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Comments
1. Full time or part time 4WD? Does full time decrease fuel economy versus part time?
2. Does Dodge sell more of the SLT or the Sport version?
3. Which solid bed cover should I buy? I like the folding style, but haven't seen one on a truck yet. Is the folder superior to the roll-away version? Mopar or aftermarket?
4.Do you need the rear window defogger? I live in Iowa.
5. What's the latest on the rebate? If I order one during April, am I guaranteed a minimum $2000 rebate?
6. Is the skid plate fairly solid or mostly a gimmick?
7. Is there any good reason NOT to order the limited slip differential?
OK enough already. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
I've had my '01 Quad Sport 4X4 since August. I'm sure your Winter wasn't much different than what we had in Southern Wisconsin this year. I was concerned after reading feedback here about the tendancy of the rear window to fog in the cold weather. (My Quad has the rear slider.)
My experience has been that it's not an issue. The only time I began to experience fogging was when temps started dipping below 10 degrees. The fogged windows were cleared by running the air control knob in partial defrost or kicking in the a/c button. Either way, the a/c runs, taking moisture out of the cab.
Even with four people in the truck, the windows stayed 95% clear and the rear window was no better or worse than the side windows or windsheild.
On a related note, one thing that was really functional was the heated mirrors. I didn't need it very often, but when the temps and humidity level are just right, the outside mirrors fog. It doesn't matter how big the mirrors are, they become non-functional. Within 5-10 seconds after turning the mirrors on, they were completely clear. That's cool! Or is it hot???
Not sure if that helped, but it's just my $.02 worth.
Happy Quadin'
fat_fenders
Anyway, my Dakota only took 5 quarts on the last oil change. Did this group ever resolve this issue?
At my oil changes, about 5.5 qts puts me at the full mark on the dipstickon my August 00 built, 01 Quad 4.7.
First change I put in the full 6 as the book says and I was about 1/4" above the full mark.
That doesn't resolve your question but let's you know it's a valid one...
Happy Quadin'
fat_fenders
Have you looked at the used truck prices on Edmunds? Just thinking out loud.
I looked at the other options before getting the folding bed. I don't like the solid fiberglas version; hard to put large items in the bed - not easily removed.
My folding cover folds from the front and rear. Locks at both ends. Easily removed by releasing the clamps; BUT, it is HEAVY - takes two guys to lift if completely off. It's strong, too. I set heavy stuff on it all the time; no flex, bends or scratches.
When I picked up my QC, I noticed there was about a 1/4 inch gap between the cover and the bed at front and rear. Closed the gap with some heavy-duty marine insulation from Home Depot; made specifically for boats and vehicles. It's about 1/2 wide. I stuck it to the bottom lip of the cover; front and rear. Took 15 minutes total. Problem solved!
Leaks? In a heavy down-pour, I get about 3/4 cup of water in the front of the bed. It does not leak at all in light to moderate rain.
Complaints? (1) The dealer had to drill a couple of holes to install the frame rails that secure the folding bed cover. Dealer did not clean out the metal shavings - started specks of surface before I found it. Swept it out and erased the rust with a little wax. (2) The retaining clips that keep the cover from vibrating are HARD to slide back and forth when opening the cover! Called the mfgr and they tried to explain how to bend the clips - didn't work. I used some heavy wax and cured it til the wax wore off.
robert
Skid plates made of graphite . . . quite heavy . . . seem to worth the cost!!
Fumoto Drain plug a most !!
- A option on the wood dashes is ordering a replacement Durango wood dash. Durangos come with a pretty nice looking dash. I would call it walnut-like in appearance. Since the Dak and Durango use the same dash it's a direct fit. I believe the dash was about $120, which I think is significqantly less than the aftermarket wood dashes.
After my new QC (AWD/4.7/3.92/Auto/LSD) has 500 miles on the engine, I want to do some basic mods for more power:
1)Cold Air Induction System:
I understand Mopar has a system, what OEM offers the the best system and price, where on the WEB can I see that info and are these systems 50 state legal? Also, this does includ a 'supercharger' filter, right?
2)Performance Computer:
Same as above, Mopar offers one, where can I get a better price and maybe better performance
3)Cat-back exhaust:
I think Mopar makes one, looking at Gibson's Sport Truck Side Dual Exhaust, any other alternatives in the same price range with the same power increase, if not more.
4)Synthetic Oil/Mobil 1 Oil Filter:
Gonna try something called Purple ?
It advertises either 5 or 5% more HP, claims it is
a performance synthetic...thouhgts on best oil and filter?
Did I miss any 'cheap' mods to add, like a 180 degree thermostat (any real benefit to this or no issues with introducing problems to the engine mgmt system?)
With the above mods, a easy 250HP, 320 ft/lbs of torque is what I'm thinking, if not slightly more, possibly with a increase in gas mileage.
Thanks.
Performance Computer -- do a search on the Dakota Mailing List (DML -- http://www.dakota-truck.net). I know there are performance shops in AZ and other places that sell the Mopar HP PCM for around $200+. I just can't recall who they are right now. I have spoken with the company that designed the program for the PCM (Mike Leach & Co. in So. California 714-639-5220). They said the program doesn't do much for the 5.9L (about 18hp to the rear wheels). It is more dramatic in a 4.7L. You may also have to go with the custom flash from Mike Leach as I've read somewhere that Mopar has discontinued selling the PCM upgrade for 4x4 trucks.
Catback -- according to Gibson, the Single Swept Catback system adds more hp & torque and produces less interior/cab resonance than the Sport Truck system. I have the 3" single swept system on my 5.9L and love it. It added very little perceptible noise inside the cab, but sounds great outside the truck.
Synthetic Oil -- I use Mobil 1 and have liked the results thus far. Seemed to make my engine run smoother. Others have different opinions on this matter, especially those on the DML. You can do a search on the DML and query the members who have 4.7L engines to see what they think. I'm very satisfied thus far.
180 Degree Thermostat -- I just spoke with the dealer's shop foreman today about this. He recommended against it b/c 1) it could cause the QC to fail emissions test; 2) it could cause the engine to overheat on very hot Texas days. I plan to send a post on the DML and get feedback on this. But the shop foreman was pretty adamant against this mod and the aftermarket chip products (he named Jet in particular, though I've had no problems with mine -- yet).
I hope this helps.
'00 Quadcab SLT+ Garnet Red 4x4 (AWD) 5.9L 46RE 3.55 LSD. For list of modifications to my QC, see my profile:
http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Vof5jrNb0pR1M/
For pictures of my QC & Accessories: http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000
Who is interested?
Bookitty are you interested? Having read your posts and enjoyed your input to mine and other's questons, I would like to meet you and the other Edmund participants.
Happy Quadding,
Bob
robert
Bookitty
After 3weeks of 90-degrees... This shoveling snow and cold is hard to deal with... Perhaps its the jetlag...
I am allready scheduled to go back to Singapore in 2weeks.
If anyone knows anyone interested in the Atlanta area let me know. It's a 2001 4x4 SLT CD, Leather, loaded! Basically has everything but the tow package, 7K, garaged...I am asking $26,500 obo, it listed for 30K+ when I bought it.
I live in East Texas, summers are hot, 90 to 104 with higher heat index. Winters are about 5 and up degrees mostly around 20 to 30 and up. I use 10-W-30 in all my other cars. I read it is very important to use 5-W-30 in the 4.7 Q/C. Can anyone tell me which is the best W to use. Thanks.
Welcome back Bruce, you've been missed.
J B, good luck finding a buyer for your QC (next time, clear it with the boss first).
Danny, hope everyone at home is ok. I'll say a prayer for you.
drive safely all.
scottie
My dumb question is ths: Does the Edmunds True Market Value (TMV) for the quad reflect the current $2,000 rebate or not? I.E., if the T.M.V. of the quad base price is $18,328, what is the price when considering the rebate, $16,328? Since the rebate is apparently to the customer, not the dealer, then I would think the rebate effect is NOT reflected in the T.M.V.
Sat in a Quad Sport+ and I in fact seem to fit all OK, even at 6' 3.5". Can see where some have complained about lack of lumbar support, bucket seat felt like it wasn't quite right.
But dang, 14/19 MPG is a bit scary, guess it's 15/20 with a 5 spd manual & the 4.7L.
And Consumer Reports is down on the Daks big time. Lists 95-97 and '00 Daks as "used vehicles to avoid". Reliability data looked a bit grim too (April '01 Annual Auto Issue).
Thanks to anyone patient enough to answer my dumb question :-)
Menchar
What is the best thing to use? Is the "Nu-Finish" the way to go, or should I go with a good wax??
I know everybody has an opinon on this, so I would be very interested in what you guys have to say.
I will be posting pictures of the Herculiner, do-it-yourself liner that put in my truck as soon as it stops raining. Been about 3 days now.
Ayrow
Thank you,
trglick
Helpful hint for next time. I asked my wife if I could by a $25K QC, and she said yes, if she could spend $35K remodeling the kitchen. Well I've had my truck for a year, and her kitchen is almost done. Isn't love sweet!
a. 2 small paint defects on right rear door (sort of a raised area, about 1/4 wide and 1/2 long)
b. No underhood insulation.
c. No console light.
These obviously aren't deal-killers, so I took delivery with the understanding that the dealer will learn to loath my name until I am satisfied... BTW, it's a SLT +, 4x4, 4.7, auto, 3.55, LSD, power everything, overhead console, rear window defroster, power bucket seats, 4-wheel ABS (stupid not to be standard - ever try to steer when your front wheels aren't turning?), and the best part - black with silver two tone. As soon as I develop my pictures I'll post them. This is the best looking vehicle I have ever purchased, and I heartily recommend it to anyone thinking about one. Thanks to all the posters who have shared their experiences. This board has helped tremendously in the buying phase, and I'm sure will continue to help in the future.
J
My quad is a SLT+,4x2,4.7L,auto,3.55,LSD,4-wheel ABS,bucket seats,rear sliding window,fog lamps,power heated mirrors,power overhead convenience group,security alarm, and towing package. It is two-tone, dark garnet red and silver. I am very pleased at how it has driven the first 150 miles and love the looks of it. I have really enjoyed reading all the useful information on this board, thanks!
indyrdm
Recall Alert: DODGE TRUCK DAKOTA, DODGE TRUCK DURANGO
Owner Notification Date: 4/9/2001
Number of Units Potentially Affected: 85,400
Component Description: POWER TRAIN TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V077000
Description of Recall Campaign:
Vehicle Description: Light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped
with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into
gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position
unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not
applied.
Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module.
Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an
authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free
remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at
1-800-843-1403. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236)."
Hope this helps.
One question to all is- I did not get the tow gap, I do intend to put a hitch on it myself, for occasional light towing. Aside from the hitch, wire harness and brake control (which I don't need)I've heard of different fluids in the axles. What truth is there of this?
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/car6.htm
Of course not. Most new cars are covered against rust perforation for several years and up to 100,000 miles. Want to protect your fabric? Go to an auto parts store and buy a can or two of Scotchgard. New cars have clearcoat paint, which offers protection from the elements. A little elbow grease and a jar of carnauba wax will keep the finish protected and looking great. By investing a little time and effort into your automobile, you can save hundreds on these highly profitable dealer protection packages.
My commentary:
Make sure you don't pay any prep fees at all. Freakin' lying dealers. They tried to charge me $109 for 'paint sealant' and prep. Without me asking for it, and after I asked my salesman (quit the day my truck came in) if there were any prep fees. I bet 9 out of 10 people don't even question the prep fees. They took them off for me...
I'm at work right now and can't go check, but I'm almost certain it ain't there. Hmmm. No hood insulation, no console light and now no QC badge. I wonder if they bothered to actually put all the 4 wheel drive stuff in or did they just give me a dial on the dash that lights up and paint 4x4 on the tailgate?
She sure is purty, though...
A bunch of you have been asking me for more information on the Herculiner, Do-It-Yourself bedliner. I added it to my page so you guys can see what it is all about.
Let me know what you think.
http://www.ayrow.com/bed.html
Ayrow
harness and a seven to four post converter for hook-up to a standard four pole flat connector. I'm not certain about an electric brake controller, but the circuit is supplied. As far as quality issues are concerned, usually on a forum dedicated to a particular product one hears more problems. In light of all the Dakotas built, we are a very small segment of owners. That is not to say that there are posters complaining needlessly, only that a lot of folks are happy, and so they say nothing.
Bookitty
J
Owner Notification Date: 4/9/2001
Number of Units Potentially Affected: 85,400
Component Description: POWER TRAIN TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V077000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Recall Campaign:
Vehicle Description: Light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped
with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into
gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position
unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not
applied.
Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module.
Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an
authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free
remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at
1-800-843-1403. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
If you ask me the hood insulation is a bad thing if you live in areas where road salt is an issue.
It's not as easy to clean the salt off that gets under the insulation!!!
Hope it lasts a very long time for all the time and effort it took to install the Herculiner.
I don't believe that I could muster up the courage to take sandpaper to my truck. Probably go for the bedrug myself.
Did you patent that new plywood hauling accessory apparatus?
I have had no problems with my 4x4.
Does anyone know in which mode this problem is noticed?
Is it switching between 4x2 to 4x4, or, switching between high to low range?
Bob