DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

steve234 · January 2001

The multispeed with the 4.7 has had less problems than you will find with the old transmision in the 5.9. It is amazing how few complaints there have been about the multispeed. I understand that there were a couple of problems when it was first introduced in the jeeps, but were corrected quickly. Review the postings in the owners club.

bookitty · January 2001

William, when the new multispeed transmission was released on the Dodge Dakota, there were initial concerns, but most of these turned out to be learning curves (for the transmission on board computer as well as the operator). In all the posts that I have personally read, there was only one that I remember as having an actual problem, and that unit had to be changed out as there was a manufacturing defect involved. I have a 5 speed, but many others who regularly participate within this topic as well as the Owners Club have the multispeed in conjunction with the 4.7 and are well satisfied with reliability and performance. The 5.9 is okay, if you are towing large capacity loads on a regular basis. Other than that, you are
paying out money for less mileage and older technology. Whatever your choice, good luck. I am extremely pleased with my Quad cab for all intents and purposes, as are many others.

Bookitty

rexlex · January 2001

I was planning on ordering my 4WD AC from Redwood City Dodge because they offered to order one at $99 over invoice, plus guarantee the $1,000 rebate at the time of delivery. I have since read the comments from shawkwav in note #423 with regard to the fleet sales manager. I live in the Southern California area and would rather order a truck in this area. Does anyone have a recommendation regarding a dealer in this area who could come close to matching the $99 over invoice from Redwood City Dodge? Thanks.

flexmoney · January 2001

Hello folks. I am in the process of buying a new 4x4 Quad cab. I am getting the 4.7L V-8 and the manual transmission (25B (EVA,DDC)). My options are: Sports Plus Group (AGU), Delux Conv. Group (AJK), Power Conv. Group (AJP), Heavy Duty Group (ADJ), Trailer Tow Group (AHC), and the Rear Window Defroster (GFA).

These options total up to an invoice price of $23,387. Add in the destination charge of 585 takes it to $23,972. When I subtract out the $1000 rebate and the $500 Farm B. rebate and that comes to $22,472.

I have had a few dealers here in Ohio say that they would do the deal for $250 over invoice. But then they (at least the last dealer that I talked to) want to tack on $400 for regional advertising and $11 for gas, and even another $30 so they can send me their junk mail.

I am ordering the truck so they would pocket the whole 3% of MSRP holdback. That amounts to around $780 or so.

Does anybody know of any Ohio area dealers that won't try to fees back into the deal.

Any other comments are also welcome.

Thanks,
Kyle

martink98 · January 2001

Where did you locate the tweeters? I'm also looking for space location for the disc changer.

tuvtest · January 2001

the Dakota Mailing list website has a Dealership rating page that is quite extensive. you can find the good, bad, and ugly of local dealers. Here's the URL

http://www.dakota-truck.net/

rexlex · January 2001

Apparently in California the dealers are charged regional advertising by Daimler-Chrysler since I see the charge on dealer invoices. I have yet to find a dealer that will waive these charges. In nos Angles they add up to about $530. The best deal I have found is $200 over dealer invoice (which includes the advertising charges from DC), plus doc fees of $45, plus sales tax and license. From this grand total the dealer will take off $1,000 rebate and $500 f. rebate to arrive at the final price. I too would like to know if any buyers have had success in getting a dealer to reduce these advertising charges.

reflex

billyhill · January 2001

Can anyone with driving experience in both manual & Auto DAK Quad trans give me pros & cons of each? I trying to decide before buying a 4x4 DAK Quad 01 with almost all options. Am waiting to test drive a man 5sp. Concern is ability to pass on the hway. I know Auto has enough zip but does man? (use 4th gear or 5th?}

tuvtest · January 2001

unfortunatly, you will be stuck paying those ad fees. DC now charges the dealers for the ads and of course the dearlers pass it on to us. I haven't heard of anybody getting the fees waived or reduced.

rexlex · January 2001

I placed my order for a 4X4 SLT QC with 4.7, 5 speed manual, lsd, skid plates, trailor tow, bucket seats, SLT Plus Decor group, HD Service group, fold away power heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, security alarm and under rail bed liner. Purchase price is $25,454, which is $194 over dealer invoice. Had to pay $160 for advertising in Los Angeles region and $360 for the DC worker's pension plan, plus the $20 mail ad fee and $11 for extra gas. Doc fees, sales tax and license fees are added and then the $1,000 rebate and $500 FB rebate applied. Total cost out the door is $26,231.93. I purchased the truck from Dependable Dodge in Canoga Park, CA. They are a 5 star dealer and I was referred to them by InvoiceDealers.com. Their deal was the best of the 5 star dealers that I talked to. Thanks to all members for the information on these trucks. I will be looking for the "yellow sludge."
rexlex

rexlex · January 2001

I decided to opt for the 5 speed manual in lieu of the multispeed auto partly based on the comments from Bookitty. Thanks for your input. I just hope the "clunking" from 1st to 2nd gear isn't too bad.
rexlex

jimt · January 2001

Bookitty, Thank-you for the order codes and much valuable information on Quad-cabs. My order is currently KZ status. No rail car assignment yet. Hope it ships soon, as I am getting anxious. The extension of rebate to 1-22-01 gives me a little more time to capture the $1,000.00. Thanks again. jimT

antony · January 2001

Anybody out there have a Quad Cab with the full-time
transfer case? How do you like it?

antony · January 2001

Also, I'm looking for opinions on the Tire and Handling Group.
What does the "stabilizer-bar,rear" do for you?

jagger00 · January 2001

Looks like I will purchase an auto AC 4.7 at dealer's invoice from one on the dealer's lot, and then subtract off the $1K and $500 credits. Can't get anyone to waive or reduce the advertising fees, but have gotten everyone to reduce all doc charges to virtually zero and to allow all accessory purchases to be at cost for 30 days after purchase. Anyone have any other thoughts or strategies? Need to gain some more insight!

bookitty · January 2001

Bruce, sounds like a deal to me. Invoice less the Dodge rebate and I assume the Farm Bureau $500.00 discount is a great deal. Especially for an "on the ground" unit that probably incurred some floor plan charges for the dealer. The advertising charges are really tough to overcome. I personally don't know anyone who has successfully avoided them. Good luck.

Bookitty

mtrialsm · January 2001

I decided to purchase a new Dakota Quad cab, 2wd,
4.7,auto,limit-slip rear. I joined Farm Bureau
yesterday(have to be a member for 30days), will
order truck today. Might miss the Dodge rebate,
but I couldn't find "my" truck.
I'll get it at $100 over invoice.
Looks like a great truck. (I've never owned a Dodge).
mick

jagger00 · January 2001

Who makes or has a reasonably priced soft cover for the Quad Cab?

ford_bii · January 2001

Well, I can't comment on a good soft cover, but I finally got my A.R.E. LSII fiberglass cover. They matched the paint pefectly the second time around, and I must say, it is one heck of an excellent cover! I've only had it a few days but I would recommend it based on what I've seen so far.

While I was getting the cover put on, I was chatting with the installers, and they told me some pretty good stories about this guy who was in over the summer to get the same cover for his Amber Fire QC.

The guys name was "Norm"...

bookitty · January 2001

Chris, you've been to Cottman. They did a great job on my tonneau as well as the Westin side bars.

Norm (Bookitty)

bnc · January 2001

Antony,
I have an 01' Quad 4X4 4.7 3.92 gears auto and the 265 tireswith the handling package and full time xfer case. I have 1700 miles on the truck with a decent mix of freeway, 11,000 foot passes, in town and sharp curvey country roads in the 3 weeks I have had the truck. The mileage improves with each fill and is averaging approx 17 mpg. I dont baby it and keep my foot in it quite a bit as it is a pleasure to drive. It handles like a car, I dont know if that has to do with the rear stabilizer or not but I love driving it on the curves at well over the curve rating. tracks great with very llittle to no body roll.
We have had some snow here recently in Colorado and I have to say I am very impressed with the full time xfer case. I have a hard time breaking it loose on purpose let alone in "normal" snow driving style. For me it works great. I love it. The milage is acceptable and I expect it to only get better as I break it in further. My 02.

antony · January 2001

Thanks for your info. That is about the same setup I was
thinking about(4.7L,auto,3.92,handling pkg, full-time xfer case). Do you by any chance also have the limited-slip
rear end?

tuvtest · January 2001

A stabilizer bar, AKA sway bar, is used to control body roll and improve handling by keeping the tire in better contact with the road in turns. nearly all vehicles have fronts, the rears, if available, are usally optional.

bnc · January 2001

Sorry antony, I was a tad lazy in my reply. I also have the limited slip. After the post last night I had to go pick up my kids and tromped it pretty good on the packed snow covered roads and just smiled.. I alo recently hit some dirt roads with sharp curves pretty hard, It is a different feel in that the rear did not slide out and allow to power through the turn, It more like pushed and grabbed and pulled through the turn more like a front wheel drive would behave.

All in all, I think you'll be very happy, I am

bnc · January 2001

Anybody know who makes the bug deflector for mopar? Looking for the dakota deflector in particular. Kinda hard to fork over 100.00 bucks for the mopar one.
Thanks

mtrialsm · January 2001

Does the dealer invoice = Edmunds' invoice plus
3% MSRP? That's the figure the dealer invoice
came up with on the truck I ordered.
Thanks,
mick

texaszach · January 2001

Hi All,

It's been quite some time since I posted here. My 2000 Dakota is a 4x4 SLT Plus, 4.7, auto, 3.55 limited slip, tire & handling pkg. I now have about 9,000 miles on the truck and my ownership experience has been great. The truck has performed flawlessly. I could not be more pleased with the 4.7 engine. This truck is nimble, quick and easy to negotiate in tight spots. The only complaint I have would be the front seats. Even with the manual lumbar set at maximum pressure, road trips longer than two hours take their toll. I was hoping Dodge would offer upgraded seating in the Dakota this year similar to the full sized Ram, especially since leather is now available but my salesman tells me such is not the case.

Zach

rfroache · January 2001

Hello Fellow Quad Cabbies! I am giddy with delight over my brand spankin' new 2001 QC 4.7L 4x4 SLT Plus Decor with LSD, Fog lights, Premium overhead console, fog lights, skid plate, sliding rear window and more! I accessorized with a rubber mat, plastic tailgate protector, deeper window tinting, immobiliser security system, and deluxe splash guards. I've got a couple questions for you wild ones out there.

1. Nerf Bars, Running Boards, or Steps??? Although it's no prob for me, my little lady and the older folks are having a bit of trouble gettin' their butts onboard! I never liked running boards, but what's the best solution for a second step to get the old folks in the back seat (throwing them in the bed is not an option!) I'm leaning towards Westin Nerf bars, but do they give enough clearance to get a good foothold on them?

2. My temp sensor is not registering on the overhead console. I don't think it's a reset issue, I'm taking the truck in next week for installation of my splash guards and I'll have the mechanics fix it then, but do any of you geniuses out there have the answer? A prize will be awarded!!!

bookitty · January 2001

Bob, I have the Westin side bars on my 2000 Quad and there is sufficient step room for good purchase even with my size 12 feet. I bought them for Cottman Truck Corp. in Willow Grove, PA (215)657-8443. They installed them as well. They are an A.R.E. dealer as well. Nice people. A while back, someone on the forum had a problem with their temperature read out, and it turned out to be a missing or loose probe mount or fastener. Sounds as if you have an awesome unit.

Bookitty

bookitty · January 2001

Zach, it's good to hear from you. Glad that your truck pleases you so much. By your description of manual lumbar support, it sounds as though you have bucket seats. I have the bench (split) seats, and I find them quite comfortable, but I haven't any road trips that exceeded 3 hours. Stay in touch.

Bookitty

texaszach · January 2001

Hi Amigo! I plan on checking in from time to time. Yes, I do have the buckets. Apparently I should have given the bench stronger consideration. The new Silverado's have great seating.....hmmmmmm

thesandman · January 2001

The Quad has 13,000 miles of 70% freeway,23% city,and 7% off highway travel at the 13,000 mile mark. No long trips,just the daily grind. The wife has put the vast majority of the miles on the truck,its her truck. The road to the house is currently covered with snow and has been for two weeks now. Found a set of alloy wheels at the scrap yard that were the same as the wheels on the truck. bought them for $.70 cents per pound,they were good as new. Put studded snows on them. Still can't get to the house with out using four wheel drive.4.7,auto,3.92 diff.and 10.50's x15 @4500 to 5500+ elevation = 16+- miles per gallon. One problem with cruse control,repaired made. Very pleased with this truck. On the occasions when I get to drive the truck a smile/smirk seems to come across my face. Hmmmmm..........
Now if I could only get the wife to drive one of the Ford trucks.

rfroache · January 2001

Nice driveway! Out east we call that a "dangerous mountain road"! You gave me a great a idea with the old rims and studs, for a friend whose got a nasty road behind an orchard to get to her house. Hey, she drives a Dakota Sport that's a start in the right direction. You live above 5000 ft.?!? What's your hematocrit, man you gotta be in a sweet spot, how's the mountain climbing?

jagger00 · January 2001

Picked up the 2-tone Auto 2WD QC SLT Plus with the 4.7 V8, 3.92 axle, Anti-spin diff, HD service group, tow pkg, reg split seats, fogs, CD, with a few other options, a few days back at $200 below dealer's invoice before the $1500 discounts on top. Great Truck and great drive! Good deals can be gotten with some effort!

quadtruck · January 2001

YOU CAN GET A NICE ROCK AND BUG GUARD FROM "LUND" THEY SELL IN THE WESTERN STATES AT G.I.JOES.
THEY ARE BETTER THAN THE MOLAR UNITS. THE REG. PRICE WAS $42.50, AND I GOT MINE AT 20% OFF JUST LAST WEEK. GOOD LUCK

rfroache · January 2001

Thanks for the info bookitty. I guess I'll go with the Westin side bars if there are no objections out there. I've been going to Wright's Truck Accessories in Springfield for years - Great People!!! I really hate to put any step rail on the QC, but my folks just can't get in without it. (hmmm, is that such a bad thing?!?)

quadtruck · January 2001

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT KNOWS IF THEY MAKE THE "LUND SIDEKICK" RUNNING BOARD STEPS FOR THE QUAD CAD AT THIS TIME? THE ONLY ONES THAT I CAN FIND IS FOR THE EXTENDED CAD. IF ANYONE KNOWS I SHOULD WOULD APPRECIATE THE HELP LOCATING THEM. THANKS;

cbagshaw · January 2001

I am currently looking at Dakota Quads (4.7 motor with LSD) ... My question has to do with whether I would be better off with the 4X2 or 4X4 configuration. I will be using the truck mostly as a daily commuter and occaisionally as a home depot runner (no heavy stuff or towing). I live in eastern PA and we occasionally get some snow (like this year). I like the idea of a 4X2 for the following reasons : better handling (?) .. quieter (tire type?), maybe better gas mileage, potentially less problematic (no 4 wheel drive transfer case, and maybe most importantly less expensive (around 2500.00). 99% of the time, I won't be driving in snow but I don't want to be kicking myself the first time I really need the 4 wheel drive. Is it realistic to think that I can cutover to dedicated winter tires and 5 or 6 sandbags in the bed when the snow comes ? All thoughts and experience is appreciated. (also does anyone know yet what the NEW incentive will be on the Quads starting tommorrow ?)

steve234 · January 2001

Unless you get the electric buckets, the bench seat and the buckets on the Quads are the same. I was going with the buckets and checked it out. The only difference is what they put in the middle between the buckets. I was going to remove the middle seat and install an aftermarket console. Unfortuneately I underestimated the way they mounted the middle seat in 01 and my wife's desire to have a middle seat for her dog.

antony · January 2001

You seem to be doing well in the snow with the full-time xfer
case and the limited slip rear. How often have you had to use
part-time 4WD? Also, to engage part-time 4WD, do you have the floor lever, or the rotary switch on the instrument
panel?

bobs5 · January 2001

The 2001 models have the rotary knob on the dash for 4x4 engagement.

antony · January 2001

Does anyone make an "over-the-rails" bedliner for the Quads?

txqc2000 · January 2001

Antony - You may already know this, but Dodge/Mopar makes an over-the-rails bedliner for the Quadcab. You can also install the optional bedliner light and 12V power outlet if you go with a Mopar liner (either under-the-rails or over-the-rails). I love this accessory, especially now that I have a tonneau cover over the bed. Ask your dealer for a Mopar accessories brochure.

Shawkwav - I noticed no one responded to your post re:the Mopar Gull Wing Tonneau cover. I have one on my truck and it is compatible with the tailgate protector. I don't know whether it is compatible with over-the-rail bedliners, but the accessories catalog didn't have any such disclaimer (I have an under-the-rail liner). The Tonneau cover is water tight. However, if there's lots of water on the gull wing covers when you open them, there's a chance some water may run into the bed instead of the water channel, depending how well the covers are adjusted. I made some slight modifications to the gull wing covers to ensure all the water is diverted into the channels (I simply cut a strip of garage door weather stripping and mounted it to the wings using double stick tape -- the kind used to mount the Ventvisors -- which created an extended lip on the bottom of the gull wing doors). Now I don't have this problem. Also, the main portion of the cover does not have this problem whatsoever.

I posted some pictures of my QC with the gullwing cover, bedliner light, etc. on the web at:

http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000

Good luck!

bookitty · January 2001

Anthony, as far as I know, most if not all manufacturers of drop in liners offer under and over the rail types. I have a Tuffliner (under the rail) and it is a great liner for me, as it provides lateral slots in which I placed 2X boards to make separate compartments. Here is a site that sells Pendaliner, both under and over. just click on this link.
http://www.pickupspecialties.com.
Use your search engine to provide manufacturers' sites as well as other dealers.

Bookitty

h_bosi · January 2001

Anthony,

For my 01' QC, I installed a Duraliner, over the rail (incl. tailgate rail) bedliner. Should be around $210. Call your local accessories/topper dealers.

Pendaliner also sell one over-the-rail, a little bit cheaper.

I prefer drop-in liners because heavy stuff will slide over the liner (of course, if you'd rather have a liner that does not slide, consider a spray-on).

/BOSI

bnc · January 2001

You saw the post on the rotary switch, the only "wish" I could have on the truck is that they still made the lever for the xfer case engagement. But, maybe I am old fashioned..

I have not had to use the part time 4x4 system for the snow at all, I feel more than comfortable with the AWD setting and the LS. Then again, I am talking about packed dry snow roads which as a rule offer decent traction. When we get the spring wet snows which will have more ice and slush conditions, I may use the part time. probably experiment with it as well on the next snow here

snag4 · January 2001

I am looking at the Quad Cab and see that no one is really buying the 3.9L w/auto. Is this a bad setup? Are there problems with this? I really do not need to haul anything and do not need the bigger engine but is the gas mileage the same between the 3.9 and 4.7? Are there issues with the automatic transmission? Is there anything to be weiry of in the 2001? Thanks in advanced!!

texaszach · January 2001

Have you driven examples of both engines? My 2000 Quad 4x4 SLT Plus is equipped with the 4.7, auto, 3.55 gears and the tire/handling package. I have never driven a 3.9 equipped Quad but I must tell you that the 4.7 has impressed me very much. I have nearly 9,000 miles on it so far. This truck runs like a bat out of h*ll! The fun factor is high with the 4.7, drive 'em and see for yourself.

pixeln · January 2001

I don't have any inside knowledge, but I am also very interested to see if Dodge extends the rebate. I ordered my truck (4wd SLT 4.7 5 speed) just before Christmas and dealer says three more weeks. Dodge has yet to update their WEB page (it still says as of 1/9/01), but dealer claims they will extend or increase rebate. Interesting note is that Ford and Chevy both extended their rebate until 4/01 on the Ranger and S-10. Hard to believe Dodge would not follow their lead.

bobs5 · January 2001

My truck is a 2001 model with the rotary knob for 4x4 engagement.
I have only used it twice so far just to try it out.
It has performed flawlessly.
I hope it continues to do so.
When Dodge stated that they were going from the floor mounted lever to the rotary knob, I was a bit skeptical about the concept. Time will tell if it will be a reliable system.

DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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