Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

12425272930101

Comments

  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Just got my QC yesterday. This is the sweetest vehicle on the planet. 2001/4.7/sport/auto/leather
    The only think I didn't get was the security system, defog or slider, or full time 4wd.
    Just wondering if anyone is experiencing problems with the back doors. Mine tend to pop out when open. Kind acts like there is a lot of pressure on the latch and harder to close than the front doors. The front doors almost open and close on thies own. They are really smooth. The auto dimming rearview light wont light up when I hit the auto button. Is this normally or am I doing something wrong? I noticed in the manual that an option available is speed sensitive interval wipers. They adjust when you are at slower mph. I dont remember this being an option. Is it standard on the qc? All in all this vehicle is awesome. Best purchase I have ever made(next to my Hot Springs hot tub!).
  • slr9589slr9589 Member Posts: 121
    Hi everyone,
    Just had a new headliner put in the Quad this week.the original had a rip in it at delivery.otherwise things are great...would like to hear from other people in snow country who have 2WD/5-speed with lsd....i plan to put several hundred pounds of weight in the rear end soon as massachusetts snow season starts soon!
    how does it handle in the white stuff?
    thanks,
    stephen
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    found the problem with the auto dimming rear view...the plug wasnt all the way in in the back of the mirror..works like a champ now. Still wondering if anyone is having the problems with the rear doors. When I go to open them they pop out with force....like there is alot of pressure on the latch. Front work fine. Rear are also harder to close than the front. Also..does any one know how not to pay out the nose for mopar accesories...and way to find exactly what the dealer pays for these items?
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Well I went to look at 2001's again as I begin to finalize my color to purchase a new Quab Cab. Anyway, I got inside a 2001 black SLT and noticed that it had a Moon roof!!
    I was shocked and hadn't read anything about any Quad Cab's having moon roofs! I think it was an aftermarket add on, but it was sharp!
    I would have bought that one, but it had leather and only front anti-lock brakes....just wondering if anyone else has one with a moon roof..It was here in Tacoma, WA by the way. thanks!
    I think I am going to get the Dark red (Garnet)!!
    Brian
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    James, congratulations upon taking delivery of your new Quad, and the best of luck. I had the same problem with the auto dimming mirror on my '95 Dakota and resolved it while adjusting the mirror after my wife drove the truck. I inadvertantly "fixed" it by wiggling the plug as I
    adjusted it with my large hands. Perhaps your door
    striker keeper bar is adjusted too far inward, and is causing the door to be under spring pressure when closed. Releasing the latch then frees the door to spring outwards. You may need a hand impact tool to back out the locking star fasteners. I would suggest returning the car to the dealer for the repair and/or adjustment. It is not normal. What color did you choose?

    Bookitty
  • victxvictx Member Posts: 108
    Here are a couple of pics of the ripped up tires.
    http://carrola.home.texas.net/dodge/Goodyear/Goodyear.html
  • kcss88kcss88 Member Posts: 1
    I am considering the purchase of a dq 4x4 and trying to decide between the dq and a full size chevy 4x4. I like the idea of 4 doors and don't need huge towing capacity. I have heard the gas mileage and resale of the dq wasn't that great....would love some comments from actual owners.
    Thanks
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    Has anyone installed a grille insert in the front valance (below the front bumper)? I'm considering getting one. I'm also curious about ease of installation. Did you get it locally or over the Net? Several companies offer them on the Net, but prices range wildly.

    THANKS
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    I have an '01 QC SLT+ 4.7 V8 with the factory alarm system (includes engine immobilizer). If you are still in the "ordering" stage, I strongly recommend adding it to the list of options!!! My insurance company gave a small discount for the engine immobilizer (computer chip in the key).

    My system works great - no problems. PLUS, an after-market alarm system, if improperly installed, could damage your electrical / computer system thereby voiding parts of your Dodge warranty. Food for thought.
  • traumagastraumagas Member Posts: 64
    I would sure like some info on the moonroof that was found on the QC in the earlier post. I would like to put one in my 01 qc, If what I am told is true most moonroofs are aftermarket products anyway and are just installed at the factory when they are an option. I am concerned about the decrease in the structural aspect of this. I once owned a unibody GM product with t tops so you see why I have concern. THANKS Traumagas
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Steve, my Quad (2000) 4X4 4.7 5 speed averages about 18 MPG in mixed driving (no heavy city traffic). I did very well when selling my 1995 Dakota Club cab (4X4 5.2 5 speed). Both vehicles utilized 3.55 differentials. all of this is antecdotal of course, but it is my honest opinion.

    Bookitty
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Vic, that looks more like a split than a gash. I have had cracks like that appear on dry rotted tires. It certainly does not look like a cut from observing the photos. Have someone who knows tires look at it. someone with no vested interest of course. Good luck. We have had dry rot problems previously on my wife's SUV. These were Bridgestone tires and we replaced them (still with considerable remaining tread) again, with Bridgestones. They too dry rotted, and we finally purchased cooper tires and were well satisfied with them. We will not be buying Bridgestone in the future, although I had them on several motorcycles and was well satisfied.

    Bookitty
  • dakotamandakotaman Member Posts: 1
    I really believe the Quad is the best choice if you don't need the heavy towing abilities of any
    full-size Chevy. The ride quality, versatility,
    and comfort level of the Quad Cab is superior to
    any Chevy truck (and Ford). With my family it came down to the F-150 Super Crew & the Dakota Quad, with the Quad being: 1) more garageable; 2)
    more parkable; more affordable (especially w/the
    2000 model rebates); better looking - in our opinion anyway; and just more fun to drive. Our
    Quad Cab is by far the best vehicle I've owned. If you don't have a family or spouse to consider, that's different. But if you want a sedan-like ride & handling in a truck, as well as all the versatility of a SUV, look at the Quad.

    By the way, if you want an affordable way to purchase any truck, check out autobytel.com. I was able to have an out of town dealer save me alot of money by purchasing the exact Quad Cab I had test driven from my local dealer and selling it back to me at the price I was willing to pay.
    There's more to this story I could share, but not now.

    2000 Quad Cab 4x4 SLT/4.7l/Auto/LSD/6x9 Mirrors/
    SLT Plus Decor/Heavy Duty Svc./Tow Group/3.92/
    Rear Sliding Window/AM-FM-CD . . .

    Sticker:$27,855; Paid after $2,000 rebate:$23,111!

    Later - Dakotaman
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    brianpha: I'm also very interested in this Quad that had a moonroof in Tacoma. My sister lives in Seattle and I might even have her do a little recon mission for me if it's still on the lot. I was told by my dealer that Chrysler was not offering moonroofs as an option on the Dak Quad due to problems with violating the structural integrity of the roof. He told me about adding one aftermarket but said it could cost as much as 2K! If you have time, I'm sure there are many people on this board, like myself, who would love more info from the dealership that you saw the Quad at.

    BTW: what were th post numbers in our forum to correctly upload photos of our quads so the board can see it. I know we covered it ad nauseum, I just can't remember where it was on the list. thanks!

    dave.
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Ok, since I see there is some interest. The QC in question is a black SLT 2001, and its at the Larson Dodge in Puyallup, WA. about 35 mins south on I-5 from Seattle. They have a website, www.larsondodge.com.
    Now, I did sit in the QC and checked out the moonroof. When I slid the top back to check the seal on the window/moonroof, I did notice a loose black piece of plastic. What this went to I have no idea, but it didn't look like it should have been loose. Anyway, was probably nothing.
    I am sure the QC will be on the lot, it was there yesterday. Let me know if you contact the dealership....good luck!!
  • resqmanresqman Member Posts: 71
    Sorry for the delay in replying but was offline for the holidays.

    I have an A.R.E. CX (cab high) with 2 windoors, headliner, rear slider, and battery interior lights. Check out the accessories topic for a full blown detail description about my positive experience.

    Good fit, good color match, no leaking, windoors provide superior access to the bed (A must buy at any price!) Took the cap off 3 weeks ago to haul some large stuff to the dump. Have not had a chance to get someone to help me lift it back on.

    My milage has gone down 1 mpg during the time the cap has been off. I like the visibility with the cap off but I miss being able to throw things in the back and not worry about security or weather. I am guessing that when I get the cap back on, it is going to make me want to replace the side mirrors with the 6x9 even more than I already do.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    grille guards- I purchased on e by Go Rhino. althought I haven't installed it yet, it appears to be about a 1-1.5 beer job. It's black powder coat, with the solid sides w/rubber edges and a step on the lower bar. (SU3000 series??) I liked the fact that it is modular and I wasn't forced to get the headlight grilles. It ran about $230 factory direct. It also has 2 light mounting holes and room for drilling more(I added a third).

    2nd Ammendment- Scottieeck, don't get me started on that, all I have to say is w/o the 2nd, all others won't matter.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Harold, Amen! regarding the second amendment, our only protection from oppressive government, whose mother was the American revolution.

    As regards a 1-1.5 beer job. I have always found it prudent to drink three (3) beers just reading the directions. Then, there's the task itself.

    Bookitty
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Thanks for the info.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    I usally don't bother with the destructions, so the job time is cut in half
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I have the Century Topper and I just love it. It was $200+ less than the Lear. I have the clear glass between the cab and cap to help see out the back. With Century you can order 3 sided tint for your windows. I don't know why anybody would want tint between the cap and cab. I do have a little problem with water getting in, but I can fix it by sliding the cap back about an 1/8". I haven't bothered to do it because it isn't that bad.
    I agree with "resqman", my mileage is better with the top on. Four weeks ago I had my best with 24.2 MPG, but now the snow has hit and my mileage will suffer till spring.

    Speaking of SNOW. We had 25" in 48 hours last week (W. Michigan). My 2wd 4.7 5spd 3.55lsd "plowed" right through it. I had to travel 65 miles in the worst of the storm and I never felt like 4wd would of helped. I stopped for gas and the 4wd Chevy behind did also. Boy was he surprised when he found out I only had 2wd. He told me he was following me thinking I was "opening" the road for him! Yes there was a lot of 2wd & 4wds in the ditch, but they were driving to fast for road conditions. This snow really took us by surprise here. We normally get around 60" for the whole winter, and we have already had 25". Sounds like I will be doing a bit of skiing this year.:)

    OIL CHANGE - Just did my 3rd oil change (w/Mobil 1)this weekend. I actually figured out how to remove the filter without dripping oil down my arm. After I removed the plug, I placed a coffee can under the filter and used a hammer and punch to put a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the filter. After 10 minutes I put the drain plug back in and unscrewed the filter. NO MESS!
  • prophetxprophetx Member Posts: 5
    Hello everyone! I just wanted to drop in thank you for the help in deciding to buy my 2001 Quad. Your posts confirmed that I made the right decision over a Silverado. A week ago today I picked up my black 4X4 quad, 4.7L, auto, infinity tape/CD, 265 tires. Just over 300 miles and I couldn't be happier. Everything that I wanted and more. One major moment of joy: To compare traction with the silverado, I had a buddy stop his 2000 4X4 1/2 ton chev on a steep icy hill, then try to start again. He needed to use 4wd, the Dakota barely spun the tires in 2wd. Fabulous traction! Not much of a scientific study, but wonders for bragging rights!
    - Happy in MN
  • shawkwavshawkwav Member Posts: 18
    Can anyone please tell me where I can get an over the rail bedliner for a Dakota Quad Cab? I haven't been successful in my search, and I've also been debating about whether or not a Line-X bedliner would be a good solution for me. Anyone's information on bedliners as well as input on the Line-X solution would be greatly appreciated.

    Dakota's Rock,
    shawkwav
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    Today, a member responded to my request; but, they gave info. on a grille guard; not a grille INSERT. I appreciate their response, but, I'm searching for a grille insert.

    Has anyone installed a grille insert in the front
    valance (below the front bumper)? I'm considering
    getting one. I'm also curious about ease of
    installation. Did you get it locally or over the Net? Several companies offer them on the Net,but prices range wildly.

    THANKS,

    GATOR72
  • jbardramjbardram Member Posts: 20
    Has anyone had any experience snowplowing with their Quad? If so, what type of set-up do you have?
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    A trick ive come up with is similar...

    (1) Warm up Engine, Park on Level ground, Allow time to cool with Hood up(to aid in colling), remove screw-off oil filter cap in front facia(4.7L)

    (2) Loosen the oilfilter with Strap wrench or your hand, (depending how tight you put it on last time) just enough to be able to spin it by hand the rest of the way off, but not far enough to leak oil

    (3) Get a 2-Liter plastic Pepsi/Coke/etc bottle and cut the top off about 2" Down the side.

    (4) Put on glove, hold bottle from beneath and slide up through access hole and over loosened filter

    (5) Slide hand over top of bottle and around filter and unscrew filter by rotating bottle and filter at same time...

    (6) Allow Filter to drop into 2-Liter bottle and keep bottle up and at filter spout until it quits dripping into bottle (1-2 minutes)

    (7) manuver hand back to bottom of bottle and remove bottle. oil, and filter

    ***I never have been a fan of banging on anything under the hood with a hammer or punching holes in filters unless absolutly necassary

    CHAD
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Does anyone know where to get Mopar accesories without having to pay through the nose?

    $580 for step bars on my 2001 quad are a little excessive
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    This really needs to be in the accessories section but sure, it's called after-market. Sorry I don't mean to be condescending but try atlanta auto accessories. Westin bars look great, take all of 30 mins to install and arrived at my door step in 3 days for $199.00 and that was with free shipping. Great company! If they decide to sell either the fold a cover or advanced 2 piece cover I will buy from them. Mopar is just too proud of their stuff!
  • guannerguanner Member Posts: 31
    I got the Line-X liner in July and love it. the dealer that did mine walked me through the whole thing. althought I had to leave when the sand paper came out. (For my own peace of mind) all in all it was around $4oo.oo for the over the rail liner..
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Was the response my salesman gave me about my ordered truck.
    It is currently sitting in Ridgefield Park, NJ.
    Hopefully by end of this week it will be at the dealers in Old Bridge, NJ.
    I ordered on 10/27/00. That makes it about 5 weeks from order to delivery.



    Wouldn't you know it, the very day that I ordered the truck, my car starts to act up. Had to take car off the road this past weekend as it needs repair. Think the front bearing has finally gone. Makes an awful crunching grinding sound. It is destined for the junk yard.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    I found a Dealer on the web that does pretty good on prices.
    http://shop.store.yahoo.com/wyckoff-chrysler-parts/index.html

    I've ordered a couple things from them and also used their prices to get my local dealer to match them.
    SHAWKWAV- I also am very happy with my Line-x liner. I had a Rhino Liner on a previous truck back when they were the only one around. It was also a quality product, but I think now the harder mix from Line-X provides better protection. I do not know of any slide-in over the rail liner.
  • traumagastraumagas Member Posts: 64
    I Have a inside type liner, I wanted a clean look and did not want the liner to possibly scratch the rail area I have seen some bedliners roll up around the edges. I wanted protection of the rail so I ordered the abs black plastic bed caps that fit like a glove to the rail. These are 55.00 from truck accessories 4 less. It gives a clean look along with protection. Also I am working on info on the moonroof was told a company called ASE has one avail price retail 975.oo
    Jon
  • ohc_babyohc_baby Member Posts: 116
    My real fuel economy is routinely 80% - 85% what my overhead console shows. I figured that they're all off, but recently found some people that had accurate ones. Has anyone had theirs adjusted or investigated by a dealer, or adjusted it themselves?
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Chad, I tried the 2L bottle last time and I found the punch a lot easier. To each their own.
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Got a call tonight. My truck is in. Ordered it on Oct 30th. Couldn't believe it.
  • slr9589slr9589 Member Posts: 121
    Thanks to "ferous" for enlightenning info on michigan Quad snow trials!!! Is it necessary to put weight in back of truck?....
    I have an over the rail Duraliner bedliner.it works and fits fine.price...$149.00....
    slr9589
  • 2nddak2nddak Member Posts: 44
    Hi all, I've enjoyed this site for the last month or so and decided I'd ask a few questions. I've got a new qc 4wd due in soon and am wondering what to do with the bed. I've seen previous posts on the university reports on tonneaus being the best for wind resistance thus, best mpg. The cap tested worse than an empty bed. In the last week there have been two posts saying that their mpg gets worse when the caps are taken off. Possible a function of the longer cab/shorter bed combination of this vehicle compared to the regular size truck tested.

    My question is: Has anyone else had the same experience with their caps?(better mpg) Also, does anyone have the Advanced cover, and if so, how do they like it? Looked like the most practical set up for my needs, should I choose a tonneau over a cap.

    Thanks for any info you can give me.
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    I have seen my mpg readings differ from hand calculator to the computer readings a number of times, but it seems to be most accurate if after the first click off of the gas pump that you don't try to force more fuel in, perhaps 1 more pump click, then quit there. As far as adjusting it, I don't think that there is anything to adjust, but some of the guys here have the service manual, and perhaps could check it and post their findings. Stnick.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (2nddak) Check out the TRUCK AERODYNAMICS LINK

    Keep in mind that this is for a RAM with a SQUARE cap on it. Any cap you buy for your rig will be MUCH more aerodynamic than this.

    I opted for a cab-high cap on my Dak for the following reasons.
    1) Secure, lockable area for anything from groceries to furniture.
    2) Completely sealed from the elements.
    3) Can be used for camping as a secure sleeping area.

    I did get a $20 rubber bedmat that provides a slip-resistant hauling surface. PLASTIC BEDLINERS ARE VERY SLIPPERY AND DESTROY THE PAINT IN THE BED.

    I have gone on several long trips with my Dak and found plenty of room for belongings and even brought home a bedroom dresser from a cross-country trip.
    I have filled the cap with tree limbs to take them to the recycle center too. THIS THING IS THE MOST VERSATILE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Got the Hide Food leather conditioner in today. This stuff is awesome. Gives the leather a deepr color and softens it up!!!!
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Whats the deal with the lumbar seat? I have seen alot of lumbar supports in vehicles and this has to be the worst. Does any one else share my view on this?
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Whats the best method to break in the 4.7 V-8?
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    Does any one have an opinion on Westin or Mopar nerf bars? Just wonder if there is any difference in the quality?
  • iflyxjiflyxj Member Posts: 3
    Tuvtest,

    thanks for the input on the Go Rhino guard. I do have one additional question. Does the 1.5 beer installation include the use of powertools? Most of the other grille guard makers tout 'drill free' or 'bolt-on' installations and I didn't see a mention of that on the Go Rhino website.

    thanks
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    I go to pick up the truck today.
    I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    By the way, when I was talking to my salesman yesterday, he stated that there was an increase in the invoice price of the truck and the 7 gallons of gasoline, since the time I placed the order on 10/27/00.

    The difference was something like $250. When I get the invoice sheet I will post what the differences are.

    The dealer is going to absorb the increased price and honor the price of the original sales order.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    The guard is a no-drill install. I did my estimating for hand tools. My time spent is usally the same using hand tools or air tools because I always forget to turn on the compressor ahead of time, so I either stand around working on a beer or start working with hand tools while the tank fills. So my time either way is about the same, but using the air tools just sounds cool
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The effect that a cap has is dependent on several factors. My 83 F150 got better mileage when I put a cap on it, while my 91 got worse. Both were super cab short beds. The difference was the first cap was textured metal and the second was smooth fiberglass. Unfortunately, it is going to be hit or miss to find ways to keep good mileage. On the plus side for caps, I can hardly wait to get mine because once you use one, you will find it hard to do without.
  • resqmanresqman Member Posts: 71
    2ndDak,

    Cap, cover, or nothing depends a lot on how you plan on using the vehicle. Caps tend to me more watertight and lockable based on posts. The covers provide coverage of the bed area but there are many posts of minor water leakage.

    Security of the bed can be an issue. Fabric covers hide contents from prying eyes but a pocket knife and the contents are easy prey. Fiberglass covers provide could protection from weather and theives but can limit size of cargo. Caps provide protection from weather and thieves with increased storage area. A potential drawback to caps is access to contents at the far end of the bed. Windows that open like the rear door are worth whatever you have to pay if you get a cap. Another issue with caps is reduced driver rear view visibility.

    Another topic is how easy is it to remove or move out of the way so you can haul large items. I found out that removing my cap requires about 5 minutes to loosen the clamps plus time finding someone to help lift and move. The second person seems to be the limiting factor for me. The wife does not feel up to the task even though the manufacturer claims the cap only weighs 150 lbs.

    I prefer the look of the fiberglass covers but wanted the extra storage capacity of a cap. 90% of the time a cover would work fine for me. Two weeks a year during family vacation the cap comes into its own. There have been many times that I have filled the bed up to just over the rails. With a cap, no worries.

    Don't forget costs. A nice fiberglass cap can run $1000-$1500 depending on options and manufacturer.

    Mpg is another issue all together.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Bruce, my wife also refuses to do that stuff. So, for all of you guys out there who are not yet married; The following suggestion is in order.

    If you want to meet the "right" girl who will be there when the cap needs to be removed and/or installed, please go to the local gym and find the strongest girl there. Please exercise caution in the way you address this particular girl so as to avoid extreme bodily injuries. If you are injured, please call;
    1-(800) resqman for your expert medical emergency treatment.

    Bookitty
This discussion has been closed.

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.