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Comments
OK, to pick up on a few points:
4wd vs. 2wd - I have stated my feelings before on this topic - 4wd is the way to go for bad weather. The Quad cab has the advantage of slightly more even weight distribution than other pickups, but if you are in 2wd you still have the light end doing all the work - not great - even with LSD.
I have driven in some pretty serious conditions both through choice and necessity and feel fairly confident driving anything in any conditions - and I still put my Jag in a ditch when I got caught in a sudden snow storm a few weeks back - RWD, LSD, fairly even weight distribution. The bottom line is that you can get caught out a lot easier in bad weather with 2wd - if you turn left or right from a stop sign there will be a tendency for the back to spin round - you can imagine what might happen after that. Go 4wd for safety - and still get the LSD.
5.9 replacement - I have heard a lot of talk about this super duper new 4.8 - I dunno. There was talk a year or so back of replacing the 5.9 with a 5.3, which then turned into a 5.4. This makes a lot of sense when comparing with the 4.7. The MB 4.8, if it ever happens, is more likely to materialize in sporty applications - but expect to see MB diesels in Rams first.
A/C override - I'll leave it to you guys to figure out, way beyond my knowledge level - but I don't get how 96g11's solution saves on fuel if the computer thinks the compressor is running and increase the idle anyway - I understand that the icreased rpm aren't being used by the compressor - essentially they are 'wasted' - am I being stupid? (probably)
$5000.00 deposit - you gotta be kidding. As mentioned $200.00 max, and it shouldn't be non-refundable either - it should be refundable under certain conditions - still protecting the dealer from you changing your mind, but protecting you from being locked in if the truck takes forever to build.
Noisy tranny - doesn't sound right. Hard shifting tranny (think that wasthis topic) - not a bad thing. You can make your tranny smoother by using a higher lubrication fluid, but inevitably you will shorten the life as there will be more wear in the system in an attempt to keep shifting smooth - kinda like riding the clutch in a stick shift.
Like you, on a few occassions over a long period, the bed space may prove inadequate for what I want to move, for those occassions, ordered the tow package and heavy duty assundries and will rent, borrow or buy a suitable trailer to haul what's needed.
Since then we buy 4x4's and have survived numerous winter snows and off-road adventures. The extra few thousand dollars expense seems like money well spent to me but ultimately, like others have said, it is a personal decision.
But one warning, (the same one I give to people I teach to flyfish) the 4x4 world can be very addicting. It all starts so innocently.
This is a great discussion group. Thanks for all the help and input over the last couple of months.
4.8, 5.7, and 6.1 engine -- I hate to say it, but I never heard of a 4.8 engine being placed within a Dakota. From my sources (http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b121699.htm), it seems that we will see a 5.7 replacement for the 5.9 engine. But who am I.... Anyhow, check out the above site @ www.car-truck.com. It is an interesting site dedicated to DC, and the daily Buzz items become addicting....
EITHER way you go, my suggestion (and I believe Badass will agree)is to opt for Limited Slip Differential. That's ESPECIALLY important if you go the 2WD route.
Cost is always a factor. But my experience has been that the 4WD will give you a better and quicker return on the back-end (resale). The "kids" really go for the off-road stuff and a good sound system, and it seems my vehicles have always gone to "kids" with deep pockets!
To ALL: It is with some consternation that I hear the stories of the 5.9's demise in favor of a more high-tech power solution. Granted, the 360 V8 is a relative "slug" in terms of power-to-weight/displacement, but for those of us who "grew up" with the Hemi and a "6-Pack" carb setup, it's sad to see another one go by the wayside!
To ALL: It's been an enjoyable and informative discussion group! And I would agree with the writer who indicated that Quad buyers seem, on the whole, to be very informed!
Moreover, state law requires that any deposit made on a new vehicle is refundable until such time the vehicle is delivered and REGISTERED to the owner.
That's my 2 cents...
I placed a small deposit on my Quad ONLY because I wanted to know that the salesperson would follow through on the order and keep me apprised of the build status. However, he also has a "purchase agreement" in hand (via e-mail) on which I reserve the right to decline delivery and be refunded the full amount of deposit if the delivered vehicle does not include the specifications and equipment described in that agreement.
Ah well... The "car business" is changing. But fortunately, it's my opinion that it's moving AHEAD to allow consumers to take greater control over what's DEFINITELY a big-ticket purchase!
Good luck to all!!!
Ordered a Quad Apr 10th; 2wd, 4.7, SLT+. Currently in BX status.
I hope my delivery experience compares favorably. At this point, the truck's at the "limbo" stage... It's been built, and sits in a marshalling yard waiting to be shipped out (which may be a week to 10 days)... Enough time hopefully to prep and sell the '95 Ram.
spike50...Your right about the autos outnumbering mans here I'm sure, just I was surprised to see even this many 5spds as dealer had me put 500 down to order one, and I have not seen a Quad on any lots yet with one.
relious...You don't happen to work at the "yellow box" like me do you, I'd love to see your truck.
I've always kept the cash in the bank, watched the TSBs and long-term test/quality reports 'till about 30,000, then decided whether or not to pop for the extended protection.
Am I missing some hidden advantage to the early buy???
The point? Well... Once again, it's my impression that Dodge has really nailed it with its QC. Where else (at this point) can you find a midsize truck with plenty of interior space, that your wife can feel comfortable driving around town (she HATES the Ram), but with the guts it takes to haul a 5,500 lb. trailer through the mountains?
Nothing at all against Ford or GM (they're clients as well)... And the Dodge reputation for quality is certainly not untarnished! But somehow, those guys seem to have a substantial leg-up on the competition when it comes to assessing market needs and designing stuff that fills a market niche.
A slow business day, with plenty of time for pontificating... Pardon me for rambling on, and good luck to all!
Also do you find yourself laughing or giggling when you see one of the little nissan four doors drive by. My wife always giggles when she see's one and says "awww how cute". Still loving this truck after 3500 miles.
At close to 5000 miles my mileage continues to be around 17 mpg give or take a tenth or two. With or without the tonneau the mileage seems to remain the same. I'm driving a 4x4 4.7 5spd 3.55 with a good mix of 75 mph interstate and 55 mph country roads.
for the macguy, a_j, or others who might know...when I took off my leer tonneau the other day I manage to scratch the front of the top bed rail on both sides. :-{ It is down to the primer in a spot about 3/4 inch long. The scratch is wide and deep enough that I worry about the paint peeling around it or eventually flaking off. Other than a trip to the body shop, do you have any suggestions? I mean the truck will acquire some dings along the way so I more concerned with stopping future damage (ie rust, peeling) than I am with restoring the pristine appearance. Any help would be appreciated.
badassbob and other 4x4 Quadders...Are you looking at grill guards or push bars like those offered by Westin? Any recommendations?
It sounds like the scratch problem can be solved with some touch up paint - you should be able to but a small tube for a few bucks - the paint code will ensure a match.
Push bars - well I went DeeZee because I wanted stainless - they look great and allow for functional mounting of spots and / or winch at a later date. My only suggestion would be to avoid chrome as there are bound to be a lot of stone chips up front.
Chad
You can pick up the middle sections in the shape of an A _/\_ but doesnt give much room to pull anything out. It is designed for the first front section to fold back or the tailgate section to fold forward or stack all four sections behind the cab.
BTW - Ernie says mine is on a train near Pittsburgh, PA headed to Newark, DE. By next week it should be back in central PA. To bad I have to be away all next weekend at another boy scout camp out like this weekend. Don't let anyone kid you into believing its "only an hour a week".
My only problem now is how to get adequate and properly placed tie down points. I'm considering oak baseboards (1x4) bolted into the existing mount holes, but have to wait for the Quad to actually arrive before deciding. Anyone have ideas on tie down points?
Too bad about the paint scrapes, but find comfort in knowing that there are still a lot of 1989 Fords out there with no (nada, zippo) bed paint left at all.
Bookitty
Anyway...Hope this helps
Chad
Anyway, do the job when the surface you're painting is warm, not hot and make sure to use a paint prep - Prep Sol from an auto paint shop is best, but alcohol will work in a pinch. Now, thin a drop or two of the touch up paint by using a proper thinner (just a tad - drop or so) for the lacquer or enamel in something the size of an old Coke bottle lid, then use a toothpick to put the stuff on (a thin coat of ZINC primer touch-up first if it's scratched as you say thru the primer). Work the stuff into the jagged edges - remember it's thin and will try to 'flash dry' on you within a minute or so. The objective here is to build up a few successive thin layers rather than using the touch up brush to add a 'glob' all at once - which would require perfect sanding and 'blending' later.
Now the secret: just before you put a layer that would be 'even' with the finish coat - stop. Let it set in the sun a couple of days and 'cure.' At this point the final layer, along with the previous coats (usually just two or three) will settle out and leave a small, smooth, 'cupped' indention where the scratch is. Build up ONE more light layer here, Repeat the sun process / light fill until even; EXCEPT for a scratch in a clearcoat finish. For this sype of finish, use a clear coat final 'thin coat' or two: remember you have plenty of matching color beneath the clear coat, and what you are trying to do is make a smooth, invisible fill. Use all color and clearoat sparingly, and dillute with a proper thinner. AND use toothpicks. e:mail me if you need help.
bookitty - I know it's your truck I saw - it's on 'CON' rail... :O)
My white quad has been shipped and the dealer estimates 2-3 weeks before it arrives in central PA. I will ask the dealer to wash, but not wax. I will wash on it's arrival at my farm and then "clay" - to remove all rail dust, before wax/polish. Go to maintenance conference if not familiar with this process. I would "clay' the insides and bottom of bed before putting in a drop-in.
However, there are any number X-warranties available through other companies (i.e., Geico) that are more price-competitive, and MUST be honored by the dealership. It's a matter of chosing a package from a company that's graded "A" (I'll look up the grading system in my F&I training materials and post later)... Anyway, THANKS!
TO ALL "WAITERS": Keep the faith! Those of you who've faced restrictions on the T&H package, the 4.7L, etc. shouldn't be discouraged. As another in the discussion group indicated, such restrictions are usually handled within just a few days.
For what it's worth... I ordered a 4X4 QC on
April 4... 5.9L and all possible options excluding steering wheel radio controls. It was built on 4/25, went onto the truck on 4/26, and should arrive at the dealership not later than 5/1.
When I checked with DC last week, the rep indicated that the T&H Group (AGB) at $340 was on restriction, but that it wouldn't affect my order because I had specced the Sport Plus Package (AGU)at $824, which includes the T&H Package. From what she said, I get the sense that those who order "ala-carte" options are more likely to be affected by restrictions on certain options.
In any case, I have been surprised and delighted by the responsiveness of the DC Reps on the status of the order. Keep in mind that these are "kids" fresh out of college, hired by DC. Their "first stop" in a career with DC is the Customer Service Center. Their first positiion is generally something easy like tracking orders. Next, they're worked into the trickier area of handling customer complaints, possible arbitration situations, etc. Many of them "drop out" (quit) at that point. Those who can handle it are generally "graduated" and sent out to the field (wholesale regions/districts), where they're trained to become Service or Sales Reps with responsibility for working directly with dealerships.
Moral? Be patient and positive with these DC Reps. They're good kids who relate their own career success with the ability to satisfy customers.
Over and out for now.
Had to laugh when I read your remarks about the horror stories behind Friday or Monday builds! I think you'll find that the QC efforts here in Detroit and elsewhare will prevent that sort of thing for the most part. After all, the domestics took a real beating from offshore manufacturers through the 70s, and are still fighting to regain market share!
Nonetheless, your concern is not unfounded!!
TRUE STORY #1:
A friend took delivery of a 1975 Ford (Friday build)... The car ran fine, except that he noticed an increasingly objectionable stench in the cabin. After two months, the dealership still couldn't figure it out... until they popped the passenger-side door panel to find the remains of someone's lunch (chicken, fries and gravy) in there.
TRUE STORY #2:
Screw-ups weren't limited to the manufacturers in those days! I recall how excited I was when my dad pulled into the drive in a 1966 Plymouth Baracuda... Yellow, with black racing stripes (awesome!).
He pulled up... There was steam everywhere... Got out of the car and proceeded to kick repeatedly at the front tire whilst exposing me to swear words and phrases I hadn't even know existed at my tender age.
The problem... No big deal! The dealer delivered the car without coolant in the radiator!
Those days are gone, thank goodness!
Good luck to all!
Now to my questions. I'm currenlty looking into getting the Fold-A-Cover from CalConcepts (http://www.calconcepts.com) for only $389 (much less than the prices I've seen posted). The only problem is that I will obviously have to install myself. How difficult is the installation? What is the process? Is it permanent? Also, the company advertises "drill-free installation", but I think somebody earlier posted that they pop-riveted the rails. Will I have to install the pop-rivets? This makes me nervous for my new truck!!! Also, should I get the total access model?
There is also another folding cover called Aerocover (made by Ruggedliner). It claims to be waterproof while Fold-A-Cover does not. Does anyone have any experience with this model?
thanks, as always, for any help!
I'm also at odds regarding the folding covers. I contacted "Fold-a-Cover" through a link provided here in a previous post, but have had no response regarding availability for the QC, price, warranty, etc.
Not too bothered about that for now... My first priority is bed protection, then bed coverage. It seems that the tonneau will require a bit more research.
PS TO ALL:
I spoke with a friend at Chrysler today... And he did in fact confirm that DC is making every effort to open up the production pipeline on the Quad. They're fully cognizant that the competition is nipping at their heels, so hopefully all of here at the Quad's embrionic stage will take delivery in a timely manner!
I installed a strip of 3/4" thick foam tape to the cover where it hits the tailgate and the front of the bed. No leaks so far.
PS on all the drilled holes I used touch-up paint to coat the bare metal then squirted in very liberal amount of silicone sealant before installing the pop rivet.
The price I paid, $530, was for the full access including shipping and 6% sales tax.
I checked on the Areo cover but was told its not available for the quad and they are not sure if they will be.
Last thing, I promise. I got the estimate to replace the rear bumper, $690. I got rear ended last week. Turns out the chrome bumper is cheaper than the sport's painted one. I' m done now.
Scott
I've also found out the DC warranty does not have to be bought from the dealer where you bought the car.
Last summer we bought a Dodge Neon R/T from one dealer and my daughter bought a Plymouth Neon Breeze from another dealer. The Dodge dealer gave us a package deal on both cars for $50 over his cost. It pays to shop around plus you can make no interest payments for the DC warranty. They will break it up into 12 equal payments and bill you with no interest or service charges