 4 pc set.i would also reccomend a hood deflector to shed off any possible objects from the hood.....any other ?'s just ask lots of good info here at this site!
Comments
Sadly. I understand all too well that the market can bear such high prices :-<
Any industrual electrician bends these things all day long. Anyone know a local electrical union that wants to make some $$?
The ceramic coating is high-tech but this is better suited for an exhaust header.Technically, an intake plenum should be well INSULATED to keep the intake charge as cold as possible. I tend to lean twards FUNCTION over LOOKS. When I said that I love the way it looks, I refer to its ability to create a ram-effect on the intake plenum.
By the way, if anyone wants a commercially produced intake for a 97-99 Wrangler with a K&N filter and heat shield, let me know. I was shipped one by accident.
I was looking to get a K&N filter for my new truck, and someone recomended Truck Performance
http://www.truckperformance.com Their website states that the correct K&N filter is available, and usually shipes within 24 hours.
The price seemed right, so I ordered one.
Two days later, my card was billed, but after two weeks, I still had no filter, and their website had no shipping info for my order.
I finally sent an email requesting tracking info on the filter, (figuring that it had been lost in shipping). When they replied, it was to tell me that the filter had not been produced yet, but they hoped to have them from K&N in several weeks!
Now I know that if K&N has not produced them yet, there is nothing more they can do to get it to me quicker, but even today, their website states that this filter usually ships within 24 hours.
And to bill me, for something that they don't even have yet, and not even bother to let me know that it may be a month or more yet, is VERY poor buisness.
I know many of you have stated that you already have a K&N filter for your 4.7's Where do you get yours? Let me know so that I can cancel my order, and get one at a real company.
Thanks
Stephen
Although my set-up looks and functions great, it did require a lot of "under the bumper" work. I had to create a mounting block for each side that fit the triangular "wings" on the frame right above the facia's foglight holes and these same blocks had to provide the properly angled surface for mounting the foglight brackets. This process took at least 8-10 hours (with a beer).
After the lights were mounted, then you have to find a route and method to "fish" the control wires into the cab to the Catz supplied switch. After reviewing many potential routes I ended up using a blunt-tipped piece of coat hanger as a sort of sewing needle to pull the wire through a soft rubber weather boot around cables that enter the cab above the driver's feet.
Anyway, the whole process took a lot of time but I like the results. If an after-market company has mounting brackets, etc. for the Durango/Dakota, I'd go for it. I'd rather have "real" foglights or driving lights than the factory fakes.
You are right on about the factory fog lights themselves being lame. I still consider installing PIAA or BOSCH optics in place of the factory plastic bubbles.
Check out
autobulbdepot
and
autooptiks.
This gives me a unique oppertunity to compare the two bulbs. I can see a VERY slight difference in the output between them. Also, a higher wattage bulb WILL have a shorter life.
Some people have suggested that a higher-wattage bulb may melt the plastic headlamp housing. I have not experienced this.
During the fall, I did see a lowered 2WD CC Dak with clear tail light lenses w/ red bulbs and the headlights had a greenish tint to them if your eye was off-axis. I don't think it was a HID set-up like the Audi, Mercedes, etc.
I'm requesting feedback from anyone who's put the Mopar folding tonneau cover (or other similar after-market product) on their Dakota. Is it waterproof, and how easy is is to completely remove when it's time to haul something?
I have a roll-top cover on my old Dakota, it's very convenient, but it takes up about 10", which is valuable space when you're only starting with 5'. Also, after a couple of years, water started seeping in around the edges when it rained.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
You should also do some searches through this topic and some of the other Dakota topics. There is a two piece competitor to the Mopar cover out there that actually looks a little better (for example, it can be removed with no tools).
Finally, the Mopar cover is the same as the Fold-a-Cover, which is a lot cheaper. (I bought the Mopar cover because I didn't want to install it myself and I couldn't find anyone to put in the Fold-a-Cover.)
Bookitty
WHAT DO YOU READERS THINK?
Traumagas
I did replace it with part number 55076520AB which is the word Dodge but in a reflector style. Looks kind of like chrome, kind of reflector like in a bright white/chrome color.
Now I also happen to have a stainless steel tailgate protector so with the chrome bumper and the tail gate protector, the "chrome" Dodge really ties it altogether. The "4x4" for the other side of the tailgate is also available in the same reflector style but I have 4x2 so do not have the part number.
The letters are prespaced and covered with a clear plastic sheet to make placement easy. Peel off the adhesive cover, apply to truck, peel off spacing cover. Smile.
Bookitty
dealers of wrecked/parted out vehicles have no idea how I can find one and the dealer wants $300+ for the module.
Does anyone know how I can get the module used or aftermarket? A good chance i wont get great results hooking it up this way, but i like tinkering with this kind of stuff and it sounds like an good weekend/6 beer project.
Thanks, Bill
Maybe I should mount the 4x4 sticker on a magnetic sheet. That way I could remove the 4x4 during unneeded times to save on maintenance and fuel. When I need the 4x4 capability, just slap the magnetic 4x4 on the rear. ;^)
KnK
Bookitty
Jim H
I had removed the orginal black stickers and liked the plain look for a while. Finally I decided what the hell, if I want the sticker, I should get the sticker. I think it really makes a big visual difference to have the chrome look sticker with the chrome bumper.
The chrome/reflector stickers are 3-diminsional. The orginal stickers were just flat plastic. The new ones have a measurable diminsion. Kind of like the reflector material is incased in a thick coating of clear plastic. At least twice as thick as the Quad Cab sticker on the C post of the cab.
stainless handrails on boats are not chrome plated
and talk about abuse of salt spray
Traumagas
Bookitty
and get a 12 disc cd player. I had one in my old truck which wasnt an extended cab so I just
mounted it behind the seat. Since Im getting the Club Cab I want to try and mount it somewhere
out of the way possibly UNDER the seat .I dont know if there is room under the rear seat. Im open to any other installation ideas..
I hope to get opinions from you seasoned truck owners out there. Do's and don't's as well as product recommendations are appreciated.
1. I feel like a real idiot, but what is the purpose of fender flares? My truck did not come with fender flares and besides appearrance, I'm trying to figure out if there is a need for them since I don't plan on off-roading. (Besides, they are kind of pricey for me!)
2. Splash guards seem like a good idea to keep my shiny silver truck looking good. I've read through the posting on this board but didn't get a feeling if there is a consensus on molded vs. regular ones. Any opinions? I live in a low snow area, if that makes a difference. Also, I plan on installing myself and probably won't be able to bring myself to drill holes in the truck.
3. Heavy duty front rubber mats seem like a good idea to preserve the interior from NC red clay. I also ran across a rubber molded cargo mat for the back seat of the QC that I think will be useful if I ever need to put plants in the cab instead of the truck bed. Opinions? Recommendations?
4. Door entry guards...are these actually useful or mostly just for looks?
Thanks!
Edpatruck
Of course, a 4X4 silver Quad with the Tire and Handling package comes with the flares, which means DC is obviously making them. It's just that, for some reason, they've chosen not to make them available as an accessory yet.
I want them because, with the T&H package, the tires jut out a fair bit beyond the wheel wells, which is a recipe for dings. But I'm gonna have to wait.
factory radio?? Im getting the changer controls and want to hook a 12 disc direct.
-Fender flares- they also are needed to get past many state laws stating that the tire cannot extend past the wheel well. One option that could be pursued is to order the silver flares as replacement parts rather than accessories.
-mud flaps- a veery good investment. Not only for snow, but they protect the rockers from chips, dents, mud, tar, stripe paint, etc. As for molded verses flat, it purely your preferrance for looks. I have a set of molded that I'm going to paint to match my silver QC rater than leave them black. I also share you reservations about drilling. I've got a roof-rack sitting in the garage waiting fo me to get up the nerve to attack my rig with power tools. The good news on the mud flaps is that you only drill into plastic as far as I can remember.