Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - II

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Comments

  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    My brother just bought an 00 Tundra. His is a 2wd while my Dak is a 4wd. He pulls a two horse trailer quite a bit and this influenced his choice. Over a period of time we will be swapping tales and making comparison between the two. It should be interesting. He says the back seat is good for luggage and that's about it.

    My Quad 4x4 4.7 5spd. 3.55 has just turned a 1000 miles. On the first three tanks of gas I have seen 16 to 16.5 mpg mostly rural, hilly roads with some mountain driving. Not too bad. I have no regrets about the 4.7 choice. Even with the eight cylinder, I have to shift a bit in the mountains. I can't imagine the 6 cylinder having enough stuff to pull this truck in the mountains unless you had the 3.92 rearend.

    I have not taken the Quad off road yet. Thought I would wait til the newness wore off before I put it harm's way. Can't wait.

    I have been unable to find an aftermarket source for step-bar/nerfs. According to my local truck shops, both Westin(preferred) and Smittybuilt are not yet available. Westin is supposedly on 3-4 weeks national backorder. Does that sound right?
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    I had a trans leak somewhee about 2 weeks ago (fluid on the intake and burning on the exhaust). Dealer said they fixed it.

    Last night while checking the oil, fulid all over again. More this time than last. It is on the exhaust and you can smell it inside.

    Went to dealer, they could not understand me being upset. Truck only has 1700 miles and is 26 dyas old. Was in the shop 5 days last time. They did not know if they could get to it today (Friday). Told them I had the survey form from the last service (they did not look at the problem until I came into get it and then said, Oh I see the fluid). They really did not want me to fill out the form with negative comments. Said that they really get hit about that. In fact, the sales manager said that if that is the way I felt, that the next time they would not give me a rental car or would be solw to get service.

    Will keep everyone posted.


    Jim Buckingham
    00 Quad 4x2 4.7
  • grokggrokg Member Posts: 9
    Here is a website that has good prices for accessories from several different manufactures.

    www.ustruckaccessorieswhse.com/products.html

    Specifically they have some nerf bars you may be interested in from Daws-Bulldog.

    Good Luck!

    (grokg)
  • bja4bja4 Member Posts: 67
    Like I said before the more I drive this new club-cab 4x4 the more I will like it. Took a little while to get use to second gear starts, but other than that, this truck is a blast to drive. I did lower the air pressure on the 31.5" tires to the recommended light-load specs. Factory had them set at 42 pounds. Truck rides better now, but still a little stiff with 1800# package. I wish I could afford to buy another one of the trucks, and get rid of the car. Next one would be a quad-cab. I needed the club-cab so that my Northstar pop-up camper could fit on it.
    Car and Driver magazine buyer's guide stated that the 2000 Dakota was the best riding/driving truck in it's class for $money. Toyota may be a little better built, but you will pay a hell of a lot more for a truck with less options. Plus their V8 only comes with the automatic. Ground clearance doesn't matter to me. I don't plan to take a $20K plus vehicle into no-mans-land. I will use a ATV or a beat-up CJ5 for that. Plus I can still get my truck with camper on it through the 7' garage door. You can't do this with any other 4X4 made with the 31.5" tires. For me this was a big influence on my decision. My kid and wife can climb in and out easily.
    I would recommend the 4.7 V8 to all of those people buying or ordering a new truck. I have only put 160 miles on it (50% city) and I have 1/2 a half tank of gas. I have the 3.92, but don't really think it matters to much on gas mileage.
    The bed on this truck is off 1/2" to the cab. The dealer will realign the bed under warranty this coming Tuesday. The Ferreo Dodge dealership in Loveland, Colorado is the best dealership I have ever done business with. No hassle, straight forward, and reasonable.
  • reliousrelious Member Posts: 10
    Well you all convinced me that the 4.7L engine was the better way to go so I told the dealer today to change my order. I was trying to be cheap and save some cash. I guess if your spending $20+K whats another $500. Might as well get whats going to work better in the long run and make me happy. Once again thanks for the advice and the links for more information. It was useful and swayed my decision. Now on to the wait......
  • snowedinsnowedin Member Posts: 58
    All the service dept. did was tighten the mounting bolts to alleviate the squeak (18mm back, 13mm front for the power bench). The mechanic just hit the bolts with an impact wrench but said about 35 ft/lbs. would do the trick w/ a socket wrench. Hopefully this saves you a trip.
    I had to make a separate appt. w/ the collision shop to get the driver's side door aligned. They claim that they have to remove the lower hinge and insert a spacer to get the top section of the door flush with the passenger door. I will post when/if this solves the problem.
    They also buffed out my first scratch (shopping cart I think) free of charge. It had to happen sooner or later I guess :( . It was very low behind the rear wheel and is now nearly invisable.
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    it was themacguy's math that tipped the scales wasn't it?

    In any event, good move. I'm guessing you just added more than 500 to the eventual resale/trade price. As a present waiter, you got to think long term.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    I noticed a lot of my fellow employees at work had Dakotas. So, being interested in the QC, I asked for their opinion about dodge truck reliability,etc. The one big problem mentioned was paint peeling (on some of the early 90's vehicles). All seemed pleased with their vehicles, although the ones with a 3.9L said they would move up to a V-8. But nearly all told me NOT to take a dodge back to the the local Dodge dealership for service because it was really crappy (slow, repairs incorrect, indifferent attitude of the service folks, etc). The Chrysler dealership is two doors down the street and that's where they take their dodges. It's a 5 star dealer that apparently tries hard to keep that designation and its customers happy. We got a Grand Cherokee from them earlier this year and I must say we were treated very good by the sales staff. Much different from the Chevy guys we talked to first.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (andy_jordan) In response to your question;

    >>bpeebles - don't understand why the front wheel
    >>spins with full time 4wd and lsd - how does that
    >>happen?

    The full-time 4WD is simply an open differential in the xfer case. An open diff. will always send the torque to the side with the LEAST resistance. If one has a LSD in the rear, then under virtually ALL cases ONE front wheel will have less traction than BOTH rear wheels combined.

    I know this from the physics of the design and from personal experience. I have said it MANY times before... the full-time-4WD as sold on the Dakota is a waste of $$. (from both initial cost and operating cost perspectives as well as functionality)

    Do not confuse the Dakota full-time-4WD with JEEP, suberru (sp?) or even my wifes Honda Cvic 4WD... the design is completely different. Consider the Dak as being the OPPOSITE of the Suburu(sp?)ad "full-time-4WD sends the power from the wheels that grip to the wheels that slip" IT IS THAT SIMPLE!!
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    bpeebles, I thought the full time transfer case was the Quadra-Trac used in the Grand Cherokee. What other sources can verify this one way or the other? I assume your looking at the service manual. Isn't there a clutch (of sorts) in the full time transfer case?
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    grokg thanks for the info. The link you posted www.ustruckaccessorieswhse.com/products/html has some nice products at great prices. The site also has the phone numbers of the manufacturers of the products they sell---very handy for checking on availability/anticipated availability from the product source.

    Had the Leer lid installed yesterday. After I peeled off the dealer stickers and the Leer sticker it looks pretty cool. Three different dealers recommended the Leer (probably make more money on it) when I mentioned that I wanted a tonneau that would be water-tight. The paint match was also excellent. I like the smooth line of the Leer as well. Cost was $679. Curious to check gas mileage on the next tank. Never had a truck with a tonneau, but I think I will like it.

    Still love the truck! Anyone in the midsouth looking for a truck, I can direct you to a dealer that seems to have a huge allocation and, though not very internet savy, were good to work with.
  • reliousrelious Member Posts: 10
    I really bought it 'cause I like POWER! It just sounds like a better engine and deal all around. Sometimes you just got to say what the %&#$*@^
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    but your 117 post nailed it so hard that DC should print it out and deliver at the "eulogy" when the 3.9 is put to final rest.

    Them "slides" rule.
  • balserbalser Member Posts: 90
    Check out Durango topic 1887 for real world, not theoretical, FT4WD/LSD experience. One guy pulled a tree stump out and claims that all four wheels spun on concrete in the full time mode. There are a couple of posts from others too. Every time we start this thread, I ask for real world experience, and those with FT4WD & the LSD always come back an say they love it.
  • kitfoxkitfox Member Posts: 2
    I've been reading the comments here at Edmunds for a few months and have decided to order a Quad Cab. Thanks for all the information. It is the perfect utility vehicle, plus it looks great.

    I'm having a hard time finding an answer to what I thought was a very simple question. Dodge customer service and my dealer cannot seem to find the answer - they can only guess. I want to order either a White Quad Cab Sport or a Forest Green Quad Cab Sport. No one seems to be able to tell me what color the 'Sport' decals (Dodge calls them Badges) will be for either color.

    At first, the dealer said the White one had black decals and the Forest Green would have Driftwood (light grey) decals. Then I saw a white club cab on the road with red decals (which I don't want). I told the dealer that, and after further calls to who knows who, they now say that all Sport models have a RED decals (even the green truck!). That seems crazy.

    We have a small local dealer with no Dakota Sport models in stock in either of those colors, therefore I can't just go look to find out.

    Finally, my question. Does anyone out there know what the color of the Dakota 'Sport' decals are on a White Dakota Quad Cab or a Forest Green Dakota Quad Cab?

    Thanks in advance.
  • snowedinsnowedin Member Posts: 58
    kitfox, my 2000 forest green dakota quad cab sport has driftwood decals. I have yet to see a white qc.
  • snowedinsnowedin Member Posts: 58
    BTW, the dealer fix didn't last. The seat is squeaking again. I don't know if the bolts need lock washers or if something else is causing the problem but I guess I will return to the dealer and let them figure it out. I'll keep you posted.
  • newquadnewquad Member Posts: 33
    My white quad sport has dark blue Sport sticker. Looks almost black.
  • newquadnewquad Member Posts: 33
    Yes, please keep us updated on the seat squeak problem. I'm trying to hold out on bringing mine to the dealer until I hear the fix!
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    2000 white dakotas have blue decals. 1999 white dakotas have red decals. 2000 green dakotas are supposed to have white or silver decals. These dakotas are really great trucks, don't let the color of a decal turn you away! You can always peel the decal off with a hair dryer and buy the decal from a slt model or just leave it off. By the way, my white dakota with blue decal and black interior looks great!!!!! I had a black bedliner sprayed in, then bought 15$ worth of black 1" molding from an auto parts store for door ding protection. Wish I could show a picture, it looks factory and several people have been asking me to do theirs!!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (bobemoto) NOPE... there are NO clutches in the Dakota full-time xfer case.

    The Jeep uses the GERODISC system http://www.ashacorp.com/gerodisc.html which is far superior to virtually ANYTHING else out there.
  • wilmar1wilmar1 Member Posts: 32
    There is an interesting article in the April 3 issue of Forbes magazine by Jerry Flint. He takes issue with the auto industry efforts to produce a made to order car in 5 days, much like Dell Computer will custom build a computer in 5 days. Seems to me once it gets to the railroad they shoot the 5 days in the head. Anyway, lots of information in the article about the manufacturing process.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (wilmar1) YUP, My 2000 Dakota was built in about 5 days. I followed it thru the production line via daily phone calls to the customer help line.

    Most of the time was spent in 'queue' waiting to be built.
    Orderd 10-1-99... dealers lot 10-29-99

    BTW...VIN and RAILCAR ASSIGNED 10-22-99! That means 7 days from Dodge city to Vermont.
  • bja4bja4 Member Posts: 67
    My four day old, white, 2000 Dakota Sport has DARK BLUE decals. The 1999 Dakotas have red decals. I don't know what the green ones have.
    Decided to top-off the fuel tank before heading home. 262.2 miles driven, with 14.72 gallons of gas burned. This is 17.8 mpg with the 4.7, 5spd, club-cab, 31.5 tires, and 3.92 lsd. At least 50% of this was in the city with my wife driving and her shifting every time well over 3000 rpms. I plan on keeping this truck.
  • kitfoxkitfox Member Posts: 2
    I would like to thank all the people who responded (snowedin, newquad, 96g11, bja4) about the decals. I think I'll go with the White.

    Now its just a waiting game. 60-90 days according to the dealer. From what you all have been saying, that might be a bit optimistic.

    Thanks again.
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    Durango Topic 1887 had some interesting discussions. Couldn’t find the spinning on concrete entry though. There was a description that supported bpeebles statement - which makes sense for the Selectrac.

    It seems I got my wires crossed with the Quadratrac. I found at http://www.media.chrysler.com/wwwprkt/2446.htm#transf an outline of two transfer case types: NV242 for the Selectrac full time, and NV249 as the Quadratrac. The NV231 is the part time system. The Dakota brochure lists just NV231 and NV242. I’ll kick myself if they bring over the NV249 just after I finally decide to order.

    I’d still recommend the limited slip differential with the NV242 even if it’s only effective when the transfer case is in part time mode. My long ago experience was that limited slip is better than 4x4 without limited slip. I’m sure this really depends on the particular situation, but slippery spots tend to run in the direction we’re traveling (like the ditch, the shoulder nobody goes on, etc.).
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I've seen a few Forest Green Sport Club Cabs go by and their decals are a lighter almost metallic green. Can't say that I've seen the driftwood decals on f. green.
  • littlejuanlittlejuan Member Posts: 16
    Help!

    I asked my salesperson 4 times if there was an option (like on my pathfinder) for 2wd and 4wd. She (!) showed me the picture from the brochure on page 14-15 where it states "The convenience of fulltime opration let's you set it in 4WD and forget it - worry free". After reading some of the posts, am I mistaken that I will have a swith or lever to swicth from 2 to 4 wheel drive?

    FYI, I ordered the 4.7L, V-8, 5 speed, 3.92 SLT package, Tire& Handling, with anti-slip (LSD), and trailer tow group.
  • balserbalser Member Posts: 90
    If you want a two wheel drive option you have to get the part time transfer case - the one that comes standard with the 4x4. If you order the optional full time 4 wheel drive, you stay in four wheel drive all the time, there is no two wheel drive selection. Both cases give you a locked 4Hi and 4Lo selection.
  • reliousrelious Member Posts: 10
    My future father in law has a forest green SLT Quad and his decals are a silver or driftwood.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    missing these posts on the weekend - I missed 25 this time!!!!

    bpeebles, thanks for the full time 4x4 info - I knew that, brain fade I guess. My reputation is doubtless going to rapidly fall!!
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    got the truck back on Friday. Seems that they had to call Chrysler and get the answer. Some trucks have a pinched trans vent toube that causes fluid to pool on the intake and onto the exhaust. Chrysler knew right away about the problem. Went on a trip this weekend and will check tonight to see if there is more fluid.

    Getting the bed aligned on Thursday - have to got to a body shop for the work.

    Jim Buckingham
  • 2000quad4me2000quad4me Member Posts: 2
    I'm getting ready to order a Quad Cab.
    Was wondering if anyone financed through Chrysler and what rate they got.

    Thanks
  • cmedcmed Member Posts: 6
    I've recently ordered a 2000 Quad, 4.7, SLT, etc... I want to A) get a sprayed on bedliner, B) get a roll top bed cover. Does anyone have any price estimates? Also has anyone tried the do-it-yourself paint on liners? After reading this site for the last 2 months, I know I'll have time to shop for these things as my Quad won't be arriving for a while.
  • snowedinsnowedin Member Posts: 58
    Topic 252 has alot of info....generally, those who tried the DIY liners were disappointed.
  • jlmmemjlmmem Member Posts: 2
    I have priced the sprayed in bedlines by "Line-X" and they quoted me at $425 under the rail and $475 for over the rail. I've seen the over the rail on a QuadCab and it looks great. In fact my wife originally wanted to go with the free bedliner (Dodge promo - get a free bedline with every truck) but after seeing it, see agreed and says the sprayed in liner is the way to go. Wonder.... if the dealer will drop the price a bit without the free bedline? It was just a thought !
  • jpwoodrowjpwoodrow Member Posts: 7
    I rebuilt a 80 Cj7 last spring for my wife. I used paint-on-liner on the entire inside of the tub. It worked great on that, but it only has to stand up to foot traffic. Even after three coats it was not very thick. When I get my QC (it is currently on restriction) I think I'm going to go with a Rhino liner.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    i have the penda and it scratched the stew out of the outside of my tailgate (the tailgate cover bends over the top of the gate and down a few inches) i will go with a spray on next time. as for the rolling tonneau, i have the roll-n-lock, i like mine alot, make sure the installer checks the alignment multiple times, mine was out and had to go back to the installer to get them to readjust. i like the roll-n-lock better than the pace edwards (friend had the pace). the roll-n-lock also locks the tailgate, which means just one key and the gate and tonneau are both open. now understand that none of them are water tight, they will leak a little, after a big storm i get about 1/4 cup in my bed, but nothing gets wet, it all trickles down the sides of the bed and along the deep bedliner grooves.

    penda - 165.00 installed
    (195.00 to repaint tailgate and penda reimbursed me, boy did they loose on that one)
    roll-n-lock - 850.00 installed

    good luck all,

    robert
  • newquadnewquad Member Posts: 33
    I got a Line-X spray in and it was 350.00 under the rail- and that's in CA!! :-) I am really happy with it. I had them go over the edge of the tailgate and over the opposite side near the cab, since they recommended that since one day I'll put a cap on it. It looks sharp!
  • knkresortknkresort Member Posts: 79
    Anybody had any experience with an Extang tonneau cover? My neighbor ordered one for his Nissan Crew Cab. He only paid $139 from www.carparts.com and says his other friends have had them for years and really like them.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Kurt
  • longtimelongtime Member Posts: 3
    I picked up my new club cab sport 4x4 last week. I must admit I love driving it. 3.9, 5 speed with all the goodies. LSD, tire and handling package, power overhead, cruse, the works. The truck has alot of power for a 3.9 (must be the manual trans). handling is great. I have never driven a truck as nice as this one. I get about 19 MPG however I baby it a little. I'm sure the 4.7 has more power however I find the 3.9 has plenty. any one know where I can find a good drop-in bed liner?
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    I got my Linex over the rail for 340. Be sure and check, because they gave me the price for a 6 foot bed at first. When I got there, they said the bed looked small and adjusted the price. For information, the dealer uses ameriguard and charges $535.
  • jcody1jcody1 Member Posts: 58
    I paid 300.00 for my Line-X under the rail (Quad Cab). I live in Maryland.
  • reliousrelious Member Posts: 10
    Has anyone had any experience with the fiberglass tonneau covers for the Quad? How easy are they to remove if you have to suddenly haul something large (tall)? Is it a simple unbolt and lift or more complicated. I would think the longer (club cab) version would be similar. I'm looking around at the Mopar gullwing and other after market sources. Any info would be of great help. Thanks.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    I have an A.R.E. fiberglass tonneau on my club cab. For various reasons A.R.E. is the only fiberglass one that I would buy. I have had no problems and find that removing the cover is straightforward - there are four clamps that need to be removed. Definitely a two person job though because of bulk and weight - although quad would obviously be smaller, I still think it is likely a two person job.
  • wilmar1wilmar1 Member Posts: 32
    Paid $300 for Line-X; live in New Mexico. Have an A.R.E. tonneau for my QC. Paid $650 installed. It is easy to unbolt, but you must be either a weightlifter or 2 guys to get the job done.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    I just bought a Leer tonneau for my Quad. Great paint match and the smooth lines look great on the truck. Price was $679 at a place that specialized in campers and truck accessories. Unfortunately they scratched the bedrail when they installed the lid. Another problem with the Leer was that it leaked around the locking mechanism after the first big storm we had. Also appeared to leak near the cab. I will see what the dealer and/or Leer has to say about this and keep you all posted. I chose the Leer because several dealers insisted it was the most waterproof of the tonneaus available. I am not too happy about this and at this point would not recommend the Leer to anyone. Anybody else out there with experience with Leer tonneaus? Maybe the dealer just did a bad install? We'll see.
  • shoepegshoepeg Member Posts: 6
    was ordered 02-01-2000 came into day. Black two tone with light driftwood saint glow bottom, sharper than I thought it would be. 4.7, auto, lsd,slt, slt plus group, bucket seats, mist gray seats & a few other options. I got to see the truck before it was washed at the dealer. No tires
    sticking out on the back on one side or ill fitting doors as some folks have had. It appears by the window sticker I got what I ordered. Starboard molded side steps should come in tommorrow. This should round out this little jewel. Thanks for all the postings by all, this truck has been fun to order and wait for, with everyones help and good-old Ernie, he is a great guy. Ever customer service should have ten of him.

    Everyone enjoy their QC
  • knkresortknkresort Member Posts: 79
    I have appreciated all the info on tonneaus (or is it tonneuax?), but it is all about hard covers. Anybody got a recommendation on a soft one? I really can't afford to go with a hard cover, so please help.

    Thanks,

    KnK
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    Let us know about the 'ease of asssembly' for the Starboards when you get em on. You might also try the factory flares - they look good with the [www.Starboards.com] and help with flying road debris - should cost you $200 at your dealer. Just watch out if you 'test fit' the flares before you actually put them on, they'll scratch the crap out of your black paint (they did mine).

    As for ('earnest') Ernie - if he's not D/C employee of the year I'll eat my hat. Sounds like the ratio is more like 'one : ten thousand.'
    :-(
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