Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - II

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Comments

  • casey37casey37 Member Posts: 1
    i am going to buy a 200dodge slt dakota quad cab anyone have one do you like it or not
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    zonk, I think the rear ABS in my old truck was worth its weight in gold on rainy days - never went sideways in panic stops.

    And in the 240 Volvo someone U-turned in front of me and I'll never forget the sound of four screeching tires independently locking and unlocking. Car stopped quicker than I would have believed possible.

    For my heavy foot, ABS is the way to go.
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    Thanx for the help Bookitty! Looks like I can get in line behind the rest of you waiting for their quad.

    BTW - is it true that waiting for your quad cab is 4 times as bad as waiting for the "other" trucks ;=)

    Here's to a SHORT wait for us all!

    cowtownaggie
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Are you aware that Bootkitty ALLREADY waited for his 1ST quad and it had the wrong rear-end ratio so he refused to accept?

    He is now waiting for a SECOND one to arrive...

    Bootkitty.... Your story must be known for all to remember... or as you put it "Caveat emptor!"
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    bpeebles,

    Yes I know that bookitty has waited MUCH too long for his new truck! But, I am trying to maintain a positive attitude about his situation. (who knows - it can't hurt & it might help!)

    I firmly believe he has acted like a true gentleman throughout the whole ordeal.

    I doubt that I would be as cordial as he has been with his dealer.

    and yes, I have read EVERY post in this forum that I can find - the more info I have about this truck, the better!

    Here's hoping the bookitty is driving his quad SOON!

    cowtownaggie
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    BTW bookitty,

    I just re-read my previous post to you (#577) and wanted to let you know that the comment about:

    "is it true that waiting for your quad cab is
    4 times as bad as waiting for the "other" trucks"

    was NOT intended to be a slur against you or the wait for your truck - it was supposed to be a "pun regarding the 4 doors.

    (the "you/your" was intended to be all inclusive of anyone waiting on a truck)

    Howsomever - it apparently fell flat on it's face(like most of my jokes). If it hit anyone wrong I appologize.


    cowtownaggie
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Fear not! I am sure that no one in this forum thought you were being hostile or personal in any way.

    BTW do you TOW COWS?
    (Is that Cow-Tow'n- aggie or Cow-Town-Aggie?)

    I know several dairy farmers and hear that Tow'n cows is best done with a Dodge Ram with the Cummins turbo-diesel.... the Cows seem to like the Dodge best ;-) (The farmers prefer the effencancy of the diesel over gasoline powerplants.)
  • tsopranotsoprano Member Posts: 15
    (2Drive) I had a local truck accessory shop put the auto dim mirror with temp. and compass in.You can buy them and put in yourself at www.donnellye.com/mirror for complete kit 199.00 or www.mitocorp.com that is the only option that I did'nt get that I wanted.It looks great just like the one in my 2000 suburban.As far as the daytime running lights (spike50)the shop put that relay switch in for free, it must be pretty cheap just like the one you saw at k-mart.I can give you the name of the shop if you'd like.Still getting lots of comments at work on how much they like my new red quad sport.No buyers remorse here.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    No offense intended, and none taken. I know that my wait is at least twice as long, and could be considered four times as long. The reason that the cows love the Dodges, is because of the $500.00 Farm Bureau discount. That makes sense.

    Bookitty
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    bpeebles,

    the moniker was supposed to be Cowtown Aggie (Cowtown as in Ft Worth Texas) Aggie as in Texas A&M '91.

    Howsomever, the @#%&!! set up profiler here at the site would not accept cap letters or spaces from my 'puter.

    Yes I do tow some cows at times, wuz all set to but a 4x4 quad diesel (financed and all). looked at the PAYMENTS, realized my daughter starts college in Sept., saw the quad dakota & said for the money, this one is IT! - (some of the cows can walk for now!).

    Can't wait to see what the 4x4 w/the 4.7L will be able to do. I run about 40 -50K miles a year, so by the end of the year I will have a good idea of what the 4.7 will do.

    Cowtown Aggie
  • dok2dok2 Member Posts: 4
    Would anyone with a 2000 Dakota QC and a 3.91 rear axile be interested in swaping for my 3.55. I do a lot of towing!!! I live in San Antonio,TX
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    vman - Thanks for the input!
    bobemoto - Thanks as well, but I am confused, which, sad to say, is becoming more and more my usual state. My current truck has rear ABS and I think you said that was pretty much what you would recommend for light trucks. If I remember right, isn't rear ABS standard on QCs? Do you think that is enough on a QC or did you recommend full ABS?
    Once again, folks, this forum is head and shoulders above others I visit. People actually try to help others out, and do so with grace and good humor. Even guys like bookitty, who has good reason to be really woofed, has retained his sense of humor.
  • marellanomarellano Member Posts: 15
    Anyone have any ideas for the overhead console "clip" when the computer option is not chosen. seems that it could be good for something.

    marellano
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I've gone with the all 4's on the ABS. I get it tonight and will post on experiences.
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I'm afraid it'll be too far to drive to your shop since you're in TX and I'm in PA. In 1955, I did live in San Antonio. Can I assume that "your shop" means the dealer at which you bought the Quad or is it a private mechanic that you use? Also, I was told that K-Mart had these switches but the area Big K-Mart might not be Big enough because I never found it.
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    This group is "way" passed "ilking" their Quads. In a week or two, Edmunds will start an Dakota Owners Group, which will give you access to thousands of posts on the subject. This next evolutionary step, which is to present all of these posts in ans organized manner, from tire pressure to pick-up truck aerodynamics, is occuring because of the hard work of several owners. We all need to thank them for what will become a very comprehensive forum on the Dodge Dakota.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    In a week or two.....??????

    Well here's hoping.

    Mind you, isn't Edmunds doing a phenomenal job for us consumers.

    By the way - I see both of the Dak topics are on the most active list today - including spot number 1 - doesn't that speak volumes.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    I see a number of questions coming up that have been handled recently - I guess that is symptomatic of the number of posts here - it must be a nightmare to try and follow all the threads through the archives if you are a new user.

    All the more reason to put a FAQ section in the owners' group.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    You will like the 4x4 Quad. Sounds like you do a lot of hauling as well as running. Keep up posted as the miles rack up. I have had my Quad less than two months and have about 5300 miles on it. Mileage for the 4x4 4.7 5spd 3.55 seems to have leveled out at about 17 mpg give or take a tenth or two. This is a mixture of interstate 75mph and two-lane blacktop 55-60mph.

    Beside a few little design issues (center console, no airbag cut-off switch) and gas mileage (which really isn't that bad for 4x4 v-8) I love this truck.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    Anyone know who makes the Mopar brush guards? Or does anyone know of another source for the tubular style that is in the Dodge truck accessories book?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Good news for Ernie @ D/C; Bad news for us Quadders. Ernie has received a well deserved promotion, and will move up to the training division. Although the job description is not yet in granite, it involves training and familiarization for internal and external personnel. Ernie has helped so many of us on numerous occasions, so I know that you would like to join me in wishing Ernie much deserved success in his new position.

    Bookitty
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    we should initiate a periodic "Ernie Award" to the consensus DC customer rep of that period.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    However there will have to be a stipulation - Ernie - you are going to have to stop lurking and start posting.

    I think we all count as 'external personnel' - well maybe not bookitty - with his patience he CAN'T be human :-)

    Congrats Ernie.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I too agree that a Ernie award is in order. I think we should have a moment of silence for Ernie. NOT - Sorry Ernie my 4.7 isn't the quite type. :)

    (spike50) I bought the running light kit from the Big K and I still can't get it to work. I think the relay is bad. If anybody has got it to work, please respond back, I would like to talk with you.
  • tecknoteckno Member Posts: 30
    Stevef50,
    $1200 seems like aheckalota difference! Was the "CarOrder Price" different or the "Taxes and Fees"? My "Tax and Fees" section lists fees only applicable to California residents and of course sales tax rates are different state to state.
    The price of my configured truck changed $357 in ONE DAY due to the insertion of a "Manufacturer Transfer Fee"(which they kindly backed out before I actually ordered).
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    Congratulations Ernie. It is always nice to see management recognize the kind of people that bring the customer not just through-the-door but back through-the-door. Although I personally never dealt with Ernie in my short 4 week order wait,(had to throw that in for Bookitty) I talked to a least half a dozen DC reps, of which four of them were almost "ernie" like in their willingness to help. The other two were okay but not quiet willing to go the distance. Sure, we can have an "Ernie" award. My goodness you have already caused us to coin a new expression. In the Dakota forum, if someone says that someone is a real "ernie", we all know what that means.

    Bookitty, just kidding about the wait. I think maybe you should get an award as well. Maybe the local dealer and DC could throw in an extended warranty for your patience and loyalty. Your thoughtful answers to questions that I posed during my shopping days help convince to go ahead and take the plunge and buy the Quad.
  • guannerguanner Member Posts: 31
    Well I called ernie on tuesday and he called back to tell me that my allocation issue was worked out and that my truck will be comming off the line on 5/20 and that it will be shipped to N. CA. some time there after.. looking at the first or second week in june.. will only be without truck for a little while. taking the ford ranger lease back on 5/25. going to hawaii on the 28th and back on 6/7 so it is turning out to be a good thing.. ( Patriot Blue / light driftwood slt, 4.7l, 4x4, HDSG, lsd, auto, abs, T&H, 3.92 ordered 2/17) waiting, not as calm as bookitty.. but I know there are others ahead of me more deserving of there order.. :-)

    Scott

    Will ernie be totally out of our ordering loop. When will he be moving up? we all owe him great thanx.. been very helpfull and extreamly nice..
  • tsopranotsoprano Member Posts: 15
    (spike50) you need to take a road trip to Texas.The shop that put mine in is a local aftermarket shop that puts on after market accessories.they do great work.It's actually cheaper to buy and have them put on than to buy mopar and have dealer do it on virtually every after market accessory.I think mopar is missing the boat.I am surprised that daytime runners don't come standard by law.I think that they really do work.I'm all for them.They came standard on my 2000 suburban.By the way I bought that pretty gold 2000 suburban for my wife and now she has taken over my red quad sport.I had to drive the suburban to work today.I can't say as I blame her it is alot more fun to drive.
  • grokggrokg Member Posts: 9
    I am happy to hear of Ernie's career opportunity. I myself spoke with Ernie on a couple of occasions and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. A very well deserved promotion! Good Luck to you Ernie!

    I am also very happy to say that I picked up my QC yesterday. Ordered on 3/13 and it arrived on 5/3. Black 4x4 Sport, 4.7, 3.55, etc... No problems with bed alignment, door alignment or the door trim. I have been the happiest guy in the office all day. No buyer's remorse here either. One awesome truck.

    Have fun & be safe
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    I bought my Pat Blue 4.7 QC 4x4 off the lot, so I never talked to Ernie, but I've read enough posts on this board to know his value to DC. I hope he is printing these out to go in his personnel file... ;)

    Great truck, great forum, and if Ernie is training employees, the only weak link is sure to get better as well.

    Ben
  • pomycpomyc Member Posts: 28
    I too have the 4.7L/multi-speed combo. I now have around 4,600 miles on my truck and, with the exception of some hard shifts now and then, I have been very happy with the combo. You seem to put your tranny through its paces and I wanted to see if you can verify something with me? After accelerating from a complete stop I have noticed that with O/D both off and on I get a certain amount of drop in RPM's in 3rd or 4th gear respectively depending on my speed. Although I do not believe the transmission is slipping it has a that slip like effect. The RPM drop is really noticeable (and annoying) after starting from a stop at the base of a hill. With O/D off it shifts fine through 2nd gear then once my speed has evened out and it shifts to 3rd the RPM's really drop and I really bog down. The minute I increase the throttle to make up for the upshift it quickly upshifts back to 2nd. With O/D on, it downshifts through 3rd gear before doing the same thing in 4th gear although not as significant in the RPM decrease. Again, I do not think that I have a problem with my transmission. It is just a bit different from the 4L60E I had in my GMC so I need to get used to it. I am not a mechanic and I hope I don't sound TOO ignorant but I would like to hear your experiences with your multi-speed just to compare notes. Thanks.
  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    I received a call from my dealer today stating that my order was rejected due to no more amber trucks being produced this year (sigh). My option was to wait until July to order (unacceptable), or pick a different color. The wife and I had decided on the garnet red/driftwood before seeing the amber up close, so I told them if they wanted to cover the additional cost of two-tone garnet/driftwood ($166), I'd continue the order. They conceded. Hopefully there won't be anymore surprise calls, but on the plus side, I'm down to $34 over invoice.

    I'll keep you all posted.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    vman - pardon me if you have answered this previously, but where did you order from - a dealer or over the net or where?
    BTW, can anyone tell me what are the advantages of ordering the Tire and Handling package (besides a break on the package price)?
  • gwizzgwizz Member Posts: 8
    Once you've "stood" on the brake pedal in a panic stop you'll appreciate the advantage for 4-wheel ABS. I know it cost quite a bit more, but you may find your insurance will give you a discount that may not apply for the 2 wheel ABS?

    Anyway, will most likely order my QC this Summer, and plan to order 4 wheel ABS.

    I am still wondering if ANYONE has heard anything about the 2001 QC? May even wait till the 2001s start showing up before I make my deal.

    Thanks.
  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    zonk: I put a request in through AutoVantage.com. A local dealer called and said whatever I bought would be $200 over invoice. After the deal I signed was rejected by Dodge, I forced the "compromise" above and they took it. They still get their full holdback.

    tire package: Go with your needs/preferences. If you are younger and want the sportier looks and a little more height, it's probably a no brainer. In my case, this will be the family truckster. I wanted something all purpose that the wife won't have trouble loading the kids in and out of. The standard set is best for us.

    ABS: gwizz - ever make a panic stop with 4 wheel ABS while hauling a 1.5 ton camper? Again, it all comes down to needs and preferences.
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    zonk, I guess my position is I'm all for 4 wheel
    ABS based on the good performance from the car.
    It's what I ordered (but I haven't received the
    truck yet). But just having it on the rear solves
    the biggest problem (rear sliding around). On the
    down side of ABS, I've read that it can be
    detrimental at high speed off road because stopping
    in loose dirt or sand is quickest done by having a
    locked (or nearly locked) wheel pushing a dam of
    dirt in front of it. ABS prevents this. (At low
    speeds there must be a cutoff to prevent you from
    rolling forever at 1mph.) But this isn't a common
    application and certainly not mine (I off road on
    just two wheels).
    But by now you've probably already got your truck.

    Andy, hip hip for organization and faqs

    Ernie, congratulations

    gwizz, No clue on 2001. Is ABS better for the heavy camper?
  • bobemotobobemoto Member Posts: 29
    No clue on 2001. Is ABS better for the heavy camper?
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    Can't remember if you are ordering the 4x4 or 4x2. The special Sport pkg with ac,,etc includes the tire and handling package. The rims and 31 x 10.5 tires are great on the 4x4 and I would highly recommend them both for looks and function. Also includes the wheel flares. Not sure about the advantages of the package for a two-wheel drive.
  • bja4bja4 Member Posts: 67
    16.75mpg. with 4.7L, 3.92, 5spd.,4X4,CLUBCAB, and 31.5" tires. No too bad considering this truck is over 4000 lbs. My Corrola gets 37mpg. with 1.8L, 5 spd., 3.92 rear, 14" tires, and only weighs 2800 lbs. The 4.7L is 2.61 times larger than the 1.8L. Take 37mpg./2.61 at thats 14.18mpg. I know this is not the right way to look at mpg/liter, but I find this a good excuse for driving the truck and instead of the car.
    I test drove a 98 Dakota with ABS, and liked it a lot. I just wasn't satisfied with the insurance discount(save $15 every 6 months) to justify the spending the extra money on ABS. I had a 94 Taurus with ABS, and I could still spin the car around (360 deg.) while braking if the roads were slick enough (glare ice). ABS probably saved me from one potential accident though.
    Tire/handing package is probably worth it. Color match wheel flare with the larger tires really make the truck sharp. My salesman talked me into the Sport-Plus package. I just wanted a plain Jane with speed and air. It was $72 difference in configurations for the Sport-Plus package.
    P.S. I have finally stopped thinking about my old 92 Dakota.
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    To those who opt for abs, please remember to have the entire brake system flushed and refilled every 2 years. THIS IS MANDATORY IF YOU WISH TO AVOID EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS! abs can be great and a headache at the same time if something goes wrong.
  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    bobemoto: I can't speak for what is better. I only know my preferences and experience. With ABS, you're supposed to steady brake and steer around objects in your path. That's not always an option, in reality, IMO. I would say if you have full ABS and are towing, get a trailer with it's own brake system (probably anything over a small 1000-1500lb capacity trailer). You always need more cushion space, too, either way.
  • rickduplechinrickduplechin Member Posts: 3
    I have a 3.91 in Dallas that I may be interested in swapping for your 3.55. The only issue is how accurate our speedometers will be after the swap.

    On most vehicles the speedometer reading is matched to the specific axle ratio through a little gear which is often in the transmission at the end of the speedometer cable. I have no clue how it is set up in the Quad. A roughly 10% difference in the axle ratio would probably mean our speedometers would be way off at highway speeds. After the swap I would be moving 10% faster than the speedometer says and you would be moving 10% slower.

    RDuplechin@aol.com
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    Thanks everyone for the comments on abs and the T&H package. It looks like I will be going for a 2001 4x2 auto QC unless something changes drastically in the next 6 months or so. I'm really trying to mine the gold you guys have in expertise and experience and use that to help me decide exactly what I want on my truck. I'm still trying to decide whether I want to be a "Sport" or a "SLuT", though!
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Took delivery last night on a 4.7L, 5 sp, LSD, 3.55, 4x4, 4W-ABS, T/H package, no Fogs, low-middle radio, bucket seated Lt-Driftwood Quad ordered March 20. With only 14 miles driven, I don't know what to say...

    Do want to congratulate Ernie on his well deserved move. Also many thanks for shepherding this order between the dealer and D/C "Central" and the calls keeping me up to date on each step.

    Not too many people attain cult hero status and have awards named after them. That's the way to do it though, going out a winner. Thanks again and have a good "last day" today.
  • jb1000jb1000 Member Posts: 2
    I am picking up my QC tomorrow. I ordered it on March 14 and it rolled off the truck at the dealership on Wednesday 5/3. Supposedly shipped
    from the factory on 4/10 or 4/11.
    Green two wheel drive QC Sport with 4.7L, auto, 3.55 rear, 4W ABS, HD cooling, Trailer Towing pack and Sport Plus pack. I plan on using it as a family vehicle for pulling a 900lb popup camper and also as a mountain bike/people mover. I also order the 4 wheel drive flares from the parts department that I want to put on myself. I didnt need a 4 wheel drive truckbecause I do not plan to go off road and I only travel 3 miles a day to work. I have not boughta new car/truck in 15 years and I am very excited.
    I drove the truck on Wednesday less than an hour
    after it came off the truck and had a blast.

    Should I look for anything in particular when I
    pick the truck up, I read something in the forum
    about bed alignment, door alignment, are these
    obvious problems? I did't notice them on Wednesday
    but I was very excited.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Spike, congratulations upon finally getting your long awaited Quad. Good luck and enjoy. Now put the truck away and get moving on the Boy Scout thing. Wonderful news for Ernie. Well deserved.

    Bookitty
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    Remember the reason this is called a multi-speed tranny is when it upshifts and downshifts through second gear it chooses between two different gear sets for 2nd gear. There are two seperate gears that can be chosen for 2nd gear. It is somewhat similar to what Ford did with their 4 speed Auto in their small truck line. They put in an extra gear between 2nd and 3rd which made the tranny a 5-speed, chrysler essentially did the same thing except when the truck shifts through the gears the tranny chooses which 2nd gear to use depending on how it is being drivin, so it remains a 4sp with two 2nd gears. This is why people are complaining about hard shifts "sometime" especially on downshifts, the truck is shifting into a numerically higher 2nd gear for better acceleration or towing power. I believe this is probably normal, none of us have ever driven a vehicle with a tranny like this before, so there will be a learning curve to deal with. hope this helps.
  • ahasherahasher Member Posts: 236
    I have 2800 miles on my green SLT Quad, 4.7, auto, T/H package, cooling, all the toys inside except compass, bucket seats. LOVE this truck. Have punched it a few times after sneaking up on other trucks... and blasted right by! Gotta love it! Smooth shifts, straight body and no noises, except for the 4.7 making itself known :-). I do have that annoying molding peeling away from the door frame problem on the rear windows, which I plan on getting fixed shortly.
    ANYWAY I am not thinking of a soft Tonneau cover, and I NEED HELP! What kind is recommended??? Snaps or snapless?? I read about EXTANG here earlier ($209). Any experience imparted upon another Quadder would be much appreciated. Thanks!
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    If you are going to change your rear ends then you will need to reprogram the computer, otherwise, as mentioned, the speedos will be meaningless. Also consider warranty issues.

    ABS - hey you knew I was going to jump in.

    OK, at the risk of maligning people's driving ability (not intended) here goes:

    I think 4 wheel ABS is a help to the average driver in normal situations, I think it has a number of disadvantages (many of which have been discussed) and will never replace driving ability as a safety measure. There are some situations where 4 wheel ABS is undoubtedly better than 2 wheel ABS, but to my mind no driver should put themselves in that kind of position - they invariably involve marginal driving (road) conditions where ABS can help the car maintain traction.

    There are situations where 4 wheel ABS is a positive disadvantage, in my case offroading for example. For my mind, if you use the car in average situations and can afford it then it won't hurt, but similarly don't worry if you don't have it.

    Now the concept of a modern truck without ABS on the rear wheels is a wholly different, and very scary concept.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    Do I remember you saying that you had a brush guard on your truck? If so, what kind is it? Does it mount only to the frame or are there contact points on the bumper as well. Thanks in advance for any info.
This discussion has been closed.

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