Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

1…1819212324…101

Comments

  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    If anyone wants information there is a topic in the Pickup category - #2235.

    References are made there to other Edmunds topics - in the long time that I have been here there are frequent references - usually in the topics that compare various manuafacturers and / or trucks.

    I also recall one of the Dakota topics prior to the creation of the owners group having a post that referred to Jeep Grand Cherokee owners complaining about the automatic / 4.7 combination.
  • knkresortknkresort Member Posts: 79
    Where's Jack?

    KnK
  • akula2akula2 Member Posts: 8
    Sorry it has taken me a while to respond to your query about my lifted Quad Cab but here are the particulars; The lift/wheel package was installed by the dealer which I did purchase straight from the lot. I had heard from another dealer that doing this would void the manufacturer's warranty on the suspension but I received in writing from the dealership that I purchased the Quad Cab from that they would honor the warranty on my vehicle. The axle ratio on my truck is 3.55 lsd. I would have preferred 3.92 but upon doing some research I found that 3.55 is acceptable for my 32X11.5R15 tire size. This weekend I measured the ground clearance at the lowest part of the front frame crossmember and it measured out at 12 inches.
    Now for some bad news. While I was measuring the ground clearance I noticed two leaks. One leak is coming from the auto tranny pan gasket and the other appears to be the front differential. OUCH!
    Well, I guess it is time to work out that warranty!
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Thanks for the info.
    Thats great that the dealer will honor the warranty with the lift.
    I have heard if a person adds a lift, the warranty becomes void for the affected areas.
    Hope all goes well for the leaks.
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    First, I currently have 12,000 miles on my Black QC Sport with the 4.7, Auto, and most options, 2wd.

    I have been and pretty much continue to be a FORD guy at heart, eventhough I have the QC. I had never owned anything but Fords over my 10 years of being able to drive and the seven fords I have chosen to own. I was all set to go down to the local Ford dealer and decide between the ST with all its cool options or the larger SC that was more truck. This was at the begining of 2000 and I was getting antsy as dodge and nissan already had their 4-door trucks out on the road. I signed up on fords website for a test drive of both their products, the dealer called me and even me up to do it when they arrived. Heck they even sent me a cool multi-tool plier set with SUPERCREW written on it. After waiting for a couple of months I decided to check out the QC. It met all of my requirements which were roominess, power, towing ability, hauling ability, comfort, and looks. I hated to tell the Ford dealer when he called with the good news that I could come down and take that test drive that it would not be necessary since I owned a QC, he wasnt happy, awwwwwwwwwww.

    MPG. Had been getting consistent 13city/16-17hwy. Plopped in a K&N filter and now get 18-19 HWY, no difference in anything else, nice little improvement.

    OIL- This is just my advice, opinion, and experience. IF AN OIL PAN HOLDS SIX QUARTS THEN THAT IS HOW MUCH OIL SHOULD BE PUT INTO THE VEHICLE. I know you NEVER want to overfill an engine with oil but I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, want to underfill it. The dipstick in your truck wont necessarily read the same as mine even if we put the exact amount of oil in each. If it is off (dipstick length into oil pan) even just an 1/8" it will read alot different on the dip-stick. Go with six, that what the oil pan will hold. I know that is the case with alot of vehicles including my 95 Mustang GT. My buddies car reads just over the add line with 5 quarts, mine reads just over the full line with 5, go figure.

    Children- Where the heck are my CHILD SEAT TETHERS. How can it take this long to get something like that made. I have been calling and visiting my local DEALERS for the last 4 months and still nothing. Sorry had to get that one out. On the same topic, anyone have these yet. One of the main reasons I bought this truck is I knew my daughter was on the way. Where do these tethers go, and how well do they work??

    Thanks everyone, and keep up the info-sharing. SSL
  • sbegnaudsbegnaud Member Posts: 1
    Hello All,

    I just found this forum and have browsed trough the postings so far. I have seen a little info on this subject, but not much. I am considering a Dakota QQ. I will use the truck for towing a boat. The boat/trailer combo weighs about 5000 lbs wet. The boat is towed to the lake at least once a week during the summer. I live in Colorado at 5200 ft elevation. I know the 4.7 will tow it (I currently use a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 V8) but it would be nice to have the extra "Umph" from the bigger V8. How well does the 5.9 work? How much difference in towing power?
    Also, the Jeep seems to "Sag" quite a bit with the trailer attached. It does have trailer towing package on it. Is the QQ stiffer in the rear to hold the load of the boat?

    Thanks All
    Steve the
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    stvdman

    Forgot to mention...You said you had a daughter "On the way"...The Tethers are only for FORWARD facing childseats and NOT the Rear Facing INFANT Seats...They work great with the forward facing ones by not allowing the carseats to "tip" over during hard stops or crashes...

    I believe there are 3 anchors all connected to a strap behind the rear seats that allow a carseat to be anchored on either side or the Middle, or all three if by some unforseeable event that you have TRIPLETTS

    By the way, my daughter is due around thanksgiving

    CHAD
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    GREAT INFO!!!

    The last two parts I had on order for warantee waited over 2 MONTHS to arrive. Now I know better!! I honestly thought that the parts were not available. I will have to be more PUSHY in the future.
  • eboyereboyer Member Posts: 1
    i just bought a 2001 quadcab 4x4 & started having a problem with the locks unlocking intermittingly. i've seen a few other postings about this problem but no cures any help would be appreciated.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Steve, I agree with you that choosing a transmission type is a personal choice, and it is nothing special to drive a manual over an automatic, simply again a choice. I have towed boats up and down launching ramps for years using both a manual and automatic. For the most part I have not had any difficulty with either. I know how to utilize my clutch as well as the parking brake and I actually never paid that much attention to it. I have a CDL and have driven all types of trucks including truck mounted cranes and crane carriers. It seems I have always had some heavy damn thing attached to the south end. Some years ago, you may remember or have of heard of transmission problems (automatic) incurred when vehicle would travel mostly on the highway. The low RPM prevented the torque converter from pumping enough oil to satisfy the lubrication needs. When one tows in overdrive (especially with the lighter ratio rears) the combined load my exceed the optimum torque converter flow and cavitation could result. Revolutions per minute cures this malady. However, as you said so much of this is opinion and we all have those. but, it makes for good mind exercise and thought patterning.

    Bookitty
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    Got the call today, my QC is here and will be ready to pick up at 11 am tomorrow. Bookittyseems to be really up on all this stuff. What is a quick check list for me to check things out with? I will be looking for the door alignment and the rear wheel positions called out a few items back and if it pulls to the right.

    Also, what is the break in period. I may be letting my wife use it to go to Charlotte, NC this weekend, about 750 miles one way. That figures, I wait 4 weeks and she drives it! Do you vary the speed and have to keep it under a certain speed for x miles?
    Let me know asap.
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    Is there any release to get behind the upper portion of the rear seat? It seems like it should have something but I haven't found anything when I saw it at the showroom.
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Sorry it's taken so long to respond, but had a long weeken trip to Missouri. Had to take Taurus instead of Quad, Bummer! Also figured someone else would jump in with good info as Steve did. As I stated before, the torque converter is what I am sure does not engage when its cold. When warm it will engage in 3rd or overdrive, and not ness. at the same time. The RPM change isn't as great with torque conv. lockup as is with OD engagement. On mine anyway. The owners manual does say that if ambient temps are 5 degrees or lower, OD wont engage at all.
    On the oil issue I am staying with a little over 5 qts and a little over full until I get some acurate info from DC through dealer or DC themselves. Its too important to not know for sure. Thanks. stnick..
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    #1062: Jerry, explain to your wife that the BOB clearly states that wives are not permitted to drive new vehicles for the first 50,000 miles. Then you will probably have to explain it to her attorney as well. Seriously, vary the speeds as you drive, and do not keep the engine at one particular RPM for prolonged periods. Goose it carefully from time to time. Make certain that the fluid levels are up to snuff prior to the trip ("In God We Trust" does not extend to car dealership personnel).

    #1063: As far as I know, the upper portion of the rear seat is fixed. This may have something to do with the ability to properly fasten a child restraint seat.

    Bookitty
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Jerry, I believe that I do have a checklist formulated by someone in this forum, but it is at home on my desk top computer. I will try to remember to send it to you in a posting. It is for
    the 2000 models. I am at our beach house this week and am working from the lap top.

    Bookitty
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    i have a 01 q/c with tow pkg and don't notice the rear shocks being stiffer, however u can take a load of weight off the truck (tongue weight that is) plan english what the truck is acually carrying by turning the receiver upside down to make sure trailer is level. thus preventing some squat in the rear b/c your placing the weight load back on the trailer. you must have some tongue weight to prevent swaying.so its really a matter of balance.trailer should sit level on truck so truck isnot carrying any more then std tongue weight..
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    I am not an advocate of underfilling a crankcase, but where you have a discrepency between the dipstick and the manual, I would go with the dipstick. First off, the required oil level is between the add and the full mark, so even if it is a bad dipstick, you only have to make sure you keep it near the full mark and you will be safe. In this particular case, and most others, it is more likely to have a typo in the book than wrong dipsticks for two years. You can destroy an engine by overfilling. You will not have much problems with underfilling until you get the oil level down so low that it's sucking air in the oil pump.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    I hope someday we get together. It sounds like we could really get some trucking tales going. Don't you feel sorry for politicians running for president? Imagine telling a tale once and the whole world knows it. And you have to get every detail right the first time and then never, ever deviate from that version.
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    Steve234, It is not a typo on oil capacity unless you consider the owners manual and the shop manual to both be incorrect. They both indicate 6 quarts capacity on the 4.7l. My Quad, after an oil change(full 6 quarts)and allowing time for oil to settle goes exactly to the top of the full mark with the Quad on a "level" surface. A surface with a slight incline to rear will show a level that appears to be about 1 quart over. The line falls above the safe level about the same width as the width of the safe zone. I pulled my dipstick and the part number on it is 53021003. Hopefully this may clear things up. Rick
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    I have a checklist too however it is on my mainframe at my estate. I am currently at my vacation barn by the corn fields. I can provide if I get back before you. Rick
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    I didn't think of this until I posted my previous message but I measured the metal shaft on the dipstick. It is 30 9/16" long from the tip to the point where it enters the yellow plastic "T" handle. Rick
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Rick, actually my mainframe is where my clothing goes. Those 2X mainframes are sometimes tough to find. If you do have the checklist, please post it for Jerry. I will be here at the shore until the end of this week and possibly the beginning of next week. Having some plumbing (indoor, the kind you are not used to)and concrete work done. Watch out for crows and scarecrows at your estate.
    I just hate it when you get fancy with us.

    Bookitty
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Steve, I have always enjoyed my version of any story over the truth. Much more interesting, and beside that, I am always the hero.

    Bookitty
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    For what its worth, I changed my oil (& filter)again yesterday. 5 quarts, turn on engine, run 5 minutes, off for 10 minutes, add .5 qt more to dipstick-perfect. Had the .5 left over from the last oil change...

    Ben
  • abaltoabalto Member Posts: 22
    That questions and technical advice web site...

    I have also looked for a good Dodge web site to ask questions and technical advice, opinions, etc. The best site I have found is www.moparchat.com This site is clearly the best in quality, with over 60,000 posts! Good luck either way Trevor!
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    We do seem to be getting some different measures from different folks. After reading todays posts, I measured my dip stick, and also recorded 30 9/16 ". Also have the same part # as Bigguy. But 5 qts tops the level right to the "top" line of the safe zone. Also, just today I was told by my dealers service manager that his info from DC says that the book is a misprint. But you sure wouldn't think the service manual would be wrong, except that the owners manual capacities may come from service manual. Stnick.
  • chrisj7chrisj7 Member Posts: 6
    i live in apple valley california which is around 100 miles north of l.a.. can anyone out there recomend a dealer and or what price i can expect to pay over factory invoice?. i'am willing to drive to vegas 2hours, arizona border 3 hours for a fair deal. thank's for any info.

    chris
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    I would suggest that you get written confirmation of the information passed on to you from your service manager on the dealer's imprinted stationary. The service manager should also include in the letter his source of enlightenment at Daimler/Chrysler. If it is actually as he/she told you, written word should not pose a problem. As the service manager is saying something else as
    opposed to the BOB and the owner's manual, it must
    appear in the written word. Now you will really have a warranty.

    Bookitty
  • troutarmtroutarm Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone purchase a truck cap for their quad cab? I am looking at getting an A.R.E. Z series cap but would like to see a picture of one with one first. If any one has one or knows of pictures of one, please let me know.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I ordered the Century cap before my QC arrived from Warren. I ordered it in color match (driftwood) with tinted windows, color match trim, coat rod, duel "T" handles (a must with the curved tailgate). I also had the stainless steel tailgate protector put on. All that with a rubber mat for the bed and tailgate was $1,100.
    I looked at others, but either higher price or lower quality turned me away.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I just created a picture link which shows my Century cap.

    www.geocities/tbsbbishop/index.html
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    2001 q/c i can't find it but a while ago i read a post about someone having a problemwith sagging suspension. has any noticed left front end sagging or sitting lower then right i have parked on all sorts of different areas making sure pavement was not cause but this doesnot seem to chg things..
  • sorcerersorcerer Member Posts: 28
    Great looking truck!
    But you forgot the .com in your link.
  • wantaquadwantaquad Member Posts: 11
    if you want to drive to thousand oaks, you can get 250 over invoice.....great dealer (5*)...great to work with.......let me know if you want more info...........

    oh yea......ask for nathan samuels.......
  • fat_fendersfat_fenders Member Posts: 96
    Sorry to hear you have a sagging front end to go with your crooked box. :-) The front end problem, per other posts, was corrected by having the service dept crank a little more tension on the torsion bar, on the side that sags. Of course, if you have the tools and know-how, you could do this yourself.

    Good Luck,
    fat_fenders
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Your advice is well taken, as I have had conflicting statements about this and some other issues. Do you know if DC has a direct consumer line to a department that might have the latest info? Owners manual lists a couple of #s to call if dealer doesn't help. How about the 2001 QC owners out there, do your manuals call for 6 qts in the 4.7L engine as does the 2000? Thanks again. Stnick..
  • csampsoncsampson Member Posts: 3
    I purchased my 2000 Quad Cab 4x4 SLT at Cerritos Dodge three weeks ago for about $600 under invoice. They have a web site at www.cerritosdodge.com on which you can check their current inventory.
  • lsuquadlsuquad Member Posts: 8
    Sometimes just after I crank my '01 quad, (4.7, auto) put it in gear and accelerate, it will "rev" much louder than normal. The vehicle still moves, but feels like a serious lack of power. After about 1/2 mile down the road everything is fine. RPMs don't appear to be significantly different from the times when it behaves right from the start (50% of the time). Anyone experience this or have any ideas as to what might cause it?
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    Yup, everyday when I first start her up it does the same thing. I am pretty sure it has something to do with its warm up parameters but I dont know exactly what is going on. It definately feels sluggish and does make more noise, as if a thermostatis fan clutch is engaging. Anyone?
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    update on the bed misalignment. seems the rear axle on the q/c is offset to the right approx 1/4-1/2 which would give illusion that the bed might have been mislaigned. i've compared mine to others on dealers lots with t&h pkg all seem to have same offset 2000/2001.i asked service manager about this he never noticed till i should him this on his personal demo but he had no answers. i hope there is a reason for this design would love to hear it!... as far as the sagging left goes i'm pretty sure that on the 4x2 models (like mine) there are no torsion bars. i think only the 4x4 have those? if it doesnot have torsion bars anying other suggestions or what might be causing this.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    i have a 01 q/c and the owners manual says 6qts. i been seeing a lot of posts regarding this topic i highly doubt they would make a misprint 2yrs in a row.until your comfortable with the cap debate i would recommend you let the dealer chg the oil thus is you have any problems later your not at fault..
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    I am waiting for my application to join.

    When do you mention this discount to the dealer?
    At time of ordering or after the truck is built and delivered to the dealer?

    Thanks
  • nthdgreeenthdgreee Member Posts: 24
    My 2001 QC does the same thing. I think it's part of the warm up process it goes through. If I start the the truck a few minutes before I leave the house (garaged) and let it run, by the time I get in it and go the temperature needle is at the first line and there is no loud reving or anything. If I were to just get in it and go it would do exactly what you described, but only for a minute or two.

    Steve
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Bob, do not mention this discount during negotiations, or it will end up in the price. I completely finished negotiations when I placed order. I sent for the discount coupon prior to the
    arrival of the truck at the dealership, then laid it upon the table at settlement. They then deducted the $500.00 before factoring the state tax (6%) and that saved me another $30.00. My deal was simple, as there was no dealer financing involved, so that you may use it when the appropriate time arises.

    Bookitty
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    I followed boo's advice (very helpful) except the only difference with me was my dealer (Tustin Dodge in California) refused to take it off pre-tax! He said every rebate they have ever done comes after tax is added in because the state of Cali needs to get their cut. This may or may not be true. But when I called my local farm bureau they said it was left up to the dealer. The truck was special ordered, they had a 500 non-refundable deposit, so I wasn't about to kill the deal for $38.40. Still, it was really annoying and I'm going to chart the dealership off in the big fat customer survey I just got from D/C!

    Dave.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    It would be like charging sales tax on your trade in vehicle. Tax is paid in most states on the final price.

    Bookitty
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    Picked up the Qc on tues. Exactly 4 weeks on the delivery, pretty goog. Everything was on it that was ordered. I thought the window sticker (which wasn't stuckon the window) was pretty neat. It has a space where it says its made especially for ------- with your name on it. I thought that was cool. I checked everything and it appears okay. I'd still like bookitty to send me that check list. I only have one objection which is a little pucker in the fabric of the drivers seat which I will have them fix. The engine does race in 1st when it is cold. That lasts about 2 blocks. They took all of the discounts off on my invoice after the state tax was applied which I thought was wrong. I'll check with my accountant and see shat he says, thats $90 . They give me 2 fill ups which with gas now is about $37 each. I was treated well and would recommend Fairbanks Dodge in Coral Springs, FL if anyone wants to see them. See Matt or Bill in fleet sales. I got them through Costco. Best buying experience I ever had. 1, 2, 3 and it was over.
    I've got about 220 miles on it and it runs well. Its a little stiffer ride than the full size silverado but is very quiet.
    I've got to work out right now , I may add something later.
  • mailman54mailman54 Member Posts: 111
    lsuquad, studman, nthdgree:

    I have went through this with all my auto Dakotas and I think the cause is the transmission fluid hasn't warmed up to optimal temperature. It's worse when it's colder outside and I leave my truck outside instead of in the garage. It revs up and seems like a lack of power because it refuses to up shift until it warms up. Once it warms up, everything is fine. I am used to it now after over 10 years of having Dakotas.

    Mailman
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Lsuquad, Stvdman and others. I'm no expert, but I'm fairly sure what you are experiencing, as I do on my 00, is the fan clutch is engaged for the first couple of minutes making the noise you hear. If you are driving it in very warm weather, you should hear the same thing, when extra cooling is needed. I don't particularly see more than a very small drop in power, I assume what it takes to turn the fan full blast. Stnick.
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    I agree as you suggest, and I am also checking with a larger dealer's service dept for another opinion, I also think as slickwillidj, that the manual should have been corrected on 01 models. Guess we will see. Thanks again , Stnick
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.