DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

average_joe · March 2001

When I ordered my truck (4x4 QC SLT fully loaded) I asked the dealer what the molding was because I had never seen or heard anything about it... The dealer took me out on the lot to look at a few trucks with it, then proceded to talk me OUT of getting the molding... It really didnt look good in the first place, but i thought the protective aspect made some sense... however where the molding sits in a 4x4 with the tire and handling package, its really in a bad spot to prevent any damage from another car's door hitting your truck, the door would most likely hit below the molding... thats what the dealer told me... I was just surprised she even tried to talk me out of an option... Made me much more comfortable buying it form this dealer...

scottieeck · March 2001

thanks Bruce, I'll check it out.
drive safely!
scottie

bpeebles · March 2001

I hear the same thing for several seconds on really cold mornings. The description that iowabigguy gives sounds about right. As if a bearing on one of the belt-driven devices is 'complaining' for a moment.

I also find that the steering is VERY stiff until I turn it lock-to-lock a few times to warm up the fluid.

Keep in mind I am talking 0F and below. At these temps, even the tires have flat-spots for a few miles until they warm up a bit. It is important to drive VERY gingerly under these conditions. It is easy to tear a seal or blow a hydrolic gasket by driving too aggressivly.

Under NO conditions should you let your engine idle to warm up!!! You may be putting 1000 miles of equivalent wear on the engine each time you do this. It is better to use your block heater and drive gently to warm it up.

mtrialsm · March 2001

I picked up my new Dakota Quad Friday.
White with silver bottom. Wanted the 4x4 flares
but was told it was not an option at time I
ordered it. Now am told they don't come in silver
(all other colors are available!), bummer. Anyone
out there put "Bushwacker" flares on there 4x2?
The price of Dodge flares are $280 plus $200 to
paint them. Any hints would be appreciated.
Any one know of a dealer that gives discounts
on Dodge parts?
mick

ford_bii · March 2001

"Under NO conditions should you let your engine idle to warm up!!! You may be putting 1000 miles of equivalent wear on the engine each time you do this. It is better to use your block heater and drive gently to warm it up."

If that's true, then my '86 bronco II must have:

127000 miles + (14 years * 2 months * 30days/month) * 1000 (warm-up miles) = 967000 miles!!!

Wow, maybe I should have bought another Ford??

Seriously though, I see no reason not to warm your car up. I've been in this debate before, and I can only quote my experience above.

bookitty · March 2001

Chris, despite any personal experience (anecdotal) that any of us may have had, Bruce (bpeebles.) is absolutely correct. It has to do with averages and procedures. My grandfather smoked and lived to be over 90 years of age. That does not mean that smoking is harmless, only that he beat the averages. Driving any vehicle gently to warm it up is actually the way to go. It gives other areas an opportunity to warm as well and is generally easier on the vehicle. As a rule, just about anything that Bruce (bpeebles.) utters has value to me. He is a very bright and informed guy and considers his postings very carefully. I for one am a fan.

Bookitty

ford_bii · March 2001

I have been reading these boards for quite some time, and I will agree that bpeebles and yourself are excellent sources of information.

My intent on posting the above message was not to disprove scientific fact, but to show that in real life usage the impact of warming your vehicle up before driving is little to none. Definately not the equivalent of 1000 miles of driving. As I stated above, I have heard many debates over warming up vs driving away instantly. My experience has told me that warming up your vehicle, besides making it more comfortable to drive, will have negligible effect on the life of the engine. My family has always allowed their vehicles to warm up before driving them and we have all seen excellent wear and performance. So why change? This is true with everything mechanical we own, including tractors and four-wheelers. Let 'em warm up, and they drive better and have always lasted.

In other news...
I had my Quad to Vermont last week. Four guys, fully loaded bed, and a hitch-mount carrier with 5 pairs of skis hanging out the back. Got 18-19 highway mileage going about 70mph. Not too bad. I was actually pretty impressed. Wish I was in VT this week!

prman · March 2001

Any suggestions on which dodge dealer to purchase a quad from in raleigh, nc? (I'm looking for the best deal.)
Thanks.

bobs5 · March 2001

http://www.4adodge.com/dealer/index.html

The dodge site has a dealer locator to find dealers in your area. Get quotes from different dealers in order to get the best deal. Sometimes the internet department of a dealership can get a better price than having to deal with a salesman on the lot. Shop around.

Good luck,

Bob

bookitty · March 2001

Jeff, you may also try to talk to the truck fleet representative if your dealership supports one. They ordinarilly deal with invoice prices and below for fleet consideration. I personally have not had much luck dealing with the internet representative, because in many cases it is a "new
hire" car salesperson. What the heck Jeff, try both.

Bookitty

mtrialsm · March 2001

After much searching, and the parts department
telling me Dodge didn't offer flares in "silver",
I asked them about the 4-wheel drive fender flare
part # and colors. The clothest color was "drift
wood"? That color matched the lower trim silver
color. I got the flare kit today and put one
next to lower trim color, yes it matched!
Now I'm happy, and even at $280(retail). I'll put
them this weekend.
mick

tuvtest · March 2001

the following sites have dealer rating gudes for various states

www.dodgeram.org/

/www.dakota-truck.net/

weebedna · March 2001

I installed fender flares on my 4x2 last weekend. They were easy to install, but one word of advice on the adhesive strip...don't fully tighten down all screws and then try to pull the tape backing off...I did this once and had the red tape backing tear off in my hand because the flares fit so tight against the body. This meant i had to remove the flare to get to the tape backing again. I would make sure they are in position, but have the screws just a bit loose when pulling the tape.

gneubaum · March 2001

This past Thursday we ordered our new Quad. Two tone Patriot Blue/Silver. Loaded. Should be in around April 19th. Just couldn't pass up the 0.9% financing. Am having the dealer install bed liner, vent visors, bed cover (can't spell tonneau) and step rails. We can't wait ! ! !

txqc2000 · March 2001

You may consider having the dealer install the Mopar bedlight/12V accessory outlet along with bed liner. I've found it very useful for lighting up an otherwise dark bed when trying to find something under the tonneau. When I had mine installed, I had the dealer put in another relay so that the bedlight would be activated whenever I pressed the unlock button on my remote control and/or had the interior lights on. Normally, the light only comes on when you turn on the cargo light. I have a picture of the bedlight posted at: http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000 on pages 2 and 3 of my picture links.

You're going to have lots of fun with your QC no matter what!!

biglucy · March 2001

Nope,. I think you spelled it correctly. I have seen a few variants of the tonneau spelling from copycat products though.

Mark16q · March 2001

My new 4.7l auto has a few problems now. Leaking oil ending up on trans case right behind drain plug of pan. Don't see where it's coming from. Pan is dry?

Also, two motor mounts were hand tight (frightening!) Are there more, and what else should I check while on my back under the car?

Mark

donamy · March 2001

Be sure to check your oil filler tube for "The SLIME". It is a problem and Dodge has found a way to hide it. They install a baffle to make the slime stay off the cap. I removed the baffle after 100 miles and found that the slime was collecting lower in the tube out of sight. I did not consider this a fix, so I am still hounding my dealer about it. Check it out.

Don

quadtruck · March 2001

My Son has a Ford 150 and he found this slime in his engine when it had about 35,000 miles on it.
I saw that, and thought that he had a big problem too. There was a lot of SLIME there( kind of yellow-white color). The Ford people say the some thing, it normal. The truck runs fine and he has not lost any fluids, and now he has 100,000 miles on it. Just wipe it out, and go on his way.

Mark16q · March 2001

My '01 qc is crooked. The rear axle is .5" to the right. The left wheel is flush to fender, right wheel extends out past fender. Tire wear and alignment seem fine. Could the frame be bent. Measured from frame to back of drum, and also off 1/2". Seems to indicate that something is off in the frame. Help me, 'cuz I want this truck right. I love it, but want to know it'll last. Please email response, if possible ... ridgebro@pacbell.net

bobs5 · March 2001

Mark,

Some of the other participants have seen the same thing.

Is your truck equipped with the 3.55 axle? I think this axle is the one which is commented on.

Dodge says it's normal from what I gather from different forums.

My truck is equipped this way, but it has the fender flares, and I don't really see a significant difference from side to side. I am not going to get under it either to measure with a ruler...don't need to start worrying about something unneccessarily.

It drives great as is.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it till it is!

Maybe post your concerns in the "Dodge Dakota Owners" in the Owner's Club message board.

There seems to be more response over there.

/direct/view/.eea1a94

Good luck,

Bob

Mark16q · March 2001

Thanks Bob, Posted over on the other board. And yes, it is the 3.55 rear end.

Mark

brake4me · March 2001

I noticed the Dodge web site offers a hard folding tonneau bed cover. Has anyone ordered their QC with this type cover. Look practical, but I was wondering if the folding cover takes away alot of bed space. Also, will the black aluminum scratch easily?

Any suggestions what type of bedcover is most practical to use over the long haul. I want something that looks good 3 to 5 years down the road. Appreciate any comments.

tvay · March 2001

Hello everyone, I'm looking to buy the mopar foglights for my qc slt. Does the existing wiring harness have the connectors for the foglights? I heard somewhere you just have to mount the lights and replace the existing light switch. Does the mounting bracket come w/ kit.( I would think so..)Thanks in advance for any comments....

bookitty · March 2001

Steve, I have an A.R.E. fiber glass bed cover (tonneau) that comes painted to exactly match the truck. It is front hinged and opens like a trunk lid. I love mine (my second one) but whether it will suit your particular needs is quite another story. If you want to look at them, their web site
is as follows: http://4are.com. They did have a $20.00 discount coupon that can be downloaded. It is watertight and has a lock system. It is an LSII.

Bookitty

stnick · March 2001

Hi Tom, I have in fact purchased and installed the Dodge fog lights in my 00 QC, as it had been ordered without them. The kit was 132.00 as I recall. It included the lights, mounting bolts, complete wireing harness with relay, and a new light switch. Installation was not too bad and they work fine. Good luck, Nick.

trippinglizard · March 2001

Perhaps he is a poser dakota owner . . . trying to sabatoge future buyers out of buying the Dakota! Chill out man!

Mark16q · March 2001

Actually, Dodge gave me the problems. I wasn't looking for them. The loose drain plug, leaking oil, motor mounts falling out, and crooked axle weren't exactly subtle things. I want the truck right, but Dodge didn't take much time to ensure that. Get over it, and face that the truck and Dodge aren't perfect. I'm just looking for help and advice, not problems. I'm committed to making this vehicle right, and hopefully Dodge is too. Thanks to everyone for their input. It does help. Just bought a Bedrug liner. Will post how that works out.

Mark

grahamcracker · March 2001

Hello again,

My Quad cab has 3400 miles in 1 month, everything is perfect. I've got a question about towing.

My QC has the 4.7, 3.55 rear end, 4x4, 5 speed manual, heavy duty package, tire package, and towing package. Ready to tow! I'm about to buy a 26ft travel trailer which tips the scales at 4600 lbs. The tow rating for my truck is around 5800 lbs. Even though the travel trailer is well below the limits set by Dodge, do you think the truck will have to work too hard pulling this trailer? Maybe I'm trying to baby the truck since it is so new. Anybody else tow this kind of weight with their QC? Any issues? There are lighter travel trailers, but we love this one. Thanks!

bookitty · March 2001

Ken, you are well within the margins if your figures are correct. Just watch towing in overdrive. It may not be as critical for a manual,
but it is a good idea to not allow the engine to "lug."

Bookitty

grahamcracker · March 2001

Thanks! I think the truck is so new that I have mental problems with towing. I towed 3000 lbs one with my Jeep Wrangler. I exceeded every number possible. Oh well, I don't want to do that again. Dodge did a great job with the towing capacity on the QC. The towing package even came with a 7 pin trailer light receiver and wired for trailer brakes. All I have to do is plug the Dodge supplied wire harness to the brake module. I can't wait!

This is the best vehicle I've ever owned.

rm13 · March 2001

Why attack someone who has problems with their vehicle? Have you seen the atmosphere of distrust on the car polish topics where everyone who doesn't like a certain product is branded as a 'liar'I think this group your in here is just a bit above that. I'm sure you meant no offense and I sure don't,but mark16q certainly doesn't seem like he's trying to sabotage anything and shouldn't be attacked.

bookitty · March 2001

rm13 has made an excellent suggestion. The primary purpose of the Dodge forum and Owners club is to establish a platform from which the following may be launched:

Exchange of information.
Alerting others to areas of potential problem.
Offering help regarding purchases, options, etc.
Getting acquainted with other owners/new friends.
Having a little fun expressing humor in a nice way.

One of the things that separates this forum and owners club is the kind and patient approach to all parties, regardless of how simple and/or trite the questions and responses may seem. Our people are not into "trashing" others or their ideas. We are not into "dissing" other vehicles although likes and dislikes are freely expressed. We have a great host in Karen S. who carefully nurtures the site and is always seeking other ideas to make this site more enjoyable to an ever widening spectrum of people.

My message is: "Count your blessings."

Bookitty

toddstock · March 2001

that you people know that Dodge is a German owned company.... Lot's of people don't know this... Now you do.... Wouldn't want people thinking that Dodge is an American made company...

bookitty · March 2001

Todd, I'm not certain what response you are trying to provoke, but let it stand that every person on the Dodge forum as well as the Owners club is cognizant of the fact that Daimler/Chrysler is owned by the German company Daimler/Benz. Your notation: "Wouldn't want people thinking that Dodge is an American made company" totally confuses me. Are the Dodge products now being made in Germany? Or is the Dodge company itself not an American made company?
I'll bet the old Dodge brothers would have much to say about that. For your information, Dodge trucks are built here in America with some components and assembly from other countries, just as most other manufacturing entities are doing today. So, if any of you guys out there were unaware that Daimler/Benz owned Chrysler Corporation, pay heed to Todd.

Bookitty

ebrokken · March 2001

I have a 2001 Quad with two-tone paint (maroon w/ bright silver). I have noticed that for the paint to continue at the same level all the way around the truck, a thin strip of silver is needed on the bottom of the tailgate. (no more than 2 inches wide or so). When you look at the truck from behind, you can see the silver as it comes around the corners, and it doesn't line up. I'm wondering if the paint should be there, and the factory just messed up.

Mark16q · March 2001

Thank you for the support on what felt like an unwarranted attack by trippinglizard. I certainly am not looking to sabotage anything. They are just trucks, after all. I love my truck and want it right. Most everyone here seems to be on the same page. The info found here could never be obtained from dealers, as they just can't discuss certain issues that aren't simple easy fixes. Unfortunately, one of my problems is now escalating. Still leaking oil, so the truck is at the shop again, tranny on the floor, main seal, etc being examined. I hate to think my new truck is being torn apart like this, but leaks don't go away, and if it can't be fixed, better to find out now. Is a new main seal a big job, and what should I look for after I get the truck back (other than leaks!). Thanks again for all the input.

Mark

bigredrooster · March 2001

attack, shmack. quit being silly.

trippinglizard · March 2001

Some of you people act as though I threatened the presidents life or something . . . my comment to Mark16q was like a sarcastic remark made in a bar among people of good humor . . . obviously I'm on a "serious" message board where outlandish electronic blurbs aren't tolerated . . . perhaps this board is run by the gastapole(sp) or some German totalitarian regime . . .hence the Daimler take over!
I've ran into countless numbers of people on messages boards whether their high on Fords, GMC's, or Kia's bash the Chrysler corporation . . . with all the posts that Mark16q has put out you can't tell me this doesn't hurt the Dakota's reputation and potential buyers from making the plunge. Chrysler needs all the help they can get. Because of this board I almost didn't buy a Dakota because of all the problems that people post . . . then I realized that of the thousands of Dakota's out their the few that do have problems probaly end up on this message board!
*To Mark16q I apologize in your time of utter despair perhaps you should look into ordering a new Truck and biting into the bitter lemon law which was established to compensate for America's inept ability to produce quality products 100% of the time.

trippinglizard · March 2001

Does anyone have the mopar factory ordered air deflectors for the Dakota? I'm REALLY WORRIED ABOUT DRILLING INTO THE HOOD!!!! Has anyone had any rust problems or other complaints? Would I be better off buying a Bra for the the front end?
I would have the service department install them . . . I'm not going to trust my tool time skills to a fresh paint job! PLEASE HELP

bigredrooster · March 2001

karen s? i thought it was bookitty

niddersbach · March 2001

Perhaps we need to teach this lizard man a thing or two about respecting the sanctity of the God sent Messiah/message board!! Bad lizard man . . . you must denounce Satan and all his evils!!
Mark . . . I'll send many prayers your way regarding the problems with your new truck . . . I hope when mine is shipped overseas that it will be in satisfactory condition . . . I will not find any warranty help in Vatican City.

niddersbach · March 2001

I will need to be able to tow many false idles out of the city . . . some made of pure gold! Will my Dakota be up to it?

tuvtest · March 2001

You vatican guys are pretty funny!

txqc2000 · March 2001

(This is a copy of my post to yours on the QC Owners board (msg. 2404).)

Don't drill into your hood!!! Order the EGR air deflector for your QC. This is the type that fits between the grill and the hood as Steve234 mentioned in msg. 2402. I have this type and I feel it looks and works great -- especially b/c it does not obscure my chrome grill by sitting in front of it as the Mopar one does.

The left and right "eye brows" attach to the center deflector via 1 screw. However, you need to use adhesive tape to keep the far end of the "eye brows" attached to the hood.

I have pictures of the EGR air deflector posted on the web. Click the link below. Good luck!

'00 Quadcab SLT+ Garnet Red 4x4 (AWD) 5.9L 46RE 3.55 LSD. For list of modifications to my QC, see my profile: http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Vof5jrNb0pR1M/

For pictures of my QC & Accessories: http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000

biglucy · March 2001

You've got to be kidding me! When you live in the same town as the Pope, you've got the ultimate in warranty help!!! (unless your Buddhist).

scottieeck · March 2001

Trippin, when you say that, smile!!
;-)
and Gerald, how do we really know your from Vatican City? oh yeah, there's that flag thing. nevermind.
let's all be excellent to each other! (after all there are enough REAL sabateurs frequenting this board)
drive safely you knuckleheads.
scottie

trippinglizard · March 2001

Bug deflectors . . . I went with the Mopar one after an excellant explanation of how they install by another member! It looks great and the holes were drill on the fiberglass grill not the hood . . . I'm an Idiot!
Thanks again

niddersbach · March 2001

I was just teasing you trippinglizard . . . you seem to have a sense of humor unlike other americans I've meet!!

I need to have a good humor when I'm on the internet because people always tease me about the Pope and such things!!

Yes their are no car dealers that offer Warranty help for American cars here . . . I will have to steal money from the offering plate if I'm to pay for repairs and parts!

Many cars are white here and if you have a different color it will stick out and people will take un-wanted notice of you!

Thanks to all who replied . . . lizard man lets write back and forth!!

biglucy · March 2001

DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

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