DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

rfroache · January 2001

Antony, the rotary knob bothers me because I can't really see it hiding behind the stearing wheel. I have already switched to 4x4 to zoom the secondary streets only to forget to turn it off when I got back on the main roads. Maybe they should have put it in a more visible place?!?!

stnick · January 2001

My 2cents Snag4. I drove the 3.9 in a club cab in99. I bought the 4.7 in my 00 QC. I really can't think of any reason, other than saving the 550.00 or so , to go with the 3.9 older design engine. The 4.7 milage is acually listed as being a little higher than the 3.9, at least it was in 2000. Resale would be better with 4.7 also. And the sound of the two is vastly different. Performence, no contest. 4.7 hands down for me.

stnick · January 2001

Antony, my 2000 QC has the floor shift. I really wasn't too keen on it because my previous truck, a 95 Ranger SC had the switch. I had it 5 years and had no trouble with it. Only when it was below zero it might take a little longer for the elecronic switch box to engage the transfer case. But it never refused. Ofcoarse after I bought my 2000 I saw that Dodge went to the switch. My local dealer a couple of years ago said that the reason Dodge had not gone the switch route was that the lever was more reliable. Mine was good though in the Ford. Stnick..

bookitty · January 2001

Anthony, Nick, I have had many 4WD vehicles, and except for 2 Ford trucks with full time 4WD (both were field converted to part time adding after market Warn hubs)and all of these vehicles had a manual stick for the transfer case. I represented a line of rough terrain forklifts and hydraulic cranes, and they too operated in the same way except for having 3 and 4 speed drop boxes (transfer cases). When Ford came out with the Explorer, I ordered one with 5 speed, manually shifted transfer case and Warn type manually locking hubs. Worked flawlessly. My elder son on the other hand bought the same year Explorer from the lot, and it had automatic transmission and hubs along with the electronic push buttons complete with a synchronizer. Sometimes it went into 4WD on a nice dry day, all on its own. Back to the dealer. Sometimes it would not go into 4WD on a horrible snowy day. Back to the dealer. Final solution, back to the dealer in the form of a trade. Unfortunately, he was not alone as this was a very prevalent problem and affected many vehicles. Some people hadn't a clue that it had gone into 4WD and just drove it around. Now, I am certain that the electronic system has improved (had one on my company leased Expedition and incurred no problems other than slow engagement in very cold weather). The fact is, that if I had my "druthers", I would choose the manual shifting lever for the part time 4WD. As a matter of fact, if Warn type manually locking hubs were available, I would choose them as well (okay, so I'm a dinosaur). Just my thoughts on this.

Bookitty

ben221 · January 2001

In Oct. I bought my Dakota ext.cab 3.9L V-6 an now have 6k miles on it. In cold weather all I am able to get is 13mpg(below 10 degrees)highway,and when the weather was warmer 15mpg is about the best I could get. I never thought it was possable for a V-6 engine to guzzle fuel the way this thing does. I've been reading other people's comments and they seem to think 15mpg is good for a little truck. (Wake up people) 13-15mpg is terrible. The mileage I'm getting is 25% below the EPA sticker and what the dealer claimed before I purchased this gas guzzling hog. I've been back to the dealer and they claim the truck is running just the way it is suppose too. They even tried to tell me that running the defogger would make the mileage drop. Lets face it folks, if the EPA sticker on your truck said 14MPG highway would you have bought your truck??????Dodge is still in the dark ages when it comes to making there trucks get anything close to reasonable mileage. Most of my friends drive full size Chevys ext.cabs V-8s and all of them get over 16mpg and as high as 21mpg highway. I knew before buying that 18mpg on the EPA sticker wasn't great but who would believe Dodge could have screwed up this bad. Would love to hear from anyone else that is disappointed with there Dakota's mileage. Who knows,,,,there is power in numbers,,,maybe we can do something able this.

bookitty · January 2001

Ben, you did not note what transmission your truck
is equipped with, but my 2000 Quad cab with 4.7 V8
and 5 speed averages 17-18 mixed (no heavy city traffic) and 18-20 on the road @ 60 MPH. On limitted access highways running 70 MPH, it turns in 20-21 MPG. Above figures are using cruise control and are averaged from the onboard computer
as well as manual configuration (calculator). Ben,
this is a pretty large vehicle and the stalwart but old design V6 is really marginal for the truck. I don't know your driving habits, or the type of terrain traversed, but it does sound low. Using the defogger engages the AC compressor, and that can somewhat affect mileage by placing an even greater load on a power plant that is marginal from the start. When I considered a Nissan Crew Cab before purchasing a Dakota, the same demon emerged. Not enough engine to properly do the job. This is my second Dakota, but my 1995 Extended cab had the 5.2 V8 and ran like a "raped-ape." Were I you, I would voice my concern(s) to the area D/C representative. He/she may be contacted via the dealer. Insist on meeting with them. Yours is the voice that must be heard prior to any group action. Quoting what others say is purely anecdotal and means little. Try to document in writing, mileage results with dates and fuel consumption notations. Good luck.

Bookitty

steve234 · January 2001

I drive both engines (automatic) in a Dakota daily. The 3.9 is adequate for the job, but for a personal ride, the 4.7 is a whole lot more fun. As for mileage, you are moving 2 1/2 tons of metal. My Quad weighs as much as my 91 F150 SC, but I average 2-3 mpg better. One thing that I have noticed is that mileage will vary according to what part of the country you are in. When I travel, my mileage can vary 5-10% based on factors like humidity, altitude and other unknowns.

mikeintoronto · January 2001

You guys got me all confused about wether I've made the right decision. I just ordered my quad cab 3.9 with a 5 speed yesterday figuring I could eek out a slightly better gas mileage than the 4.7. A previous post mention the V8 being an extra 550. Well in Canada the increase is $1230 (invoice price). To me that was another big chunk of cash to let go. I'm not planning on towing anything heavy however I am very concerned about getting the best fuel economy that I can with the QC. The Canadian ratings for the above mentioned vehicle are 19 mpg city and 29 mpg hwy, also our gallon is 20 % larger. That tranlates to 15.2 city and 23.2 hwy. Any comments?

Also has anyone had any experience with spray on bed liners? I've heard that they are quite good except for the lack of dent resistance that a conventional liner would have.

bookitty · January 2001

Mike, it seems that the general consensus is that the 3.9 is not delivering the mileage as rated. It depends upon how long you intend to keep your truck. If you amatorize the cost of the upgrade over a period of time, it will be easier to bite the bullet. The recent posting regarding poor mileage delivered by the 3.9 was on a Club cab. A quad cab compounds the issue because of increased weight. The entire problem revolves around the power to weight ratio, and the 3.9 is marginal at best. The price you quoted is mind boggling even considering the rate of exchange. Move to the "Falls", US side.

Bookitty

ford_bii · January 2001

I have 1800 miles on my 2001 4wd 5-speed QC. Doing calculations from the actual gas put into the tank and the mileage on the odometer, I get 14-15 MPg, mostly city. The overhead computer is pretty much useless, since it consistently tells me I'm getting 2-3 mpg more than that per tank. Just my experiences.

tuvtest · January 2001

since Boo covered the first part of your questions, I'll take the second.
I've had experience with spray-ons for awhile now. A previous truck I had, I installed a Rhino lining spray-in. When my cousin recently sold the truck, the liner was still in near perfect condition after more than 8 yrs. No fading and very little surface abrasion from carrying concrete. I had a Line-x liner put in (on?) my QC very quickly after purchase and it looks great. I do not think that the impact resistance is a factor. the spray in has a cushioning effect and if the impact is great enough to hurt it, it would be great enough to crack a hard slide in liner. The only thing I would caution with spray-ins is cargo with sharp edges can cut it. wood with nails protruding, engines slid with the edges not protected, sheet metal slid on edge, ect. can do damage. The upside is that a "touch-up" coat can be applied to repair these defects.
Good luck on your decision, and we hope to see you in the owners club groups soon.

mikeintoronto · January 2001

I've spent the last 24 hrs trying to get any more information that I could with regards to a true controlled comparison between the 2 engines/trucks. I went back to the dealer to see if he had any information specifically on the QUAD cab mileage ( ie. controlled tests between a manual 3.9 and a manual 4.7), they only had regular cab info: (Canadian MPG)

2wd 3.9 city 19, hwy 29
2wd 4.7 city 17, hwy 29.

I then called the Canadian agency that tests and publishes the sticker mileage seen on new vehicles, they had the same figures that Chrysler had. (No surprise there, but again no specific information on the QC). I then called Chrysler Canada again asking for QC mileage, same answer, standard cab only. The same figures.

I then called Chrysler USA to see if they had any information on the QC. No, once again standard cab only. Their figures converted to Canadian gallons are:

2wd 3.9 city 19, hwy 26.4
2wd 4.7 city 18, hwy 24

I also asked if these were the values used on the new vehicle stickers, the answer was yes. Now this is a contradiction of a previous post above that stated that the sticker stated higher MPG for the 4.8 then the 3.9. It was this post that really drove me on my hunt for more information. Now I can see that these figures may be better than what you get during real driving conditions but it seems to me that the 3.9 would still prevail. Now another possible factor that could influence the difference between the QC and the standard cab would be the weight difference:

Curb weight standard cab 3852 lbs
Cub weight Quad cab 4161 lbs

Since these figure have a difference of 309 lbs. I have a hard time believing that this is enough to give the 4.7 an advantage.

I know that the Canadian figures are from tests performed under laboratory conditions however I don’t know if they include any passenger weight during testing which would fuel Bookity’s explanation of the engine being under powered.

By the sounds of all the posts it sounds like the 4.7 is a real GEM however I’m coming from a Mazda 2200 so the 3.9 will be like going to heaven for me. My final decision was based on economics. (As well I will not be loading up the truck very often). So in conclusion I don’t believe I’ll recoup my $1230 extra for a 4.7 through gas savings.

Since I actually ordered 2 days ago I didn’t have to go back and try to change my order to include the 4.7.

Can’t wait to get the new truck!

Thanks for the reply on the spray on liner, sounds like the way to go.

cs18 · January 2001

hey ben 221..i am right there with you bud..15 is absolutely the best my 2001 will get...i had three other problems,one which has been resolved...problem one was rattling dash...they fixed that...the engine has a peck in it that sounds like a bas lifter..problem three is excessive spark knock,even in cold weather..some spark knock is expected in todays vehicles,but this one annoying the devil out of me...i have written dodge a three page letter..and will continue to hound them until i get some satisfaction...

iowabigguy · January 2001

Mike. I think driving style has the greatest impact on gas mileage. I am a conservative driver and I get fairly good mileage in my Quad cab. I have the 4.7L 5 speed and 3.55 gears. In town driving with lots of stop and go brings me into the low 16mpg range. Straight highway driving at 55 to 60 mph returns 21.6 mpg. Interstate driving at a steady 70mph returns 19.5mpg. I seldom start out in 1st gear as the motor has enough "grunt" to start in 2nd without lugging the motor. If I'm starting out going up a steep grade or pulling a trailer I'll use 1st. I don't warm up my Quad on a cold morning longer than a minute. I drive slower than normal until the temperature needle starts to rise. I anticipate stops, getting off the gas and coasting to stoplights. I also have an overhead computer and have modified my driving style to return a maximum MPG rating when traffic density and safety allows. Now that the colder weather is here my mileage figures have dropped to the mid 15mpg in in town driving. Highway mileage has remained about the same. I don't think you could anticipate any higher mileage with the 4.7l than I get. You would have to convert these figures for the imperial gallon of course. I don't think you could ever save enough on gas to offset the increased cost for the 4.7 over the 3.9. For maximum economy I agree you are better off with the 3.9 HOWEVER the the 4.7 is a much more satisfying motor. The power is there if needed to tow and I love the exhaust sound on those rare occasion I punch the gas pedal. Rick

bookitty · January 2001

Danny, are you familiar with the $500.00 discount on Dodge trucks for members of the Farm Bureau? You must be a member for 30 days prior to taking delivery. You can access the Farm Bureau via this link. http://www.fb.com

Bookitty

danodw · January 2001

Thanks I will check out farm bureau. By the way I forgot to mention I am getting
the 4.7 L , wouldn't go any other way.

quadtruck · January 2001

I have only read of one person having problems with the 4.7 engine. Is anyone aware of problems with this engine? I only have 500 mile on my new truck. Also is it true, the mileage gets better after 3000, to 5000 miles? I have been easy on the throttle and still get about 14.8 over the road.

bukovy · January 2001

I have settled on the Dakota QuadCab 4.71 v8, but i am not sure if i should get 4x4. I tow a 16 ft. boat occasionally and have lots of snow in the winter, however I have never been stuck with my Camry of Caravan. Should I pay the extra $3000 Canadian cost for 4x4 or stick with 2x2. Any differenve in gas mileage, handling, etc.? I would appreciate any advise.

bookitty · January 2001

Ray, as far as towing a 16 foot boat occasionaly, the only time a 4X4 would really be handy is on a steep or poorly engineered (ramp drop off) ramp. However, from my limited experience in Thunder Bay
("Tunder Bay"),during the winter, there would be no question in my mind. Besides covering the area to support my dealer (logging and construction equipment), I attended the logging shows held there as well. The resale factor would be sufficient to offset the extra cost. 4WD will burn more fuel. Also, there is a difference between "never getting stuck", and driving pretty much when and where you choose. In either event, opt for limited slip differential. The 3.55 and the factory tow package along with the heavy duty service group. These options should suit you well. Good luck.

Bookitty

sg40739 · January 2001

I was thinking about lowering my 2 ad quad, any suggestions. I was thinking maybe 2 inch in front and back but my concern was will that effect my trucks payload?

sg40739 · January 2001

I picked up some R/T rims and tires for my quad, havn't put them on yet, i live in CT waiting for spring. Does anyone have a picture of a quad cab with R/T rims?

txqc2000 · January 2001

If you live near your Dodge dealership, pick up a Dakota accessories catalog. The 2001 version has tons of pictures of a QC with the R/T wheel/tire package on it.

bpeebles · January 2001

My MPG improved for 8K to 10K miles. Recall that the 4.7L V8 Hemi has extremely tight tolerances and will take time before it "loosens up".

chadc777 · January 2001

Probably rarely or never a concern, but what happens if you have no battery power and you need to shift the transfter case out of 4x4 for towing?

A manual you just do it. Electric? How do you get enough juice to get it to shift? Jump it?

I am looking at trading in my "all options" 98 extended cab on a new quad and like only half of the recent Dakota updates. I'd prefer the positive feel of the manual transfer case and the old gauges were better. Who's idea was it to remove all the information (words, numbers, etc) from the guages?!

I do like the heating/cooling controls better and the new CD/stereos compared to the old. Still can't find a decent seat, though. My 6-way power buckets were decent but the cheap, cheap three position lumbar "switch" just won't cut it. It also stripped when I leaned back on it one time to get my wallet out of my pocket. They fixed it, but I am careful not to put too much preasure on it. It feels close to stripping again.

So now I must decide between getting the quad and replacing the seats with aftermarket or getting a particular fullsize truck that have superior front seats, an extended cab with as much room as the four door Dakota, additional options unavailable on the quad, and equivelent mileage with more HP (to make up for the weight increase) but cost more money. I've been sitting on the fence for the last year and am starting to fall further away from the Dakota even though the 60,000 miles in mine have been a pleasure. Will Dakotas ever get good seats? That would help make the decision easier. Although buying a high end Quad and replacing the seats is still cheaper than a high end full size, I don't look forward to finding the right seats and, more importantly, a reliable shop to do the job right.

What is everyone else doing to solve the Dakota seat issue? Does one of the three available lumbar "clicks" actually suit everyone?

By the way, loved all of the quads I've driven from a performance and handling standpoint and definitely would get the 4.7L and be satisfied with it replacing my 5.2L.

tuvtest · January 2001

Here's one more option for you. For the 2002 MY the new redesigned Ram will have 4 doors ala QC. This truck will be debuted at the Chicago Auto Show Feb 9.

sg40739 · January 2001

Thanks TXQC2000, I'll have to check that out.
Is the R/T wheels an option on the QC in 2001?

billisacrook · January 2001

I've had my Quad Cab about a month now, and I gotta say...
Damn-near perfect! Didn't skimp on any options and I love the 4.7.
I installed a Roll--Lock tonneau cover and had the dealer provide
a MOPAR bed extender.
Now the warning: I figured I'd buy the extender from the MOPAR
Accessory catalog because I liked the looks of it. You can get them cheaper
elsewhere (paid $235). Well guess what? NO REPLACEMENT
PARTS ARE AVAILABLE for this stuff. Called several dealers to find out
how to get parts. They say they don't know who makes this stuff and can't help.
Bottom line: break one of the plastic do-dahs that holds this stuff together,
you get to buy another whole unit.

davids1 · January 2001

If you bought if from your dealer and they installed it, they should cover it under your 3/36000 warranty. Good luck.

texaszach · January 2001

I've owned my Dakota since last May. 4x4 Quad SLT Plus 4x4 4.7 auto, 3.55 lsd, tire & handling pkg and most other available options. I posted recently that the only complaint I have on my truck is the seats. You and I are sitting on the same fence as I have been strongly considering purchasing a full sized Ram SLT Plus to get the better seating. For me, the larger beds on the Rams would be an asset as well.
Regarding aftermarket seating.....In 1987 I purchased a new S-10 extended cab and within the first week of ownership had Recaro seats installed by a local shop in the Dallas area. I've given thought to doing this once again, but as you are, purchasing the full size seems the better option.

rfroache · January 2001

Texaszach, while you're on the subject of seats, I've gotta say this is my primary complaint with my new Quad. I feel like the windshield slopes down too low and when I'm sitting straight up, I'm looking at the sunvisors instead of through the windows. I've got to keep far back at intersections so I don't have to twist my head to see the street lights. I'm only 5'11'' and I was wondering if the 6 way power seat would have dropped my ars lower so I'm not looking at the sun visor? Any have any comments on this?

davids1 · January 2001

I am considering purchasing a Dakota Quad. I will be trading in a 99 Ram 1500 Quad. The reason for my wanting to trade is to get 4 independently operating doors. My question is this: Will I be regretting my decision a year or so down the road. Comfort means a lot to me as I am 6'-5" tall and REALLY LIKE the amount of room and the comfort of the Ram. My [non-permissible content removed] fits nicely in my seats right now. Maybe time for an extended test drive.

kojak3 · January 2001

Just picked up my new QC 4.7--loving it. Glad I went with the 4.7. I traded in my 92 Dakota, 3.9 and the extra horse in the motor is well worth the couple extra bucks. Took advantage of the end-of-month with the rebate. Squeaked out extra stuff because they wanted to close on truck today! Plus, they had to drive 400 miles round trip to pick up the truck. Glad I was dealing with a 5-star dealer. Yes, could've ordered the truck with the rebate now extended, but I basically got what I wanted anyway.

Glad I stumbled onto this message board because I was looking to see if there were any trends with the 2001 MCs. Didn't really see any other than some people saying they had to take the 4.7 back in to get the timing adjusted. So far, only driving it 20 miles home, didn't notice any pinging.

Definitely in love with this 4.7 versus 3.9

bookitty · January 2001

There is also an owners club, with lots of great information being exchanged constantly. One need not be an owner to participate, as we welcome any person who has interest in Dodge Dakotas. All that is asked is to post without "dissing" others and show respect for all parties.

Bookitty

tuvtest · February 2001

If you can hold out til August, the new redesigned Ram will be out with 4 full doors. This rig will be introduced at the Chicago Auto Show Feb 9-18. I will be attending opening day and let you know about it if you like. If you contact me off-line (E-mail address is in my profile) I could porbably send you some jpgs.

jagger00 · February 2001

Just had a "Line-X" under rail liner "sprayed" into the QC - what a great job. Beats the Mopar stuff and bed mats I had in other vehicles. Good deal too. Something to consider....

bagshaw · February 2001

Jagger,

May I ask how much the X-Liner job is for a QC ?

jagger00 · February 2001

I'm in the Sotheast for regional info - and the price I paid was $345 total, all incl. - which was about $200 less than the dealer was trying to mark it up to.

txqc2000 · February 2001

The R/T style wheels are NOT an option on the QC for 2001. I guess they just put them on the QC in the accessories catalog for show. I too am planning to add these wheels to my QC eventually -- probably when my original tires wear out. I've checked around and you really can't get much for the original wheels & tires even when new. So I'll just save up in the meantime.

I also plan to put the 275/60R17's on the wheels (the size that's on the Durango R/T) as opposed to the 255/55R17's b/c I think they fill out the wheel wells better. As far as I can tell from test driving the Durango R/T, there are no problems going with this size (ie. tire rubbing on wheel well, etc.).

davids1 · February 2001

I know the new Rams will be out this fall. You can bet that they won't have the current incentives on the new model. I am debating taking the plunge now so I can take advantage of the customer/dealer incentives, whether it be a Dakota Quad or an 01 Ram Quad. By the way, I would like to see any .jpg's you take at the auto show. I'll get in touch with you later.

Thanx

pixeln · February 2001

Ordered a Dakota Quadcab 4X4 on Dec 15, and the dealer tells us all the layoffs continue to cause delays at the factory. We have the VON and last digits of the VIN. WHAT WEB SITE DO WE USE TO TRACK THE (LACK OF PROGRESS) AT THE FACTORY? P.S., the 0.9% financing was originally IN ADDITION TO the factory rebate--they changed it.

texaszach · February 2001

rfroache...I'm also 5'11" tall but do not have the problem you described. The power seat option on my truck gives the driver the exact kind of seat adjustment latitude that you suspect.

tuvtest...I sent you an e-mail this a.m. regarding pics of the new Ram. I too would like to view any and all .jpg's you take of the '02 Ram.

davids1...Assuming your Ram 1500 Quad is an SLT Plus with the multi adjustable power seats, you may be disappointed with the front seats in the Dakota Quad. To be fair, the seats please most drivers, but there are a few of us who would like the option of upgraded seating from the factory.

lmtodd · February 2001

I recently drove a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with the six way power seat and I loved the way it sat. I just sold a 2000 Honda Accord EX because I could not tolerate the seat. I'm only 5'7" tall but I do have some unique back problems and this is the most comfortable seat I have tried yet. I am still looking at other vehicles but none have sat as good as the Dakota to me. I am interested in gas mileage. Is it true from owner experience that the 4.7 liter with the 3.55 axle ratio will get within one mile per gallon of the 3.9 liter with a 3.55 axle ratio? I do no towing and live in relatively flat terrain.

dpgrose · February 2001

I am about ready to order a Quad Cab. What is the LSD feature I have seen posted here and what is the best price that anyone has received on a 2001 Quad 4.7, 2X4, 3.55, that is loaded?

dbhfd · February 2001

Does anyone have any idea where I can order one. Changing the oil filter makes to much of a mess and is driving me crazy. If you know of a web site, please list it for me. Thanx

bookitty · February 2001

LSD stands for limited slip differential. Drive axle differentials like water, electricity and most of us follow the path of least resistance. This means, that if one wheel of the axle is on dry hard pavement, and the other wheel is on a snow packed shoulder, you are going nowhere, because the wheel on the left tractive surface will spin freely. The limited slip differential has a clutch pack which senses the uneven tractive effort, and it increases traction in a limited manner to allow both wheels to rotate. It is an option that I personally would not want to be without. With no limited slip, your two wheel drive can become a no wheel drive. Same for a four wheel drive if two wheels on the same side are on a non-tractive surface. Limited means that the differential continues to do its job in allowing for different rotating speeds while turning. Hope this helps.

Bookitty

tvay · February 2001

Go to http://www.dakota-truck.net/order_status.html to track your order. I ordered my cc on Dec.19th.I just got off the phone with the AR and it should be at dealer tonight!!! Dodge and the AR were very helpful.

tvay · February 2001

the message above the AR is Railroad. It didn't spell check the way I wanted... Have a great day!!

rfroache · February 2001

OK Guys,.. I give up. SOMEWHERE there was a link to order the 2001 service manual, not that I would waste such money.... It must be the beer talking! Anybody have that link? I've got a better question.., Any idea when Haynes comes out with the 2001 eds. for vehicles???
- hey, it was a rough week!

pinnaclecsi · February 2001

I don't know about a link on the forum, however, ther is an order form at the back of your Owner's manual.

iowabigguy · February 2001

The company that sells them I believe is Helm Inc. Try a web search on the name! There is also an 800 number in the back of your owners manual as well as an order blank. Rick

DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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