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Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab
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Comments
Bookitty
funny though i have not seen many 2000's come back on the private or retail inventory here in eastern mass.
drive on,
slr9589
Good looking top and rug. Are the gunnel (sp) covers hard plastic (fiberglass)? Cannot tell from the pics. And the rug? It is nylon, yes? What did these two items cost you? I have an 01 Quad 4x4, 4.7, lsd, 16in, bronze. Do either of these items come in any other colors?
Thanx
Ron
Killeen, TX
53032389ac filler cap
53032126aa baffle.
This should work for you as I presented these part #s to my dealers parts dept, they ordered and installed them this week. Hope this helps. Nick
Both axle front shafts and the front drive shafts are locked together and spin at all times. The only item that is not fully engaged is the transfercase. The transfer case chain spins around both front and rear shafts and the front shaft is given driving power when the lever is moved to the 4x position. So the difference between awd and selectable 4wd is minimal. I would opt for the selectable 4wd unless you wife or someone else will be driving the rig and doesn't quite understand when to move the lever.
The part time 4wd should save some mpg as well as add longevity to the entire drive line. It would be nice if someone came up with a quality part time hub conversion for these to save on wear and possible some milage .
Those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to spend $23-24K on a truck probably shouldnt whine about milage I guess.
I hope this helps
I am just starting to experience the sludge problem that has been discussed and will try to have it fixed ASAP.
As a traveling sales person I just love the added room and comfort of my QC. The only draw back is that I always seem to be hauling more poeple that I used to in my old Ranger!
This thing is FUN!
Any thoughts?
By the way check out www.smokindakota.com
Thanks for the part numbers.
Earl
Did you jack up one front wheel and actually turn it by hand to see if the front driveshaft turns?
The choice on the Dakota/Durango is FULL TIME 4x4 or Shift-on-the-fly 4X4....(NOT AWD which is a different system altogehter usually involving viscous couplings)
I have to echo the other posts here about the FULL TIME 4x4 The FT4X4 (as found in the dakota/durango) is simply an open differential in the xfer case. It reduces MPG, wears out tires VERY fast and will wear drivetrain components too. There are better things to spend my $$ on than a xfer case that wears out my tires faster than normal.
The milage on my truck is very closeto his at this point 1 mpg less approx. Mine has 1700 miles on it and it is not yet broken in.Cant remember what his is but it is probably well broken in by now. We both drive mostly city and it seems we have similar driving styles, "heavy footed" at times.
All in all , the mielage seems to be a moot point.Tthe tire wear has yet to be determined but there are many factors that have an effect on tire wear, Pressure, driving style and rotation to name the most common. Without reading the other posts, I would have to disagree with your earlier post about increased wear on the tires and the gas milage.
Time will tell of course but this is my opinion so far
Bookitty
I am just trying to point out that driving style, terrain, etc can also be a heavy contributor to increased tire wear. I am notoriously hard on tires due to my driving style and the roads that I frequently travel. I guess maybe the word that I am stuck onin bpeebles post is VERY in bold without the particulars. My .02
Regards,
Brett
Thus far, I have not noticed any slime, yellow or otherwise. (The weather along the Gulf Coast has been in 20s ~ 40s - no snow).
Was this problem fixed by Dodge in time for the 2001 models? If not, will the dealer fix it under warranty if I request it; OR, will they send out a "recall" notice about it?
Anybody got any info. on bumper-grille inserts? I've found a few on the net, but they are all shiny aluminum. I'm looking for black to blend in better.
THANKS,
Gator72
I'm not supposed to be here because I have club cab, but I have some thinks I would like to share with you. I have 2000 4.7l,4X4, auto with 20K miles on it. Gas mileage never got better than 16miles/gal. I have cab and always some weight on the back. Pretty happy so far. Last winter I noticed that foaming and moisture in oil filling tube. I called the dealer, of course it's normal. This winter besides that there is also brown, rusty sludge on the walls and cap. I tried my dealer again, not to worry it's normal. After calling few other dealers around, I decided to call Chrysler. All the sudden there is a problem, and they have a kit to fix it. As you already know the cap and baffle. If your dealer pretends, he doesn't know what you talking about tell him to go on his computer to TSB and go to post#0900100A, this should open his eyes. Other posts worth attention are #0900999 (ticking noise) and 0802200A (camshaft position sensor). I was trying to fix ticking noise since I bought the truck, nobody at service could hear it, as always. Never found any noise from camshaft. Maybe changing cap and baffle will help, but other thing worth consideration is switching into synthetic oil. I heart that regular oils can absorb some moisture and this will change their characteristics. Synthetic supposedly repeals all moisture. I was always skeptical about synthetic oil and proffered frequent oil changes, but maybe it's time to change. Did anybody changed air filter with K&N. If so, have you noticed any improvement in gas mileage and power, also where did you buy it?. Last thing. I broke one of the fog lights. Dealer wants almost $100. I thing this is ridiculous, for such a piece of... Did anybody get them after market or decent brand that fits opening in the bumper. Thanks for attention. Good luck with your trucks!
This is my first post. I have read previous post extensively for the past year, and decided to buy my Quad. Thanks for all the info.
The problem that I am experiencing is a very high pitch noise (sounds like a dry bearing) from the transfer case when engaged in 4x4.
When you disengage the 4x4 the noise is gone.
I have been to the dealer and test drove another Quad with the Dealer Service Manager. Guest what, no noise, not a sound when engaged in 4x4.
We made an appointment to have this checked, they had the truck a full day.
My wife picked up the truck and they told her that they could not find a problem at this time
My question is; "Is anybody else experiencing the same noise?"
Any feed back would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance....
Sorry for such a long post
Pete
scottie
There have been 2 TSBs about the Oil-Water emulsion in the oil-filler cap.
I hear it too... when in 4X4LOCK, the front drive shaft, differential and axles are engaged and about 100 pounds of additional steel is churning. Consider it normal.
As you use the 4X4LOCK setting more often, the gears will tend to "seat in" a bit and quiet down.
I have over 200 miles on my Dakota in the 4X4LOCK setting and the sound has become much less.
You are locking into 4X4 when NOT on pavement... right? (Bad things can happen)
What bad things???
The concern was the fact that we drove another Dakota and the transfer case made no noise at all.
Question, is every transfer case different in sound that it makes.
Thanks
I have also noticed a noisy power steering pump. It was low on fluid and I filled it to the proper level but it does still whine when it is cold. Any one else have the same experience?
I too would like to know if the k&N filter swap is worht the investment. Has anyone completed this with good results? I would be willing to take donations and make the swap and report all my findings if anyone is interested! ( LOL)
What is, aside from fuel economy, the BIGGEST design-related flaw you have found with your truck? i.e: the seats are uncomfortable, not enough ground clearance, bed too small etc etc... Tell me all!
full time 4WD uses more fuel and weras tires. If you are driving 50,000+ per year as I did for many
years the difference would be dramatic. Enjoy your truck.
Pete, Bruce (bpeebles) probably was referring to engagaing 4WD on "dry" pavement, which is very risky. Engage only in conditions that do not provide good traction (snow, extremely wet, mud, off road, etc.)
Bookitty
A well equipped Mitsubishi Montero 4 x 4, with which I have been very happy, has been my transport around central PA for the past 10 years. If the new Dakota treats me as well, I will be a happy camper (figure of speech only).
The Dakota on order is a Q/C 4x4, 4.7L V8, Auto, Limit Slip Diff, 4 wheel anti-lock, defrost rear window, deluxe convenience, H/D service group, power convenience group, AM/FM with CD, skid plates, Sport Plus group, trailer tow, dressed in silver metallic. Probably more goodies than I need, but expect to drive this one for 10 years too.
Have picked up the forum info that will allow me to trace the build and shipment times.
Sorry for the long first post. I'll keep reading regularly, and again, thanks for the good info.
Ken J
Bookitty
My own personal pet peeves about the truck? I have 2. First, I wish they had kept the lever for 4x4 rather than changing to a switch, my personal preference only, not backed up by any statistics on reliability of either system. Second, the low power on the fog lights, and the fact that they have a proprietary bulb and can't be upgraded w/o replacing the whole light [non-permissible content removed].
Keep in mind that these notes do not indicate I am unhappy with the truck. I think overall it is a great design and would buy it again without hesitation. Just remember all cars are compromises. Manufacturers cannot build a vehicle that is perfect for every person or situation, I think the QC comes very close to doing all that most of us need, and more
Ken
Design improvements - If the truck could fly, it would make my 42 miles commute go even faster, or so the crows tell me. I might even get more looks than I do now. But I'm sure that would come at a price I couldn't afford.
Seriously - the only issue I have is with my 4.7 5spd 3.55 combo. I have the std 215 tires and 1st gear is worthless. During my daily drive to work, I run a 2nd-3rd-5th shift pattern. If I could of had the 3.21 rear end, then I would be using 1st. The only time I need 1st gear is when I pull my pop-up camper.
Their website doesn't list a QC kit. Do you have a Part number?
Muffler & install were only $125 Heck of a deal if you ask me.
Any body have a Z-tube on a 4.7? Is it worth the bucks?
Bookitty
The one option that I am having trouble with is the ESOF - Full Time Transfer Case.
I have read several posts regarding MPG and Tire wear, but am still uncertain to what extent these two factors will differ from a part time 4-wheel drive vehicle.
I have read several articles praising all wheel drive (ie the new silverado C3). this just adds to my confusion. Is the all wheel drive offered in the Quad Cab a state of the art design, like the C3? Or is it something that should be avoided.
I like the idea of not having to choose the perfect time to engage the system. I like the fact that it is always ready to help out in an emergency... wet, snow, or dry.
Again I ask for any information regarding THIS specific system, problems associated with THIS system, and general point of views.
As always this forum is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I appreciate any and all help regarding this problem of mine.
FYI, I was looking at the SLT QC, 4x4, 4.7, multi speed tranny, 3.55, anti spin, rear defrost, tire and handling
Thanks again
Lately, I've noticed a slight bumping noise when turning RIGHT at slow speeds (10~15 mph) while applying brakes. If I don't apply the brakes - there is no noise. Also, there is no noise when turning LEFT while applying the brakes.
The noise is similar to a front end squeak in older vehicles. BUT, it only does it when I apply the brakes while turning RIGHT.
I plan to ask the dealer to look into this at next oil change. Until then, does anyone have any ideas as to what this might be???
THANKS,
Gator72
PS. To the new reader who was asking - I have no complaints about my QC. As far as I'm concerned there are no "flaws" to complain of (except the noise noted above - may be just a fluke). It's comfortable, great visibility, quality workmanship and loads of power on demand. However, it is NOT a babe-magnet. The only looks it gets is from other guys. I've been stopped in the parking lot a few times with questions like "when did Dodge come out with 4 door Dakotas? and "great looking truck".
of us prefer part time 4WD for a variety of reasons, while others choose the full time. If you prefer that the vehicle more or less dictates when 4WD becomes engaged, then by all means choose the full time. If you prefer to make the choice yourself, then part time is the right way. It is strictly a matter of choice. Whatever your preference, enjoy your truck. I think that you have already answered your own question.
Bookitty
" Dodge Truck Rebates
The Dodge Truck Bonus Certificates provide the opportunity for members to purchase Dodge Pickup Trucks, Dodge Ram Vans, and Dodge Ram Wagons at a discount of $500. Contact your local Dodge Dealer to make your best deal on an eligible vehicle. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 days before taking ownership."
This was cut and pasted from the web site. Talk to your dealer and also to the member benefits person at the local (county) and/or state level.
The dealer may be able to help you with the 30 day requirement. Good luck.
Bookitty
Anyone else have this problem/issue/noise?
for only a month but have already put 2500 miles on it. Love it, but...no tow hooks, no tailgate lock. Had to install a pop lock (and chose to install a pace edwards cover). Any feedback on where I can get tow hooks???
1. I was probably going to go for a spray in liner. Any suggestions for brands?
2. I am also looking at getting a roll& lock cover. Is the Pace Edwards the best for the money? Is install something that should be left for a progessional? Do they rattle when you are driving? Also, is it difficult to install a lock on the tailgate?
3. What are your opinions on the bug deflectors available for the Quad? Is the protection they provide, really worth the money. Personally, I don't think they look very good on the Dakota with the broken hood-line.
Opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, I know a delivery checklist has been posted before, but I can't find it. Could someone please repost the info?
PS: egaquaman - I asked my dealer about towhooks when I ordered my truck. Supposedly he checked and I could get them installed after delivery for a couple hundred bucks. I didn't really ask him details since I won't be getting my truck until the first week in March. When I find out if he knew what he was talking about I will post it.
Within the next week or so, I'll head to the dealer for the 1st "free" oil change and ask them to look into the problem.
Mine makes that "clunking" sound when making slow right turns - while applying the brakes. If I don't apply the brakes, there is NO noise at all. I have NOT noticed any noise on left turns.
The noise in mine is definitely coming from the front end; not the rear.
Slickwilliedj's description of the noise is very accurate. It sounds like old ball joints or worn cvc's on a front wheel drive.
Bottom Line: I don't believe it is anything major. Either something is loose; or, this is "normal" for QC's.
I'll keep you posted.
P.S. If anyone else is experiencing this problem, OR if you've had it FIXED - please post it for the rest of us.
Thanks,
GATOR72