Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

txqc2000

For the whine coming from the rear, check msg 2160. I posted an excerpt from a Car & Driver article that talked about a similar problem on their long term Grand Cherokee 4.7L Quadradrive. The driveshaft had to be replaced under warranty per a tech bulletin.

Regarding the front end noises, I recently read on the DML that there was a recall or something to that effect for this problem on 2000 QC's. Don't know if this is true and whether this applies to 2001 QC's as well, but you might check this out.

trglick

I am ordering a QC today (w/4.7L, auto, 4X4). I commute about 75 miles a day but will be towing a 4,600 lb. travel trailer, over mountain passes, on summer week ends. I cannot decide whether to get the 3.55 or 3.92 gears and I need to figure it out in the next few hours. Please help with any input.

Thanks,
trglick

egaquaman

I too have a similar problem. When making "emergency" stops from about 70 mph, the brakes feel like they grab and release (much slower than ABS would --and I don't have ABS). The dealer "bled" the brake lines and sent me on my way. Was ok for a few days and now is back and scary.

impaulm

I'd go for the 3.92's for towing that heavy a load over mountain terrain. I've towed a 3200lb load with my 4x4 4.7l Quad and am glad that I got the 3.92's. Gas mileage might suffer a little compared to the 3.55's while you're commuting but at least your truck will handle any task you throw at it.

mrquad

Fron end has been squeaking for about 2 weeks took to dealer today dealer ordered parts to replace front stabilizer bushings and also some bushings for the rear (he was not clear on exactly which ones) Truck has been barking and squeaking like crazy!!! hopefully parts arrive quickly. 2000 quad 4x4 T/H package, 4.7l, auto

mtrogstad

I finally picked up my truck on March 2, but haven't had time to write. However, my excitement has kinda been overshadowed by a couple of problems I have noticed. The first one is minor. The blinker lever is very hard to push down (left turn) compared to pushing up. I didn't really notice it the first couple of days, but now the difference is very dramatic.

The second problem is alittle more troublesome. Again, this problem didn't really surface for a couple days after delivery. After the truck sits for a couple hours. It stalls when I put it into gear. ?????

Has anyone else noticed these problems? Does anyone have any ideas why my truck would want to stall?

davewarwick1

I received a call today that my quad is in. Yea. Downside is that the invoice cost is now $700 more than when I ordered the truck Feb. 10. I guess I made the mistake of signing for "invoice + $400" under the remarks by the dealer that price may go up by $100-200 but never more than that. I did not sign for the agreed upon price that we negotiated.

Help. Is this live and learn or do I have something to stand on. Holdback ???. Before I go and see the dealer I would appreciate your remarks.

gator72

Spring Break is here at the beach and I'm getting out of town and let the college crowd take over for a while.

Just hit 3k on my 2001 QC SLT+ 4.7 auto. w/ T&H pack. Love the truck; drives great. Would not want another brand. However, the front end pop or creak is getting old.

I just read the other posts about front end noises; especially "mrquad"'s. I found a NHTSA post about a 2000 Dakota at Item #: SB610019. No other results or followup.

A while back, I posted that my QC makes a popping or creaking noise when making a slow right turn with brakes applied. It also makes the noise going over small speed bumps.

My dealer said it is "torque steer". I discovered later that t.s. would not apply to a QC FRONT end problem because it is a REAR-wheel drive!!!!! DC confirmed it in a response to my e-mail question. I'll be back @ my dealer within a few weeks for 1st oil change; will revisit the problem then.

If MRQUAD, or anyone else, has gotten theirs fixed, please post it for the rest of us.

PS. I have the folding metal (locking) tonneau cover. It's a good thing - and removes easily. I put marine weather stripping at critical points, but it still leaks a little. In case anyone is interested, I would highly recommend it.

THANKS,

GATOR72

myrong1

I am considering purchasing an off-lease QC from a nearby dealer. It has 19,xxx miles with 4.7 V8, auto, towing package, and 3.55 rear end. I asked them if it is possible to change from the 3.55 to the 3.92, since I will be towing a horse trailer ~5,500 pounds. Can this change be done in the age of engine/transmission computers? Any other changes should I consider? Anyone else tow a horse trailer with a QC?

ford_bii

My turnsignal started doing that too right after I got the truck. It was very hard to push down (left turn). Believe it or not, it cured itself a day or two later (cold weather??). Its been ok now for about 2 months. I think that there may be a universal problem with the steering column on these trucks, they don't seem to lock at all, which makes it hard for the turn signals to kick off for all but hard turns. I'm constantly tapping off the turn signal.

donamy

Just thought I would get in my two cents. I am a Chevrolet convert, I've owned an '89 and a "92 full size trucks. They had this great emergency light that was magnetic based and had the cord on a recoil. You could litteraly light up any corner of the truck.

After I noticed that my new Quad (which i love) didn't have a $5.00 underhood light, I installed the recoil light that I had stripped off my '78 before I junked it. You can get this light through Mr. Goodwrench (sorry guys) or your Case International Tractor dealer. I don't have the PN#. Since room was tight, I installed mine on top the fuse block cover. The wiring is simple if you know what is going on.

As for the shift light. The only time I see mine is when it does the bulb check at start up. Kinda glad it doesn't work, I think we all know when it's time to shift and don't need an idiot to tell us when they think it needs to be done.

Don

amend1

I had a similar problem last month. I posted it on one of the subject covers. I went in for my usual oil change with about 9300 miles on the OD. Just happen to mention the problem to the dealer, figuring they'd blow me off. They checked it, said the rotors were warped and ORDERED ME NEW ONES!!! The following week the parts came in, they called me and when I went to the dealer, they put new rotors and pads up front. Problem solved. Wayne Dodge in Wayne, NJ. I couldn't be happier. If you are past that "magical" 12,000 mile mark, you might have a harder time. Good luck

bookitty

Travis, the 3.92 is the way to go considering that you will be towing a pretty good load over hilly terrain.

Bookitty

carls5

Myron, I am not sure if the Tire and Handleing package is part of the tow package or not but if the truck you are considering does not have T&H I suggest you get it thrown in. I believe you will need it when towing a 5500# horses trailer. You may want to check with your dealer to see what the tow capacity is without T&H but on my 2000QC I have the towing package, T&H, 3.92 to get my tow capacity up to 6100.
Carl

okwildcatter

Dave,

Yours is the second post I've seen regarding an increase in price between order and delivery. The first post had a $1000 price increase vs your 700$ price increase. The main question is where the price increase hit - the base price or the optional features. I'm assuming any price increase would be of the base vehicle itself, and should be uniform across the board. In other words, I think the dealer is trying to screw you. Why would DC increase the price of a vehicle they can't seem to move in the first place? My advice is to let the dealer know you'll walk and stick him with a truck he has to sell off the lot. Of course, if you put down a deposit, that might not be the best option. I ordered my Quad Feb. 10th, and did not sign anything (nor was a deposit required). I can't wait to see what the dealer says when it comes in. Good luck.

J

ayrow

So, I have seen this discussed but have yet to determine an answer;

I have a 2001 QC, 4x4, 5spd, TH, Skid, etc...

Is there a way to put a tow hook(s) on the front of this truck?
I cannot believe that Dodge eliminated them!!! What stupidity is this??

Thanks.

bobs5

I too would like to have tow hooks up front.
If anyone knows if this is possible please share the information.
I agree this is stupidity not to have them. Is this Dodge's way of cost cutting?

bobs5

I too experienced a price increase between order and delivery to the tune of $250. Delivery was 11/18/00. We agreed to invoice + $400. The signed invoice stated the exact dollar amount though. I was also required to put a $2k deposit (they wanted $3k at first) down to order because of the stick shift.
The dealer wanted to split the difference of the increase at first, but then conceded to absorb the total increase.
I am not sure how to handle your dilema, as if I read correctly, that you did not sign for a specific dollar amount. If you had a signed invoice for a specific dollar amount, it would give you a little more legal leverage.
Good luck and tell us how you made out.
Bob

bobs5

There is about 2100 miles on the truck now.
No squeaks, popping noises, or whines.
Only hear the very light clunks when shifting, which corresponds to clutch engagement/disengagement.
Only had one incident with the engine, it cut out for a second and triggered the MIF. 4 restarts later the light went out and has not returned. Dealer found nothing wrong of course.
Still waiting for the replacement window regulator part to arrive, so the driver's side rear window can be fixed. It would roll down smooth as silk but would jam trying to roll up.

tuvtest

- The shift light is controlled by the PCM and only activated with the 4 cyl. engine/ 5 spd combo.
- Dodge never really eliminated the tow hooks. They never offered them as a option. Even though Dodge designed in openings in the facia The only way to get them thru 2000 was as an accessory. Hooks for 2001 have not been released yet. If you really want some, I would talk to a shop that specializes in metal fabrication and have some brackets made. I know of no aftermarket kits to fit the 2001.

mrquad

to gator72 and all others interested my dealer has my parts on order to fix the squeaking & creaking I'll post my results and details of what parts were replaced as soon as repairs are made and a couple of days behind the wheel.

egaquaman

I have been looking for tow hooks for my 01 QC. No luck. Dealer says not available and my aftermarket guys wanted $300 plus for some. This is reeeeeeediculous. If anyone finds out where to get them please post. P.S. be very careful if you tie off to the bumper. The rad is right there.

livnlrn

I read earlier that some people have had these installed by their dealers in their 2000 Quad Cabs. I went to my dealer the other day and scheduled an appointment to have the new oil fill cap "installed" for me. When I was making sure they had the parts I also had them order the child seat straps. I need to know if people had to pay to have these installed or is it a warranty thing and if you did not have to pay how did you get them to do it? My dealer did not seem to think it was a warranty item. Please help.

Thanks

clk323

I ordered my new QC which should be delivered in the next couple of weeks. A friend of mine ordered his Dakota last year. When he arrived at the dealership to pick up his new truck he discovered that the plastic cover on the driver seat had been removed and there were approximately 15 miles on the odometer. Apparently it was the only 4.7L on the lot and one of the salesman let a prospective buyer take it for a test drive. My friend was not happy and rightly so. How many miles should I expect to see on my new QC at delivery. I don't want to drive away with a "used" truck like my buddy did.

skylerk

When I got my new Dakota last November, it had 5 miles on the odometer.

bobs5

My new truck had 9 miles on it when I picked it up.
I picked it up the day after it arrived at the dealership. It was snowing quite heavily the day it arrived, so I doubt a potential customer took it for a drive.
I believe the dealership may have put some of those miles on it in order to check it out and make sure it was working properly. They had to at least drive it to a gas station, as I picked it up with a full tank of gas.

bookitty

Eric, from previous postings regarding the subject of the seat anchoring straps, it was my understanding that they would be provided and installed at no charge to the consumer. If there are further questions and/or for confirmation, you
may want to call D/C customer service @ (800)992-
1992.

Bookitty

saddlemtn

Couple of years ago, one of my new vehicles had 47 miles on it. But the Dealer & I knew exactly how these miles got to be. My vehicle was shipped to the wrong dealer and I could wait 2 weeks for a truck to pick it up or let the dealer go get it. The dealer went after it! The last DC product I got, I told the dealer to drive it around and to make sure there were no major bugs, before I signed on the dotted line. Personally if it was a truck I ordered, I'd make sure only someone at the dealer had driven it.
Just my 2 cents worth!

Mark16q

My '01 qc is crooked. The rear axle is .5" to the right. The left wheel is flush to fender, right wheel extends out past fender. Tire wear and alignment seem fine. Could the frame be bent? Measured from frame to back of drum, and also off 1/2". Seems to indicate that something is off in the frame. Help me, 'cuz I want this truck right. I love it, but want to know it'll last. Please email response, if possible ... ridgebro@pacbell.net btw, 4.7l auto, t&h package, 3.55 rear end with limited slip, 2wd

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txqc2000

My dealer installed the child seat tethers for free on my 2000 STL. The dealership said it WAS a warranty issue. In fact, if I recall correctly, the paperwork I received from Dodge, perhaps with my owners manual, said that Dodge would install these tethers at NO COST.

ayrow

Mark,

You might want to check and make sure that it is not the bed that is out of alignment. It is well known on this board that Dodge seems to install most of their pick-up beds crooked stating that they are "within specs." Seems silly, but that alone would make your axel look crooked.

If you ask, you will be surprised how many people on this board have this allignment problem you describe.

Just thought this might make you feel better.

Good Luck

slickwilliedj

as you might have read in a previous post i have the same rear axle offset aswell. i;ve looked at others on the dealer lot all 4x2's with the tire and handleing pkg and they all seem to have the same offset. i'm very suprised more members on this board don't have the same offset or maybe just havenot noticed it. however i hvae noticed that the 4x4 version doesnot seem to have this offset... i ck the bed alignment and the bed sits on rubber bushings mounted directly to the frame with very little or no adjustment. if the bed was misaligned you should notice it not matching up to the cab evenly. i have measured my rear axle from the frame rails to the outter most tread groove in the tire and have found the right tire sticking about approx 1/2 more the then the left side.i'm working with the service manager on another problem(truck sits lower on the left front then right after haveing the truck measured on a frame machine the problem looks like the right rear is higher causing the left fron to pushed dwn. the fix is tweaking the right rear corner by pulling it dwn on the frame machine. however before i allow the dealer to that both my self and the service manager thought it would be a good idea to have the district manager look into this with the engineering dept at d/c first to see what they recommend doing. i don't have any driveability problems. i did email dc cust service and got a response back as follows concering this offset:Thank you for your recent e-mail to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation.

It was disappointing to learn of your dissatisfaction, and understand
how this might cause you inconvenience or concern. The situation
written about is a function of your vehicle's design and is not a defect in
materials, workmanship, manufacturing or factory preparation. These are
the only types of defects covered under the new-vehicle limited
warranties. Therefore, there is nothing that can be done to "fix" the
situation described.

Although a more favorable reply cannot be provided, we do appreciate
your sharing your concerns with us.

ethuresson

so when should we hire Osama bin Laden to look into this? That email reply is freakin outrageous! I guess if your truck had arrived with the axles bolted to the roof and the radiator mounted on the end of the steering column that wouldn't be a manufacturing or workmanship defect either! Un-Freakin-believable.
My QC is due to arrive in a couple of weeks. The more I read the more trepidation I have about this. I'm pretty much commited to the deal already, and the truck is PERFECT for my needs, but....crossing fingers toes and eyes.

Best of luck to ya, slick. At least it sounds like your dealer is OK.

brake4me

I noticed the dodge web site offers a hard folding tonneau bed cover. Has anyone orderd a QC with this type of bed cover? Looks pretty easy to open/close, but I was wondering since it folds up, will it take up a lot of room in the bed? Also the cover is made out of aluminum, which might be easy to scratch.

Are there better bed covers out there that one person can install? Does a leather/vinyl cover hold up well long term? Appreciate any comments.

zoomquad

I was considering getting either the Fold-A-Cover (4 piece) or the Advance Folding Cover (2 piece). I was wondering what everyone's experience has been with these. Does either lock the tailgate also.

gator72

I had the DC/QC folding tonneau cover installed by the dealer on my '01 QC SLT+ at the time I took delivery; back in October. It was a little pricey; but well worth it. Provides great security (locks) and folds out of the way easily.

My ONLY complaint is the sloppy way the dealer installed it. They had to drill 2 small holes on each side to bolt on the frame. They left the fine metal shavings on the bed floor and caused small specks of surface rust; (white truck). When I discovered the rusting shavings, I swept them out and waxed the spots to get rid of the rust.

The folding cover can be removed by unclamping both sides. But, you'd better have a strong friend nearby to grab the other side when lifting it off. It weighs about 80~90 lbs.

It IS made of aluminum; BUT, it is STRONG!!!! I constantly set stuff on it and it has never scratched or bent. My folding tonneau cover has a black painted surface that is extremely hard.

It does leak just a little; about a cup in a heavy rain. But, none of the other folding brands guarantee "no leaks". I have minimized the leaks in mine by installing marine weather strips along the front and rear lip of the cover.

I recently bought the QC rubber bed mat. It's heavy, but removes easily for washing, etc. It is better than a plastic bed liner because once water gets trapped underneath bed liner there's no way to get it out. Rust City.

My recommendation - Get the DC/QC folding tonneau cover. Protects your stuff, looks great and prevents the wind-pocket drag. If I had a website I'd post some pics for you. Is there a way to post pics here without having a website???

GATOR72

wantone2

Thanks to everyone for all the advice and information on this site. I finally ordered my new QC on 3/12. So far I feel I have found a good dealership in Sarasota Florida. They have been up front and helpful with me so far and gave me a decent deal. Now I can put aside all the problems I went through with the dealer here in Fort Myers trying to rip me off and wait on my new Quad to arrive, hopefully sometime in April.

bookitty

Bill, the recent reply to your concern, "Thank you for your recent e-mail to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation. It was disappointing to learn of your dissatisfaction, and understand how this might cause you inconvenience or concern. The situation written about is a function of your vehicle's design and is not a defect in materials, workmanship, manufacturing or factory preparation. These are the only types of defects covered under the new-vehicle limited warranties. Therefore, there is nothing that can be done to "fix" the situation described. Although a more favorable reply cannot be provided, we do appreciate your sharing your concerns with us."
is nothing but BS written by a remote controlled idiot trained to answer as such. You should write back to tell him or her that "Dr. Frankenstein called to say your brain was in and please make arrangements to pick it up as soon as possible."

Bookitty

Mark16q

Subsequent to my last posting on this issue, I've checked and confirmed that the bed is indeed on crooked, with a larger gap on the right side, than left. This would partly explain the offset, but doesn't explain why the right wheel IS .5" further out from the frame than the left. This measurement was done informally with a tape, but I'm confident that it is close to .5" off. I'll be in to my dealer soon to have a look, and confident that I'll get a similar/unsatisfactory response. At least the truck seems to track right.

Mark

trippinglizard

Well heaven hath delivered unto me a angel in blue!! My quad was delivered on Wednesday and when I picked it up it had 15 miles on it . . . however I was there when the inspection guy took it out for a test drive and he noticed that something with the steering had to be adjusted so that added extra miles for the second test drive after mod. was made. The truck was immaculate with not one problem noticed anywhere. The leather interior was well worth the money! I'm very happy and at 100 miles nothing is wrong!! I feel good karma in this truck and she'll be growing on me everyday! I'm one happy Dakota customer!

trippinglizard

To all potential buyers . . . some of these posts seem to have been written by very picky people . . . don't let it sway you out of buying a Dakota . . . there AWESOME!!!

blubelle

I have a similar 01 Quad I purchased in Aug 00 which also has the same offset. I spotted it the first thing and started checking it out. I measured a number of 01 Quads on the lot and they all had a similar offset as measured from the frame to the tire. Dealer agreed the offset was there but as it was common on all units it must be the design! Well I didn't want any one to bend anything so I did some detailed measurements and am convinced that the frame is straight and the bed is centered on the frame. In order to correct one wheel sticking our 0.5" from the frame than the other wheel all that has to be done is move the rear axle over 0.25"(6.4mm). ie the rear axle is only offset 0.25". Not that bad and posses no driveability or wear problems, HOWEVER I Don't LIKE AS IT ISN'T RIGHT AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE DEVIL TO ME! It looks to me that the offset can be corrected by pushing the spring shackle bushings over 0.25"and or install a say 1/4" thick spacer between the springs and rear axle with a new alliignment hole in it drilled to provide the needed 1/4 compensating offset. I hope to have the time to correct this problem later this year but have been hoping some one would beat me to it. I put on some fender flares and it looks a lot better. Other than that this is the greatest truck I've ever had!! Just love every thing else about it. DC can't have it back and in my mind it is worth several thousand more than I paid for it.

Mark16q

Good idea about moving the axle over, but I don't see much play on the spring shackle bushings. Was hoping there would be some room there, which could also explain why it is off, but it is a pretty tight fit. I'll keep looking and I'm sure someone out there will figure this one out. You're right... it just doesn't look right, and I DO love the truck otherwise. BTW, what flares did you get? Getting lots of splash on the right side, so flares would be a good addition. Maybe my local dealer will give a good deal if I don't give em too much hassle over the offset problem?

Mark

skylerk

My 2001 QC 4.7L, 4x2, 3.55 LSD, built in Oct. 2000 has a rear axle which is offset 0.8" to the right.

For any of you that are really interested/concerned about this subject, here is the list of "useful" threads over at MoparChat.com which I have collected since last October on this subject:

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11593

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11662

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11822

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11911

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21296

http://www.moparchat.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22900

amend1

If anyone interested in installing tow hooks also wants to install a push bumper, it works. I put the Go Rhino guard on the front of my '00 Quad and was able to install the generic tow hooks down below, attached to the frame of the guard. This would be where it bolts onto the frame. They work well as I had to get pulled out of 2 feet of snow using them several weeks ago. I would send a picture but I have no idea how to do that on these damn computers.

ferous

Well I just hit the 1 year birthday for my quad. I thought I would share a few facts with you.
2000 2wd Quad 4.7 5spd 3.55lsd heavy duty loaded.
Not ONE trip back to the dealer, and no reason to make one either. I have been very happy with this truck. My '96 Grand Caravan had been in 4-5 times in the first year.
23,454 miles
AVG MPG 21.6 (max 24.2 min 15.3)
1,085 gallons of gas for $1,592 (in gas)
AVG $/gal 1.459 (max 1.999 min 1.179)
It still looks great (when clean). Right now it's covered in salt and sitting in 2" of fresh snow.
www.geocities.com/tbsbbishop/index.html

Boo must be getting close to his birthday too!

bookitty

Thad, happy birthday to you on behalf of your Quad
Cab. I took delivery of my Quad in may, with the only one trip for . This was a sensor/relay for the airbag light which came on inappropriately. My
first Quad if you remember arrived with the wrong axle ratio(s) and I refused delivery. I am really very pleased with my Dakota Quad Cab. I continue to receive compliments upon it, one reason being that the Amber Fire Pearl stands out. Guys like it and women seem to love it. Then there are those who absolutely hate the color. We have three
birthdays to celebrate in May. My beautiful bride of almost 43 years, our kitty, Boo and of course the Quad.

Bookitty

bobs5

Happy birthday!

Glad to hear someone has a truck without problems. This message (complaint) board can be scary at times when reading about issues people have had with their vehicles.

My problems have been minor at least. A bad window regulator, still waiting for replacement part. MIF light went on once, problem has not repeated.

I really love this truck. My first brand new vehicle ever. The first V8 powered vehicle I've had.
That V8 rumble is music to my ears.
This weekend will be the 4 month anniversary. 2200 miles so far.
Happy Quadding.
Bob

biglucy

Have we gone international?!? I want one of dem flags next to my handle!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU QUAD CABBIES!

biglucy

Makes me want to sing a patriotic song...

"Oh, say can you see, by the Quad's dashboard light..."