Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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Comments

  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    FYI- a buddy of mine uses a simple pully system attached to the celing of the garage to take off his cap alone. It seems to work well for his 8x4 ft. cap. If this chevy-head can do it it couldn't be that difficult to put together.
  • cadguycadguy Member Posts: 9
    All of a sudden the other day (at 3000 mi.)I've noticed a pronounced vibration/roughness when idling at stop lights. I think I've also noticed it during driving periodically. A push on the gas will smooth it out but up until now the 4.7 has been smooth as silk. Anyone else have this or any thoughts? Thanks.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (cadguy) This is just a long-shot guess. I have read about a TSB on some of the 4.7L V8 Hemi engines.
    The symptoms you have mentioned are very simular to the problems that are mentioned in the TSB.

    This TSB mentions that the "Crankshaft Position Sensor" may physically touch the "tone wheel" it is supposed to sense thus causing the PCM to mis-calculate engine operating decesions.

    This sensor is just screwed into the side of the engine and is easy to remove and visually check for damage if this is the problem. See your dealer.
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Ok, last time this topic comes up hopefully. I am shopping for a 2001 Quab Cab. I wanted a Garnet Red, loaded SLT with a rear slider window. Dealer calls me today and said he has a loaded Black one, but has the solid back window with the defroster.
    I was bummed because it does have all the options I want, minus the color and the slider. What are your opinions on the sliding rear window? Any problems with leaks?
    I called him back and said I would pass on the black one, I will hold out for the Garnet Red with the slider. But, I still want to hear from you on the pro's vs cons.....thanks!!

    Brian
  • jbardramjbardram Member Posts: 20
    I bought my 3rd Dakota and take pride in owning an American vehicle made by an American company. Some of you who were Chrysler shareholders at the time of the Daimler takeover may want to participate in the class action suit recently filed, which essentially claims Daimler paid a lower price for Chrysler by claiming it was a merger of equals and has now relegated Chrysler to a "group" and fired most of the American upper-management, replaced by Germans from Daimler. Just a FYI. My '00 QC 4.7 4x4 13,000 miles is running great!
  • moparpower1moparpower1 Member Posts: 14
    I would like to change headlight bulbs over to the blue clor type of bulbs but would like to have fog ligths be the same.I was wondring if anyone has done this and what the part # would be for the bulbs and the brand name or place that I could purchase them.Thanks
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Brian, some people (me) swear by them, and others (chiefdoc for one) swear at them. It's really not a question of leaks, as much as it is a question of preferences. I am used to the rear slider, and when the windows are lowered, opening it reduces buffeting and noise. I do the very same thing in our SUV and the Wrangler. Of course, in the winter there are many times when that defroster would be welcomed. My 2000 was not available with a defroster equipped slider. It's also not very convenient due mainly to the distance from the driver. It was difficult enough in my club cab and
    required the ultimate stretch. Because the rear door windows lower fully, it is not as noisy as partially lowered windows, and is tolerable with the slider closed. But, at the first opportunity (weather permitting) I open the slider. Wind buffeting aside, I wear hearing aids and the noise from the wind is quite annoying and is greatly reduced by opening the slider. The garnet red is a rich and beautiful color. I personally would not choose black, but it's nice to look at. So you see, it's all about choices. Whatever path you choose, good luck.

    Bookitty
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Picked up the truck yesterday and WOW, it is nice.
    smooth and quiet.
    very nice feel of the clutch.
    (when i got home and moved the old k-car, I could not believe how hard the clutch actually was....no wonder my left knee would hurt after a while.)

    Did find one problem after I got home....the driver's side rear door window seems to bind severely when rolling it up. I will have it looked at during the first service interval.

    Price increase from time of ordering is as follows:
    total difference $238
    invoice up $223
    destination up $15
    The dealer absorbed the increase.

    cap and bedliner to be determined. probably next years project after I save a few more bucks.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    For the bulbs, I would stay away from the cheap discount store bulbs, as the just add blue color without actually improving visibility. Some test have shown that these put out less usable light than stock bulbs, plus the cheap ones tend to piss off other drivers and the local constabulary. One company's bulbs I would recommend is PIAA. they produce a high quality product and do alot of research. Their "superwhite" bulbs are DOT legal and give a HID style light similar to the high end cars(mercedes, ect.) They also offer several aux. lights with custom mounting brackets for the Dak.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Harold, does PIAA have a website? If they do, and you know it, could you please post it. Thanks.

    Bookitty
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Well Bobby, New Jersey has another Quad in its midst. Good luck and congratulations. Perhaps the window will loosen up a bit with use. If not, it is a relatively easy adjustment for the service department to make. I know what you mean about the clutch. This clutch seems easier to engage/disengage than my 1995 Dakota. Either that,
    or I am getting stronger with age. That must be it, because when I was younger it took great effort to carry $20.00 worth of groceries, and now
    I can do it with just one hand. Enjoy your truck.

    Bookitty
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Thanks bookitty.

    The window I believe may have fallen off the track or something. At the dealers i tested them but did not roll them all the way down. When I got home, rolled the window all the way down and it seemed to slip down a bit. Hopefully an easy fix for the service dept.

    Also got a 7yr 70k mi ext. warranty (end of month reduced rate) $400 savings

    2 year service contract for free as an incentive to get ext. warr.

    5 year anti theft policy--If stolen within 5 years this policy will cover the difference between insurance company settlement price and the cost of a brand new truck. Basically I would sign a paper and drive off with new truck at no cost.
  • h_bosih_bosi Member Posts: 9
    Brian,

    Even though it is a matter of personal preference, I ordered my 2001 QC WITH sliding window because of this ONE advantage:

    I do use my truck to haul long stuff once in a while; example: lap sidings (16ft). Without a slider, I will have to either drape the materials over the cab or have them still way out in back of the truck.

    Happy QC hunting!

    /BOSI
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    To all of you troops out there. Harbor Freight sells an extender that fits into the 2X2 receiver hitch. It has a 36" extension bar, a 48-3/8" cross bar and is height adjustable. It is on sale now for $29.99 from $39.99. If it is anything like the hitch extender I purchased from them for $19.99 on sale from $24.99, it is built "Hell for stout" as they say in the Midwest, with a solid 2X2 insert. Believe me, I couldn't make it for that price. They have a great catalog and any order over $50.00 is freight free. They also have free freight and half price sales from time to time. I have bought welders, pipe threaders, numerous air tools and accessories, hand and power tools, trailers and trailer supplies, and much more. Their stuff is good and has always been a good value. Their website is as follows: www.harborfreight.com and the item number is 39168-1ANA. The first group of numbers is the item, the following group determines the price. They will send you a free catalog(s), and no bathroom is complete without it.

    Bookitty
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    Here it is
    http://www.piaa.com/index1.html
    good stuff, never had a complaint with any of their products.(well maybe price,but you get what you pay for)
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Harold, thanks for posting the PIAA site address. I located a dealer via their site. Thank you.

    Bookitty
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    http://www.hitchhand.com/

    Here is another product similar to bookitty's suggestion.

    I don't know what the price is though.
  • traumagastraumagas Member Posts: 64
    Hi all,
    I have a 01 qc 4x4 4.7 slt loaded out with everything short of engine block heater and full time 4x4. I love this truck, except I dont like the cheap black dodge decals on the tailgate of the truck. The silver emblems on the doors look much better. The tailgate of the durango slt are the same emblems on the door, So I took the blow dryer and pulled them off. I then proceeded to the dealer to order the same emblem on the door along with the 4x4 emblem off the durango cost 20.00 each. On the way out I happen by a new durango slt loaded out and looked inside. I noticed the durango leather buckets are 8-way elect and heated and better looking (this was not a R/T) (WHATS UP WITH THIS) (this is included with the leather pkg on the durango)
    I would have thought DODGE would have offered the same top options to its Truck line since durango is so close to it. I would have gladly paid the price for it. Just goes to show you ,you can't please all the people all the time.
    Traumagas
  • kminekmine Member Posts: 10
    Waiting on my 01 SLT, 4.7 Auto with everything except leather, and FT4wd. It's been a little over 5 weeks only word I have is that it is scheduled for production. I have to check next week to see if they have a build/delivery date.
    CAN'T WAIT
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    i have a popping noise coming from the right front wheel not very offten but enough to make me concerned. seems to occur only when turning left. any one have a similar problem or have heard of this . 01 q/c 1300miles..
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    You have to consider how DC looks at the market segment for each vehicle. Durango= soccer mom/ urban yuppy. Pickup truck= working men/weekend DIYers. Right or wrong the vehicles are aimed at different buyers.
  • chiefdoc2chiefdoc2 Member Posts: 18
    Brian,
    It comes down to a coin toss I guess if you do not feel strongly either way re getting a slider. There are those here who will opt for one over a steering wheel if they had to and then there is me who WOULD NOT HAVE ANOTHER SLIDER after having two trucks with them plus a replacement window and hated all three.

    My main comment here is why don't you ORDER an 01 instead of waiting for "just the right" one to show up on a dealer's lot. Ordering is great fun plus the wait is a reasonable 4-8 weeks. My 01 QC is the 3rd vehicle I've ordered and, hopefully, I'll always be able to order in the future. You get exactly what you want and don't have to pay for things you really don't care for. Just a thought.

    Whatever you decide, I wish you much joy with a new QC. I sure like mine (4.7, 5sp, 4x4, 16in, bronze, lsd, 2K miles now).

    Ron-
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    Dear Traumagas,

    I, too, would like to get SLT silver emblems. Have you installed yours yet? If so, was it easy or difficult; did you have to drill any holes or did it "stick" on?

    Just wondering.

    GATOR72
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    Does anyone know of a good website for aftermarket accessories for QC's?

    I'm looking for a grille insert for the lower valence (under the front bumper).

    I'm also looking to replace the rear bumper with something more substantial. I love my QC, but the "dinky" rear bumper does not seem to fit-in with the truck's image.

    THANKS,

    GATOR72
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    Has anyone found a good on-line company carying the fold a cover and or the advance 2 piece cover. I can't find any dealers here in Houston.
    Thanks

    gator72 try www.atlantaautoaccessories
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    GET DODGE'S FOLDING TONNEAU COVER!!!

    Three weeks ago, I took delivery on my '01 QC SLT+ with the folding tonneau cover. It cost $630.00; installed by the dealer. Since the installation process is difficult; I gladly paid the dealer to do it.

    The cover is black and has a heavy aluminum skin with a steel frame. It locks at both ends; AND secures the tailgate.

    I am happy with my cover BUT, there are 2 points to consider. #1 - It is not completely waterproof; (1/4 cup of water after a heavy rain). There is small gap at the front and rear where the edge of the cover folds down to the body of the bed. I reduced the leak by adding marine weatherstips on the front and rear edges.
    #2 - The sliding retainers are a pain; (3 on each side). Unless you have someone on the other side of the truck, you have to walk around to retrack the retainers.

    Thanks for the website.

    GATOR72
  • 2nddak2nddak Member Posts: 44
    Try pickuptruckaccessories.com for the cover, it is posted as $449 but actually is a misprint, It should be $495. I talked to a guy at the company.
    Told me shipping was $70, which seemed a bit high.
    I can get it installed locally for $585, so doesn't make sense for me to order it. Seems like a great cover though. I spoke to a rep at the Advanced Cover company and he told me the QC cover fits very tight and may not leak at all but wouldn't be quoted on it. Good Luck
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (gator72) Another benifet of going with dealer-installed accessories is that they are covered by the factory warantee as well as any xtended warantee you choose. Thus you can consider part of the cost as 'insurance' .
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Well, I picked up my Quad tonight. A loaded (minus leather) SLT 4x4 in Intense Blue over Silver. Sharp truck. Everything seems fine. I'm going to take some pictures with the digital and post them in a day or two. I got the 5 speed and I'll say it runs/shifts great. Now all I gotta get are mud flaps and an A.R.E. tonneau and I'm set.

    I still have the Bronco II for a beater (for awhile, anyway) so I'll leave my nick the same for now...

    Thanks for all the info guys, it made the whole experience easier.
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    I bought a set for my truck right after I bought it. I believe I paid about $75 for the PIAA bulbs ( I think they came from www.autobulbdepot.com). I've been pleased, they offer more consistent illumination across the beam and were noticeably whiter than the stock bulbs. I installed just one at first and compared it to the stock bulbs. The stock bulb had a noticeable yellowish cast compared to the PIAA. I just won another set of similar (non PIAA) bulbs on a eBay auction. I'll let you know how they compare to the PIAA bulbs once I get them as these are coming direct from Taiwan. I'm going to install these in my 99 Neon R/T. I also contacted another dealer that sells on eBay about fog light bulbs. I need to do some additional research before I buy those but she said that the ones she has are 85Watt. I'm not sure if that is actual power or it is equivalent to 85Watt illumination. I'm sure there are those wondering why I need all this light! Well the deer are more numerous this year than I can ever recall. We walk our Doberman every evening at a nearby park. In the course of our drive we see at least a dozen along side or crossing the road. My Quad was only 2 weeks old when during broad daylight my wife was driving near our home and a LARGE buck got spooked by something and it ran right into the pickup bed on the drivers side, bounced off and kept running. Did about $300 in damage. Rick
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Chris, if you are not aware of this, A.R.E. has a $20.00 printout coupon that you can access via www.4are.com. Congratulations and good luck with your new truck. This is my second A.R.E. LSII, and I am more than satisfied. A great product.

    Rick, thanks for the information regarding the PIAA lighting choices. We encounter deer almost every night when driving to and from the Jersey Shore. Especially from private and public posted property where they enjoy life without hunting pressure. I am not a hunter, but it is sad to see them mangled on the side of the road. What a waste. At least when they are harvested by hunters, they provide meat and nourishment to others.

    Bookitty
  • sg40739sg40739 Member Posts: 14
    Does anyone know what performs better say in the quarter mile, 5 speed or automatic? I have the 2000 2wd QC seems to go pretty good but ran a 15.8 @ 86 mph. i wonder if the auto is faster
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    It looks like I am going to take the plunge next week and get, off the lot, a 01 4x2 Flame Red Sport QC, Sport plus, 4.7L, auto, power convenience group, deluxe convenience group, AM/FM/Cassette/CD/Equalizer, floor mats, bedliner, (ac, fog lamps, T&H package part of the plus package), etc. The only thing lacking is an lsd, but because the price is so good, I felt I had to get it (invoice minus holdback of $712, and that's before the Dodge and Farm Bureau rebates). The only problem is I must go and drive it back home (seversl hundred miles). How should I go about breaking it in over the trip?
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    It depends what you are going for in the 1/4. If you are running brackets, I would use the auto for consistancy. For just low ET the 5-speed would probably be quicker as the 4.7 has a high HP peak and the stock converter won't flash that high.Remember YOU have to be able to do your part with the 5-spd, the shifter does have relativly short throws for a truck, but for racing, they are long. One caviet, neither of these trans's are designed for the long term abuse of the track, an occasional trip down the strip won't hurt too much, but running a season of brackets with slicks, you WILL be replacing parts.
  • dakotaladydakotalady Member Posts: 1
    Just want to thank everyone for all the information posted. Just bought a 2001 Quad SLT
    4WD, with all the goodies except leather seating,
    garnet red with silver. Boy is it pretty!!!!!!
    Wasn't really looking for a truck, just maybe a SUV with 4WD but sat in the Dakota and fell in love. Have you ever just realized this is the car(or should I say truck) for you??? I have three boys so I definitely need the quad seating.

    Enjoy the ride and I'm sure I'll even enjoy it more when the snow flies. Well, off to run another errand in my truck, never knew it could be this fun!!!!!!!
  • traumagastraumagas Member Posts: 64
    Well, marketing missed the boat! In My opinion
    they would have sold at least one to me, Ha Ha.
    Gator, The emblems are stick on, just make sure surface is clean wipe the area lightly with a alcohol wipe, being careful not to let it run let dry. for alignment I measured and marked the area for the emblem with crayon with sharp point.
    I have found a moonroof for the vehicle installed for 1100.00 with lifetime guarantee
    the installer does all caddies from the nations largest caddy dealer (Memphis) Dons Auto upholstery has been in business for over 30 years. I am to look at a dakota qc with a roof placed by them next week. Then I will make the big decision if to cut that big hole in my beautiful Trucks roof.
    What do you readers think ?
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Well, after FINALLY finding the vehicle I wanted, I find out that it does not have the skid plate group. Now I know I should probably just order a new Quad, but maybe the skip group isnt all that important. I will only take the truck off road occasionally, so do you think it really matters without the skid plates? Apprectiate hearing from you on this, thanks!

    Brian
  • myersedmyersed Member Posts: 102
    (jbardram) -I have not heard/received anything re: the filing of the Daimler Chrysler class action suit, other than what is being pursued by some extremely large shareholders. Do you have any references?
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    brianpha - Skid plates are probably one of the easiest aftermarket installs available. If you really had a hard time finding this truck, I would buy it, and just add the skid plates afterwards. I was told by my salesman that Any orders made right now would likely not arive until Feb. Not to mention the $1000 rebate... (which will probably go up..)
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    brianpha - I would try to get the skid plates installed if possible. I've done Baja trips in the past without them and even on fairly light dirt and gravel off-roading (4Hi) you 'd be amazed at the amount of junk that kicks up into the tranny and engine compartment. Remember with off-roading, you can go from "fun and easy" to serious headaches in a matter of miles if the terrain changes. If you're just doing beach stuff, ala the Outer Banks in Carolina, or very light snow, you'd probably be okay. But anything, like baja, with rock and desert-like terrain I wouldn't be without them.

    just my 2 cents.

    Dave
  • gjblegjble Member Posts: 23
    I want to thank everyone who contributed to this forum this year.It took me that long to make the plunge. Your input reassured me this was a pretty special vehicle. So many owners couldn't all be wrong. And everybody,bottom line, likes their truck.Plus you saved me at least $500 (FB).I felt like I knew pretty much all their was to know before I drove one. The only surprise was the 4.7 performance.A little more than I hoped for.
    I ordered on Oct.30 and took delivery on Nov.22. Not too shabby.Did it all on line and the first price I was given(drive out) never changed. I only had one problem with the truck which I will go into at another time. Thanks for sharing your experience, it was a big help.
    In Atlanta
  • scottieeckscottieeck Member Posts: 69
    thank you and amen to bookitty and tuvtest. I havent been around here long but when i read a posting i look to see what you guys have to say. I'd like to hear more about break in period and usage since dodge manuals are so vague ( I just took a 300 mile round trip hunting and was a little worried, I have 800+ miles now )
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Well, I finally found the truck I wanted. The only item it was missing was the sliding window. It is a garnet red 2001 SLT, loaded. I did have them add the skid plates to it, but they made me pay the $130 for it! : (
    It will be driven up from Oregon on Monday, to here in Olympia, WA. Unfortunatley, that puts 600 miles on the truck to start. I used Autobytel, and had good results. Anyway, will let you know how it is when I pick it up on Tuesday, thanks for all the help!!!

    Brian
  • shawkwavshawkwav Member Posts: 18
    I finally picked up my 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT today from Redwood City Dodge (Patriot Blue 4x4 4.7L V-8/Automatic Transmission which is pretty much loaded). I must say that this is one awesome vehicle, but two things made my overall purchasing experience less than perfect. First off, after going through a checklist that I found on a previous posting, I found some unwanted blemishes and scratches on the doors and fenders. There is even a thin piece of wax that won't come off on the front side passenger door. On the right side fender there was mismatched touch up paint to poorly cover up another series of scratches found on the right side front fender. Second, the fleet manager that I dealt with was an absolute [non-permissible content removed] as far as professionalism was concerned. I would not have dealt with him had it not been for the great deal that I found through the Invoicedealers.com website, which led me to the only dealership in my area and my inevitable encounter with this gentleman. He was outright condescending, very short with me, and tried to rush me through going over my checklist. If that weren't enough, he tried to get past giving me my $1000 rebate, which the finance manager was so gracious in pointing out to him when I had mentioned the issue before signing any paperwork. If the finance manager hadn't been as kind, professional, and very personable with me, I think I would have lost it and unleashed the beast within me. Overall, however, I am pleased with my Dakota and I must say that aside from some minor cosmetic issues that will need to be addressed by the dealership within the next couple of days, I am very impressed with how solid and beautiful this truck is and performs. If anyone read this, please keep in mind to stick to your guns whenever you are about to purchase a vehicle, check the vehicle with a fine tooth comb, and do the necessary research before going to buy it. I waited a month for my order from the factory, and believe me, it was definitely worth the wait to shop online at Invoicedealers.com, especially since I paid $99 over invoice. For folks in the Northern CA Bay Area who decide to stop by at Redwood City Dodge, please be aware of the Fleet Manager with the initials J.P.! If possible try to avoid this gentleman at all costs, but if it's inevitable, stick to your guns and take no B.S. from the [non-permissible content removed]!

    Dakota's Rock!
    shawkwav
  • brianphabrianpha Member Posts: 25
    Hey Shawkwav,
    Email me at brianpha@yahoo.com. I have some questions to ask ya, thanks!

    Brian
  • ohc_babyohc_baby Member Posts: 116
    Brian, since a dealer employee will be breaking in your truck, I'd definitely mention that you want them to go easy on it. When the truck first arrives and you first turn the key, go to the overhead computer. It'll tell you how far it was driven and for how long. Do the math and see how fast they drove it on average, as well as the average mpg. I'd be nervous, but for the truck you're looking for, I'm sure it's a steal.
  • kminekmine Member Posts: 10
    My 01 Quad SLT, 4.7 auto,3.55, with everything except leather, & FT 4WD is in KZ status built waiting to be invoiced. Whaaa WHoooo!

    Couple of questions;
    1. Break end. What are some of the true life lessons vs. mnfgr. recommendations
    2. Where can I get a check list for final insp.

    Thanks, Kmine
  • kminekmine Member Posts: 10
    I just noticed on my previous post I put "Break end" when I meant Break in. What a dope!.

    Anyway, anyone have any thoughts thanks.

    Kmine
  • 2nddak2nddak Member Posts: 44
    Have any of you folks added splash guards to your QC with the fender flares. Do they fit well? If so which brand? Do they do a better job than the flares alone?

    I also posted last week for comment from anyone that has experienced increased mileage with a cap on the QC rather than the expected decrease. If there is anyone out there that has, please fill me in with the details.

    Just picked up my ordered QC 4wd, 4.7, auto, silver, this weekend. Everything seems in order but the paint job could have been better. There is run about 1 1/2" on one side of the bed. I'm hesitant to have dealer repaint that panel for fear that it may not match as well as the factory job. Guess I'll live with it, it is a truck after all!

    Thanks
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    I just bought the MOPAR Rear Splash Guards made to fit over the fender flares. But, I have not installed them yet (bad weather). I held them up to truck and they look good - blends well.

    HOWEVER, there is a slight problem. You have to drill several holes to attach the Splash Guards. Problem is: a regular drill won't work because there is a tight clearance between the rear tire and the body. I have 2 choices: (1) remove the rear tires (big pain); OR (2) buy a Dremel drill (with the 90 degree attachment) - about $90.00 for the Dremel plus attachment.

    Does anyone else know of an easier way to attach these fender flares?

    GATOR72
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