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2000 Dakota Quad Cab -Cross Country Trip
I just returned home from purchasing a 2000
Dakota Quad Cab 4.7 ,A.T. I bought it in Detroit
and drove it 2636 miles back to Las Vegas .The
truck came with a 3:93 rear end . It turns
2500rpm`s at 75 mph . I got Between 16/17 mpg . I
would like to know what kind of mileage someone
with the 3:55 rearend gets .The only problem I had
with the truck was the cruise control didnt
work . A dealer in Clovis N.M. checked it and told
me it had a bad servo . He would have to order a
new one ,so I drove home without cruise .I sure
missed it.My truck didnt come with the Power over
head conv. pkg. Does anyone know if a dealer can
install it .It has a mileage readout,including
miles per gallon . I sure would like to have that
feature .It also doesnt have daytime running lights
,which my Chevy did . Overall I am happy with the
power and performance .
Dakota Quad Cab 4.7 ,A.T. I bought it in Detroit
and drove it 2636 miles back to Las Vegas .The
truck came with a 3:93 rear end . It turns
2500rpm`s at 75 mph . I got Between 16/17 mpg . I
would like to know what kind of mileage someone
with the 3:55 rearend gets .The only problem I had
with the truck was the cruise control didnt
work . A dealer in Clovis N.M. checked it and told
me it had a bad servo . He would have to order a
new one ,so I drove home without cruise .I sure
missed it.My truck didnt come with the Power over
head conv. pkg. Does anyone know if a dealer can
install it .It has a mileage readout,including
miles per gallon . I sure would like to have that
feature .It also doesnt have daytime running lights
,which my Chevy did . Overall I am happy with the
power and performance .
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Comments
This was mainly city driving so, my mileage suffered a bit. I have the overhead conv. group and on the highway it indicates 20-23 mpg on level roads at 70 mph. I bet it will not be possible to add this option due to the wiring.
It is a nice option, my dad has it on his Dakota R/T thats why I ordered it. Good Luck with your Quad!!
P.S. isn't it nice to get all those stares at stop lights?
Rich
Trans shifts real hard on occasion. Most confusing thing is that the cruise control/auto combination will sometimes stick at 3000 or so rpm, at 70, and not go back to overdrive for as long as a minute after re-gaining speed and being on level or downhill hwy. Today it did that twice in a row, when warm, and after that it went to 2700 or so for a few seconds, got the speed back and went back down to 2100 rpm at once. There have been many write-ups about the auto acting up.
Only other thing is the yellow crud that builds up in oil filler kneck. The mx manager said he never heard of the 4.7 doing that. I almost called him a liar, but held up, I might need this guy some day! There are all kinds of write-ups on it in other posts here on Edmunds and others.He immediately asked me what oil I was using - I told him it was what ever they put in at the factory. Only have 2300 miles.
I"m a synthetic oil person and that will be my choice, unless I hear a real good reason why not to use it.
This was a monster decision for a guy who's had 10 GM trucks, so far so good.
Love the truck, but these three things are a big concern.
Several of the 'posters' in the Quad Topics have e:mailed me privately about possible solutions. If you want the poop, just look up my e:address and give me a 'heads up.' I'll get back with you and include you in our (way, way in depth discussions) about the mileage / longevity scenarios we're cookin; up. I think it's some good info. :-&
I covered 2636 miles because I went from Detroit
to Dallas first,then Dallas to Las Vegas . I hit
every snow and ice storm there was .
Hey tuckmiddle ,my truck does exactly the same thing ! It would rev up to 3000rpm and stay there . I put the blame on a faulty cruise control servo , but maybe it is tranny related .I have to take mine in to get the servo replaced so I will mention the reving to the mechanic .
I asked about the day time running lights when I ordered my Quad. It's not a dealer option, but my salesperson gave me a bus. card for a guy who does custom acc. work. I haven't called him to find out a price yet. I will let you know when I find out.
overhead mini trip computer .I also thought it
would be prewired .Did you give up trying to install it ? I just priced the unit at the dealer and he
wasnt sure it was prewired . I just picked up my
truck from having the cruise control servo replaced . they had the truck all day ! I told
them I had it checked at a dealer in Clovis NM
but they said they had to check it also .The
result was the same.....bad servo !
Thats the only thing Ive found wrong so far . I
have 2770 miles on it and love the truck especially the four doors along with the 4.7V8 .
The only thing Im going to change is the junk
Good Year tires . I have had nothing but bad luck
with Good Year on every vehicle I ve owened .
The fog lights are a 100.00 dollar option but
you can buy a set at Walmart for 59.00 dollars
that will fit perfect .They are also Halogen !
Thanks for your help . Johnboy9
connector at a parts store to covert to daytime running lights .I think Im going to install one .
Thanks for your responses. Changed to Mobil one today, we'll see if the yellow crud keeps coming. It'll be 60 or 70 next few days, so it'll be a while before it's cold enough to be a problem. I was so anxious to get my free dealer oil change (except for the extra $25 for Mobil 1) that I forgot to even bring up the intermittent cruise problem, I'll keep watching for it. My week day commute is 14 miles of hell here in the Atlanta area, no way I could use cruise except to purposely smash into some one. The dealer did say it was the first oil change he had done on a Quad cab with skid plates; they got oil everywhere when it drained, so much for planning ahead! This is the first truck I've had with composite skid plates, no wonder they were only $120 or so. Sure feel strong to the smack of a 2x4.
Let's hear more about this mileage, or lack of. The salesman I bought it from mentioned how it will be super after 3,000 miles. The computer know to do that or is his mouth engaged with his brain in neutral? I've got a Gem cap coming, as well as Smitybuilt black step bars. 6-8 weeks for each, according to Dodge dealer and Godfather customs. Did y'all see April issue of Truck Trend? All kinds of quads built up by the custom people as well as couple of concept models of Ford, Chevy and Dodge.
Anyone bought a bed extender? It looked pretty good on Nissan Crew cab.
Thanks for your responses. Changed to Mobil one today, we'll see if the yellow crud keeps coming. It'll be 60 or 70 next few days, so it'll be a while before it's cold enough to be a problem. I was so anxious to get my free dealer oil change (except for the extra $25 for Mobil 1) that I forgot to even bring up the intermittent cruise problem, I'll keep watching for it. My week day commute is 14 miles of hell here in the Atlanta area, no way I could use cruise except to purposely smash into some one. The dealer did say it was the first oil change he had done on a Quad cab with skid plates; they got oil everywhere when it drained, so much for planning ahead! This is the first truck I've had with composite skid plates, no wonder they were only $120 or so. Sure feel strong to the smack of a 2x4.
Let's hear more about this mileage, or lack of. The salesman I bought it from mentioned how it will be super after 3,000 miles. The computer know to do that or is his mouth engaged with his brain in neutral? I've got a Gem cap coming, as well as Smitybuilt black step bars. 6-8 weeks for each, according to Dodge dealer and Godfather customs. Did y'all see April issue of Truck Trend? All kinds of quads built up by the custom people as well as couple of concept models of Ford, Chevy and Dodge.
Anyone bought a bed extender? It looked pretty good on Nissan Crew cab.
I'm in the market for a new Dakota Quad with the 4.7 and I'm wondering if there's any strong reason to look at another make. So far, my research has kept me focused on the Dodge. Any replies would be appreciated.
owners manual .It says it takes 6QTS of oil for
the 4.7 V8 . After changing the oil I checked the
dipstick , it appears to be a quart over .
Changing oil was a real treat . You have to
reach through the access hole , loosen the filter then catch the oil that runs out between the filter and the mounting surface . My solution
was a one pound coffee can slipped over the filter before removing it .It works pretty good.
But what a poor design DM has .
If you dont catch the oil it runs down on the
frame and makes a mess .
Airwulf I was a Chevy man for years , but I am
really happy with my Quad Cab . I sold a 96 Z71
to buy the quad and I like it better . I cant
wait for an excuse to drive it .
tuckmiddle - glad you 'signed on' to synthetic. Been using it 15 years. You'll be happy with it; airwulf's right though, most of the newer brands (castrol, redline, etc.) are better, more pure synthetic bases. Only advantages to Mobil 1 is the usual availability & a pretty cool decal. Joy.
Yes, I've got the bed extender - get it from your local (favorite) motorcycle shop (if they can get parts from 'Parts Unlimited' under AMP Research [www.ampresearch.com]- they're mountain bike frame guys - they can get one for you overnight) Get the SMALL size, it fits like OJ's glove (if you've got a bedliner) and takes about 10 mins. to install in their parking lot (just get it LEVEL) with a simple battery-type drill. Paid about $179 + tax. I use mine for everything you can imagine.
airwulf - ditto on synthetics & turbos. Both of my Volvo Turbos (wagon & sedan) have 150,000+ each with no replacement, yet. And we run them hard. Volvo says 125k is max. Also, look at the Ford SuperCrew - then go ahead and buy the Dodge. ;-)
1. 1976 F-150 360/V-8 w/4spd man
2. 1987 F-250HD 4x4 351w/4spd Auto
3. 1993 F-150 Lightning 351HO w/e4od 4spd auto
4. 1996 Ford Ranger 4cyl w/5spd manual
The only one I think I liked to just purely drive more than my new Quad was the lightning, but not on long trips. Me and THREE of my buddies are taking a trip to the Florida Keys, I want to go primarily to take my Quad on the 6+ hour trip. So I guess I do look for reasons to just drive her. Also me and my wife find ourselves arguing over who has to drive our other car (a 1995 Mustang GT, which is alot faster than the Quad but the Quad is that much of a joy to drive).
Bookitty
Comes off in about one minute. The factory had the "shocks"set up too far back, but that was easy to fix - for the dodge dealer!! Square heads on the screws, ok if they placed things right.
No foaming with the systhetic. I've also used it for years in lots of cars/trucks. Have to look into the others being claimed to be better.
Bed ext - AMP research builds em for Mopar, can't find one. They gave me 800 numbers for two distributors here in GA. Calling tomorrow.
Almost 3000 miles, been perfect except occasional "thunk" with shift from 2 to 3. Using O/D cutout in town, mileage stays same crummy 15 with 4x4, K&N and Flowmaster, 3.55 rear. Sure sounds like a bear with the flowmasters, guess I think I'm a teenager again. Use to have a 49 Merc that sounded like a Kenworth with no muffler at all.
Keep the news flowing. What do I have to do to get a little more MPG? Gas is relatively cheap in GA; $1.22-25 at Speedway or Quick Trip, where I normally, then blow the savings on 2 donuts!!
Happy Quading
agree with you . The mileage sucks ! I am
going to install a k&n filter #33-2084 to
see if that helps . I am also noticing the
clunk between 2nd/3rd .Hope it`s not a problem .I got to use my cruise control for the
first time since the servo was replaced . It
worked fine . Wish it worked on my 2636 mile
trip back home from detroit to vegas ,oh well .
I installed my fog lights that I bought from
Wal-Mart they look good and were easy to install .
I`m surprised to hear your mileage is`nt better
with the 3:55 rear end . I have the 3:92 and was
expecting it to be bad ,which I think it is .
Gas is $1.45 gallon in Las Vegas . Not cheap !
Keep the info flowing we will all benifit from it . Viva Quads . Johnboy9
By the way, my 98 club cab 5.2liter/4x4/3.55/31x10.5 gets about 14 with mostly highway driving and some around town not taking it easy. It has 43,000miles on it. I have recently been making an attempt to baby it back and forth to work with NO hard acceleration and work is 15 miles of all interstate driving. I have gotten it up to about 16.5 mpg for the last two tank fulls. Thats driving 60-65. On long trips averaging 70-75mph, the best I've seen is 15.7. Higher rpm kills mileage with he 5.2 liter.
It gets around 13mpg on a tank when I do a lot of around town / hard accelerating / over 70mph driving as well as my highway work trips.
I plan on ordering a quad cab when they become available with the configuration I want. It'll have the 4.7L which sounds like I might be able to squeak one or two mpg better out of that engine with the same combination I have on my current truck. I've driven them and I liked the 4.7L, although I will miss my low end torque of the 5.2L
Chad
Info for reference - 4.7,multispeed, Quad, 2WD 3:55 LSDiff, 255 tires. I still think highway should be over 20- but don't think I'll ever see it.
checked my mileage since I got back from Detroit,
but I averaged 16MPG on the trip . I just added
the K&N filter.It appears to have more throttle
response,but I havent had it on a trip to check
the mileage since.I hope it will improve.I have
3100 miles on the truck and I love It!
Anyone that expects to get 20 or more MPG with a truck is not being realistic, even on the freeway, unless the speeds are low. Trucks are just not aerodynamic enough. I know there are always exceptions, but there is usually some out of the ordinary factor, like low speeds, sloping terrain, tailwind, add ons that improve aerodynamics like bed covers or lowered trucks, etc.
16 mpg sounds resonable for a 4x4 with 3.92 ratio. (even with the 31's). I'm sure you were cruising at 65 - 70 or more so not sure it'll get much better than 16 - 17 mpg at regular freeway speeds.
Truck mileage is often a shock to people that have owned only cars in the past. (not saying you, johnboy9, since I don't know if this is your first truck or not), but 15 - 17 mpg is normal and does not "suck" for a truck.
Chad
96 Chevy Z71, 4x4,5.7V8 eng that got 15mpg on the
highway . So yes I think the mileage `sucks'
considering the Quad Cab is a smaller truck. I
expected 17mpg,which I don`t think is unreasonable.I use cruise control whenever possible and drive 75mph . john
to throw into this mileage mayhem......
Where are you guys buying gas. Name brand,
C-store, Budget fuel depot? And finally
what octane are you using? Oh, and the jury
is out, did you break your truck in easy or
run her hard....
just some things to make you go.......Hummmmmm?
Renegade
The GEM top comes off real easily, maybe one minute and a friend or wife or daughter or son, etc.
I sure as hell like everything about my Quad 4x4, 4.7, 3.55, etc. I've always been a GMC/Chevy guy, but the Dodge boys have really done good, as the real southerners say. Peppy, roomy, no squawks yet. The transmission goes bump "in the night" now and then, but that's why I bought the 100,000 mile extended warranty. It's so far above the Nissan and the Explorer thing I saw the other day that it's the only real choice in my eyes.
Good luck out there.
Yes, I broke it in ok, just about like the book said. Also changed the oil at 2,200 to Mobil 1 synthetic and the dreaded yellow crud disappeared, even during the recent ice storm, when it was freezing for a few days in a row, almost a rarity in Atlanta.
Four wheel drive worked as expected during a 120 mile trip through the boonies to a house we almost own up in the foot of the N. GA mountains.
Had to take lots of detours and gutter diversions during the ice storm to get the heat back on, had lots of trees everywhere and roads closed.
More than enough said.
Unfortunately, "size" (and even weight on flat terrain)doesn't have as much to do with highway mileage as the following factors. Tire size (diameter), axle ratio, overdrive gear ratio, aerodynamics of the vehicle, and speed. Speed because higher rpm usually equals more burned fuel even if the engine is not "working harder" and speed also because of wind resistance. Smaller size does not equal better aerodynamics. Remember the cobra? Tiny little car but deceptively UN-aerodynamic. Many larger cars were and are much more aerodynamic. Shape is the factor hear, not size.
Johnboy9, because of these variables, 15mpg in your 96 chev 5.7 can't really be compared with your Dakota's mileage and "smaller size" unless the final rpm for a given speed are the same through various combination of axle ratio, tire size, and tranny gear ratio. The above factors would determine mileage more than size and weight of the vehicle on the highway. Your 3.92 rear end is rather deep gearing and you noted 75 mph. You are probably running quite high rpm compared to say a quad with a 3.55 and running 65 - 70. Can you give us an idea of the rpm you turn at 75 in overdrive? Just curious. I think you already mentioned you ran 31x10.5. High rpm eats gas. No way around it.
Johnboy9, You said you got 16mpg on that trip. As a test, maybe drop the speed a bit (or compare to a similar vehicle with a 3.55) and you'll likely see better noticably better MPG along the lines of the 17+ you said you'd like to see. 3.92 ratio = nice for towing and quicker acceleration, but raises rpm and is bad for mileage.
It'll be interesting to see what my 4x4 quad will run mileage wise with a 4.7L/3.55/31x10.5 compared to my 5.2L/3.55/31x10.5. Been putting off ordering until restriction are off, but each time one is lifted, another is created. I'd better just order and buy when it gets hear or I will end up with a '02 rather than a '00 or '01.
Chad
with 16in. tires and a 3:73 rear end. It turned 2000 rpm`s at 75mph.
My Quad Cab turns 2500 rpm at 75mph.So yes I agree
the variables do matter. I really wanted the 3:55
rear end on the Quad,but mine came off the lot.
I would like to know the rpm`s a 3:55 turns at 75 mph.Someone let me know please.Thanks
johnboy9
You said installing Wal-Mart fog lights was easy! Before I buy a set, would you tell me more about the electical connections? Was it necessary to drill the fire wall to install a switch? Does a connection exist on the low beam headlight, or is it necessary to wire into something else? Needless to say, I am not too swift when it comes to electricity. The owner's manual shows that the headlight switch can be pulled out turn the fogs on, but my truck is not equipped with the pull-out feature. That means another switch, doesn't it? Thanks for help. Bill
Mine is a quad, 4x4 3.55 with the 4.7. K&N filter and flowmaster muffler (god, it sounds good). All of 15 on average tank full. It indicated, on the overhead thingy, 17 when I gassed up on the interstate and had driven about 100 miles. Did regular commuting few days and bingo, 15mpg. I don't know what inputs go into that overhead consul thing, but it's real accurate, I'm such a cheapo, I always have checked each tankful on every car/truck I've ever had. I loved it when my old (new at the time) Rabbit diesel got between 48 and 52.
Be careful out there.
\
I know my new truck will suffer in gas mileage, but with all the other positive things going for it, I will learn to live with the lower mpg. I hope to get around 18 or so if I do mostly highway. I will put in a K&N air filter but will pass on the muffler. My wife would never understand....
Happy trails...
KnK
later...
shroud below the bumper,with an EXacto knife.
The lights come with brackets, but you have to make two more so you can attach them to the frame.You will have to drill a hole in the firewall,but be careful not to drill it through the the wheelwell panel like I did .No big deal I used silicone to close up the hole ! The lights come with a switch that you will have to install under the dash.It is lit when the fog lights are on. The factory headlight switch won`t work.The
wiring is very simple and is included . I`m very happy with mine and they look good.
The lights are called Blazer Tech 2200 and cost $59.99 at Wal-Mart,where America loves to shop!
Good Luck .
Johnboy
Thanks for the info. I made a mistake not ordering the fog lights w/the DQ. Didn't realize that the shroud would have specific indentations for them, and since we never have fog in New Mexico, thought they would be useless. Now the truck looks naked without them. Regards, Bill.
84 Ranger 2.2 4 spd = 17 mpg ( 48k mi)
87 Mazda (Ford) 2.2 5spd = 18 mpg (69k mi)
91 Explorer 4.0 5 spd = 18 mpg (96k mi)
92 F250 7.5 auto = 11 mpg (36k mi)
98 F150 4.6 auto = 13 mpg (29k mi)
It was time for a change, as those Fords got worse and worse - quality and mpg. Anyone worried about their Dodge, should rest assured its the best out there right now! My new QC has 4.7 auto, 3.92, 31x10.5. My questions: What is the p-metric size equivalent to the 31x10.5 to fit the 15x8 rims? Is it a Dunlop (I think I read earlier)? Had Dunlop Radial Rovers on the Explorer for 50k miles and they were good on wear, traction, noise, mpg, etc. I'd get more if I can find the right size. Also, will replacing the diff oil with synthetic 75 wt really help?
Thanks
I would like to know the rpm`s a 3:55 turns at
75 mph.
And 2500rmp was a 4.7L/3.92/31x10.5 tires, right Johnboy9?
So, anyone with 4.7L/3.55/31x10.5 have an rpm at 75 mph they can share?
I think my 5.2L/3.55/31's turns between 2000-2100 at 75. I just got done testing my third and final gas tankful in my "quest for the best gas mileage". This was my daily 15 mile one way commutes with all but about 1.5 miles on interstate and NO around town driving this tank. I tried to keep it down around 55mph which makes a HUGE difference compared to 65mph and I averaged 18.03mpg (trip computer was off and said 16.8mpg). Last tank with a tiny bit of in town driving and average speeds closer to 60-65 got me 16.8mpg (trip computer said 15.6). If I do any more around town driving and drive around 70mph on the freeway, I get about 14 - 15 mpg.
I did note that my trip computer used to be more accurate and does still do an OK job when around town driving is added, but lately, it has been a bit off on my highway-driving-only fill-ups. Truck has 43,000 miles on it.
Next tank is back to 65 - 70 mph and will likely have more around town driving. I'm sure I'll be back down to 15mpg.
Chad
very much to offer. I have read in other
areas of guys going to K&N air filters. I
think though some of you guys might be missing
the boat. Take a look at your spark plugs.
You will probably find they are Champions.
Champions electrodes are 2 pieces that are
butted up together with a metal wrap to
connect the 2 pieces. I would reccomend
that you replace your Sparkplugs. A better
quality plug will deliver a better spark
therefore getting a better "burn" in the
combustion chamber. A more efficient running
engine will produce better performance with
an after effect of improved mileage.
just an opinion guys, don't blast me too hard.
thanks renegade
concerned with mileage, with the 3:92 rearend,as
well as higher RPM`S.I really wanted the trip
computer,but it did`nt come with my truck. I would still like to install one,but I don`t know if it is pre-wired. Anyone know ?
johnboy9
Anyone know about synthetic diff oil?
Also, any advise on ordering through a dealership compared to a website. The prices seem to be cheaper to order through discounted vehicle websites. The only problem with ordering online is that if there is a problem, a dealer is much closer to chew them out.
Thanks
ADAM