DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

yooper_romad · June 2000

The auto-locking hubs on the Dakota lock up when they sense torque, this is from engaging the front axle via the transfer case (either 4 hi or 4 lo). They will unlock when torque is taken away, disengaging the front axle or in certain extreme conditions when backing off power with the transfer case engaged. The exact mechanism for this is through a machined ramp and ball set up. When the front axles start to turn they force the inner portion of the hub to turn which "ramps" up to the outer portion and engages the locking balls. A pretty simple system that has been around for a while. One problem is that after being engaged for awhile (especially in low range) they won't readily disengage. Simply place the tranfer case in 2hi and back the truck up about 10 or 20 ft and they should unlock. Never drive on a hard surface with your front hubs locked as they will cause nasty things to happen to expensive parts.

themacguy · June 2000

Is if you auto-x. And who in their right mind (besides me or maybe a_j) would do such a strange thing with a truck? %-)

andy_jordan · June 2000

For more on limited slip and 3.55 vs 3.92 look at the FAQs section of the owner's group!!!!!

Yeah lsd can be a bit of a fun stealer - but of course we are all safe, sensible truckers so that doesn't apply - well except Jack and I - and we are the spokes people - hmm, what does that tell you???

Of course if you believe everything posted in the limited slip differential topic then you would think that lsd adds to the fun by encouraging slip - I guess that's why we are all here.

Haven't actually thought about doing much auto-x in this thing, but I don't really have a great vehicle for auto-x right now, so maybe.

When I finally find my 'mog or Tatra maybe I could put a supercharger in that and auto-x it - now that would be fun!!!!!!

And you all thought boo was strange!

iowabigguy · June 2000

Andy, would like to clarify a point.
My understanding of fly by wire is as follows. Your input "gas pedal position" is converted to an electrical signal which goes by wire to a computer where it is processed and sent to a device "motor" where it is converted to mechanical position approximating the pedal input.
The reason I bring this up is what you posted in the Faqs on the owners group.

"Why does my brand new 4.7 V8 keep stalling?

Blame it on the computers. The 4.7 does not have
a throttle cable, rather the throttle is controlled by computers."

My Quad 4.7L is no different than the 5.2L MPI that was in my 93 Dakota. There IS a throttle cable which connects from the gas pedal to the throttle body which modulates the amount of air available to the engine. Based on the amount of air getting into the engine the computer provides an input signal to the fuel injectors which control the amount of fuel to meet the desired preprogramed conditions and desired air:fuel mixture (ratio). I'm sure this is a gross oversimplification but my point is there IS a throttle cable. Thanks Rick

bookitty · June 2000

Rick, your intelligent explanation ruined my greatest chance for an excuse that was truly "armor plated;" "But officer, it was not my choice to speed, but rather the choice of my D/C on board computer that sends signals to the throttle beyond my intervention. Please officer, it is still learning so how about giving it another chance?"

Bookitty

andy_jordan · June 2000

Well, I'm not prepared to concede the point just yet, let me look into it.

In the meantime - here is some info on the engine:

http://www.dodgeram.com/technical/cammer/4_7_v8.html

yooper_romad · June 2000

Just a short clarification, you can drive with your front hubs locked in 2wd, and this can be good if you don't use 4wd for a while as it will spin all the mechanical parts in your front diff and lube the moving parts. Do not drive on hard surfaces with your transfer case in either of the 4wd positions, least problem will be the gears in your transfer case will bind. You will know that this is a problem when you take a tight turn at low speed and experience a "pushing" in the front end and steering wheel.

iowabigguy · June 2000

Right! I don't envision you speeding. Actually the officer pulls you over and says - Mr Bookitty, I have to complement your driving style, I've been out here all day and by golly You are the first person who I've seen observing the posted speed limit. :-} Rick

iowabigguy · June 2000

Andy, I read the article you referenced in #157. It too is in error. Maybe DC had planned to use fly by wire but when it came time to implement maybe the product liability lawyers won.

Reference the "orange Bible", in the fuel system
section on page 14-27

Removal and Installation
Throttle Cable - 4.7L V-8 Engine

Not trying to be difficult - Rick

bookitty · June 2000

Rick, I kind of liked my version of me better. It was a bit "racier."

Bookitty

iowabigguy · June 2000

I'm sorry to have burst your bubble but your MPG figures gave you away. I know how much self control is required to get those numbers. I don't have that problem driving my wifes car (Nissan Altima SE w/5 speed)! Gets 33MPG at 80 MPH and she pays for gas. For those appalled at my forward velocity the speed limit in Nebraska is 75.

andy_jordan · June 2000

Still trying to find out exactly what is going on here - my understanding was that the entire process was computer controlled - fuel injection and throttle body.

Whilst I follow up on this I will 'tweak' the faq to try and get rid of any confusion - just bear with me and it should be OK by tomorrow at the latest.

bookitty · June 2000

Doggone it! I should have realized that my MPG postings would get in the way of having a "Walter Mitty Moment." Rick, I just hate it when you apply logical thinking. You must be in cahoots with Andy.

Bookitty

96g11 · June 2000

You might not believe it but I have acutually heard that one. "I didn't mean to speed officer, it was my computer." OOOOKKKK, well that's like maybee my radar was wrong, could happen I guess....Really we cops aren't the bad guys. This is my standard traffic policy: If I stop you, I have a really good reason, traffic stops are scarry not fun. Too many things can go wrong and I get payed the same either way. I am looking for 4 things. 1, a valid drivers license you can place in my hand(I really hate the "I left it at home or I lost it) 2, what appears to be a valid insurance certificate. 3, just a descent attitude, not a butt kissing but I WILL be polite and expect the same in return (You would be suprised to hear some of the things people will say to a cop who has the discression to write a costly ticket or just a verbal warning). 4, DON'T BE INTOXICATED or you will come with me!! I promise on that one! From what I have read in this froum, none of you would receive a citation from me!
If the 4 critreia are met, the violator has a 99.9% chance of getting the verbal warning. I have been on the other side of this badge and know how it feels! This is just how I feel and I cannot speak for all other officers but I think it is a good policy and promotes good police/public relations.

roundrocktx · June 2000

I am quickly approaching 1500 miles with my 4.7L. I live in Texas and can soon expect multiple days of 100-110 degree weather -- that's boiling to you Andy. The owner's manual seems to indicate I want to use 10W-30 over 100 degrees and 5W-30 when it is less than 100. My dealer says he only uses 10W-30 and does it year round. Also, neither he nor DC could answer the following question, what grade does the factory put in if they realize a truck is being shipped south in the summer? My dealer says the factory adds special break-in agents and that I don't want to replace my oil before 3,000 miles. What's up? Thanks.

myersed · June 2000

Well folks, while heading home on a 2 lane road I passed an oncoming tractor trailer and blew out my front passenger door window. Scared me to death. I thought for sure there was a sniper in the woods!

Suspect it was caused by a strong pressure differential created by the tractor trailer. I had my AC on Max and all windows closed- no way for the outside pressure drop to equilibrate, so the higher pressure in the truck found relief in the weakest window!

Never heard of such a thing- but was reassured by both the the insurance company and glass repair outfit that it happens more than most folks realize on 2 lane roads accommodating higher speeds.

The glass is $175.00 and I should have it tomorrow, so I will probably install it then. I spent the last few hours cleaning out all of the glass out of the door and what had fallen into the truck. The Maintenance manual was real helpful in the entire disassembly of the door/window assembly. By the way, the panel comes off nice and easy- no prybars, pounding or tangs that break off (just follow the book).

Also was surprised when I contacted the GEICO insurance company for the claim- no clause for glass breakage, so I'm stock with the first $500 deductible (Boo Hoo). Glass outfit only wanted $60 or so to install the glass but, seeing how I already got the whole thing disassembled, I'll probably just put in the glass when I get it tomorrow.

themacguy · June 2000

I believe D/C uses 5W30 across the board. Anyway, what you want (based on our similar geography) is what I use: 10W30 synthetic - it 'acts' as a 10W40 conventional oil. The 50's are too stout for anything but constant towing or race-type use. I changed mine at 1,000 miles to get the break-in metal crap out of the engine - more important to me than following some D/C engineer's litany. And our temps here in Midland hit 100 degrees back in April.

themacguy · June 2000

has anyone seen a posting by bpeebles lately? Is he still out there somewhere - sure do miss his posts... just wondering if he died or something. Maybe we just post so much I 'missed' his!?

steve234 · June 2000

Gas mileage is a very strange animal and I don't think that it will stand up as a reason for guessing your driving habits. In Oklahoma and Kansas, I can get 15-16 mpg on the highway in my 91 F150 SC if I keep below 60, but normal driving and turnpike (75) is more like 13-14. However, when I go to Colorado, I can do 80 and go up and down the mountains all day and still get 16-18 mpg. So if anyone questions you, just say that it is something in the Pennsylvania air.

bpeebles · June 2000

(themacguy) No, I did not die... your "resident technical consultant" is still around.

I do have a couple of comments on recent appends.

FLY BY WIRE
My 4.7L V8 has a normal throttle cable...I have read about the 'fly-by'wire'on the 4.7L but the Dakota does NOT! Perhaps the 4.7L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the 'fly-by-wire'

STALLING
This subject is a good candidate for a Q/A section of the upcoming owners group.
THE STALLING WILL SUBSIDE AS THE COMPUTER 'LEARNS' YOUR DRIVING HABITS AND LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 4000 MILES FOR THE LEARNING PROCESS TO COMPLETE. UNDER NO CONDITIONS SHOULD ONE ALLOW THE DEALER TO "RESET" THE COMPUTER...YOU WOULD HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN!!

AUTO-LOCKING FRONT HUBS
The 2000 Dakota does NOT use torque sensing to engage the front axle. Instead, when 4WD is selected, there is a 'signal' to the front axle that locks the front wheels to the axle. Even with my poor hearing I can hear the front axle 'whine' while 4WD is selected. (The front differential gears tend to make some normal 'meshing' sounds)

aeroshots · June 2000

96g11, you sure are not from these here parts! Many Officers around here could use some training from you about public relations. I try to teach my 17 year old son respect for law enforcement and those that choose it as a profession. The way the all knowing, high and mighty county guy/gals around here treat people is terrible. THE UP SIDE--"Sorry son, you can't borrow my new Quad Cab, you know you'll just get stopped by a Deputy" :-)

newquad · July 2000

Hi all,
I know awhile back, some people had trouble with the drivers seat squeaking. I have the same problem and I seem to remember that someone said a new seat rail assembly was needed to fix the problem. I took my truck in for it's 7500 mile check up, and the seat was supposedly fixed by tightening the bolts (I seem to remember that did not work for someone on this list). Well, it is squeaking more than ever!! So, would someone post what was necessary to fix it, so I can print it and show my dealership. They are very interested in knowing. I don't want to have to bring the truck in again, just to order the part, and then have to bring it in again after that!! Thanks in advance!
Susan

newquad · July 2000

Thanks so much for the info on the squeaking seat thing. I have the power bucket seat. The passenger seat is fine. I'll pass this info along to the dealer.

themacguy · July 2000

On the computer causing the 'stalling' you mentioned, I think that's the MOST ridiculous thing I've ever heard of in a car or truck.

Of course it also happens to be TRUE - mine went through that phase. And I'd forgotten all about it until you brought it up... strange little beasty, this Dakota. Good call, and thanks for bringing it up - and returning to our 'controlled madness.' ;-)

bpeebles · July 2000

You are correct in stating that the stalling is ridiculous! This is a case of not enough R&D. The stalling could be GREATLY reduced by making the basic/default programming of the computer be more suitable to begin with. (instead of relying on the learning process so much)

I suspect as DC gets more data on the 4.7L, there will be 'updates' for the computer that can be 'flashed' into it. Hopefully improving the stalling and other 'quirks' that make the 4.7L unpleasant at times. (Have you ever tried to go real slow in 1st gear? The throttle has almost an ON/OFF effect that is temperamental to contend with.)

We (modern drivers) have become accustomed to the almost perfect throttle-response that fuel-injection provides. Those us familiar with CARBURETED engines may recall similar 'teething pains' that the carburetors went through.

Does anyone recall having to PUMP the throttle to squirt some fuel into the engine and 'set' the choke before starting? What about the ROARING idle on a cold morning? Having to jab the throttle to get the idle to come down? All things of the past... now we have BRAND NEW idiosyncrasies to deal with.

impaulm · July 2000

Has anyone had any problems with power door locks
unlocking themselves? I have a 2000 Quad Cab 4x4 with 3500 miles. Two days ago the locks went haywire repeatedly unlocking every 2 seconds or so. I had to pull the fuse to keep the vehicle locked overnight. It's not the key fob, I pulled
the battery out of it and of course now that I'm taking it to the dealer the locks are back to normal.

blackquad · July 2000

I'm a frequent visitor here and used many responses to encourage my 2000 QC purchase. I've got 4x4 full time x-fer case, LSD, 3.55, 4.7 V8 auto and ALL the goodies. Great rig except for the paint chips and lousy PDI from the dealer. They are fixing these as I type. I couldnt believe the ease of install of the auto car starter as well. If you need tips, just ask.

knkresort · July 2000

I found a major problem with my Quad Cab. Not only does it catch the eye of auto enthusiasts, it also caught the eye of a local constable.

He claims I was going 61 in a 45 zone. I really wasn't, really! In fact, I was on my way to play golf and I had just turned onto the road leading to the golf course. The cop was coming from the other way. He made a quick u-turn, pulled behind the truck ahead of me and on went the lights. The first truck pulled into the enterance to the golf course to get out of the way.

I pulled in also, to go to the clubhouse, when the constable signals me to pull over as well. After the traditional license and registration bit, I lamented that I could not being doing 61 since I just entered the road about 200 yards back. Obviously, he didn't believe me.

To add insult to injury, my boss, with whom I had the pleasure of sharing a golf cart with for the next two hours, passes us as I am sitting there. Finally, as I am paying for the round, the person working the counter states that they were right behind me and had me pegged at 45 mph. But, they have expired tags and don't want to get involved (yeah, sure).

Needless to say, the golf game was a disaster.

Well, to sum it up: Ticket: $97; Golf round: $62.50, Loosing to your boss: $36, having to tell your wife: Priceless.

themacguy · July 2000

from a 'fellow felon.' Just wait until the last day to 'plead' to the constable, jp or whatever; then request a trial by jury (a little indignance doesn't hurt at this point). Stay firm and rest assured that 'Blarney' missed a detail or two on the ticket (besides speed). It'll cost too much for them to go the Full Monty with you, as Blarney just wanted to ticket someone who gets to play golf at the club - obviously he's not a member. Similar things happen to me once every few years when I'm in the Porsche. :-P

slickwilliedj · July 2000

i ready to buy, but want to know what changes are being made to the 2001 yr model prior to placing order dealer has been no help anyone have any certain info?

96g11 · July 2000

Sorry bout that, gotta watch those constables. what precinct? Just curious. They are a breed of their own! E mail me at georgeemiller@netzero.net
Since you live in my neck of the woods I was curious how that xtang cover looks. I might be able to give you some advice about that ticket, might not but it depends on the precinct. If you are interested on one of those cold air intake systems I can probably cook one up for ya. Give me a shout.

rgwfly · July 2000

I am very interested in purchasing one of these new quad cabs. I appreciate everyones feedback on what a great truck this is. I currently have a sedan with a sunroof which I really love. Are there any owners who have had a sunroof installed? I would like to know if you had Dealer/Aftermarket installed, and what happens to the overhead console.
Thanks

themacguy · July 2000

in the Quad cab. For one thing, there's a (thick) roof support running from side to side (lateral) just atop the back of the front seat area. For another, there are ridges running from front to rear (longitudinally) that are 'external' in nature. A company does make one for general use in trucks that exits 'up and back' that would work in the quad, but the external trim would be a mess. I looked at the thing, then I looked at my nice smooth roof: I opted out. The quiet interior would also suffer greatly, then I couldn't hear the 4.7 'semi-hemi' make its beautiful sounds. I've got several Porsches - all with either targa or sunroofs. I've also owned several Corvettes, etc. with sunroofs. The only car I wish I had back was the 78 TA 6.6 Trans Am that did NOT have a sunroof. It was quiet, fast and handled great in a GT fashion, and this truck reminds me of that car.

And you'd lose the o/h console for sure. :-(

socaldude · July 2000

I haven't visited this message board before, so
please forgive me if this has already been discussed.

I like the quad cab but am considering the club cab so that I can get the longer bed.

Has anyone with a quad cab wished they had a
longer bed? I'm a new homeowner and need a truck
to haul general home-related stuff.

Thanks for your thoughts!

snarkey1 · July 2000

Had the same problem this weekend on my quadcab (3200 miles)- locks kept trying to go into unlock position - at times went every second. I've noticed it intermittently in the past but thought it was just my imagination (or ghosts). Strange thing this time was that it stopped after about 10 minutes and on the return trip started in about the same place. Radio waves??? I've heard of someone who had door locks go crazy if they used a cell phone in their car. Anyway, it's a call to the dealer - let me know how you made out with your problem. Other than that I've had no problems with the truck - love it! (Patriot Blue, SLT package, 4.7L, tire group package plus most of the options). I started looking through this group before I bought it and found a lot of useful info - thanks to all who posted!

bookitty · July 2000

Dennis, I've had no regrets re my Quad concerning the size of the bed. I previously owned a Dakota Club Cab model and was very pleased with that as well. I also own a 5X8 utility trailer for the rare occasions where more room is required, and for stuff that I choose to carry in the trailer. I have an A.R.E. tonneau on the truck and that limits the size of the payload. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to sign in at the Dodge Dakota Owner's Club listed under the conferences link. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Bookitty

vman · July 2000

socal: Any kids on the horizon? If you're going to haul more than carry passengers, than you should probably consider the C/C. If you have kids or plan to, you may just want to get the Quad and a small utility trailer. Even when I had the 95 C/C (6' bed), I was always in the same predicament trying to haul 8' materials. It shouldn't make that much difference for home needs.

socaldude · July 2000

Might perhaps be that the presence of your trailer
in case you need the extra hauling room may influence
your opinion a bit? As this will be my only hauling
vehicle, I want to be covered in case I need more
than the 5' + change bed length in the quad.

Thanks for the advice!

socaldude · July 2000

My daughter is in college, although still living with me. I think the club cab may be more appropriate because it enables one to carry more
than one passenger occasionally but with the increased cargo load (still not a full size truck, though).

Thanks for your thoughts.

vman · July 2000

Oh, that's different. I just assumed you were a younger "dude" that just got his first house. Heck, in that case, get a Ram 1500 with an 8' box!

I've got a 3yo son and a daughter on the way. I also need to haul occasionally and pull a pop-up camper several times a year. The Q/C was the best fit for us.

slclark3 · July 2000

Has anyone with a 2wd QC Dakota installed fender flares on their pickup? I have ordered a 2001 quad cab and the salesman recommended that I install some flares because with the handling pkg the larger tires would throw debris all over side of the truck and especially with the 16" wheels offered for 2001. I was wondering how they looked. They look good on the 4wd but I have not seen them on a 2wd truck. My truck will be a white SLT with the silver bottom.

iowabigguy · July 2000

look in the Owners group, we have a Dakota group. There is a section for pictures. I have a 2000 Quad 2wd that I installed fender flares on. Check out the pictures and why not join the group too? Rick

nowor2l8 · July 2000

Hi,
I'm about to order the 01 QC.
I'm a little confused about the rear end numbers. As I have it so far the lower the #,(292) the less torque and better gas mileage, the higher the #(392) the greater the low end power (towing) but worse mileage?
How did I do?
Any other tips on ordering.
I intend to get the "sport".
Can you get automatic lights? ( you know, lights on at dusk, switch off automaticlly?
Has anyone heard of a price better than $57 over invoice?

ferous · July 2000

You can always buy one of those extend trailer hitch mounted support bar thing-a-ma-jigs. If you don't have a hitch, you might need it in the future for towing something home to work on the house (Bobcat, Trencher, Cement Mixer, etc.)

mulderig · July 2000

I placed my order for a 2001 Quad last Thursday. Bronze SLT Plus 4X4, 4.7 liter 5-speed, Max Cooling, limited slip, AM/FM Stereo/CD with Infinity Speakers, and a Power Bench Seat for my titanium improved lower back. My dealer placed the order yesterday and called me with my order number. Called today at noon and was told the status was BX already. She was suprised how quick it is going through. She said it could be because of it being an employee purchase (brother-in-law works at the Durango Plant). Yesterday my 91 F150 with 125000 miles started leaking antifreeze on the floor so I'm cleaning that up so I can sell it.

steve234 · July 2000

You basically have the concept right on rearend numbers. The higher the number, the more rpm the engine turns to achieve a given speed. An engine will generally reach peak HP and torgue at a higher rpm than is normally seen in daily driving. While the mileage penalty between the two gear ratios offered on the QC does not seem to be too bad, the increase in tow rating is huge. Automatic lights are not offered on the QC, but you can probably find an aftermarket supplier. Also, $57 over invoice is a good price, but watch the add on fees.

bookitty · July 2000

John, basically as Steve points out, the higher number increases RPM and subsequently reduces MPG. If you plan to tow light to medium loads, the combination of 4.7 V8 and the 3.55 ratio should handle your needs. However, if you select the 3.9 V6, then I would opt for the 3.92, to prevent "lugging" under load conditions.

Your price sounds great, and I would check with the Farm Bureau to see if the $500.00 discount is still available. The URL link is www.fb.com. The cost is anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 to join, and one must be a member for 30 days prior to taking actual possession of the truck. You may also join us as a member of the Dakota Owner's club by going to the conference link and clicking on "Owner's Clubs". Good luck, I absolutely love my Dakota Quad.

Bookitty

bookitty · July 2000

John, basically as Steve points out, the higher number increases RPM and subsequently reduces MPG. If you plan to tow light to medium loads, the combination of 4.7 V8 and the 3.55 ratio should handle your needs. However, if you select the 3.9 V6, then I would opt for the 3.92, to prevent "lugging" under load conditions.

Your price sounds great, and I would check with the Farm Bureau to see if the $500.00 discount is still available. The URL link is www.fb.com. The cost is anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 to join, and one must be a member for 30 days prior to taking actual possession of the truck. You may also join us as a member of the Dakota Owner's club by going to the conference link and clicking on "Owner's Clubs". Good luck, I absolutely love my Dakota Quad.

Bookitty

bigal31 · July 2000

I might be able to make this easy..A while back we did a little test.I have a 4.7L w/3.55 gears as opposed to the other popular 4.7L w/3.92 gears.Anyway taking the truck up to 75mph my tach reads 2230 rpms..The other at 75mph is about 2500 rpms.Believe it or not that is a big difference.
This all depends on your needs because I don't haul "anything" I chose the 3.55.Plus at 2500 rpms I'd be doing roughly 90mph!Don't let this fool you though,on this web page there are people who tow things(easily I might add)with the 3.55.

PS.If you have not signed up for the owners group,I suggest you do so.There a lot of smart people there to help with just about anything.

That goes for the rest of you huckleberries..LOL
Allen-

beeman1 · July 2000

I have a 2000 quad cab. I did wish for a longer bed. I have a free standing canoe rack (I custom build it for my 1987 Toyota). It is about 6 inches too long for the bed. I had to choose between cutting the canoe rack down or making the bed longer. I ended up taking the tail-gate off and building a platform over the bumper to support the legs of the canoe rack. I was going to just use it with the tailgate down, but the platform allows me to anchor it more securely and also provides better access to the hitch in case I'm taking the camper and the canoe.

The clips on the cables that hold the tailgate horizontal in the down position are not great. The attachment of the spring to the cable is not tight. They can come off easily and get lost. The tailgate is also suprisingly heavy. Now that it is off I'll probably just leave it in the garage and hope the clips don't get lost.

DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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