Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

haasman

I have a red SPORT PLUS with the 4.7, stick, LSD & A/C. I have had the QUAD since the end of Jan. and after a rough start with an oil leak and after having to replace the rack and pinion the truck just constantly amazes me. Add-ons include the factory wheel flares, fiberglass tonnue cover,Lund nite visor, Eagle 6 spoke polished alloys, GTS bug, fender and headlight shields, a custom "NASCAR" type dual dump after cab exhaust with a Flowmaster, numerous interior upgrades, and self applied "sparkle gold" pinstripes and self applied gold foil "RT/S" (S meaning SPORT)on the sides and taigate. Performance wise it makes feel like I'm 16 years old again driving my first "64 SPORT FURY". MPG varies from 16 (comes from using alot of the "pedal" to a best of almost 24 (trip from Pa to FLA & BACK). My wife and I enjoy all the extra interior room and not having to fight over who uses the center console pulldown. We have more ideas on customizing and we would really like to hear from other members about their QUAD(s). We also invite any questions, never know, we may have an answer. KEEP ON QUADING, BYE!

jawaiian

Have a black Quad 4wd,4.7,auto,3.92,lsd,t&h since April.I love this truck,a step up from my trustworthy CJ-7& CJ-5(have a wife & kids now).Have added ventvisors,lava-lining(like Line-X),black tinted windows,Westin step bars,K&N. Modified the step bars by fabricating 2" stainless spacers to extend the bars away from the body for better protection(especially in parking lots).Am awaiting a black canvas roll-up soft top(CJ's again),perfect for Hawaii.Also in the process of welding stainless frames to hold military style ammo boxes(for odds & ends)that bolt on in the bed above the fender wells.I would appreciate any info on installing larger tires & lift kits.Do I need to have the Quad's computer reprogrammed?If so, do I go to my dealer?Plan on 32's or 33's w/lift(when they become available)Thanks ahead of time & ALOHA! to all

ahasher

haasman - I can see why you love your quad, especially with your upgrades, inside and out. I have a forest green SLT + 4.7 LSD, T&H, Ventvisors, extang snapless soft tonneau (the easy rollup and velcro away suits my use here, altho I prefer a hard cover) looking at stepbars next. My question for you then, is what interior upgrades have you done, and where do you get parts?? I hear and see all kinds of exterior upgrades, but little about the interior.
Thanks in advance....

qc2001

my currrent status is I(built, not ok'd)
they said it should be shipped by the end of the week. if someone receives theirs before mine would they please post the pricing. hopefully if mine is shipped by friday, then i might get pricing by late next week.

Evan

bigal31

Sorry to say that there isn't a company (yet)that has a lift for our 2000 QC.I know this because I have been looking for one since February!The details are a little sketchy but the hold back has to do with the NEW rack-in-pinion steering.

As far as reprogramming the computer yes, any time a switch is made from shorter to taller tires(the other way around too) it throws off the speed-o.From what I have found (read over heard what ever)that shouldn't be that big of a deal.
Now we just need a company with a little ambition!Are you hearing our cries for help-Rancho-Superlift-Tuff country-Trailmaster??

Anyway if you hear something before me,do tell..
Allen-

haasman

ahasher. I am buying alot of the interior trinkets from such automtive stores as PEP BOYS,A&A AUTOMOTIVE, AUTO ZONE etc... My brother-in-law has done the upholstery work. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to istall a SUN TACH 2, as the 4.7 has no distributor I have to tie into the Power Module at the crank location sensor pin. I am getting erroneous RPM readings so I have a call into MOPAR and the tach manufacturer. Hopefully if I find the solution I will post it. I also can recommend "TRUCKIN", and "SPORT TRUCK" magazines as a good place to find out what's on the market for interior, exterior and performance goodies. Hope this helps you out.KEEP ON QUADING, BYE. haasman

slr9589

Hey everyone,
The Quad is king!!!Has anyone pestered Thule lately to make a foot set for the Quad roof????
they turned me down in March...something to the effect that they were having a hard time matching the curves.
thanks...

engine16c

I got a new dash module installed and the alarm is now functional. For anyone that had the alarm system from the factory, if it is not working or the SECURITY light does not blink on the dash, get the dealer to order a new module part # 56021655AH Cluster 120 MPH with tach.

A;so does anyone make fiberglas sets for the Quad that go from front flare to rear flare and are also lighted like the ones on an expedition.

jawaiian

bigal, someone recently told me that he read somewhere that a certain co. will come out w/a 3"-5" lift before the end of the year,but he can't remember where he read this or the co.'s name(big help)take it for what its worth.On bigger tires,if only the speedo needs to be adjusted-no problem,thought more than that was involved.Will keep you posted if that "someone" remembers anything about the lift.Regarding roof racks,I have Yakima racks on my Quad,perform basically the same functions as Thule and they make them specifically for the Quad,check them out.

mulderig

I placed my order for a 2001 Quad last Thursday.
Bronze SLT Plus 4X4, 4.7 liter 5-speed, Max
Cooling, limited slip, AM/FM Stereo/CD with
Infinity Speakers, and a Power Bench Seat for my
titanium improved lower back. My dealer placed the order yesterday and called me with my order
number. Called today at noon and was told the
status was BX already. She was suprised how quick
it is going through. She said it could be because
of it being an employee purchase (brother-in-law
works at the Durango Plant). Yesterday my 91 F150
with 125000 miles started leaking antifreeze on the floor so I'm cleaning that up so I can sell it.

steve234

I checked on my status. The Q is built and is siting in the yard waiting to be loaded. Was due out yesterday but is still waiting. Not even stopping at St Louis, going directly to Tulsa. Pity that I don't have time to go and watch it come in.

zonk

Yes, I am still lurking around; you haven't gotten rid of me, yet! I have some questions about the new '01 QC model's T&H package. I understand it is coming with 16" wheels. I assume that this means it should handle even better than it does currently? Should it be noticeably better? And is there a performance penalty, in terms of mpg or anything else, associated with this? Thanks for the advice!

bookitty

Steve, you must be really excited, and rightfully so. I want to wish you the best.

Mulderig, do you think that you are the only one to get prompt delivery because your brother-in-law
works for the company? Well, my brother-in-law is in prison, and I am the first person to receive license plates. So there!

Bookitty

gettinaquad

Just got a call from my dealer.......my 2001 quad cab just went to code "G" (not a good as steve's....but almost). Code "G" is trim, that means the truck is basically built. I'll be watching.....

Also, steve, there is a web site to track your truck as it rolls on the rails....do you have that site? Also, congrats......

And finally, my brother-in-law is in construction, so I guess that means that my house is first....right?

Talk to ya all later.....

asta

Hey Guys -talked to my dealer today (Tustin Dodge in Southern Cali) and he said they should be ordering the 01 model year in about 2 weeks. He said D/C ships out Dealer lot inventory first, then accepts customer custom orders over added dealer inventory, so I should be able to order in a few weeks or less. He faxed me all the new 01 options, interior color changes, and exterior color changes for and I am stoked! Sounds like D/C is really listening to quad owner feedback. Couple of questions for y'all:

new interior colors are taupe and slate, got rid of gray mist and agate. Anybody seen these new colors - wondering which works best with the bronze extgerior and which will get the least dirty (dogs to crazy to stay in the bed)

also how are all you guys getting your 01 so early, let alone ordering them? Are we just penalized here in the biggest retail market in the nation, southern california??

finally on the yakima racks - are those a new model? I have yakimas on my current vehicle and would love NOT to have spend another 300 bucks for new ones. They're expensive but excellent racks and I prefer them to the Thule for surfboards, snowboards, and any heavy items - my racks are rated up to 170 lbs (haven't tried that yet!)

thanks again for a great board - seems like there are a lot more quad owners posting since we got a specific forum that covers all topics.

oh yeah, my brother-in-law works at a strip club so....

themacguy

asta - you've gotta go with the taupe - just because it's what I wanted, but couldn't get in the 00 model.

steve234 - I'll just go outside and wait - these things seem to pass through Midland (TX) on their way to wherever. I'll wave at it for you.

Uhh, both of my brother's in law are dead. :-O

teckno

gettinaquad- Individual raillines have their own sites. Find out what line your truck is being shipped on, and try their web site. Some RRs have a sign up procedure that takes 3 or 4 days to activate.

asta- If you have Q-towers for your Yakima, the Q62 CLIPS will fit the rack and the QC.

steve234

The first priority of the 01 builds are those who had the misfortune to have 00 on order and got cut off by DC for whatever reason.

gettinaquad: I hit the site twice a day and will until the Q arrives. I also have an uncle working for the RR at the receiving yard. The family has him on lookout duty also. I cannot think of anything that I don't have covered. Right now I am seeing if I can get the spy drone in flight, so that I can get some pictures.

victx

Just talked to my dealer. My 2001 Quad is built and waiting to be shipped, should be shipped today. First destination is Houston, where it will get on a truck and be delivered to Kerrville, TX. Dealer said they might get the invoice today also, at that point I will should get pricing info. I will try to post as soon as I get a copy of the invoice. I can't believe noone has found a pic of the new 2001 fascia. Jeez, waiting sucks!!

bookitty

Steve, uncles are not qualified in this forum. You
must only utilize your brother-in-law. Well okay Steve, just this one time.

Bookitty

qc2001

my 01 is at I status. saw the dealer today and he said that he has not received any pictures or pricing for the new dakota series. he said that he doesn't know why they are being so secretive about all of this. my brother in law is a NYS corrections officer, so what does that get me first? excitedly waiting.

Evan

gettinaquad

well, i'm from southern calif. also (simi valley...just northwest of the san fernando valley). D/C allowed orders startin 20 June 2000 so I don't know what your dealer is doing. Unless you are getting a really great deal I would go to another dealer (let me know if you want to use mine). Dealer orders are NOT first.....if you order one, as soon as it is approved and parts are ready it will go D1 status. If you want bronze exterior you MUST get the taupe interior (no other choices). Other than that color, any exterior will come with either dark grey or taupe. If you really want a 2001 soon, i would go and order one now......all dealers are ordering trucks now so the wait will get longer and longer.......

haasman

Don't buy one!!!! The don't work with the 4.7. Talked directly to manufacturer today and he told me to check out "AUTOMETER", because SUN is 2 years behind in it's R&D. Be careful fellow QUAD owners in the aftermarket, you sure don't want to end up frying the computer by installing the "wrong whatever". KEEP ON QUADING, bye. haasman

slr9589

I know that Yakima makes the rig for the quad but i own thule and would like to only change feet....
as for weight bearing integrety well i've put a lot of gear on my thules without any noticable problems.this current rack has been on two toyotas and one mazda .

iowabigguy

I thought the Quad came with a tach? My SLT has one. Rick

gettinaquad

well, dealer called me today (he's on top of things) and said that my 01 quad went KZM (IT'S ON A RAIL CAR!!!!).......
he gave me the web address and his dealer's login and password to track my car along with my vin #. I'll be following it all the way down to So. Cal. Can't wait till it arrives. Told the dealer today to order the wheel flares (i'm getting a 4x2) so that they will be in when the truck gets here......he stocks the bedliners (Mopar)......

Well, just wanted to post to let everyone know.....i'll post the prices on Wednesday (that's when I'll get the invoice......my dealer is on vacation till then)........

haasman

I do have a factory tach in my dash but it's hard for me to keep an eye on it, just due to my left arm driving position. I want one on top of the dash so it would be easier to read. haasman

qc2001

congratulations on getting on a rail car, and i can't wait for you to get the pricing. i also ordered the accessories for when my QC gets here, to include the bed liner($200), the bed extender($200, and entry guards($28). he said that it should be in the first week of Aug. i hope so, we are going to take it camping on the 3rd week of Aug., so i will have to put a quick 500 miles on it. but i have a feeling that won't be hard in this truck. not to mention that everyone in our large families want to see it as soon as we get it. to bad they don't give you rebates when you refer someone to buy a truck from that dealer, i think that i would make some quick cash.
P.S. i will scan a picture as soon as possible, should i use a BMP to post in this forum?
Evan

asta

re: gettingaquad:

I would be very interested in your dealer up in Simi. My folks are in the Valley and that's where I grew up, actually. My dealer is giving me 200 over invoice - it was the best price by far, hence the loyalty to him. But if your guy can match it and save me several weeks. BTW: how did you know what new options to get on your 2001 - I just got the changes faxed to me by my dealer last Friday, and he just got them last week. I don't even know what the heck taupe is???? is that brown or camel or what???? May switch to the patriot blue (heart set on bronze) is the taupe is too light and gets too dirty. I'm also curious about this new electronic shift for the transfer cas, now located on the revamped instrument panel. One of the nice things about the Fords are those super easy 4by shifters. Don't even have to take your eyes of the road to shift.

wantaquad

my dealer will sell any dak for 250 over invoice....he is in thousand oaks (westoaks)....let me know and i'll give you his name...really good to work with....calls me every couple of days with status on my order....i got option codes before dealer even knew they existed...had my dealer call his local rep cause i knew the local rep had them.....as far as taupe goes...go look at the 2000 jeep...it has taupe interior....it's kinda tan in color....i heard yesterday that the base truck price for 2001 went up only 114 dollars, so the options should be small increase also.....i checked this morning and found my truck is now in missouri....getting close.......anyway....let me know, i order truck on 7/6/00 and it's on it's way now.....

asta

Yeah, that'd be great if I could get his name. Shoot it to me offline if you want at my email address or post back on this board. 250 over with good follow-up sounds better than my guy, who seems too busy selling Durangos to remember me! I'm wondering when these new 01's will start showing up on dealer lots so we could check out some of the new features. I.E., new fascia, new I/P, new shifter for 4x4, new bucket seats config. new illuminated center console, leather for the bucket seats, new radio, new side mirrors (folding) and of course the big new 16" wheels. Also they are offering a home link (for your garage) in the overhead console this year. Did you score any or all of these new features wantaquad???? Has anyone else out there seen any of these features on a Dakota truck yet and tested them out? Or is it still too early in the new model year???

resqman

Well just got back from an 1800 mile road trip. 2 adults, 2 kids, weeks worth of luggage and supplies. 75 mph with cruise control most of the time. Cab height cap over bed. Best gas milage was 17.9 highway. Around town I am only getting 14.7.

4.7l, 3.55, lsd, auto, A/C, tire & handling. 3800 miles on truck so far. Eariler posts claim milage goes up after engine breakin. Hope to see some of that increase with mine.

I traded in a 94' Dodge Grand Caravan for the Quad. The cabin area of the Quad is much smaller while the cargo area is much larger. Around town it is not as noticable but on a long road trip it has taken some getting used to. We put a 9 inch TV/VCR combo on the arm rest to help the time pass for the kids (12 hour drive). That really added to the cramped feeling. I really like the four doors for the 360 odd days a year we are not taking long road trips.

mjr1477

I visited a dealer today. I'm in upstate NY. I was shown a 2001 Club Cab, though I want a Quad. The dash is strangely similar to a Grand Cherokee or least some other Chrysler car I have seen recently. It is definitely different than the Ram look it has now. From what I could gather, it seems to have more interior room, because the dash is closer to the windshield and it is straighter. That's what I was told. But I definitely lost the clausterphobic feeling I got from 2000 models. The 2001 feels more like a truck. Big and roomy. The new optional wheels for the 4WD have accents taken from the current R/T wheels. The only front fascia different that I could see and what the salesman claimed was slots at the bottom for tow hooks. The 2001 also includes a off-road package. I'm also excited about the standard push-button transfer case, because it will free up floor space. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about these changes.

mjr

mjr1477

I visited a dealer today. I'm in upstate NY. I was shown a 2001 Club Cab, though I want a Quad. The dash is strangely similar to a Grand Cherokee or least some other Chrysler car I have seen recently. It is definitely different than the Ram look it has now. From what I could gather, it seems to have more interior room, because the dash is closer to the windshield and it is straighter. That's what I was told. But I definitely lost the clausterphobic feeling I got from 2000 models. The 2001 feels more like a truck. Big and roomy. The new optional wheels for the 4WD have accents taken from the current R/T wheels. The only front fascia different that I could see and what the salesman claimed was slots at the bottom for tow hooks. The 2001 also includes a off-road package. I'm also excited about the standard push-button transfer case, because it will free up floor space. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about these changes.

mjr

victx

Take a couple of pictures and post them .......... Please!?!?!?

iowabigguy

"Best gas mileage was 17.9 highway. Around town I am only getting 14.7."
What your point, You are driving a 2 ton plus vehicle with a v8 engine in excess of its optimal speed for gas mileage. The experience of myself and others on the board have shown gas mileage falls off drastically at speeds over 65 miles per hour. I drive a chevy crew cab with a 350 v8 in my job. I'm lucky to see 12 mph highway. I had a 93 Dakota v8 auto that averaged 13.5 mpg in town and maybe 15 on the highway. I think for a truck your mileage is excellent. Rick

mike808

Any word on the colors for the 2001 Dakota Quad Cab? Broken down by Sport and SLT?

I really wish the Patriot Blue was available in
the Sport trim. I like the Sport look with the
coordinated grill and bumper, but the 2000 colors
don't trip my trigger.

I heard SLT -driftwood +silver +amber_fire
But on the Sport were there any changes?

Also, dealer recommendations w/in 120 mi of St. Louis, MO welcome.

asta

mike808 - change sheet my dealer sesnt to me for 01 shows D/C losing the driftwood color altogether to be replaced by a "bright silver metallic" guess you could look at the durangos to see what color that would be.

mjrl477 - i agree with victx - we need some stealth photos of this rig!!! particularly the interior as from what I heard, the front fascia is not much of a change at all.

finally: thanks to wantaquad for hooking me up with his TO dealer!

bookitty

Bruce, for a loaded vehicle traveling @ 75MPH, I really don't think you did too poorly. Although covering the bed with a lid type tonneau, especially a hard shell model improves mileage, a regular cap may even create resistance due to height and airflow. Somewhat like a large fuselage on an aircraft. The 75MPH is probably the most fact affecting your mileage. If I recorded the MPG that you experienced under the same conditions, I would be pleased.

Bookitty

resqman

I guess I just need to reset my expectations.

The '94 Grand Caravan similarly loaded at same speeds traveling the same road trip got 17 city and 23-25 highway. Vehicle size and weight probably about the same. The big difference here seems to be the 6 versus 8 cylinders. The Caravan had a 6 cylinder 3.3 versus an 8 cylinder 4.7.

victx

I called my dealer today to see if they had received the invoice on my truck yet. They had said they would get in a couple of days after it was built. My truck was built on the 19th, but they can't find the invoice. Anyone have updates, I'm anxious to get more details.

ohc_baby

Well, I found out today why the price for a 2wd sport didn't change but 114 bucks. While the exterior got great new paint and two-tone SLTs get painted bumpers, not to mention the new wheels, the interior has taken a dive for 2001. The dash is, in fact, pushed forward quite a bit. The door panels are totally new. It looks like a edgy new car, like an eclipse or celica, just bigger. I've placed my order already for a 2001 and still want the silver, but if anyone wants to 'upgrade' to a new interior, I'll gladly swap mine...

iowabigguy

"a regular cap may even create resistance due to
height and airflow. Somewhat like a large fuselage
on an aircraft."
You might have a point there. My mileage appeared to drop about .7 mpg after I had installed my Leer topper. I attributed it to a heavier foot, got to love the sound of the 4.7l. Rick

gator72

I'm leaning toward buying a 2000 Quad Cab rather than the GMC Sierra 4-door extended cab. But, if the 2001's QC's are on the way, it might be worth waiting. Question is: (1) When will the QC's be generally available; and (2)Is there enough improvement in the 2001 QC's,(ie bigger interior), to justify the wait?

Everything seems positive about the Dakota Quad Cab. Are there any mechanical problems? How is the dealer network? (I'm only familiar with GMC and Honda - which are pretty good).

bsparx

I also lost about 1 mpg when I installed my Leer cap.

On the Caravan comparison, its probably the gearing as much as the engine size. Trucks transmissions and rear ends are geared to carry loads, pull boats up ramps, etc. The low gearing means the engine will have to spin more rpms to get up to your 75 mph, no matter what the engine size. More rpms= more fuel used. If you put a truck-geared drivetrain behind that 3.3 I bet your mileage would go down to about the same you get with the Quad. If you need to do truck things, you buy a truck and live with the mileage. If you don't do truck things...

Ben

chachingman

Wow, been a long time since my last post. here's an update: I too had a 2000 QC order dropped by DC and am getting a 2001. My original order was on 4-27! After it was found out that I was getting a 2001 I was told a ship date of 7-12. According to Chrysler, it actually shipped on 7-19 and ship times are running closer to 10 days here in Ga. Hopefully this time next week I can be posting links to some pics. (crosses fingers)

nbevans

On Saturday I bought a '00 Dakota QC. This is my first venture into Dodge products. Up to now I have always driven Ford or GM. I really like the ride. I know it can tow my personal watercraft, but can someone tell me if this vehicle can tow our other watercraft,a 20'3" Bass boat. Right now we're using the other truck -- a 98 Chevy 4-door dually equipped with a 454 to tow this boat. Sure would be nice to up the gas mileage on road trips by using the Dakota QC. It's equipped with the V8.

Thanks,
Nita

socaldude

if Patriot blue will be available on the 2001
Dakota Sport?

Also, anyone with the manual transmission - how
do you like it? Any regrets?

Thanks!

steve234

nbevans: The dakota can probably tow your boat, but you left a few things out. Which engine, which tansmission, which rearend and does it have the tow package. Also it needs to be determined what your gross tow weight is (boat, trailer and full load). If you don't know your gross weight, most feed mills and truck handling facilities can tell you for a small fee. Just load it as for a regular outing with a full load of fuel. You need to pick a quiet time to do this because you will need to disconnect the trailer for an accurate weight.
socaldude: Yes on the Pat. Blue

steve234

I just called DC and found that my 01 is on a rail car and is now headed to OKC instead of Tulsa. It means another 80 miles by truck but at least it is on the way. I guess that there was a problem getting into the Tulsa yard and that was the reason for the delay. Maybe it will still be ready by next the end of week as promised. I'm not making any bets one way or the other.