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Comments
BTW, I was on a business trip to San Francisco earlier this week and saw the free bedliner offer on TV. It seemed like it was for most Dodge Pickup models, not just Dakota QCs. But my ears perked up when I heard the QC mentioned.
One word of advise to give you is make sure your glove compartment light is properly cutting off when the lid is shut....Had a nissan that went dead after sitting for 3 days...turns out there was a defective switch for that light....Even a small bulb like that can drain even the BIG battery in the Quad after a couple of days...
My .02cents
Chad
Next---Try 40 mph in different gears..ie 40mph at different engine rpms...if its the tires, the vibration will be there at any rpm
Next try to accelerate to 40mph, and then drop it into neutraland let off the gas...If its the tires the vibration will be there at the vehicle doing 40mph and the engine at idle speed....
If the vibration dissapears in the above two trials then i dont think it is in the tires and something in the drivetrain is out of balance(Driveshaft, missing wheel weight, SportTrac chained to your rear bumper to get above 60mph, etc)
Once again im no mechanic....Anyone else have anyting to add???
CHAD
Needless to say, I had no reservations about buying a Dakota QC.
146nb - as above you might want to try an independent tire shop, brake shop and frame shop to get a 'freebie' look at your problem before the grease monkeys at the local hodge-podge-Dodge shop get a hold of your new $25k masterpiece.
All - that's EXACTLY what I've been doing lately. I've spent so much money with various mechanics and shops over the years (as you all have) locally, that I'm just going to specialized shops at the least little hint of a problem and getting the 'straight poop' before I show up to have something 'fixed' at the local Dodge(em) joint. The real pro mechanics remember you from past business and return the favor usually - especially since it's still under warranty now - and they know if they help you a bit here and there that they'll get your out of warranty business and referrals. It's win-win, and it works.
I read a whole lot about the 4.7 Liter in this session, but what about the 3.9 Liter V-6 Folks? Has anyone purchased one of these and can you give us some of your input? I'm leaning towards a V-6 since I have nothing to haul and presently I have a 4 Cylinder Engine Truck. Any V-6 would be better than the Squirrel Engine I currently possess!
Thanks!
BigAl1
3.9 is a very reliable tried and true motor that has a good reliability factor. So did the flat head Ford V-8's. All g=things must be relegated to
change. In my humble opinion, the 3.9 liter V-6 is
marginal for usage in a vehicle the size and weight of the Quad Cab. That is compounded by the
use of an automatic transmission which is not always as power efficient as a manual. If you add
the chore of towing, you further "compound the felony." I had driven the Quad Cab with the V-6 (3.9)and the V-8 (4.7) in both 2X4 and 4X4 configurations. All vehicles were equipped with automatic transmission, as no 5 speeds were available. I was not too impressed with the performance of the V-6, nor was I surprised. I ended up special ordering the V-8 with a manual.
Unfortunately, I did not take note of the gear ratio (differential) on the tested vehicle(s), but I ordered the 3.55 LSD although I tow on some
occasions. I am extremely pleased with the performance of my Quad, and envision absolutely no
problem with towing my lightly loaded 5X8 trailer.
Bookitty
stepped down V6 engine prototyped by the 4.7. The
3.9 is a "tried and true" motor that has a good reliability factor. So did the flat head Ford V8. All things must be relegated to change. In my humble opinion, the 3.9 liter V6 is marginal for usage in a vehicle the size and weight of the Quad Cab. That is further compounded by the use of an automatic transmission which is not as power efficient as a manual. If you add the chore of towing, you "compound the felony." I had driven the Quad Cab with the V6(3.9)and the V8 (4.7) in both the 2X4 and 4X4 configuration. All vehicles were equipped with the automatic transmission, as no 5 speeds were available. I was not too impressed with the performance of the V-6, nor was I surprised. I ended up special ordering the V8 with a manual. Unfortunately, I did not take note of the gear ratio(differential) on the tested vehicle(s), but I ordered the 3.55 LSD although I tow on some occasions. I am extremely pleased with the performance of my Quad thus far, and envision absolutely no problem with towing my lightly loaded 5X8 trailer.
Bookitty
bookitty-load that trailer up and you still won't have any problems. Last weekend I took 4 adults, two Seedo's and all our junk to the lake. The truck seemed to beg for more. I have the 4.7 with 3.55 lsd on a 4x4.
Curb weight on the QC is about 300 lbs. less than my standard-cab, shortbed Ram... Not a lot of difference there!!!
Specifically, the Westin sheet says "Remove plastic trim clips that retain cover under and behind front bumper and remove cover."
It's clear that they're talking about the body-colored fascia on the Sport, but their illustrations are sadly lacking. Has anyone here removed the bumper fascia? If so, any suggestions or cautions to offer?
It's cold and rainy, so it'll be another day or two... But thought I might throw this out to get a bit of advice... Thanks in advance for any tips.
As a rule I take stuff (Jeep hardtop) back and forth from our PA home to our NJ shore home. Once in a while I pick up some furniture or lumber for our son, but that's the extent of it. I don't have
a trailer for the boat, because it sits in the water behind the house. The thing I don't miss is towing the boat and putting it overboard. Then when that is over, loading it on the trailer and dragging it home. But, it is good to know that the
capability exists if needed.
Bookitty
BigAl1
Meanwhile I have found two loaded out SLT Plus Quads . Both of which are automatics , one is a 4.7L and the other the 5.9L. The truck I ordered was the 4.7L but I remember reading somewhere that the 5.9L comes with the old heavy duty tranny. Any thoughts guys?
Oh, one more thing, D/C Customer Service just told me that all Quad orders were cut off on May 5th, what the heck?
out and test drove a 4.7L and then a 3.9L QC. The
only thing I can say is Whoeeee! The 4.7 is not
bad, not bad at all. As much power as you could
want, comfort, styling - Mercy! Seriously, the 3.9 is ok, but kind of lugs down if you need a little oomph at 60-65, it's all right in city driving, but I noticed a little strain going up a fairly steep hill. Of course, the 4.7 had no problems - very smooth, no clunking, etc. I have just made it a lot harder on myself. Now I see what you guys have been talking about. The Tundra (4.7L) was nice, too, but with the extra room and style of the QC, well, I know what I want. By the way, those Tundra HP and torque figures are also what their broshures call out if I remember correctly. I remember being surprised at the torque beating the QC. But after driving them both, I think the QC has just a tad better acceleration.
As for me, I've heard too much about how much fun the 4.7/5 speed combo is to pass that up, so I'm gonna wait it out.
Never having had a 4x4 before, I was wondering if it is normal for certain types of bumps, like a raised manhole cover or a raised bridge expansion joint to bounce the truck slightly to the side.
For the record:
Two tone Patriot Blue QC SLT Plus, 4x4 T&H package HD cooling & battery 4.7 auto, fog lamps am/fm/cd/cassette, towing, 6x9 mirrors 4 wheel ABS, alarm...
lol, almost everything except the LSD & the power driver seat, i couldn't bring myself to spend the bucks on that.
Ordered 3/15, arrived at dealer 5/11, picked up 5/16 and I LOVE IT !
What a great vehicle, roomy, comfortable, quiet, (much more so than my previous 95 Taurus), handles wonderfully and looks terrific. ONLY defects I have seen so far was a very tiny (less than 1/4 square), overspray of the lower driftwood onto the front passenger door and a tiny underspray on one of the fender skirts. Bed's aligned, weather stripping's tight and everything works.
I pointed the overspray out to the salesman, asked him to mark it down and I'd have it taken care of when I came in for the 1st scheduled maintenance.
By the time I got home, I had a message from the salesmanager asking me to come in as soon as I can so they can take care of it.
I just passed 100 miles. Will post gas milage after first fillup.
Tommorrow, I'm going to drive an SLT Plus QC 4x4 with the 5.9L and old version automatic transmission. This truck takes the prize for having the highest sticker I have seen on a QC, with an MSRP of just over $29,000.
In the entire state of Texas I have only been able to locate (1) 4.7L 5 speed 4x4 and its black. I'm wanting white so that one is out.
I don't blame you in waiting on a 2001, if you have the time its best to wait and get exactly what you want. More to follow!
themacguy- did you say that you have the gullwing tonneau? I had heard that there was some prob. with the hinges.. do you have any in put on how you like it.. would you get the one piece if you had it to do again?
Thanx,
Scott
P.S. got to go drive f-250 powerstroke beast for the next 48 hr. shift.. talk again on monday..
stonehamdave - it's pretty normal, this is a stiff chassis without IRS rear-ends, rear coils or anything; they're leafs (I believe the 4X4's have a dual stage leaf setup in back and torsion bars added in front) so it'll twitch and jostle on some of the rough stuff. You might check your tire pressure, mine was set at 45# on delivery - drove me crazy till I let 10# out of em, might soften the twitches just a bit. Oh, and LSD helps a bunch even on 2WD for the side to side twitches. I noticed that first thing when I went into the oil patch on the caliche roads graded like washboard. We travel 50 - 60 mph on some of the longer stretches and when we slide around a turn, without LSD, the truck twitches; with LSD it's barely noticeable, a LOT smoother ride & less 'stutter.'
guanner - I'd heard the gullwing is on some kind of restriction - I guess it's the hinges though mine have been flawless (so far). I've got Porsches so I know about %#$@ hinges & struts. I'd buy it again - but like it a LOT better at half the $1,000 uninstalled price. I have no use for a one piece type of lid as I work out of different parts of the bed regularly. A roll-top type or fold-a-cover would work just about as well though. I also feel that (ease of) removing the fold-a-cover is probably best for most useful and durable 'type' of cover for the Quad - its only negative is the' black only' color. I do like the looks and workability of the gullwing on the truck. But a CD changer would've been a nice option to have for the price difference.
Got 1200 miles and need to change out the filter and oil...will change to Mobil 1 at 3000 miles..
Unbelievable that I can't find it...I change the oil myself on all my vehicles, but I'll be damned if I can see it under the QC...anybody care to enlighten this California boy??? Maybe I've sniffed too much MTBE...
Side note:
Average gas mileage keep getting better-my 100 mile commute each day is about 60% freeway (55-75mph), 40% city/highway w/stoplights (10-45mph)
1st tank netted 16.8 avg mpg
2nd tank netted 17.5 avg mpg
3rd tank netted 17.9 avg mpg
Best I've gotten during a pure freeway trip (about 50 miles with gentle inclines/declines) was 22.7 avg mpg...so I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that a typical San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip (about 350 miles) would net around 22-24 mpg, with no stops..
Also I figure that the trip computer is about 10% off (shows 10% less than what it's really getting)...Tank #2 fillup required 18.5 gallons (needle was slightly below 1/8 tank, which should be 3 gallons left)and distance travelled was 357 miles.
17.5 (computer's avg mpg) x 1.1 = 19.25 (true avg)
19.25 x 18.5 (gallons) = 356.125 miles..
Needless to say, I'm extremely pleased with this gas mileage, especially since it's a "smokin" V8 moving a 4200 lb vehicle! I doubt the manual tranny will net better mileage, unless perfect shifts and driving with an egg between the pedal and your foot is your style..
Just for laughs:
My trade-in vehicle was a 1999 Neon R/T, with a Mopar performance computer (160 HP, 135 torque)
I miss that car, but the point is:
I only averaged about 28 mpg, and I HAD to use premium fuel. So the difference in gas costs per week for me (520 miles a week) was negligible..
Neon: 520 miles divided by 28mpg = 18.6 gallons
18.6 gallons x $1.95 (premium CA gas) = $36.25
QuadCab: 520 miles divided by 19.25mpg = 27 gallons
27 gallons x $1.75 (regular CA gas) = $47.25
Are you kiddin' me?? $11 a week more? That's friggin' fantastic!
Sorry for long post..someone PLEASE tell me where the oil filter is so I can feel REAL stupid-
Quark
I've worked on the "Camp Jeep" program for the agency that handles both Jeep and Dodge Truck for DC... Wouldn't count on a similar program for Quads in the near future!
The problem is that the Dakota is such a relatively ADVANCED vehicle in comparison to, say, the Wrangler, there's no need for DC to promote the brand image. Conversely, DC feels that the Jeep brand needs a bit of image-boosting.
On MSRP:
The Monroni sticker on my quad (5.9 with toys) was $29,655. Not that the sticker means all that much! I took it out-the-door (including 6% tax and plate transfer) for 27,900... About $200 under dealer invoice (though the dealer has a hefty holdback to fall back on with such vehicles).
On the DRIVING experience:
Pulled the plate off the Ram, stuck it on the QC and treated myself to a drive down to writers' meeting about 25 miles away last night... What a pleasure it is to drive this vehicle!!!
On the way home, I had someone in another pickup right up my rear... A bit annerving! The 2-laner switched to 4 lanes and he pulled out and around me to the right... Then promptly slowed down to gander the quad... The guy was in a blue Dakota Club... Obviously envious of the Quad... Turned to see him give me the "thumbs-up" before he made a right and disappeared. As I recall, he headed off in the direction of a local DC dealership.
On BUMPER FASCIA:
Again, I would ask anyone who's removed their front bumper fascia on a Sport to offer any advice/cautions they can.
On the 5.9:
The 5.9 in my '95 Ram is nowhere near as responsive as that in the Quad. I opened the hoods and compared... There are some obvious changes to the intake manifold, which probably accounts for the difference.
I know the 5.9 is a guzzler, and I've said before that I'm a bit envious of you guys with the 4.7... Yet, the sound of that exhaust and punch when I barely tap the pedal are a real rush!
290 miles on the Quad, and I'm one very pleased owner to date!
I've posted before, and suggested very honestly that I envy those with the 4.7 for that very reason. Yet, my experience with the 5.9 in the '95 Ram was so satisfactory that I decided to sacrifice the additional mileage for what I trust under both commuting and towing applications.
I must say that my decision to go with the 5.9 was largely due to transmission differences more than "cubes." Whether right or wrong (I'll find out!), I was a bit hesitant about the "multi-speed" (two-stage second-gear) mated to the 4.7.
AHHHHHH... But the burbling sound of that 5.9 exhaust!... Well, that's another story!
I love the truck, and am nothing but happy I chose the "old" 5.9... She's purring like a kitten (hear me, Boo???), and feeling very, very good under the right foot!
SIDE NOTES:
1. The "Dodge Boys" did a GREAT job of anticipating market needs with the Quad! JEEZ! Those guys really do know what's coming down the pike!
2. We're among those relatively few buyers who've foregone the "bigger is better" mentality and chosen the more reasonable concept of "what feels good and does the job is RIGHT."
Enjoy your Quads, my friends! And share your experiences!
You could also look at the Sales Brouchure on p16-17 where it shows the veiws and specs of the engine...All other engines look like the oil filters come off of the passenger side at an angle about 3/4-way back on the engine directly below the exhaust manifolds....The 4.7L is directly in front of the engine and you have to access it from a twist off cap under the front bumper fascia marked OIL FILTER--4.7L ONLY...Good luck
CHAD
Based on the other posts here, it sounds like the 5.9/auto will be a nice combination, too. Hope it works out for you.
I have 5000 plus miles on it, and I have a couple of questions for the the forum:
1) The truck seems to hesitate at idling ever since it was new. I took it to the dealer at 400 miles, and they said that it could be the type of gas I as using, and that they could not do anything to it until past the 500 mile mark anyway. Went back to dealer at 600 miles, and they say nothing was wrong, the computer did not showed any fail codes, and that must be the type of gas I was using (which I have used several brands to no avail), and that trucks in general run rougher.
So now I am sitting at 5000 miles, and the truck still hesitates at idling, and I need to go back to the dealer again, but I am hoping I can get some advise on this issue, so I can talk more intelligenly to the dealer. Does any of you Quad owners have experience this?.
2) The climate control knob, when I place it in the dual position UPPER and LOWER (third postion from OFF), I expect fresh air to flow, but in addition the air conditioner kicks in. There are settings on this knob for air conditioning (the first two from OFF (with snow flakes on the markings) and those work as expected. Is this the way it supposed to operate?. The manual reads that the air conditioner MAY or MAY NOT be kicj in this seeting. What does this mean?. What conditions are needed for the air conditioning to be off in the dual setting?.
By the way when I place the knob in either UP only or LOW only the air conditioner does not kick in and only fresh air flows as expected.
Thanks a lot for you help.
I have the same problem as most of u. The bed is out 3/4 at the wheels and 1/2 at the cab. Very noticable as I had the wheel flares put on. Is there a SERVICE BULLETIN on the issue that the dealer can refer to?? In some of ur listings I am reading horror stories of complete removal and redrilling (guess what...bare metal scratches then RUST). My dealer is not aware of any alignment issues.
HELP PLEASE
Allen
On the A/C, there are several positions that use the A/C including the defrost. This is normal and helps to dehumidify the cab. Some people worry about wearing out the compressors and try to avoid using it, but the A/C will last longer if you use it frequently. It is like your vehicle, if you only use it occassionally, the seals and other components will dry out. The benefits usually out weigh any minor fuel usage. A/C compressors use very little power compared to the early models. The fourth position is vent only if you want it.
Do those of you that have a QC have a cancelable front passenger airbag? What are you seeing on the lots?
Thanks
There is no pass air bag cutoff. The QC, for air bag purposes, is considered a passenger veh (front and back seat). All on the lots are the same, no cut off.
Allen
My compliment on your choice of the 4.7 with 5-speed manual! From what I've gathered (and I ENVY you), the 4.7 is an outstanding engine! (Wish I could pocket the difference in mileage with the 5.9!!!)
NOT to knock DC's efforts in power transmission in any way, but the "2-stage" second-gear unit mated to the 4.7 is still leading-edge. There are bound to be problems both in engine and power transmission devices, and I would commend (rather than condemn) DC for its efforts.
Kind of funny, isn't it? We think of "engines" and "tranmissions" as seperate "units"... Yet they're so INTEGRAL to the performance of the vehicle!
HEY OUT THERE! Can anyone give me a tip or two on front bumper fascia removal/replacement befor I drag my wife out there to hold things in place while I'm puttering!!??
Has the "New Eagle" landed yet.I know u reordered on 3/19 and had Ernie kind of push this one thru.
With these topics moving as fast as they do and with u popping up in several sites at a time, I can't keep up with the bouncing BOO. Mine took 13 wks while the paint dryed on CSX.
Let me know
Allen (now quadhog formally aolsen)
Some postings back, Bookitty reported that his "New Eagle" had landed, at least once! But for all we know, Bookitty may well be back in orbit now behind the wheel of his QC for some time until some of that "New Eagle" adrenaline wears off!!
BTW I'm finding that I haven't touched my Eagle Turbo since my new QC landed. This "New Eagle" 4.7L 5-spd Q-Ship is such a blast to drive that it gets driven on the weekends and the Turbo just sits gathering dust in the garage. Guess I'll give the "Old Eagle" to my son.
Quadhappy - I believe that the dual settings will run the air conditioner when the climate control knob is set to blue (cold) and not run the air conditioner when the knob is set to red (heat). The up only and down only positions are the only ones that the air conditioner does not operate, regardless of the climate control knob positions (blue or red).
engine16c, I also have the alarm system and there's a little 'security' indicator on the dash that flashes when its armed.
Did a bit of driving today and hit 200. Got the first fillup and I'm hoping that even though the gauge was on full when I picked it up, that it really wasn't full. Mileage for 196 mostly highway miles is 14.5. Now I really topped it off when I filled it so I figure that the next fillup will give a more accurate picture.
Ordered a cap for it today and a drop in bedliner, (mostly because there's only so much money to go around, otherwise I would have gone for the spray on)
The wife took it out for a spin today and she likes it.
All is well.
You can trace it's progress via DC customer service line and the RR's tracing sites.
Got the wife behind the wheel again last night for a spin up to the store... Some winding roads on the way. She remarked again on what a BIG difference there is between ride/handling in the Ram and the QC... Said the steering felt nearly as tight and precise as that of her Intrepid.
Not sure what other makers have switched to R&P steering, but sure can attest to its effectiveness in the Quad!