DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

bpeebles · February 2001

The HAYNES manuals try to cover many model years in one book... They are no match for the actual service manual written by the people that designed your truck. The BOB is specifically for ONE model year and vehicle and is about 4X thicker than the Haynes book which covers 5 years.
(Obviously Haynes is leaving some things out)

There is NO comparison between these two documents. The BOB is FAR more useful and includes ALL electric diagrams, Plugs, Connectors and ground points.The BOB also DESCRIBES all the systems in detail. All possible fail codes are spelled out. The operation of EACH component is thoroughly covered. The testing of each component is documented too.

thesandman · February 2001

They could of made it easier to get to that oil filter. I cut the top off a 2 liter plastic soda bottle and use it to catch the old filter and oil. I loosen the oil filter to the point where I can spin it off with the soda bottle around the filter. Keeps the mess to a minimum.

rfroache · February 2001

WoW, you guys came through in a flash!!! YES - the back of the owners manual! I could've swore I found an online link, but no importantae. Bruce, you're absolutely right about the difference in manuals, but BOB is like 500 Pesos and I like to use the Haynes to follow the servicing schedule. I doubt I'll be doing anything as daring as rewiring the windows or rebuilding the transfer case, but it IS nice to have!!!

I tried to use the company's digicam yesterday (before I started drinking!) to take some pix of My truck but the security guard caught me and gave me crap for taking pix on company grounds! (Catch22-I'm not allowed to take the camera home with me) I showed him the pictures on the digital camera's monitor "It's a TRUCK Man, I'm not stealing corporate secrets!" I know he was doing his job, but he sure was a real jerk! He even took me to the security office to check me out!!! He played Mr Tough Guy the whole time and then as I was leaving the office I heard the whole crew laughing at me! Obviously not Quad Cab owners!!!

richster · February 2001

Here is a link to order a service manual on-line.

http://www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com/

jimt · February 2001

I hope those of you who have ordered new Quad cabs have better luck than I with delivery. Ordered on 12-1-00 and still no delivery. Truck was originally shipped about 1-8-01, but the rail cars were miss loaded and vehicles destined for south Lf. went to Winston-salem, NC... AR say all is sorted out and my truck is headed south. Quite discouraged by this as the extra loading,off-loading only more opportunity for damage. Price landed up being very good as dealer adsorbed price increase during order and made $7.00 over dealer invoice less both rebates. ( I paid for truck in full on 1-22-01 to insure rebate.) We were sure the truck was coming to Ft. Lauderdale dealer in a day or two at that time because AR said it was in Miami. Still looking forward to truck, as all the positives on these forums indicate. Good luck to you with your orders! JimT

jimt · February 2001

Sorry for spelling in previous post. Seems AR for RR is popular. Also, Florida (FL). Thanks, JimT

dpgrose · February 2001

Thanks for the explanation. Do you know what incentives at Dodge still has on the Quad Cab? I look at their web site but could find any.

john1726 · February 2001

Dodge is offering a 1000.00 rebate on all 01 dakotas through the month.

dbhfd · February 2001

Sandman, thanks for the advice on the oil filter issue. That sounds like a great idea and is pretty much what I'll be doing from now on untill I find a relocation kit and the location to put the new filter spot. One problem leads to another. Thanks again

Menchar · February 2001

Anybody know why DC is reducing the size of the non-QC gas tank from 22 to 20 gallons at mid year? I'm guessing it's not because of improved mileage :-) Apparently QC tank stays at 24 gal.

Anybody have trouble with bent wheels? I have aluminum alloy wheels on a VW GTi and they are relatively soft compared to a steel wheel. Hit a traffic bump at speed several years ago and put a big flat spot in the very expensive ($260!) alloy wheel. Low unsprung mass is good for handling but I would think that going off road (or even hitting a pothole with a load) with an aluminum alloy truck wheel might get them bent pretty easily.

Menchar

tuvtest · February 2001

Serious off roading usually requires steel rims. Most off road an on road situations can be handled by aluminum rims though. Keep in mind that the hight of a truck tire is significantly taller and stronger than a sporty car like the VW. Dakota 16" aluminum rims are also relitively reasonable in price too ($160).

mjtkst · February 2001

I am seriously considering ordering a 4x4 Quad Cab with the 4.7L V8. This discussion group has been of great help, though there is one technical detail I do not understand. What, in practical terms, is the difference between a 3.55 and 3.92 axle ratios. In other words, what does this really mean in terms of performance?

bookitty · February 2001

Mitch, this has been an often discussed topic in this forum as well as the Dakota Owner's Club. For
most applications including occasional towing, the 3.55 ratio offering slightly better mileage and subsequently lower RPM is the ticket. With the
available power of the 4.7, the truck will not tend to "lug" down in high gear and/or overdrive (never tow in overdrive, bad habit). The 3.92 offers more "grunt" at the expense of lesser fuel mileage and slightly higher RPM at a given speed. For towing heavier loads on a more regular basis, especially on steeper inclines, the 3.92 is the ticket. If you like "jack-rabbit" starts at redlights, the 3.92 will shine at this also given the fact of even poorer mileage. I have a 2000 Quad with 4.7,3.55 combination. Does great for my usage, and I do on occasion tow a very heavy duty 5X8 utility trailer. Despite whatever axle ratio suits your particular needs, definitely opt for limited slip differential (LSD). This is a very important and useful option. Good luck.

Bookitty

trglick · February 2001

After I send in my $15 to become an Associate member of my state Farm Bureau, what do I need to do to get my $500 rebate? My salesman doesn't seem to know anything about it and I am getting close to buying. I know I must be a member for 30 days but then what?
Thanks for any input.

Trglick

trglick · February 2001

I am very interested in the LSD option but am concerned that the once every 6 months I want to do a good burn out (I know I am a bit immature) I wont be able to. Please let me know if this is true.

Thanks,
trglick

iowabigguy · February 2001

Not to worry. The only difference is you will leave 2 black marks instead of just one. Helps keep the tread wear more even. Rick

bookitty · February 2001

Travis, you may have to contact your local (county) members benefits person. When my truck was due to be delivered, I contacted the member benefits person and they sent me the coupon which my dealer completed with the VIN. I live in PA, and a membership costs $75.00. I do not believe that PA offers an associate membership. If the cou8nty person cannot help you, then contact your state office.

As regards LSD, Rick (iowabigguy) gave you sound advice. Believe you me, that the limited slip differential is a most worthwhile option.

Bookitty

grahamcracker · February 2001

Thanks for the great posting. I ordered my AC 4x4, 4.7, 5 speed, tire package, 3.55, tow package, etc... Wow, nice truck! Ordered it on December 12th and took the keys February 5th. Was I lucky? By the way, I love the Garnet Pearl color. Sad to say, I already have 1K miles on it, but it is too nice to sit.

I have two questions. I ordered and received a bug shield and summer grill inserts.

1) The bug shield looks like a real pain to install. No drilling, but requires separation of the grill by 1/4 inch to slide bug shield brackets into existing holes and screws. Anybody do this yet? I don't want to start yet.

2) Has anyone used these summer grill inserts? Seems not enough air enters to keep engine cool in a hot climate. Am I nuts, or should I avoid these inserts and use them in the winter only.

Thanks for the oil change tips. I have not changed my oil yet, but after looking at the oil filter location, I'm putting off the day. Sandman, how did the soda bottle get through the little oil filter door in the front of the 4.7?

Anybody that is interested in how they fit in a AC, I'm 6'5" and fit perfectly with room to spare.

Thanks. Keep the talk going.

mjtkst · February 2001

Norm - Thanks for the succint info. Sounds like the 3.55 is for me. Here's my situation, which is probably somewhat unique to this group. I currently work at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will be transfering this summer to the embassy in Amman, Jordan. I am over here with my wife and two boys, ages 11 and 13, who are big and getting bigger. The Ranger Supercab (little jump seats in the back) just doesn't work anymore. I have never laid eyes on the Dakota, but have been impressed with it from the comments in this group and from a lot of other Internet research. My biggest concern is plunking down this much money for a product I have never actually seen - specifically will it really have enough room in the rear seat compartment for two really big teenage boys, and is the bed big enough to hold a lot of camping gear? (BTW, how many adults could comfortably be seated in the rear?) I realize these are matters of subjective assessment, but I would be interested in the opinions of actual Dakota QC owners. Thanks!

iowabigguy · February 2001

The back seat is capable of holding 3 adults. I occasionally have my parents and my youngest daughter (18 years old) in the back and it is comfortable for short trips. They sit pretty much shoulder to shoulder. For a long trip I think the comfortable limit for the back seat is probably really 2 adults. This leave plenty if space for extras like coats and a purse etc. It also lets them have access to the 2 cupholders that pull out of the front face of the seat in the center position. I have the bench seat up front but I also have a 5 speed so the center seat is really useless. I really should have ordered the Quad with the bucket seat - console combination especially since storage space is rather limited. Hope this helps Rick

livnlrn · February 2001

Thought I would add that I have had 5 Fire fighters in my Quad with all their gear on, minus air packs. No complaints, better seating than some of our fire trucks. But for max comfort I would suggest only putting 2 in the rear seats. Hope this helps.

livnlrn · February 2001

I have a 2000 Quad. 4x4, 4.7, automatic, 3.55 gears. Going by the computer I average just above 12 mpg in town. I drove on the interstate 170 miles and averaged 15.6 mpg at 70 mph. Return trip (170 miles) with cruise on at 70 mph I averaged 12.6 mpg. I only have 4800 mile on the truck but I think these #as are low. What do I tell my dealer when I go in to complain?

bobs5 · February 2001

Have you tried to calculate the gas mileage by hand?

Some of the fellow owners have stated that the computer reading is not exactly accurate.

biglucy · February 2001

Hey Eric,
Wasn't that a Chevy commercial?!? C'mon, I KNOW you guys couldn't have all fit in the QC if you were wearing your hats!!!

bookitty · February 2001

Shalom Mitch, the opinions expressed on rear seat room correspond with mine in that I have had three adults on short trips (75 miles) and have not taken any really long trips as yet with rear seat passengers. As far as the rear bed space is concerned, it is entirely subjective, but there are things such as bed extenders and for around $50.00-$75.00, you can purchase a carrier capable of holding 500 lbs. that fits into the receiver (if you have one) for carrying extra gear and/or stuff that you don't want to transport in the bed.
I find it more than adequate for our particular needs, but we also own a HD 5X8 utility trailer that can be pressed into service if required. I really think that it is the best and handiest vehicle when it comes to all around utilitarian usage; fun to drive and a delight to own. But don't let us influence you.

Bookitty

txqc2000 · February 2001

With respect to your bug shield question, it was sort of difficult to install b/c you do have to separate the grill from the hood. I did this by first taking all of the screws off where the grill is attached to the hood, plus the bracket that holds it. I thought this would do the trick, but then I found that the grill is sort of glued onto the front of the hood. So I had to gently pry the grill away from the hood (I did this by hand), enough to slip the bug shield in-between. There's probably a better or easier way to accomplish this install, but it worked for me nonetheless. If you are reticent to install the bug shield yourself, I'd take it to your dealership or to a place that routinely does this type of work (like a 4x4 or custom car shop) since they're sure to have the proper tools and experience to install the bug shield.

biglucy · February 2001

I dunno... I've always had bug deflectors on my old trucks and they look and work great, but I just don't like the look of any style air deflector on the dodge because it distracts from the great curves of the V - style hood. And the three peice deflectors just seem like abit too much. Don't get me wrong, I understand the functionality of a beg deflector and I think they look great on a normal square hood/front assembly, but not the Dakota. Anyone agree??? Anyone find a style that even a bug deflector snob like me might like?!?
wax on... wax off... wax on... wax off...

txqc2000 · February 2001

I was a little reluctant to add the bug deflector at first since I like the looks of my chrome grill as is, and most especially, the cool Dodge hood emblem which the deflector sort of obstructs. But one of my buddies who had a Durango SLT warned me that he got lots of chips on his hood above the grill and said if he had to do it again, he'd add a bug deflector. Now that I have it on (all 3 pieces, I may add), I think it looks fine. I think the QC looks great either way. To each his own ...

grahamcracker, if you want to see what my QC looks like with the 3 piece deflector, go to http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000 and look at the pictures I posted on there.

grahamcracker · February 2001

Sweet truck! I looked at all three pages of pictures.

I'm going to install the bug shield tomorrow. I was mainly worried about the grill, but it may not be too bad.

In the first 1000 miles, already two rock chips in the front. A bug shield is a must. I ordered my bug shield out of the Dodge Truck Quadratic book. Call 800-745-6037 for a copy. Their web site is www.quadratec.com. I just ordered the one piece, figured I could add the other two later. Thanks for the input. I'm still not sure about the summer grill inserts getting enough air into the radiator. It may not matter. They look good though, better when painted.

livnlrn · February 2001

Okay, I'll admit, we didn't have our helmets on, and we were not going to a fire. (We were going to provide fire coverage for a demolition derby!) But I bet it would have made a better commercial!

Gas mileage, I have yet to hand calculate my gas mileage, thought this was just the breakin gas mileage. But I am going to start tracking everything now.

Front bug deflectors: I got the kind you loosen the grill to put on, no drilling. check it out:

http://www.geocities.com/stang460_67/Dodge.html

jimt · February 2001

Happy day for me today as I picked up my Quad-cab. On order since 12-01-00, but worth the wait. Sport model with Sport+, 4.7, auto, 3.92lsd, ID service group, tow pkg.,buckets, stereo upgrade, all power accessories, security says., rear window defrost, and couple small items. All black with taupe interior. Had the dealer remove decals,so everything is black except wheels and lights. Really like the monochromatic look! Truck drove great on ride home (about 75 miles), much as I suspected from all the positive posts. Info here and in owner forums has been very useful. Look forward to a few mods and hearing more about other owners Quads and experiences with them. JimT

pikeamania · February 2001

Towing a 14 foot aluminum boat during season...(The biggest load I'll be carrying) My ? is,,,how much of a difference in fuel economy betwen the 3.9 l 5 speed & the 4.7 l 5 speed??? Same for automatics with same gear ratios(3.55???) I looked at a dealership after work tonight and the sticker showed 13 city 15 highway for the 4.7 l auto... How much truth to this if you are a careful driver with slow to moderate acceleration and not going faster than 70 mph on the hi-way>???I calculated @ 336 miles average on a full 24 gallon tank...Is this close????

quadtruck · February 2001

Is there anyone out there that knows if the onboard computer can be adjusted? Mine will relate that it is getting 17 MPG, but really only getting 15 mpg. You would think because it is a computer that it could do the math. So many miles divided by the gals. I have only had mine 3 weeks, I get about 13 in town and 15 mixed town and 70% Hwy
(4x4 4.7 w/ 3.92)
Would like to know if they can be adjusted.

ford_bii · February 2001

Quad truck - I have had the same experience with my Quad. The computer typically tells me it is getting 2-3 more MPG then what I calculate at the pump. The best I've gotten so far with this truck is 16.2, which was a lot of highway. I get 14 usually with my normal around-town driving.

I am somewhat disappointed with the mileage on this truck. What disappoints me most is that I have the 3.55 rear, and the gear ratios in the 5 speed cranny translate to a complete lack of power in 5th gear at about 65 mph. My first impression when I got the truck was that I would get excellent mileage while in 5th on the highway due to the fact that this truck with the 3.55 only tach about 2k ram at 70 on the highway. It is sort of sad to think that dodge had to put such short gears at the top just to try and squeeze more mileage out of the truck. The fact that the 4.7 is an oh engine doesn't mesh well with the short overdrive gear since all the power in the engine is at the high rams, and this truck at 2k rams is only putting out about 100 up, even less if you cruise at like 60 mph in 5th. This translates to absolutely no grunt whatsoever when you drop the pedal. If you cruise in 5th at higher speeds, the feel is much better, but as many have reported, the mileage will drop even more. Its amazing to look at the Chevy OHV engines and see that their 285 hp V8 is rated at 16/20, and that's in a full-size Silverado.

If I could do it again, I would probably get the 3.92 rear just so I could use 5th gear more. Right now I barely touch it until I'm on the highway and can put the cruise control on, because the response is just not there. To put it all in perspective, if you put the Quad in 5th on the highway at 65, and my '86 Bronco II in 5th at 65, the Bronco II would out-accelerate the Quad till it hit about 85, then the Quad would start to catch up and ultimatly over take it.

I noticed a while back when somebody asked about the 3.55 vs the 3.92 rears, and there was a comment about 'not trusting my truck driving at 2.5k rpms its entire highway life'. Well, my Bronco II has run at about 3k rpms its entire highway life, and with 129k miles on it, it is still running.

THE POINT OF THIS LONG WINDED MESSAGE:
You can't have power and mileage. So pick whichever one means the most to you, because YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH. (unless you're chevy)

quadtruck · February 2001

Glad to hear another person story. I want you to also know that I was running a auto/trams not a 5 speed. And I seem to have all the power I would ever want a 65 M.P.R.. and my tack is reading 2100 or 2200.

I went to rear in shop, and asked the question before I bought the 3.92. He stated that the difference it took to start the truck rolling with the higher rear end compared to the lower rear end would most lily even out. He also stated that if both trucks had overdrive you might not be able to tell the difference because the engines trim themselves out with the computerize fuel system.

I did run the truck up to about 75 PR to see what it would tell me on the computer. I can't tell you if it is true, no way to check yet, but when I did that, the computer said that I was getting between 20 and 23 MPG, when I run at 67 PR it says about 19 to 21. this was all on about the same elevation(flat)and still very hard to believe. One of these days soon I will run highway only, give it the true test.

I still don;I know if anyone can adjust them to read right. If you hear, I would love to know before I go back to the dealer.

ford_bii · February 2001

Last I checked I'm pretty sure I tach an even 2k at 70 Mph. Must be that the 5-speed has a different OD ratio then the auto.

Don't get me wrong, I love this truck. I just can't believe the mileage it gets, even with the airplane gears they put in it.

As a side note, I was at the Philadelphia Auto Show last night, and I checked out all the 'other' quad cab vehicles (toyota, nissan) and I definitely would buy the Dodge again. I can't believe how cheaply built the Toyota/Nissan vehicles felt.

rottinotto · February 2001

Hey folks,
I live in NC (Raleigh) and have been lookin' real hard at a DDQC Sport. The package that I,m considering includes:
Quick order package 26B,Tire and Handling Group,Sport Plus Group,Deluxe Convenience Group, V-8 4.7 Liter Engine, Auto Multi-speed Trans., Power Conv. Group, Air, Limslip Axle, 3.92 ratio, Bedliner-UR,Floor Mats,CD,Cloth buckets, Leather steering wheel with touch controls, and sliding rear window. One dealer has offered it for 24,940 out the door (incl.3%tax).This includes $490 ad fees that I don't think I should pay. Any thoughts and/or experiences re this deal? BTW,Wow this is a Niiiice Truck!!!!! Thanx.

texaszach · February 2001

That truck should sticker for around $29,000 plus.
As far as the ad fees, I paid them on my Dakota here in Dallas. I would rather they just pad that fee into the sales price without listing it separately, like most businesses do. Even with the consideration that part of your sales price discount is coming from incentives, I think that out the door amount is great. Have you shopped the other dealers in your area?

grahamcracker · February 2001

Got the bugshield on my QC. Thanks for all the insight. I'll have to buy a digital camera to share my QC. :-)

24,940 not bad out the door. Now you can take that quote and make the other dealers beat it. As slow as things are, you should do even better.

Tach shows 2K at 70mph. I have 3.55 with 5 speed HD manual. Computer says 19 mpg on the highway. After trading in my Jeep Wrangler, I've been too happy to worry about gas mileage yet. Lets just say, the Wrangler was horrible with the juice.

rottinotto · February 2001

Yes, I've gotten one other offer that's close to that. It was for a truck (in stock at another dealership in NC) that had all the features except the 3.92 axle ratio. They offered it at 23.640 plus tags, tax, title,ad fees, and documentation fee of $189. That fee also burned me. told them that I'd pay $75 doc. fee and that I'd get back to them if nobody else met my target price of $23,140 plus tax,tags, and title.
-Otto

jimt · February 2001

Regarding mileage, my first tank just shy of 16mpg. My truck 4x4,4.7auto, 3.92lsd,tire/handling pkg. This is mostly highway, but mix of speeds,etc. for breakin purposes. I didn't think this was bad for first tank. Also, truck is great! JimT

trglick · February 2001

Anybody buy one of the Mopar Tonneau Covers? I am most interested in the foldup cover and how it looks on the truck and how well it keeps water out, but would appreciate comments on any of the covers.

Thanks,
Trglick

biglucy · February 2001

Here goes my first attempt at putting up pix of the truck. I'd appreciate any feedback from any geocities wizards... I've got alot of great pix and I don't have the know-how to build a great web page!!!

http://www.geocities.com/rfroache2001/

bookitty · February 2001

Bob, truck is a beauty. The two tone trim really shows off the black. Very sharp vehicle.

Bookitty

biglucy · February 2001

Norm,

I grabbed the digicam and took a bunch of pix but only figured out how to load a couple full sized pictures on the website for now. Thanks for the input on the Westin bars, they were a great addition. I did think about getting the chrome bars until I found out they were $150.00 more, but in the long run, the black powdercoat will probably hold up better and they work with the dark windows and splash guards. I got an Immobiliser security system installed last week... Well worth the price for the added security!

bookitty · February 2001

Bob, I am well satisfied with the Westin bars in black. On my last vehicle, I had Smittybilt textured black side bars and they held up very well. Smittybilt bars were not available at the time that I wanted them, but the dealer from whom I purchsed my A.R.E. LSII, handled both and liked the way that the Westin bars mounted, and thought them to be somewhat stronger. Chrome makes up nicely, but is more difficult to maintain. Stainless tends to "yellow" and the solution to that requires chromium plated stainless so that you are back to square 1. However, I like the look of the black against my Amber Fire Quad and I like the black much better on a black truck such as you have. Of course, that is only my personal opinion.

Bookitty

buy_what · February 2001

In hunting for a new truck, my budget is limited, so what I've been considering is a QC 4X2 Sport with some of the options. I don't need the 4X4, and won't be using the truck for towing. Mainly the weekday commuting, and heading to the mountains on weekends, with lugging everyday stuff around.

So, I'm wondering if there are any owners with the 3.9 engine and thoughts on it. I know it has less power, and speed than the 4.7, but would it be sufficient in that model for my needs? What about the mileage of the 3.9 versus the 4.7?

Right now I have a 2WD S-10 junk box with the inline 4, and don't want to underpower myself again, after that mistake.

bookitty · February 2001

Mike, too much truck, not enough engine. In the Dakota size, the 3.9 is very marginal. At best, it was never a great engine to begin with. You asked, I answered.

Bookitty

buy_what · February 2001

Thanks for your opinion. I have been leaning towards the 4.7 anyway. The 3.9 seems underpowered for a truck that size. 175 Horsepower might work for 4 door sedan.....

I should haved guess from all the posts in this forum, and nothing about the 3.9.

Thanks again.
Can't wait to get rid of my S-10 4 banger!

scottieeck · February 2001

hey Bob, how did you get pictures of MY truck! OOps! it bears a strong resemblance to my 2000(except for the fact that there's no salt all over it). she shore is purty!
the backround looks like the middletown/oxford valley area. could we be neighbors?
Good luck, and drive safely.
scottie

DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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