Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

txqc2000

Thanks for your input. I was leaning towards the Gibson Side Swept catback, and now I'll definitely go that route based on your report about the negligible interior noise increase. Gibson similarly told me that I'd only experience a 2-3 db noise increase with the Side Swept model, approx. 10+ hp increase, and approx. 15+ lbs torque at 2000-3000 rpms with this model. Interestingly, they said that this model, which produces less interior noise than their other models, actually yields the most performance gains, at least for the 5.9L. Hopefully, with the combination of my cold air induction system, I'll feel an even nicer performance boost over stock.

Also, can you tell me where you ordered your cat back from and how long it took to get it? The dealers I spoke with in the DFW area said it would take as long as 3 weeks to order. I'm hoping to find a dealer that stocks the Side Swept for the 5.9L engine so I can cut down on the wait time.

Lastly, like Tuvtest, I'm curious what the Bosch 4417s part is that you referred to in your post.

Thanks again for your help.

danodw

Ordered My 01 QC Dakota slt 2wd around 1-9-01 and picked it up today
on 2-9-01. Thought it would take longer. I got the med Bronze pearl coat,
4.7 V8, anti spin diff, bucket seats, HD service group, and most of all the extras.
We asked for the rear windo defroster but it came with the slideing back window
. I like that better. Only have 75 miles on this truck. Man I really like it. It rides very good,
has plenty of power. Haven't noticed wind noise. One thing I don't like about it, its my wife's truck. I want it and if it turns out to be a good one then I will get one of the same for me with 4 WD. What am I doing here, this truck is so much fun to drive. I got to go, it may be days before I bring this truck back to my wife. Got to go riding and burn some gas. I will keep posting mes. to let everyone know how its doing, performance, gas milage ect. Thanks to everybody for thier views on this truck. Its fun time see you later. If anyone wants to Email me feel free but it may take a day are two to get back because I'll be in my truck. Email me at dano@internetwork.net. be sure and put dodge in the subject line because I get tons of junk mail and I delete most before reading.

livnlrn

Have not yet tracked everything by hand. Thought that this was gonna be the break in mileage and didn't worry too much about it. The trip this past weekend I thought I would get a good idea how I was doing. But when I saw the mileage I figured I better ask. I am going to start tracking everything now. Maybe those couple of high speed emergency calls are killing my mileage. Who knows. Thanks.

gator72

I am an attorney licensed in Texas and Alabama; and recently bought a 2001 QC SLT+ 4.7L with T&H package. Thankfully, I have experienced no problems thus far (other than a minor squeak when turning right).

Since I do not know all the facts of your case, (and do not know what State you are in), I cannot give you any legal advice on your paint problem. After reading this post, you might want to contact a lawyer in your city to discuss your legal options in this matter. Most lawyers will give you a free 30 minute consultation. Having said all that - READ ON:

I don't know what State you are in, but the laws of MOST States say that you don't own the truck until you actually take delivery; regardless of the original contract you signed. Under the law of most States, taking delivery is referred to as "acceptance".

You did not indicate in your post whether you signed the final papers when the truck arrived at the dealer. If you gave the dealer the bank's check and took delivery of the truck - then, immediately turned it back over to the dealer to fix the paint, you have technically accepted the truck and it is yours. Under the law of most States, you can withdraw your acceptance; but the process is complicated and expensive.

HOWEVER, if you have NOT given the dealer the money AND the dealer agrees to fix the paint, you have not taken delivery and the truck is the still the dealer's. In that case, I would NOT give him/her the money until everything is fixed to your satisfaction.

GATOR72

tvay

No quirk... If you leave headlights on and turn ignition off the lights stay on for 60 seconds. To turn them off before 60 seconds turn them on and off again. It is in owners manual..

tuvtest

If you are anything like I was, When that pager goes off (especially for a code or a confirmed structure) the adrenaline pumps and the right foot gets extremely heavy. If I remember you have a mars bar,so you got and advantage I didn't. One thing about these trucks I found is as the tach goes up, the gas gauge goes down at an inversely proportional rate.

slr9589

I just got to see a 2001 tacoma 4 door....the styling was ok but the room in the back seat was a joke! it was no better than the datsun or s-10.
our quads serve with greater comfort and room.
Toyota missed the boat. i think the T-100 platform would have been a serious threat to dogde,ford,and chevy had they made a crew cab out of it.
slr9589

rmm2

Eric - you're not alone. I've got a 00 QC 4x4 5.9 auto 3.92 and I'm happy when I get 13.1 mpg. It's usually around 12.7. My commute is 26 mi one way to work - about 23 of it freeway. I've got about 5300 miles on the truck and the mpg has been consistent since I got it. At first it bothered me but there's so much else I like about the truck I've learned to live with it - well - with some minor lifestyle adjustments. Like joining a carpool, driving my wife's Honda on occasion, and if CA energy problems continue I'm even considering getting an "economy" car for the commute - don't laugh. But no way am I giving up the Dodge. Enjoy your truck.

livnlrn

Are the small Quad Cab badges just stuck on behind the rear doors? I remember someone saying some of the badges are bolted on. I think those are just stuck, I want to remove them.
The fender ones are bolted right.

greg116

The overhead console on Dodges is not to be trusted. I recently got "18.4 MPG" on a two-day highway trip over the Rocky Mountains an a 1998 Durango 5.9 3.55. I VERY MUCH doubt that is accurate. If you want better accuracy, take down how much you put in at the pump, reset the trip odo and calculate from there.

Long live Dakota!

ayrow

Just got my '01 Quad in yesterday.

I have a question though:
I would like to put a leather seat in place of the driver's seat.

Why? I sat in a 01 Durango that had leather seats and found them to be much more comfortable and supportive than the cloths. Especially on the sides and back.

Question is, will a Durango seat fit in a Dakota? If so, can one mix&match the model years as well?

Thanks

ohc_baby

The Dakota Quads are available with leather. If you're really speedy with a wrench or go by the parts counter, you might order one but it'd be expensive. Talk to an upholstry shop.

yank2

Back in Jan 00 and Feb 00 this was a big problem. Most of us had the bed re aligned. Most dealers had no idea what to due. I had mine in three times . In my case the holes on the bed had been drill wrong.

bcarter3

Am just now catching up to all the posts I missed. My faithful old computer died on me soon after I got my new truck. I also have the offset on my 01 CC. I parked it on the flat floor in my carport, scuse me, wife's carport. With a plumb bob I dropped measurements to the floor. When I moved the truck I found that the measurements indicated that the axle was most likely the problem. The measurement from frame to outside edge of right fender was within 1/16 inch of left. The distance from the frame to the spring shows the springs are offset to the right by 5/8 inch. With the wheels off, the distance from the right brake drum to the outside of the fender is 4-1/4 inch. The left side is 5-1/2. It appears to me that the springs are not centered in the hangars. Have been having so much fun with the truck that I haven't given much thought to a solution. I doubt that I will turn to the Dealer for help. I'm not yet ready for footprints on my headliner, scratches in my paint and rips in my seats. That leaves me in a quandry because I think the transmission has a small leak! Oh well...paranoia is not good!

ole3

Sorry to hear about those paint blotches . . .

I have absolutely no problems with my truck . . . the paint is beautiful
(particularly after I let it cure for three months and then gave it the "Mothers"
three step clean/polish/wax treatment)
I had even off roaded it a bit and got some good "Arizona Pinstripes", but the
Mothers Polish "cleaned em up real good".

I got my Gibson Catback on a group buy through "smokindakota.com"
Once he got enough buyers for the group buy, he put in the order on Monday,
and I drove out to Gibson (in Corona, Ca.) and picked it up on Friday.
I'm not sure, but I think you can order one through him ?

Again, The Dakota Mailing list is a great source of information . . .
. . . everyone there has seemed to recommend Bosch 4417s or 4418s
as the best spark plug for the 4.7L. They are a "four electrode" platinum sparkplug.
Pricey, but from what everyone says, they are the best for this application.
I definately felt a difference when I replaced the factory plugs with them.

mulderig

I have a 01 QC SLT 4X4 and removed all the badges, letters & numbers except for the Rams Head on the hood. The 01 QC does not have the Magnum V8 on the front fender.

meyert

Today I picked-up a brochure for the Dakota Quad Cab, and it looks like it might be the solution to my needs. I currently own an '89 Ford Ranger Extended Cab, but my family out grew its back seat years ago.

I'm a little worried about the short bed on the Quad Cab, though. With the Ranger's 6' bed I can toss an 8' sheet of plywood or sheet rock in the back and not worry about it going anywhere. I don't even have to tie them down. I just tuck the front of the sheets into the front of the bed and set the back of them on top of the tailgate (with it closed). Sure they overhang the back of the truck a little, but since nearly 7/8th's of the sheets are inside the bed, there is no chance of losing them.

Has anybody around here used their Quad Cab to lug building materials around and like to comment on the experience?

2nddak

I have a 2001 quad that is silver. I had the blotchy silver paint on mine when I took delivery. I couldn't tell if it was me, the truck or the lighting in the shop. Also had a couple of small runs in the clear coat. I've had it about 2 months now and I don't see the blotches any more and the runs are less evident. That may give some credit to the heat lamp, curing explanation Of course, it has been rather cold and snowy in Buffalo this winter and I can't check it out that well. I do look for it after each wash though. Time may be on your side, especially if it is warmer where you live. I opted to leave the runs because I figured it may be worse after the dealer attempts to fix it although I did tell them that I my request they do so.

blubelle

Meyert I too worried about the short bed but I haul all kinds of building material with my Quad and haven't had a problem with the following tricks. For hauling 4X8 ft material I stick in the cross bed supports and set my tail gate at about half open so that I have a perfect flat surface for them supporting out about 7 feet. Also with the half open tail gate I can easily haul sheet rock and 8 ft lumber . Long moldings etc I put through the rear window and have from the windshield to the tail gate and beyond. I just brought home some 12 ft molding pieces and could have brought home 16 ft. I secure the tail gate at any position using a couple of 1/4 inch 16 inch long turnbuckles secured between the tail gate latch posts and the tail gate latch. Just push the tailgate latch closed with your finger and there you are. Hope this is clear enough. If not say so and I'll try again. There a lot of ways for securing the tail gate in the partially open position so what ever turns you on. By the way I just love this truck!!!

meyert

Thanks for the info "bluebelle." The turnbuckle idea sounds pretty clever.

After reading your response, I should also make sure I give serious consideration to getting a rear window..."it's not just for air anymore."

donamy

Is anyone else having the problem with their STAINLESS Exhaust corroding? I slid under mine for the second time after 500 miles and discovered that the once silver exhaust system now looks like a cheap steel system. I mean I have had aluminized pipe that looked better and did not show any signs of rust for at least 3 years. I live in Iowa and we do get salt on the roads. But come on. If the say that it is a stainless exhaust, it should not rust. I took it to the dealer and he said it was normal and that it will no corrode thou. I think it still looks like crap thou. Just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

Don

schoonover

To the guy in post 1920 (mulderig), if you are out there, or anyone for that matter, tell me how you get the lettering off. I had my windows tinted today by the friend of a friend and we were all talking "hey wouldn't be neat if we took off the DAKOTA SPORT off the side of the truck" You know just to make the truck one solid color. "Yeah, that WOULD be neat" we all agreed.

So the guy says, "oh yeah, heat gun takes it right off, it is just vinyl lettering" So out comes the heat gun and the D comes off, except for the adhesive. So we are looking around his garage for something to take off the adhesive. Nothing works! After about 20 minutes of trying we we finally just rub it off with our thumb and then use some car wax to finish the job. Must be a fluke says my friend, so he goes to the other side and take the OTHER D off. Same problem. Now I am driving a AKOTA SPORT. Yeah very funny. The other problem is that all of that rubbing caused very little scratches in the paint. Not big enough that anyone would notice, but Lord knows we all get enough scratches through normal wear and tear.

There has to be a product ot there that will take this adhesive off without scratching or damaging the finish. HELP!! ANYONE!! e-mail me at nschoonover@home.com

greg116

I've seen photos in and around the net, but I gotta know for sure. Is it possible to get a Durango-style roof rack on top of a Quad Cab? This vehicle is almost perfect for me, and if I CAN get a rack for my skis, I'll have no reason to keep looking around.

Also, I read that the 2001 Sport daks have a new front end. Is this true? What did they change? I can't tell the difference but I havent really looked. I noticed they took the "V6" and "V8 Magnum" badges off the side, too bad. Can they be ordered?

I'm loving this truck more and more each day!

tuvtest

Dodge offers a roof rack thruough the Accessories catalog. They also have a ski holder for the rack.

jimt

Brian, one product that may be helpful in removing house paint(latex or oil) from vehicle paint is GOOF-OFF. I have used this to remove a vriety of products including residual adhesives. It does not seem to damage finishes like factory automotive paint, but it will damage some plastics. I would try it in a very inconspicuous location first. Careful polishing with a clearcoat safe compund may be helpful also. Also, goof-off is available at Home Depot and most paint stores. Good luck! JimT

steve234

The only change to the front of the 01 Dakota was the addition of two openings at the bottom of the valance. Also, don't be surprised if you did get 18.4 in the rockies. Something about that rarified air makes a lot of big vehicles get great mileage. I keep extensive records of my mileage and have seen 20-30% increases in gas mileage.

Karen_S

....has a series of products that will remove just about anything. Here's their web site:

http://www.magicamerican.com/products_gg.shtml

KarenS

Host

Owner's Clubs

slickwilliedj

thanks for your info sounds like you really looked into this rear axle offset thing.although it bothers me i feel the same way about taking in for service however, i'm also a feew other problems i want looked at so while i'm there i will bring this offset situation to there attention. while in the area of my dealer i stop by and looked at another q/c on the lot with the same 4.7 auto and 3.55 ratio axle and it appeared to have the same right rear axle offset as mine and yours has. i also looked at another one with the 3.9l 6 cyl and the rear axle didnot have the offset. thus it makes me wounder if this offset thing is exclusive to the 4.7 only. the question is why?? and isn't a defect or not? truck drives fine no alignment probs or tire wear.have you experienced any popping or snaping sounds coming form your front end while turning with brakes applied or while parking? i have. and the left front seems to sit about 1/2 lower then right.i know there is no height adjustment on the 4x2 so i don't know what to assum may be causing this. but are some of things i want looked into other then that truck is great had it up to 100mph this weekend unitl the speed limiter kicked in. i'll have to have that reprogramed also.

txqc2000

Just my .02 here re:the roof rack. You'll have a lot more options with respect to attachments for various types of stuff if you go with a Yakima type rack system instead of the Dodge rack. I too considered going with the Dodge roof rack but went with the Yakima system b/c I can add baskets (2 types), cases, ski attachments, bike attachments, and various combinations of the above depending on the length of bars I use. I also believe an external rack has a higher weight capacity rating than the roof rack. Lastly, I think the Dodge roof rack only looks good with certain colors (it looks good on Black QC's, and not so great on Red ones). If you plan to use the rack frequently, then I imagine a permanent mounted roof rack would be more convenient than an external rack. Any ways, this is just my 2 cents. Good luck.

trglick

Anybody buy a Mopar Tonneau Cover? How well does the fold up model look and keep water out? Comments on any of the covers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
trglick

robert106

does anyone know if a web site is available that lists the locator service used by Dodge dealers to find a certain vehicle? I am looking to purchase a Dakota quad cab, but would like to see what is available without having to contact a dealer first. Also, if a vehicle is ordered, does it have to be delivered before the rebate expires, or is the rebate given when it is ordered? Thanks in advance for your help!

rottinotto

I've been offered a good deal on an '01 DDQC at a local dealership here in Raleigh,NC. It,s a sport plus with deluxe & power convenience groups, 4.7Lw/Multi-speed auto,air,cd w/equaliz.,bucket seats,anti-spin diff.,leather steer. whl w/controls on whl.,rear sliding window, and floor mats. The only thing that it doesn't have is 3.92 axle ratio. Given that this is a 2WD, how important is the higher axle ratio.? The price out-the-door is 24,464.75.Would appreciate any input. Thanx -Otto

gator72

Dear Trglick,

I've got an'01 QC SLT Plus 4.7L with T&H pack.. I also had the folding tonneau cover installed at the time of delivery. For security reasons, I prefer the hard folding cover vs. the soft cover.

UP SIDE: Security. Locks at both ends; and, the entire thing can be removed if neccessary. (But, it IS heavy). Although the rails are riveted along the top edge of the bed, the cover is held in place by two clamps.

It is NOT entirely water-proof. There is a 1/8 inch gap at the front and rear edge. I added marine weather strips at the front and rear edge ($3,00 for a huge roll at Home Depot). Now, only about a cup full leaks in - even in the heaviest rain. HINT: Put the weather strips on the bottom edges of the cover NOT on the truck body.

DOWN SIDE: The retaining clips are a good thing because they prevent vibrations. BUT, they are a pain when you're in a hurry because you have to go to both sides of the bed to slide them out of the way. (3 on each side)

The dealer installed four rivets to serve as a rail system for the folding cover; (2 rivets on each side - 1-front/1-back). When they drilled the holes, they did not clean out all of the metal shavings. SO, it allowed little rust specks to develop on the bed directly below where the rivet holes were drilled (white truck). Not a big deal, I blew out the metal shavings with an air hose, then wiped away the rust specks with wax.

If I had it to do over again, I'd STILL go with the hard folding tonneau cover.

GATOR72

triple_deke1

I cant decide between abs rail caps or alum ones. I like the Dee Zee black powder
coat ones but am afraid that they wont hold up..meaning the black will scratch off.
Has anyone seen or used them?

TD

donamy

Found this on accident. If you have yet, you should try this. Press you number 1 preset twice. It will go from 1 to 7. When you press #2 twice, it goes from 2 to 8, and so on. To set the second tier of presets simply press the set button twice and then the desirede preset. This will get you 12 FM presets. I haven't tried this for the AM side thou, who cares. Hope this helps everyone.

Don

bpeebles

(rottinotto)
I quote you you with "The only thing that it doesn't have is 3.92 axle ratio."

Is this your only problem with this rig?

The standard ratio (3.55) will give you better MPG and less wear-n-tear. why do you see this as a problem? Are you going to be doing some heavy-duty towing? You did not say it even has the towing package.

YOu could always have the ratio changed...perhaps as part of the deal? It is not cast in stone.

ohc_baby

Check your manual. It'll tell you that you can hit a button twice to get the second preset - IE hit 1 twice to get 6, 2 twice to get 7... to set them, hit 'set' twice before hitting the button.

peb2

Finally after 2 1/2 days of phone calls form dealer to regional service manager, we finally have a go for vehicle inspection. I had to get corporate customer service involved. Todd there was very helpful. The dealer told me this had happened before and the vehicle was replaced. (we shall see, very very skeptical). The delay is that they need to go through the appropriate steps to document the problem. Probably a CYA for some manufacture to dealer resolution. I also requested that I be present for the inspection to make sure my best interest is being represented. One problem, they have to bring the vehicle to him because they are short handed due to the Chicago Auto Show and if we wait for him to come to the dealership, it would be a couple of weeks(so they say). Unfortunately, I cannot get out of work to go. I have a funny feeling they are strokin me on this. Dealers are good at that. These clowns have put more miles on my new truck than I have. Finally, the dealer service director told me that they would probably take the defective truck, repaint and put on the lot as used. BULL!!!! I don't think a dealer is going to take that big a bath on a vehicle, thats is why I am so skeptical about this whole thing. It sure is a sad day when you shell out $25,000 for something you special order, and then you have to fight tooth and nail because it arrives defective and the dealer trys to make it seem like he is doing you a favor by trying to make it right.(just venting)

bookitty

Paul, document every visit, conversation (phone and direct) and get as much in writing as is possible. Anytime someone hesitates to "put it in writing," I have always told them that there should be no problem regarding their writing notes unless of course they're not valid. Then confirm (in writing) briefly noting the gist of the conversation with names, dates and time. When you confirm these conversations, send by certified mail, return receipt requested. I have been through several of these types of things, and my phone log, confirmations, etc. served me well. I know it is a great deal of trouble, but you are protecting a considerable investment. Otherwise, it is only undocumented anecdotal conversation. Good luck.

Bookitty

harleyart

/the incentive for dakota's was increased today to $2000.00. If you haven't pick up your truck be sure you get this.

peb2

Just got the call from the dealership service director. Regional guy approved the replacement of my truck. Note that this is just a verbal at this point and I will be demanding a letter to that affect when the dealership manager returns tommorrow. The exact words were that "the regional guy and the dealership manager have to work out together the replacement of the truck". Nothing to me is final until the paperwork is done. Not sure how the logistics would work, but I wonder if I would be entitled to the $2000 rebate. Or is this just pushing my luck. I think the dealer needs to start from scratch when reordering my new truck, but what about the old truck.
I wonder if the dealer cuts me a check back for the amount and takes my name off the registration for that vehicle. I'm guessing more negotiations with dealer tommorrow.

biglucy

Paul,

Sorry to read about all the crap you are going through. Has anyone brought up the possibility of having your truck repainted?? I can't believe the regional manager would replace your truck over fixing the problem... seems like it would cost them a hell of alot less, and you get to keep your original truck and get a rental for a few weeks versus waiting again for an ordered vehicle. Hey Man, gett'em for all you can, I would have been really PO'ed!!! By the way, what color is your truck anyway?

triple_deke1

My truck should be in in 2 weeks and the 2000$ incentive is good until April.
Am I entitled to the extra 1000$??

TD

saddlemtn

First off thanks to everyone for posting, I'm getting ready to order the wife a fully loaded QC!!
We have yet to find one with the High back bucket seats on a dealers lot (visted 4 yesterday).

How much higher are the seats on the High Back Buckets, than the regular split seats. Are they the same size etc as the Durango's, she likes their leather seats.

Also saw a message a while back that mentioned " Chrysler friends program (invoice minus 2% plus $20)" - What is this and how do you get it.

Thanks - Nollie
North Carolina

gator72

Just got back from the DC dealer with my '01 QC SLT Plus w/ 4.7L.

I went in to have them check the squeak that occurs when making a slow right turn while applying the brakes.

The "front end tech" told me that the noise is normal on all QCs. He said it was merely "torque steer".

I was late for work and didn't have time to debate him. But, I started thinking:

FIRST: I thought you only get torque steer on FRONT WHEEL DRIVE vehicles.

SECOND: If it IS torque steer, why doesn't it squeak when I'm NOT applying the brakes???

Torque steer does not sound right to me. BUT, I'm not a mechanic - so, what do I know.

Does anyone have any thoughts or advice on this???

THANKS,

Gator72

ohc_baby

That's pretty funny, though not to irritate you. You gotta love when mechanics throw around words that people are likely to have heard before but never use, hoping to let problems slide. Torque steer has nothing to do with your brakes - it's just the torque applied to the steering rack when you spin the front wheels. He's not right and there may or may not be something wrong, but the front end tech is definitely not gonna help you find the problem.

bookitty

Yes! Ain't America great?

Bookitty

bcarter3

I haven't noticed any handling problems due to the rear axle offset. Truck runs fine. Haven't heard any unusual noise when turning or parking and the truck seems to sit level in the front and back. I'm not positive but I think your Quad and my CC share the same configuration for the driveline. The Shop Manual shows a two-piece driveshaft and a one piece driveshaft. I thought that the two-piece was discontinued a couple of years ago due to problems with the center bearing but it still may be installed with the 3.9. I've got the 4.7 w/auto. I checked out the speed limiter ONCE at 2 AM on the Turnpike Extension. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing". For me anyway.

danodw

Thanks, my wife is out there setting all the FM stations right now. Live and learn, I should have gotten out the book. Went through our first tank of gas, 15 MPG, mix driving, city mostly, got on it a few times, just checked it all out. Does anyone know about the limiter at 97MPH and how to change that..

txqc2000

I believe there are certain aftermarket chips from either Hypertech or Jet Performance that may raise or eliminate the speed limiter. Also, I think the upgraded PCM from Mopar will do this as well, though I'm not sure if this unit is available for a 4.7L engine. Check past posts on this board as well as those on the Dakota Mailing List, as I'm certain I've read about a resolution to this issue in past discussions.