DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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  • shawkwavshawkwav Member Posts: 18
    I ordered a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab about a week ago with pretty much everything that I wanted, but I am now contemplating whether or not I should have ordered the Heavy Duty Service group which contains, the 136-amp alternator, 750 amp battery,
    as well as the maximum engine cooling package,
    which includes the tranmission oil and power
    steering coolers. This may seem silly, but I would
    appreciate anyone's input for my piece of mind, since I have heard different views on the multispeed automatic transmission.

    Thanks,

    Shawkwav
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Mark, always a good choice on ordered vehicles
    (stock units may not be so equipped depending on
    the order manager at the dealership). I personally
    always go for the HD service group, as it is cheap
    insurance and the heavy duty cooling (for both
    engine and transmission (automatic) are well worth
    the price. In colder climates, the heavy duty
    battery is also a good bet. For folks who drive
    their own vehicles for volunteer emergency
    services, the fast recovering alternator/battery
    combination is very desirable as well. If you can still change t your order at this point in time, it would be a good choice. If you cannot, don't sweat it; You will survive.

    Bookitty
  • boomer18boomer18 Member Posts: 24
    'Just wondered if anyone has experience hauling motorcycles in bed of quad cab. I have 3 dual-sport bikes weighing aprox. 270 lbs each, and currently haul them in m/cyc trailer--it's very stable, but hook-up time, trailer speed limit, and trailer storage/licensing are disadvantages. The QC bed length for this purpose seems fine if you leave the tailgate down, but 'just wondered about anyone's specific experience w/hauling m/cyc's.
  • danohdanoh Member Posts: 26
    hi

    i live in ne ohio.

    i was wondering if 4wd on the quad cab is really needed for winter driving?

    i will not be going off road.

    is the weight distribution good enough on the quad cab so the back end isnt too light?

    i would get an auto tranny,

    thanks

    dan
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Dan, Ohio is in the snow belt for the most part. For safety, convenience and especially with an automatic transmission (less control) I would heartily recommend that you buy and drive a 4WD vehicle. I also recommend you get a limited slip differential. The back end without a load is light
    on almost any truck. 4WD is not a guarantee, but it does offer an edge. The biggest problem on snow and ice is not going, but control and stopping. You asked for an opinion, and i gave you mine. I have had a 4WD vehicle since the 1960's, and drove 4WD military vehicles prior to that.

    Bookitty
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Last weekend, I made a 435 mile trip (each way) from south central PA to Toledo, OH with 5 MC's (dirt bikes) on a trailer behind my QC bumper hitch (4x4, 4.7L, 5sp, 3.55, T&H pack). Bed with tonneau cover had gas cans, food, and gear. Overall, probably exceeded to weight limit on the truck license. Ran 65-75 mph on Rt 80 and got 15 mpg on mid-grade gas. Rarely, had to downshift into 4th gear. No tread separation on the Goodyears!

    I guess I would have gotten better mileage at 60-65 mph but I was pleased with the truck. Window visibility, ride (suspension and bucket seats), power, etc all seemed great. Turned 7,000 miles on way home. Still hoping for better gas mileage one of these days.
  • acool55acool55 Member Posts: 2
    I justed ordered by new quad a week ago,cant wait to get it,got the 4.7 loaded truck,flame red!!!joined the fb and got my 500 rebate,hope it turns out to be as good as all of you say.its my 1st dodge,had chevys up to now...
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Spike, considering the load you were towing, the payload in bed and the speed range you stayed, I would not think that 15 mpg is anything to sneeze at in the realm of reality. If I ever got 15 mpg on my Expedition empty on a downgrade, I would have thrown a party. Had you taken the trip using cruise control and running without a trailer and a lesser payload I feel that your mileage would increase remarkably. Unfortunately, you have not been able as i see it to take a long trip that would give you an opportunity to see what you Quad could do under different circumstances.

    Bookitty
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    We now have a Amber Quad running around town, plus the dealer has one on the lot. These things are getting popular. The only color I have not seen on a Quad in town is the driftwood or silver mettalic, except for a Garnet two-tone.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Passed a silver Quad parked in a driveway in South Jersey. Looked really nice. Truck was parked
    far back off of the road so I didn't get a close look but it is a nice shade of silver. No two tone
    on this one. I've seen the garnet both in monotone and with a contrasting color. Garnet is very rich looking.

    Bookitty
  • myomanmyoman Member Posts: 2
    I'm in the research stage of buying my first new vehicle, hopefully a 2001 Dakota Quad-Cab!!! I have a question regarding whether or not I need the limited slip. I live in the mountains where the snow can be DEEP. I have a 91 Explorer that I have had in a couple of feet and it did great. Basically, is limited slip like the old positraction or is limited slip where the wheel with the least resistance will spin. I want both rear tires to get power if I get stuck or up on one wheel. Thanks for any advice or clarification!

    Craig
  • qc2001qc2001 Member Posts: 30
    as i believe it the limited slip diff. is designed to lock the rear diff. when one wheel has turned more than 1/4(?) of a turn with little resistance. the slight slip is to allow the truck to be turned tightly with out one rear tire binding against the inside of the turn. some one else with more experience or the BOB will be able to better answer your question.

    Evan
  • wetwilliewetwillie Member Posts: 129
    Yes, limited slip is like the old positraction and yes, both rear wheels will be under power regardless of the relative traction of either, but.......if you live in the mountains where the snow can get DEEP you NEED 4wd with the limited slip (or "suregrip" as DC calls it)
  • myomanmyoman Member Posts: 2
    I appreciate the input. Now I have to wait 6 weeks because I want the 5-speed. I'll let everyone know how the truck turns out.
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    myoman - Is there a shortage of 5-speed trannys?? I just ordered my quad with 4.7 and 5 speed last monday. I didn't get the VON yet (don't really care that much) so I haven't tracked the status, but the dealer said nothing about the 5-speed being delayed. Just as long as it gets here by Jan 8th...
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Chris, there are no reported shortages of manual 5 speed transmissions. The six week waiting period is for an ordered vehicle as the chance of finding a Quad with 4.7 and 5 speed "on the ground" is pretty slim. Craig, as this is going to be a special order vehicle, now would be a good time to give things like limited slip differential, heavy duty service group, skid plates and an engine block heater some thought. All of the above mentioned items will be very practical for cold/inclement weather operation. I'm not trying to spend your money, but only
    offer some input based upon experience.

    Bookitty
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Yeah Bookitty, you're not kidding about finding a 5 speed on the lot. I looked all over and couldn't find one to test-drive, so I drove an automatic and ordererd the 5 speed on faith. The dealership closest to me orders in nothing but automatics. I find it hard to believe that 5 speeds don't sell that well. Otherwise, what could be the reason that they're never on the lot?? Like one person at work told me: "It's too hard to talk on the cell phone, hold the cup of coffee, and drive at the same time with a stick." Sad, but definitely has a ring of truth to it.

    While we're on the subject, I got my truck ordered for invoice. With a minimum of haggling, anybody should be able to get a quad at invoice. Just let them know you're serious and walk if you have to.
  • skylerkskylerk Member Posts: 67
    I just got my new Quad Cab last week. Ordered on 10/2 and arrived at dealer on 10/26. Yours might take a week or so longer cause I read somewhere that they shut the plant down for a week to reduce inventory.

    In case you (or anybody else reading this) don't know, here is a web page which describes how to check the order status of any Chrysler vehicle:
    http://www.dakota-truck.net/order_status.html

    Skyler
  • sorcerersorcerer Member Posts: 28
    I ordered my QC on 10/13 and it arrived on 10/31.

    Might want to update your profile now!
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    HAS ANYONE HAD THE PLEASURE OF CHANGING THE OIL FILTER ON THE 2000 3.9 MOTOR? IT HAS A BAD DESIGN FEATURE. THE EXHAUST PIPE PRACTICALLY TOUCHES THE FILTER. I INSTALLED A FRAM SURE GRIP AND THE RUBBER BURNED OFF. IT IS ALSO VERY HARD TO LINE UP THE FILTER TO INSTALL BECAUSE IT HITS THE EXHAUST PIPE. WHAT IDIOTS!
  • qc2001qc2001 Member Posts: 30
    i have the answer that so many of the rest of us will give you. you should have bought the 4.7L. i changed my own oil in my 01 QC w/ 4.7 4x4 and it was practically a breeze. my only problem is that the oil filter is in a good spot but drops the oil on the front cross member, so i will be refering to a former post about a 2 liter bottle. drained for 45 min., put in a bosch filter and 6 quarts of mobil 5w30. at the top of the ok line. i also recommend the 6 quarts. i am probably going to move to the mobil 1 filter next time. 4000 miles and very little to complain about other that the 16.5-17.5 mpg. i think a k&n will be in order this week.

    Evan
  • new_drivernew_driver Member Posts: 1
    Why should I get one axle ratio rather than any other (standard)?

    Are there any problems with the LSD?

    Thanks.

    Hoping to purchase a QC soon.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The standard (3.55) ratio will give slightly better MPG over the optional (3.92) ratio.
    On the other hand, the 3.92 will give better accelleration and towing abilities.
    ===========
    The LSD is the very same "TRAC LOC" unit that has been used for over 20 years. It works as designed if treated properly.

    I have the LSD. Coupled with the shift-on-the-fly xfer case, I get 3-wheel drive in deep snow.
    Without LSD, one only has 2 wheel drive.(one front and one rear can spin and you are stuck)
  • fat_fendersfat_fenders Member Posts: 96
    According to K&N, they have not released a filter yet for the 2001, 4.7L in the Quad Cab. I had ordered a 30-2084 direct form K&N. Here is the response I got from them.

    "THAT FILTER IS NOT THE RIGHT FILTER, #33-2175 IS GOING TO BE THE RIGHT FILTER TO USE. WE FEEL 33-2084 DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY."

    "They" changed my order to a 33-2175 which is not ready to ship as of yet. For what it's worth...

    fat_fenders
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    I GUESS IT WILL BE A MATTER OF TIME THAT THIS SITE WILL CONTAIN MANY E-MAILS COMPLAINING ABOUT DAMAGED LOWER RADIATORS DUE TO NO PROTECTION FROM THE GRILL. I KNOW! SOMEONE WILL TELL ME TO BUY A GRILL INSERT, BUT IF THE DUMB ENGINEERS USED COMMON SENSE I WOULDN'T HAVE TO COMPLETE THE JOB THAT THEY MISSED. ALSO, DON'T KNOCK THE 3.9. I HAVE A TWO WHEEL DRIVE AND I DON'T TOW AND I WAS SUPRISED ON HOW MUCH POWER THAT ENGINE PUTS OUT. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION ON PARKWAYS.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    I do not understand where you are coming from about the grill design, but if you are expecting it to protect 100% from stone damage or whatever, no truck does that. No car does that. My wife's car lost the heat exchanger for the A/C when it was less than a year old ($400+). A straight line trajectory could not have hit it, but a rock took a weird bounce and punched a hole in it. Even a tank that is designed to take major hits can be taken out by a single bullet, if you know where.
    As for the 3.9, nobody has been knocking the engine, but for the money, the 4.7 is a much better alternative. I would also recommend the 4.7 over the 5.9 because it suites the Dakota better.
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    YOU HAVE OBVIOUSLY NOT NOTICED THE FOUR GIANT HOLE DESIGN IN THE LOWER BUMPER OR YOU WOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHERE I AM COMING FROM. LOOK AT THE OTHER TRUCK LOWER BUMPER DESIGNS AND YOU WILL SEE THAT MOST HAVE BETTER PROTECTION DESIGNS. NAMELY: S-10, FRONTIER,TACOMA,ETC.I KNOW THAT FREAK ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN, BUT YOU CAN FIT A SOFTBALL IN THOSE HOLES.AS FOR THE 3.9, I WOULD HAVE GONE FOR THE 4.7 BUT I BOUGHT THE TRUCK OFF THE LOT BECAUSE IT HAD EVERYTHING I WANTED AND THE 4.7 WASN'T AN ISSUE.THE TRUCK I ORIGINALLY ORDERED FROM THE DEALER CONTAINED A 4.7 BUT DO TO THE GREEDY TACTICS OF THE DEALER, NAMELY NORTHERN DODGE IN FLUSHING, N.Y. I WALKED AWAY FROM THE DEAL AND WENT ELSEWHERE.
  • wetwilliewetwillie Member Posts: 129
    please quit SHOUTING!
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The openings you refer to are in the fascia, not the grill. While they are more prominent than other makes may be, you are also talking about an older design. The current design trend is massive plastic bumpers which do not suit the dakota's front end. No vehicle will have everything the way you want. That is the purpose of aftermarket parts. With all the activity on these forums and as long as this design has been out there, there has been no other mention of this being a problem, to my knowledge. If protecting the radiator is your main concern, you can rig screen wire to be invisible and block debris from the radiator. We are all friends on these forums and I don't know of one regular member who would not go out of their way to help the others. Your last two messages indicate a lot of anger and this is not the place for it.
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    Your right! the capitols are a little too much. Sorry!
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    My anger is only with the poor design on the lower valance. When I wrote the note about the problem, I said someone will probably tell me to buy an aftermarket part. I know how to solve the problem, but you have to agree with me that there is quite a bit of radiator vulnerable from the factory. How much money would it have cost dodge to install the plastic louvers on the lower valance as well as the top? Don't be so sensitive. I was just responding to your letter. I have been following this forum and I think it's great. So please don't feel that I was being angry with you.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    I never took any offense to your previous posts. It was obvious to me that you had some concerns about items you consider design flaws. That's fair. I mean, if you can't express those concerns here, then where can you? I felt they were mild compared to what goes on in some of the other topics in this forum. Ever checked out the Tundra vs Big3 topic? Yikes!!! Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it...

    You make a good point concerning the lower part of the radiator. I never noticed it before. Have you given any thought about how you would remedy the problem? I'd like to hear your suggestions. Thanks...
  • donamydonamy Member Posts: 24
    I am going to order my new quad cab this week. My only dilema is which tranny to go with. I like the console on the floor that you get with the 40/20/40 seat and Auto tranny, but no one can tell me or show me what is on the floor(besides the shifter) when you get the 5 speed. All that I test drove were autos and I was really disappointed with the whimpy shifts. They just feel too soft for me if you can feel them at all. If anyone can help me, I would really appreciate it. I think I will go on faith and order the 5 speed thou. But I would really like to here some feedback on the subject. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • donamydonamy Member Posts: 24
    Steve234, Pick up a copy of Truckin or Sport Truck Magazines. There are a lot of custom inserts available for the Dakotas. They are reasonably priced and fuctional as well.
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the feedback. They do sell an aftermarket upper and lower grill insert. you will be shocked when you see how much it costs, but it does look nice. check out the truck mags and you will see the ads. My truck is a white sport model. I have no crome and I painted the black upper grill insert white and it looks great. As far as the bottom goes I intend to go to Home Depot,(a home center,)where they have all sorts of different size grates and find one to match the top and paint it white.
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    anyone know how to stop the odometer from registering on a 2001 quad?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    James, I have been waiting a lifetime for this question to arise. Actually, there are two methods
    used to stop or prevent the odometer from registering miles.

    1 Do not drive the vehicle, but you may transport it upon a flatbed.

    2 Use reverse gear to go everyplace. The downside is a very stiff neck, and some really frightened drivers surrounding you.

    I wish that I could further help you James, but my technical knowledge is somewhat limited.

    Bookitty
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    stars50: If I misinterpreted your posting, apologies, but I still think that this design is typical of the style at the time the Dakota was introduced. Every design out there has pros and cons according to individual tastes. I am not fond of the hand holds on the windshield pillars. To me, a total waste of space. When we don't like what the designers do, it is an opportunity to be creative. I like your concept, which would look good on a white truck. I prefer to use screen wire because I worry more about digging bugs out of the radiator.

    donamy: As I remember it, the shifter takes away the left cup holder from the floor console.

    zidctlr: It is not only illegal to interfere with the odometer, but highly unethical. In most cases, it will also disconnect your speedometer and other monitoring devices. DO NOT TRY IT.
  • mulderigmulderig Member Posts: 31
    donamy I have the 4.7L & 5-speed in my 01 Quad and love it. I too only test drove an auto and the dealer thought I was crazy for wanting the manual. On the floor console the shifter is in place of the right side cup holder and you have two small storage trays. So you are short one cup holder but it is the front passengers loss.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    donamy -

    I have a '00 Reg Cab Dakota 4X4 with the 5-speed. On my truck, the whole floor console consists of shift levers. One for the 5-speed and one for engaging the 4 wheel drive. I believe the '01 Dakotas come with a console switch for 4 wheel drive. My cup holders are built into the "20" section of the 40/20/40 split bench seat. A little tray slides out from the bottom of the seat toward the shift lever. The holders are functional, but I don't use them that much. I have no other storage space available on the console...

    I would like to talk to you about the 5-speed itself. If you are like me and love to shift, I think you will like the feel of this transmission and gear shift lever. The throws between gears are moderate (not too long), and pretty smooth. The shifts do not feel nearly as notchy as with my previous truck ('99 Mazda B3000). I also like the feel of the clutch pedal on the Dakota. Firm, but not stiff. And NO slop! I hated the slop in my other truck's clutch pedal. If you buy the 5-speed on faith, I don't think you will be disappointed. I was born to shift, and I really enjoy working the 5-speed on this Dakota...
  • mulderigmulderig Member Posts: 31
    donamy-
    xena1a is correct on the 01 they did away with the cup holder drawer in the front seat and the 4X4 switch is on the dash. If you spend the extra money for the center console it comes with one cup holder also. I didn't think it was worth it myself.
  • donamydonamy Member Posts: 24
    Your help was great everyone. I just ordered my new '01 SLT Quad Cab tonight at 7:00 pm 11/20/00. Went with the 4.7 speed after I heard the configuration of the floor console. The help I got on that subject was great. I'll let everyone now how it turns out. Thanks again. Real Quick question. Does anyone understand why an SLT is cheaper ($500.00) than the same Sport model? I have the build sheets to back that up.
  • stars50stars50 Member Posts: 8
    I considered using screening but I wanted the lower part to match the upper. If you check under the hood you will notice that the louvers are permenantly attached to the grill piece and I didn't want to mess with it because if I didn't like the way the screen looked it would be a pain to remount the louvers. Incidently, check out the driveshaft on the automatics. Dodge didn't skimp on that feature, it's quite impressive.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The way that I usually do it, is to attach the screening to the radiator itself. I offset it about an inch or so. Remember that my goal is bugs and I do not not want to mess with the front end appearance. The black screen gets lost in the radiator from a short distance. The screen fronts that are purchased from Lund are supposed to clip to the louvers in the grill as I understand it. I will be waiting until spring to build my bug catcher, so until then, I will not know how I will mount it to the radiator.
  • xena1axena1a Member Posts: 286
    donamy - Congrats on ordering your Dakota! Now the waiting begins. I'm sure you're anxious to get it. I think you'll enjoy the 4.7 with the 5-speed. It is a really nice drive train. Let us know when you get it...

    stars50 - You're right about the size of that driveshaft on the Dakota. It is much more massive than the one on my previous truck ('99 Mazda B3000).
  • fat_fendersfat_fenders Member Posts: 96
    I must agree that the driveshaft on my 01 Quad Cab is beefy. Too bad DC didn't bother PAINTING it!

    Oh well, that will give me a reason to pull it out in the near future and fix that money saving idea. ;-)

    fat_fenders
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    While the driveshaft is bigger, I suspect that they have gone to a tube shaft instead of a solid shaft. This would give as much if not more strength with less weight. As far as painting goes, you will need to have the balance checked afterwards. It is going to be difficult to find a paint that will hold up until that type of centrifugal action and it will affect the harmonics of the shaft.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (fat_fenders) It is interesting to note that the GM S10/S15 trucks use an ALUMINUM driveshaft. I have been told that even the ford rangers use aluminum. They shine for many years with NO paint.

    This is yet another indicator that Dodge is truly MORE HEAVY DUTY than the competitors.... I know the farmers and contractors appreceate this about DODGE TRUCKS.

    (I wonder if aluminum driveshafts would stand up to plowing snow or any other extensive forward-back work)
  • shawkwavshawkwav Member Posts: 18
    Can anyone please tell me where I can get an over
    the rail bedliner for a Dakota Quad Cab? I haven't
    been successful in my search, and I've also been
    debating about whether or not a Line-X bedliner
    would be a good solution for me. Anyone's
    information on bedliners as well as input on the
    Line-X solution would be greatly appreciated.

    Dakota's Rock,
    shawkwav
  • dqcinokcdqcinokc Member Posts: 3
    Mark,
    I agree with Bookitty when he says "whichever suits your particular needs". I have the Line-X and am very happy with it. Mine is under the rail because I put a Roll-n-Lock cover on. The Line-X is very durable for preventing the scratches and light hauling that I do in the bed (anything more goes to my trailer). The Line-X looks very good. I also put one piece of plywood between the vertical slots near the back of the bed and most of the hauling I do is there with no sliding around. Just remember Line-X is also very permanent.

    DQCinOKC
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