Not sleeping well tonight. Supposed to pick up the truck today. I feel like I am waiting for Santa. So I am up reading posts in the middle of the night. Bruce, those links that you posted were great. Very informative. My brother-in-law and nephew are long time MOPAR fanatics and dirt track/asphalt sprint and modified racers. I wonder what they are doing with the engine? They live cross country so I don't see them or talk with them much. I'll let you know if they are using the motor. When I originally drove the Quad I thought I wanted the V-6 for economy, etc. But one test drive of the 4.7 was all it took. Any of you out there thinking about the six cylinder need to try out this refined beast. The $502 upgrade seems like a bargain.
Santa is the man, I felt the same way as you,could not sleep. Since I got it I sleep like a log LOL. The comparison between the 3.9L and the 4.7L ..Well lets just say ,It's no comparison. Allen
Thought I'd give you my feedback re. K&N filter for the 4.7 (filter #33-2084).I have about 1300 miles on the truck,so the original filter was pretty clean when I took it out.After driving mostly around town, I really must say I don't feel any appreciable increase in power with this new filter.I did some quick acceleration windouts but still nothing notable. I have not, however, tried it at highway speeds where there may be a difference.Just my 2 cents worth. Ed
Has anybody taken out an ext. warranty on their Dakota?
Has anyone taken out a ext. warranty from a third party provider as discussed in another part of the Edmunds website under "CarBuying Tips.com"?
Although it might be too early to tell, has anyone had good / bad experiences with either the dealer offered or the third party warranty's coverage and "ease of use"?
Spoke with Ernie at D/C this morning, and he traced my truck to the rail head in Twin Oaks, PA. At least it is now in the proper (for me) state, and awaiting truck transport to the dealership. I'm getting very excited now. Hope all of the other "quad-waiters" on the forum receive good news as well.
I bought a 6year/100,000 mile warranty from a third party vendor. I have used the same vendor on two other vehicles and I got my monies worth both times. for the 6/100 it cost $825. The only reason I went with this is the Quad is our long range/trip vehicle and one repair not covered under the factory warranty would most likely cost more than the price of the warranty itself. In my case I have not had a problem using it either. The same warranty from chrysler would have been around $2000. Any other ?'s just ask.
stvdman, could you provide the name and contact information for this third party warranty vendor? Please post or "E"mail if you feel more comfortable with that. Thank you.
Please help us out here. Sounds like you've had "good" experiences with this company. Depending on the deductible, etc. it sounds like a deal since you could easily spend $825 in a few trips for repairs.
(ozark) (bigal31) Did you check out the EPA MPG estimates on the window stickers. Both the V6 and 4.7LV8 are rated at 18MPG highway.
Not only is the V8 a GREAT engine with an exciting powerband... when driven with care, the MPG is no less than the V6! But the V6 will NEVER sound this good
Just wondering... has ANYONE ever seen/driven the V4 powered Dakota? (Or is it in the brochure just to meet EPA guidelines?)
Let us know about the warranty company! Maybe they'll give you a commission :-) Seriously, sounds like a good deal and I too look at this as our long trip vehicle (go out West and chase dinosaur sites and trout and low humidity, etc). A little breakdown insurance would be comforting both mentally and financially....About MPG... Filled up the first tank today on the 4.7, 3.55, 4x4 and the mileage was about 16mpg. For the first tank that sounds promising. I still want 20mpg but will settle for 19mpg. Oh by the way, I love this truck !!!
Yes, I've driven the V6 - that was the only choice available to Midland, TX buyers initially. It's ok here in the flatlands. Seems to run out of breath at anything above a moderate acceleration rate, though flat highway driving seemed the same as the V-8 (cruising at about 65 mph ONLY). It hunted a little at the first overpass. Slightly louder than the 4.7 interior-noise-wise with ANY right foot effort - not 'cool' loud like the 4.7, just noisy. Know nothing about its fuel consumption habits.
By the way, you must be talking (18 mpg) about the 4X4. My 4.7/2wd/3.55/auto sticker has 15 / 20. I'm addressing (as are all of us) the fuel consumption issue with the 4.7.
(themacguy)Thanks for the V6 info. I have never even been IN a V6 Dak. I did not know it was 'louder'.
BTW,My original append was indeed refering to the 4X4.
Likewise, My original question was asking if anyone has ever seen a 2000 Dakota with the 2.5L i4 engine? I realize it is only available in the 2WD but still.... would this engine provide enough power to even take the trash to the dump on weekends?
Hey guys and girls, how about helping out a student working on a doctoral dissertation by participating in a painless survey. Go to topic 1693. Thanks.
My quad is enroute from D/C and I have to make the big decision about extended warranty very soon. With a 4.7, 2wd, 5 sp. should I get one? I see most of the auto tranny buyers looking at them, but since I have 5 speed, do I have to worry?
I asked about this way back on #163 and haven't gotten a resounding answer on the best warranty provider. Maybe they make you sign a "non-disclosure" clause with these things.
I too ordered a 4.7, 5 speed (3.92 implied), 4 wheel ABS, LSD and changed to the 5 speed because of the concern with the multi-speed auto. Maybe I jumped the gun by switching to the 5 speed, 'cause it sure is nice to have to shift when you're ... not by yourself. Know what I mean, Veron (rest his soul).
Well folks, today I received a call from my dealer that my Quad had arrived. Went to the dealership tonight (my wife drove me there) and did all of the paperwork. Went to delivery, only to discover that it was equipped with 3.92 ratio differentials. Refused the truck, salesman came over and showed me that the order manager had changed the ratio because you cannot get the 3.55 with 4.7 and 5 speed with towing. Problem is, that no one informed me and I have been waiting since 12/24/99. They were rather casual about the whole thing, but I was very upset, since no one bothered to call or inform me. They said that they could order me another truck, but that was all they could do. Now I'm wondering if the combination of 4X4, 4.7, 5 speed, and tow is available with 3.55. Unfortunately, it was 9:45 PM and the manager was not there. Please respond by post if you have the same combination and a 3.55. I can call D/C tomorrow, but right now I am crushed. Perhaps themacguy's prophecy is accurate.
I ordered everything you did except the 4X4. Dealer also said nothing about 3.92 and I even asked. If mine shows up with it I will be really peeved (it's due in about 1 week). I have a 75 mile commute and rarely tow. I am already concerned about gas mileage and to live with this would be a crime.
Did you consider asking for an extended warranty or tonneau cover, nerf bars, etc. for your pain? $700 worth of products or so is nice way to say they are sorry.
If it's non-lsd just have em put the 3.55 in - just a ring & pinion. If it IS an lsd... Oops. But for a few more $$$ it can still be changed. I'm changing mine from 3.55 to 3.21 even as we speak (avail. in the club cab model). The REAL expensive changeover is going from non-lsd to lsd or vice versa. Simply changing ratios in a similar style rear-end diff. is a relative 'no brainer.'
If they won't help, you can have their 5-star rating for breakfast. And should.
Get back with us soon. Several hundred very PISSED OFF Quad owners can (& will) help you get this rectified. We will make their life a LIVING HELL. You've got my word on it.
"and the hell hounds thus loosed, did reign their mighty terror down upon the jackals most foul"
Thank you troops. I did ask for an extended warranty, but the salesman is not empowered to rectify or do anything, and it was late in the evening and everyone else had gone. It does have limited slip. The salesman showed me where the order manager (mangler) had a written notation that only 3.92 was available with 4.7 5 speed. The fact is, that I was not in the loop. I am really upset, and anxious to find out for certain if that is true. If it is, I will be upset that the information was not passed on to me, if it is not so, then I will be livid.
Bookitty, As I did oreder the 4.7L, W 5spd manual and 3.92 ratio, I can tell you that my dealer asked me if I was sure that I wanted the 3.92, Which implied to me that it was available the other way??? Just posing more questions for you problem, Man I am so very sorry for your loss, It has to feel BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAd. But, Make them give you something for your pain. If the 3.92 is what you have to live with, well there are worst things. I know its not what you wanted and because of their oversight you are upset, but make them compensate you some how. What a tragedy, Bookitty finally gets his Quad and its WRONG. The world is not right tonight. Mrb9
today because I don't think your set-up ever 'forced' a 3.92. But I'm thinking good vibes so when you talk to your dealer today they can drop in the 3.55 asap, like themacguy said and get some comps for your mental torture.
Checked with D/C, and the combination is completely allowable. Error on the order manager (mangler) and subsequently the salesman who was supposed to call me, but did not. Another case of the misunderstanding the word "restrictions." I spoke with the sales manager, and told him that although I wanted to be reasonable, an additional long wait is not an option. I told him that if I asked to use the Quad until another came in, that would not be reasonable. Or, if I asked to use his vehicle, that would not be reasonable. Changing the differentials, or gifting an extended warranty such as the one they proposed (7 year, 75K, $100.00 deductible, major coverage) for $1,298.00 would in my estimation combine fairness and reasonability. I await his call. The truck is really nice (or keen in my era) and looks super. Again troops, thank you for your support. Next phase; We storm the Bastille!
Bookitty, I left some information for you in topic #1635. Maybe it will help. ....themacguy: tell us about the 3.21 install. Sounds like a plan. Any idea how much mileage increase you anticipate and how much towing capacity you will lose? Keep us posted.
Well Bookitty, as i'm sure your aware, we are all hurting with you, you have been holding for this truck longer than I ever could. I would just make them give a extended warranty. OH MY GOD, I just remembered you have already bought alot of your goodies for your truck. MAKE THEM PAY and if they don't, post their phone number on here and we will all take care of them for you!!!!
That is unexceptable,for as long as you waited!I think that you should get whatever you can out of "THEM". Extended warrenty,nerf bars,bed liner,bed rails,bug shield,you get the picture..Then after that just change it to the 3.55. It can't be that hard to do,but don't live with it (3.92). Allen
They would not come up with an acceptable offer, and I really did not want the 3.92. I could get an attorney, but that is not practical. While it is against my principal to re-order, I have done so, and they have promised to push through the order. Principal is an expensive hobby, and I really don't have the time to wade into battle. It was an honest mistake, but my mother always told me that I would have to pay for my mistakes; She never mentioned that I would have to pay for Reedman Dodge's mistakes as well. You're a great bunch.
I too, feel for you. I sometimes forget that you have been waiting so long and you still follow these forums while we talk about our rigs...er Dakota's... (for those first-time truck owners)
You must feel cheated in many ways...If DamlierChrystler does not compensate you in some way for the 'pain and suffering', they are truly not worthy of their glorified 5-star rating system.
It is rare that a company has such beautiful vehicles with customers lining up for their products. I am convinced that this poor customer satisfaction is DEEPLY rooted into DC corporate culture.
The Honda/Porsche/BMW/MercediesBenz/Range Rover Dealer in town here is completely the opposite. Every time we have the slightest concern for our 1991 Cvic 4x4, we are treated as if a red carpet was beneath out feet. We got tires (and 4wheel alignment), fluid changes, touch-up paint and even FREE State inspections for life.
People wonder why (& cry 'foul' that) the foreign competition 'caught up' to the American car companies way back when. I've got some news for the non-believers: It was never any 'contest' at all. It's cultural - for both groups. Think about it.
Really enjoying my 4.7l/auto/SLT+/ClubCab. Patriot Blue and Silver two-tone... sharp! The power and handling are quite good for a truck. I like the exhaust note too. The comfort of the split bench is less than expected.
Bought the Club Cab because we are expecting our first child and needed some more room. Was not sure I could deal with a truck as a daily driver as my present car is a '96 Corvette and I have always had "drivers cars." Happy to say that the Dak is satisfying enough that I will put the Corvette up for sale. The only problems encountered thus far: 1.) Takes a firm application of the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control 2.) Sometimes the "R" posiion on the automatic actually is neutral. Have to go to "N" and then back to "R" to get reverse.
Both of these should be minor adjustments.
Locating a 4.7 liter Club Cab was not easy. There does not seem to be many at the dealers here in GA. I was lucky with this truck. Has everything I wanted except it does not have the 4-wheel antilock brakes. Oh well.
Chrysler (DC) has really come a long way in 10-years. My wife drives a '97 Town and Country LXi that has been nearly faultless.
Just want to say that I appreciate people's comments here in the Town Hall. I picked up a lot of good info before making my final decision on which truck to buy. Thanks again to everybody. jh
What happened? I think we all would like to know. Did you just throw your hands up? (So to speak),after getting no satisfaction.What was their final offer? Details ,do tell! I still can't believe it. Allen-
Does anybody know when the 2001 models will be available. I am ready to order a QC, but I don't feel like waiting 3 months to get the wrong options! (my condolences Bookitty). I would like to go to the local dealership and get one off the lot. Only problem is risking the auto trans. I have a 98 Ram QC with 22k and was informed at my last oil change that the rear trans. seal was leaking!!! I haven't had any problems yet, but they may be just starting! Is the new auto with the 4.7 really risky? Help........Order 5sp now? Wait on 2001? Take my chances with an auto now? aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I believe (correct me somebody) that bpeebles? had his usual master stroke in this line of thinking. I bought the Quad 4.7/auto because I like it. He bought that particular combo due to the new design of the tranny. D/C brought out the 4.7 last year in the Jeep GC. The 4 auto (was it in Jeep's 2wd GC last year?) by his thinking, and mine now, is the product all of the tech $$$ are being spent on NOW and for the foreseeable future. At least until the next clean sheet design sees the light of day in a few years after the new 'special transmission board' recently convened by the brass at D/C gets around to making hard decisions.
I run the crap out of mine. And it's great! I thought I had slippage that finally wound up being the usual (to most newer auto trannies) cold start & warm-up 'slop' that many makes have. It's gone in 60 seconds - to borrow a phrase. I've done everything conceivable, except for the 'time factor,' to figure out if this tranny's for real. It is. And then some. I've done significant research in this and other areas of purchase for this product. And as I've said many times "I'm not a Dodge Boy!" Wouldn't normally even consider one; though my family has an "85 Prospector that has had about 100 bucks of repairs in over 200k miles of real tough usage. I like Chevies; I like Fords. But I like the Quad for its near total innovative bullseye. Unlike the Nissan CC (too small), Ford SuperCrew (too big) and their Sport-Trac (too 'odd'?). All of these trucks are too 'something,' but the Dakota Quad is just right - for me. The folks that buy the other products surely have similar 'bullseyes' for their needs. And I'm sure they're right for them. But I've not heard of any shortages on the other side of the fence. Hmmm.
If you're worried about it, get the extended warranty from D/C or wherever, before the 3/36 runs out. You'll save enough (I did) using our sources of purchase to buy the thing.
So I think you can trust us on the 4.7/auto issue - lots and lots of us. If not, go with YOUR first impression & use your good judgment for whatever you buy to drive. More important factors apply.
White, loaded, limited slip; stock bench, would have liked sport seats, radio controls, and 4 wheel abs; but this one was on the lot a few months ago; had the clicking ticking problem fixed, and the wheel was a little off; fixed. And I LOVE THIS TRUCK.
Hauls serious [non-permissible content removed]; as it is loosening up at 3K miles, it just gets down on 87 octane; rides nicely. Fat little 255's on it and the light bed rating for ride; it's my daily driver. The weekend is a 99 C5 vette convertible; the truck is just a perfect size. Easy, and I mean easy step in; unlike F150 and the V8 Tundra; and the piece de restiance is that 4.7; man what a motor. Regards.
Well as an owner of a Quad and a mustang gt I can say rear end gear swaps are very common. I recently had the gears swapped from 2:73 to 3:73's in my stang. I paid $400 and it included the gears $190, new speedo gear $20, 2 quarts synthetic gear oil $20, new pinion seal $25. so it was about $135 in labor. Its not the easiest job for the do it yourselfer but can be done. I went the other way than what your talking, i went to a higher numerical ration for MUCH better acceleration. Car went from a best quarter mile time of 15.9 to a 14.8 with just a gear swap. Those 2:73 highway gears really make it hard to get going. Now for the Quad 3:55's are a perfect trade off as far as acceleration, mileage, and towing are concerned. 3:92's are great for acceleration and towing but hurts more on the gas front. 3:21's are great for gas mileage, ok for towing and ok acceleration. Now remember it took an entire 1:1 change on my car to net 1/10th in the quarter mile time, if you move one size up or down like 3:55 to 3:21 your only changing it .34:1 in ratio. More food for thought, i know this isnt a quad but If you buy a mustang GT and the "performance upgrade" it consists of 17" rims and tires and 3:27 gears, so they are using 3:27's as a performance upgrade.
spike50 - you're asking the wrong guy about 4wd - hell's bell's, I haven't even seen rain in over a year where I live (W TX), so a_j and others are MUCH better at answering your questions on 4wd. I did have an early 80's AMC Eagle AWD sport wagon, though; it had the Quadratrac which used a 'ltd. slip' - viscosity coupled - fluid to help the wheel(s) not slipping get the power. Handled, rode and drove great for a 4wd. Loved that car.
natdmann - that's exactly what I'm doing (in reverse) - changing the 3.55 for a 3.21. Will keep ya'll posted when they do the change. By the way, you 'nailed your post.' Perfect info. ;-)
Thanks for the feeback - thermacguy and natdmann. thermacguy, FYI I do a nat. gas hedge book on NYMEX for a North American manufacturer. 2.5 BCF / yr. Great to hear "Patch" stories.
Anyway, if someone has their owners manual in front of them, could you publish the gear ratios for the Multi-speed? I guess there's a 1st, 2nd low, 2nd high, 3rd, and a 4th / Overdrive? Wanted to see how it compares to the 5 speed manual.
COOL... I had a 1981 AMC eagle too. It has been said that the AMC EAGLE was the very first SUV. (Before the term SUV was coined) Mine was a 4-door sedan with 4WD. My wife has insisted on 4WD ever since. The all-galvanized body was impervious to rusting. (Only MercedsBenz offers that today)
The inline6 engine used in todays cherokees is a direct decendant to the 258 CubicInch one in the AMC Eagle and before that the 232 in the AMC Gremlins. (One of the very best engines ever made.{STILL MADE})
Every time I ask what I think is a run of the mill question, I'm startled by what I didn't know before making the down payment. No one ever said anything about Wide or Close. The Dakota sales booklet doesn't. The salesman never said anything. Didn't think to ask Ernie a direct question about it but he didn't say anything about DC having two manuals.
I'll have to ask Ernie on Monday which one I'm getting by default. Are the Wide and Close linked to the purchase of a 3.55 or 3.92 rear axle?
In general, the gear ratios don't seem much different but DC must offer them for a reason. What's the reason?
If the front axles aren't locked, what's going on up there? I know when I test drove a Dakota while in 4WD, the turning radius increased a lot. The truck was parked on snow up an embankment and I guess the dealer backed up there while in 4WD. I pulled out of the lot and start to cut across a lane of traffic. Caught me off guard with the engine roaring, going slow, taking such a wide turn that I was afraid I was going to either get hit by the on-coming traffic or hit the guard rail on the other side of the road. (4WD Green Horn) I saw some recommendation to stay out of 4WD on dry roads especially when turning unless you want to bust up the drive train. Again, I have no experience, just trying to think through what's going on.
I did a little checking when I bought mine (4-spd auto), and I noticed a DDC & a DDK option for the 5-spd manuals. I assumed & then was told that they were just 'package separators.' In other words the same tranny for different groups of packages. Now, since your post, I've gone back to the Edmund's Winter 2000 Buyer's Guide, & looked them up. Lo & Behold! Since one is a 'subtract' & the other std. I believe you're absolutely correct.
Did any of you order Corvettes, Camaros or T/A's in the 70's or 80's? If you did, then you're old enough to remember the M-20 (std. 'wide' ratio) & M-21 (opt. 'close' ratio) trannies. Oh, & there was the M-22 'rockcrusher' too! Just generally speaking, the M-20 was a MUCH better & easier to shift general use & light racing (auto-x) tranny - unusually but not always bought with the L-48 2 bolt main engines. The M-21 was really in its 'zone' with the higher wound L-82 (LT-1 w/ some hydraulic lifters, 4 bolt mains, forged pistons & cold rolled cranks) performance engine that went into track bound & high optioned 'rich toy' cars of the day - that engine had a near vertical torque & hp curve. It died at redline (5,200 - 5,500 rpm if I remember the range correctly on my old L-82) - the L-48 would 'build' its speed. With the L-82's 'flat' curve, the tranny had closer ratios to keep it in the power band for as long as possible between closely spaced shifts. In other words: you shifted more often. The power curve was MATED to that tranny's close ratios. The wide ratio M-20 was the workaday & much better suited to numerous turn autocrosses. It and the turbo 350 were the ones I used to win a whole bunch of auto-x. Was I a better driver? Not on a bet. My secret was the lower end torque and w-i-d-e-r spacing of the gears in the std. M-20. I simply beat everybody because they assumed the close ratio M-21 & the L-82 was THE racing option to get. It was for Riverside or Laguna Seca, not to all of the makeshift twisty tracks set up on Goodfellow & other Air Force Bases - not to mention mall parking lots. One other HUGE benefit was that I used much, much less energy. I drove to the tracks, aired up the tires till the sidewalls 'pinged' with a rubber hammer (about 60 psi), put on my Bell Star, took off the air cleaner, put in some STYX & turned (wayyyy) up the volume, wrapped my left arm outside the door to help hold me in the seat (no side bolsters then) and took off! I used the first three gears only & shifted about 50 times a run, normally running flat-out in 2nd & 3rd a lot. The close ratio guys shifted at least twice that much & lost by a second or so - every single time. After three runs they had to have help in getting their cars on the trailer. I bought a shake & drove home (with the trophy).
Now back to our regularly scheduled program: Anyway, I'm guessing that these days the Daks are running two different 5-spds. in order to satisfy emissions, mpg, power range and axle ratios. NOT for any racing type initiatives, but for torque curve mating with the 2 types of trannies. One other distinct possibility: towing. There may be different trannies on the option list for that particular package, although my research suggests otherwise. IT finds that the DDC is for the club cab & reg. cab versions with the 3.21 rear end ratio (3.21 not avail. w/ anti slip) or any power robbers: autos, small engines (or strangely the 5.9), etc. However, in the Quad ONLY the DDK is offered in the option book, so you're adding some mystique to the mix. Wild and wacky weights, ratios and mixes. No surprises coming form D/C these days are there?
But what the hell, I'm putting in the 3.21 anyway. My reasoning? Simple: My insurance will be at risk sooner or later without it. ;->
Checked my invoice and the equipment code is DDC - 5 speed / HD Manual @ n/c. This maybe linked to the ADJ - Heavy Duty Service Group @ $120. I got the HD Service Grp to get a bigger battery, better cooling and when I was getting the Multi-speed Auto, a trans oil cooler.
Your post mentioned that the DDC trans was std with the Std / Club Cabs. I was looking at the article titled "Four Door Wars" in Jan 2000 Four Wheeler and the manual trans there had a 4.04:1 1st gear, etc, which indicate that its a Wide ratio version. The article notes it as a NV 3500 5 speed manual. BTW - the Quad was noted as their Truck of the Year.
Can anyone post if the DDC is the Wide or Close gear ratio unit? Please refer to #200 bpeebles for the 1st and 2nd gear ratios for those. Finally, can anyone with experience driving either a Wide or Close give us your impressions?
BTW - last Friday, Ernie noted that I went D-1 and had a ship date of March 26th. I'm figuring that I'll get the call from the dealer in mid-April. The order was initially typed in on Feb 16.
This 5 - 6 week order to ship time should give those like bookitty a better feeling that it will happen soon. But its got to concern those other "Quadwaiters" that ordered in Dec '99 to early Feb '00.
Another BTW - I'm starting to notice that I might be getting a little obsessed with Dakotas in general and the Quad in particular. Has anyone noticed that "look" from your wife and kids when you're hogging the computer yet again when its just a truck? Has anyone sought "professional" help yet for their "Quadaphillia"?
Don, I know the feeling. But "just a truck" reminds me of a famous quote in flyfishing writing that says that saying that "flyfishing is just a hobby, is like saying brain surgery is just a job." Just a thought about healthy obssessions
About gear ratios etc, I am interested in the 3.21 switch and will follow the posts to see what happens. Themacguys long post about wide-closed was enlightening and also help to solve another unrelated problem. I've been trying to figure out what the new Daimler Chrysler PT Cruiser car/hatchback/minvan reminds me of and the mention of parking lot gymkana's and auto-x courses reminded me of the Austin MiniCooper that so many of my racing buddies were fond of thirty years ago. A little off topic I realize but I am casually trying to get my wife interested in this new DC concept car so that she might better understand my Quad obsession. Besides it would look cool in the driveway next to the Quad.
Comments
The comparison between the 3.9L and the 4.7L ..Well lets just say ,It's no comparison.
Allen
Ed
Dakota?
Has anyone taken out a ext. warranty from a third
party provider as discussed in another part of the Edmunds website under "CarBuying Tips.com"?
Although it might be too early to tell, has anyone had good / bad experiences with either the dealer offered or the third party warranty's coverage and "ease of use"?
Any thoughts on any of the above?
Bookitty
Please post or "E"mail if you feel more comfortable with that. Thank you.
Bookitty
Not only is the V8 a GREAT engine with an exciting powerband... when driven with care, the MPG is no less than the V6! But the V6 will NEVER sound this good
Just wondering... has ANYONE ever seen/driven the V4 powered Dakota? (Or is it in the brochure just to meet EPA guidelines?)
By the way, you must be talking (18 mpg) about the 4X4. My 4.7/2wd/3.55/auto sticker has 15 / 20. I'm addressing (as are all of us) the fuel consumption issue with the 4.7.
That works out to be something a long way the wrong side of $2 US per gallon.
Thank God the truck runs on regular.
BTW,My original append was indeed refering to the 4X4.
Likewise, My original question was asking if anyone has ever seen a 2000 Dakota with the 2.5L i4 engine? I realize it is only available in the 2WD but still.... would this engine provide enough power to even take the trash to the dump on weekends?
Bookitty
KnK
I too ordered a 4.7, 5 speed (3.92 implied), 4 wheel ABS, LSD and changed to the 5 speed because of the concern with the multi-speed auto. Maybe I jumped the gun by switching to the 5 speed, 'cause it sure is nice to have to shift when you're ... not by yourself. Know what I mean, Veron (rest his soul).
Bookitty
Did you consider asking for an extended warranty or tonneau cover, nerf bars, etc. for your pain? $700 worth of products or so is nice way to say they are sorry.
Good Luck
Kurt
If they won't help, you can have their 5-star rating for breakfast. And should.
Get back with us soon. Several hundred very PISSED OFF Quad owners can (& will) help you get this rectified. We will make their life a LIVING HELL. You've got my word on it.
"and the hell hounds thus loosed, did reign their mighty terror down upon the jackals most foul"
Bookitty
Bookitty
Sharing the pain,
Robert
Allen
Bookitty (Quadwaiter)
Dakota's... (for those first-time truck owners)
You must feel cheated in many ways...If DamlierChrystler does not compensate you in some way for the 'pain and suffering', they are truly not worthy of their glorified 5-star rating system.
It is rare that a company has such beautiful vehicles with customers lining up for their products. I am convinced that this poor customer satisfaction is DEEPLY rooted into DC corporate culture.
The Honda/Porsche/BMW/MercediesBenz/Range Rover
Dealer in town here is completely the opposite. Every time we have the slightest concern for our 1991 Cvic 4x4, we are treated as if a red carpet was beneath out feet. We got tires (and 4wheel alignment), fluid changes, touch-up paint and even FREE State inspections for life.
Bought the Club Cab because we are expecting our first child and needed some more room. Was not sure I could deal with a truck as a daily driver as my present car is a '96 Corvette and I have always had "drivers cars." Happy to say that the Dak is satisfying enough that I will put the Corvette up for sale.
The only problems encountered thus far:
1.) Takes a firm application of the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control
2.) Sometimes the "R" posiion on the automatic actually is neutral. Have to go to "N" and then back to "R" to get reverse.
Both of these should be minor adjustments.
Locating a 4.7 liter Club Cab was not easy. There does not seem to be many at the dealers here in GA. I was lucky with this truck. Has everything I wanted except it does not have the 4-wheel antilock brakes. Oh well.
Chrysler (DC) has really come a long way in 10-years. My wife drives a '97 Town and Country LXi that has been nearly faultless.
Just want to say that I appreciate people's comments here in the Town Hall. I picked up a lot of good info before making my final decision on which truck to buy. Thanks again to everybody.
jh
I still can't believe it.
Allen-
2 wheel drive................................
sittin' in my driveway.
renegade69
I run the crap out of mine. And it's great! I thought I had slippage that finally wound up being the usual (to most newer auto trannies) cold start & warm-up 'slop' that many makes have. It's gone in 60 seconds - to borrow a phrase. I've done everything conceivable, except for the 'time factor,' to figure out if this tranny's for real. It is. And then some. I've done significant research in this and other areas of purchase for this product. And as I've said many times "I'm not a Dodge Boy!" Wouldn't normally even consider one; though my family has an "85 Prospector that has had about 100 bucks of repairs in over 200k miles of real tough usage. I like Chevies; I like Fords. But I like the Quad for its near total innovative bullseye. Unlike the Nissan CC (too small), Ford SuperCrew (too big) and their Sport-Trac (too 'odd'?). All of these trucks are too 'something,' but the Dakota Quad is just right - for me. The folks that buy the other products surely have similar 'bullseyes' for their needs. And I'm sure they're right for them. But I've not heard of any shortages on the other side of the fence. Hmmm.
If you're worried about it, get the extended warranty from D/C or wherever, before the 3/36 runs out. You'll save enough (I did) using our sources of purchase to buy the thing.
So I think you can trust us on the 4.7/auto issue - lots and lots of us. If not, go with YOUR first impression & use your good judgment for whatever you buy to drive. More important factors apply.
Hauls serious [non-permissible content removed]; as it is loosening up at 3K miles, it just gets down on 87 octane; rides nicely. Fat little 255's on it and the light bed rating for ride; it's my daily driver. The weekend is a 99 C5 vette convertible; the truck is just a perfect size. Easy, and I mean easy step in; unlike F150 and the V8 Tundra; and the piece de restiance is that 4.7; man what a motor. Regards.
natdmann - that's exactly what I'm doing (in reverse) - changing the 3.55 for a 3.21. Will keep ya'll posted when they do the change. By the way, you 'nailed your post.' Perfect info. ;-)
Anyway, if someone has their owners manual in front of them, could you publish the gear ratios for the Multi-speed? I guess there's a 1st, 2nd low, 2nd high, 3rd, and a 4th / Overdrive? Wanted to see how it compares to the 5 speed manual.
ever since. The all-galvanized body was impervious to rusting. (Only MercedsBenz offers that today)
The inline6 engine used in todays cherokees is a direct decendant to the 258 CubicInch one in the AMC Eagle and before that the 232 in the AMC Gremlins. (One of the very best engines ever made.{STILL MADE})
I'll have to ask Ernie on Monday which one I'm getting by default. Are the Wide and Close linked to the purchase of a 3.55 or 3.92 rear axle?
In general, the gear ratios don't seem much different but DC must offer them for a reason. What's the reason?
If the front axles aren't locked, what's going on up there? I know when I test drove a Dakota while in 4WD, the turning radius increased a lot. The truck was parked on snow up an embankment and I guess the dealer backed up there while in 4WD. I pulled out of the lot and start to cut across a lane of traffic. Caught me off guard with the engine roaring, going slow, taking such a wide turn that I was afraid I was going to either get hit by the on-coming traffic or hit the guard rail on the other side of the road. (4WD Green Horn) I saw some recommendation to stay out of 4WD on dry roads especially when turning unless you want to bust up the drive train. Again, I have no experience, just trying to think through what's going on.
Did any of you order Corvettes, Camaros or T/A's in the 70's or 80's? If you did, then you're old enough to remember the M-20 (std. 'wide' ratio) & M-21 (opt. 'close' ratio) trannies. Oh, & there was the M-22 'rockcrusher' too! Just generally speaking, the M-20 was a MUCH better & easier to shift general use & light racing (auto-x) tranny - unusually but not always bought with the L-48 2 bolt main engines. The M-21 was really in its 'zone' with the higher wound L-82 (LT-1 w/ some hydraulic lifters, 4 bolt mains, forged pistons & cold rolled cranks) performance engine that went into track bound & high optioned 'rich toy' cars of the day - that engine had a near vertical torque & hp curve. It died at redline (5,200 - 5,500 rpm if I remember the range correctly on my old L-82) - the L-48 would 'build' its speed. With the L-82's 'flat' curve, the tranny had closer ratios to keep it in the power band for as long as possible between closely spaced shifts. In other words: you shifted more often. The power curve was MATED to that tranny's close ratios. The wide ratio M-20 was the workaday & much better suited to numerous turn autocrosses. It and the turbo 350 were the ones I used to win a whole bunch of auto-x. Was I a better driver? Not on a bet. My secret was the lower end torque and w-i-d-e-r spacing of the gears in the std. M-20. I simply beat everybody because they assumed the close ratio M-21 & the L-82 was THE racing option to get. It was for Riverside or Laguna Seca, not to all of the makeshift twisty tracks set up on Goodfellow & other Air Force Bases - not to mention mall parking lots. One other HUGE benefit was that I used much, much less energy. I drove to the tracks, aired up the tires till the sidewalls 'pinged' with a rubber hammer (about 60 psi), put on my Bell Star, took off the air cleaner, put in some STYX & turned (wayyyy) up the volume, wrapped my left arm outside the door to help hold me in the seat (no side bolsters then) and took off! I used the first three gears only & shifted about 50 times a run, normally running flat-out in 2nd & 3rd a lot. The close ratio guys shifted at least twice that much & lost by a second or so - every single time. After three runs they had to have help in getting their cars on the trailer. I bought a shake & drove home (with the trophy).
Now back to our regularly scheduled program:
Anyway, I'm guessing that these days the Daks are running two different 5-spds. in order to satisfy emissions, mpg, power range and axle ratios. NOT for any racing type initiatives, but for torque curve mating with the 2 types of trannies. One other distinct possibility: towing. There may be different trannies on the option list for that particular package, although my research suggests otherwise. IT finds that the DDC is for the club cab & reg. cab versions with the 3.21 rear end ratio (3.21 not avail. w/ anti slip) or any power robbers: autos, small engines (or strangely the 5.9), etc. However, in the Quad ONLY the DDK is offered in the option book, so you're adding some mystique to the mix. Wild and wacky weights, ratios and mixes. No surprises coming form D/C these days are there?
But what the hell, I'm putting in the 3.21 anyway. My reasoning? Simple: My insurance will be at risk sooner or later without it. ;->
ps - glad to see you're a 'natural gas' too.
robert
Your post mentioned that the DDC trans was std with the Std / Club Cabs. I was looking at the article titled "Four Door Wars" in Jan 2000 Four Wheeler and the manual trans there had a 4.04:1 1st gear, etc, which indicate that its a Wide ratio version. The article notes it as a NV 3500 5 speed manual. BTW - the Quad was noted as their Truck of the Year.
Can anyone post if the DDC is the Wide or Close gear ratio unit? Please refer to #200 bpeebles for the 1st and 2nd gear ratios for those. Finally, can anyone with experience driving either a Wide or Close give us your impressions?
This 5 - 6 week order to ship time should give those like bookitty a better feeling that it will happen soon. But its got to concern those other "Quadwaiters" that ordered in Dec '99 to early Feb '00.
Another BTW - I'm starting to notice that I might be getting a little obsessed with Dakotas in general and the Quad in particular. Has anyone noticed that "look" from your wife and kids when you're hogging the computer yet again when its just a truck? Has anyone sought "professional" help yet for their "Quadaphillia"?
About gear ratios etc, I am interested in the 3.21 switch and will follow the posts to see what happens. Themacguys long post about wide-closed was enlightening and also help to solve another unrelated problem. I've been trying to figure out what the new Daimler Chrysler PT Cruiser car/hatchback/minvan reminds me of and the mention of parking lot gymkana's and auto-x courses reminded me of the Austin MiniCooper that so many of my racing buddies were fond of thirty years ago. A little off topic I realize but I am casually trying to get my wife interested in this new DC concept car so that she might better understand my Quad obsession. Besides it would look cool in the driveway next to the Quad.