Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

schoonover · February 2001

My brother e-mailed me an article tonight on synthetic oils and k&N filter chargers. The article Dyno tested a stock 98 Dodge Durango with the 5.2 and 37,000 miles. The first test established baseline peak performance at 176.9 hp @ 4300rpm and 248.5 ft/lbs @ 3300 rpm (rear-wheel). They then added Redline brand synthetic oils to the motor, transmission and differential. After warm-up they tested again and got peak numbers of 186.1 hp @ 4400 rpm and 251.5 ft/lbs @ 3300 rpm. Then, while still strapped to the Dyno, they changed the stock air filter system to a K&N that includes the smooth air flow tube and cold air block and got peak numbers of 193.1 hp @ 4300 rpm and 267.2 ft/lbs @ 3200 rpm. That is a gain of 16 hp and 19 ft/lbs!!!!! Wow! I am impressed!!

I am patiently waiting for the K&N for the 4.7 which is in development. And, I may try synthetic. E-mail me and I can send you a jpeg of the test results page. nschoonover@home.com

Norm

stnick · February 2001

Norm, I think your problem is not inherent in these vehicles, but a problem with yours. I don't see that problem in my 00 4.7L auto 3.55 . In fact I was amazed that it didn't kick down more often than it does. Now with cold weather here, it will kick down on a fair size hill but far less than my 95 Ranger 4.0 6 cyl did. I'm sure they should be able to fix it. Good luck, Nick.

rockymtn4x4 · February 2001

Like other first time posters, I have been eavesdropping on this board for awhile. And likewise have found the posts to be most inciteful and informative. Thanks to all of you.

Today was the day I pulled the trigger and placed my order on a 4.7, 4x4, 5spd, 3.92 Sport Plus in pat. blue with all the trimmings except leather, security and defrost rear. Hoping the order will take 5-6 weeks. Any later and I will need the incentives to be extended (they're scheduled to end 4/3). Any earlier and my 30 day req for the FB may not be met. I received the FB package today but it was missing the application. I called and they will be sending one out ASAP.

Hard to believe just a few short weeks ago I was all but ready to pull the trigger on a F150 Screw. I had a Internet dept for a local chain commit to ordering me one for invoice. After counting all my pennies I/we (wife handles the finances) realized we just couldn't swing it and be comfortable. So I looked harder at plan B - the Quad. With the options available and the pure joy of the ride I am glad it worked out this way. Of course I don't have to tell you folks this. I look forward to being part of this board (family). Rich

bobs5 · February 2001

tuvtest, bookitty

Thank you for the information regarding the engine block heater.
I have not used it so far this winter, not too many bitterly cold days, but wanted to know where the plug is, and how to use it properly.
Thanks guys.

Oh? Bookitty's Beach House Quad Meeting Extravaganza? Sounds like fun to me!

99slt · February 2001

Since an expert is one who has done it ONCE before, I'll ask you Sean. Could I hook up the PIAA 510 fog lights with a OME head/fog light switch? I do not now have fog lights but would like to add the PIAA's BUT without any change to the dash, ie. by using the Dodge light switch. Thanks in advance for your help.

txqc2000 · February 2001

I found the Sept. 2000 Car & Driver article last night where it discusses the AWD system on the Durango R/T, which is the same as in the Dakota QC. This is what it says:

"The R/T pounces off the line when all that torque is sluiced through the low-geared rear end, but forget hazing the spectators with tire smoke. The driveline, which doubles as the Jeep Grand Cherokee's base Selec-Trac system with a lockable low range, has a fixed 48 percent front and 52 percent rear torque split that keeps all the paws firmly planted on the bitumen."

If Car & Driver is correct, I guess that answers yours and mine question regarding what the set torque split is front/rear for the AWD system. Anyways, I hope this helps. Now, can someone tell me what a "bitumen" is?

bookitty · February 2001

Sean, "bitumen" is a natural form of asphalt derived from and is a byproduct of coal (bituminous). It is used loosely here in referring to asphalt, blacktop, tarmac, etc.

Bookitty

txqc2000 · February 2001

I asked the dealer about this and his answer was "no" because you need to have had the original fog lights installed to have that switch. I'm not even sure if the after market fog light kit you can order from Dodge includes the headlight/foglight switch. I'm sure someone on this board knows the answer to that question.

Actually, I don't mind the PIAA switch too much b/c it is only about .75" in length and about .5" wide. It is also lighted (green when off/red when lights on) and can be mounted virtually anywhere that you literally stick it. Mine is mounted to the left of my steering wheel column and is barely noticeable.

deangh · February 2001

sscckk - regarding your post #2028
I am new to the town hall, do not actually own a Dakota yet but I had the opportunity to test drive a QC the other day with the 5.9L. They are rare and hard to find. I had my local ( MN )
dealer do a locate so that I could test drive the 5.9L for comparison purposes, he found ONE in the five state area. I drove the truck and loved it.

I am beginning to understand that there may not be a lot of QC 5.9L owners out there.

Good luck.
Dean

txqc2000 · February 2001

It is kind of funny how the availability of trucks differs by region. Just b/4 I bought my truck in December, I noticed there were nothing BUT 5.9L's available in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area where I live. They were also available throughout the Southwest region according to a dealer search that was performed and a search I did on the internet (CA, NV, NM, Utah). It was more difficult to locate the 4.7's here in Dallas. This leads me to speculate that: 1) the 4.7's were in short supply b/c they are very popular (no duh); and 2) the people in this area also buy 5.9L's or the dealers wouldn't order so many of them. Since we're surrounded by lots of lakes, I imagine the 5.9L's are bought by those who want to tow their boats. That would explain why most of the 5.9L's had the towing packages, HD service group, etc. as well.

Anyways, if you want a 5.9L and don't want to order one, you might try some dealers here in TX or the Southwest. There were many dealers offering aggressive pricing throughout this region when I searched for a 2000 5.9L with the options I wanted (I bought mine for dealer invoice here in Dallas). Good luck.

danodw · February 2001

I've read where some has heard a whining noise in their QC. Today I went for a 50 mile drive and was listening to all the sounds. I could barely here a whining noise at different speeds, but it only happen on certain road conditions. After more investigation I feel that it is the tires causing the noise. Its not loud and I may have never notice it if I had not read about the whining noise. I also heard a slite, I guess you could say whining in the trans ( I have the auto ), but again I really had to listen hard and I only heard it when giving it the gas. Sounds normal to me. I still say this truck is very quiet
I hope this helps and there is no problem with yours.
Before I ordered my QC I checked out the Niss Xterra (rides very rough and under powered), Niss Crew Cab ( too small back seat, rides rough and the supercharger 210 hp really has a loud whin in it when giving it the gas and towing not good) and Toy crew cab and 4 runner ( didn't like the price for what you get, small and under powered). Although these trucks and SUV's have a good rep on quality there is no comparison to the QC on room, power, ride, looks and towing. The Dodge seems to have it all. I hope the quality is also there for the QC. I'll let you know how mine does but so far I feel its going to be a good one. I did not try a Ford, I just don't like them at all and Chevy, well I know more people that has had many problems with them, more problems than not, plus when I had one it took lots of hell raising to get anything done about the problems I was having with it, but that was years ago and they may be better now but I still like Dodge the best.

One more thing, putting a tonneau cover on my QC, will it change the way it rides with the extra weight on the bed, for better or worse. Please let me know before I do this. Thanks to all

deangh · February 2001

I have been doing some test drives with the various QC trucks. Last night I drove a QC with the tire/handling package and one without. Besides the appearance of the wheel flares and the larger tires this package seems to ride a bit firmer, not a bad ride just firmer than the truck without the tire/hadling package. Is this a fair assumption or was the -10 below weather throwing me for a loop?

One other question, I had a problem getting heat from the floor vent from both these vehicles, I recall reading a post somewhere on one of these pages about a similar problem. I had heat coming from everywhere that it was supposed to ( vent, defrost etc. ) but no heat. It sounded like the heat was being discharged into the inside of the dash. Can anyone shed any light on this one.

Thanks,
Dean

zonk · February 2001

I have a 01 Sport QC, 4.7L, auto, 4x2, 2100 miles on the truck. I have heard two noises: (1) Sometimes when braking from 50-60 mph, I hear a high pitched noise from the left side of the truck. Not all the time. (2) Today at lunch I pulled into a drivein fast food place (with a canopy over the drive making sounds are easier to hear) and put the truck in Park, then put it back in Drive to move towards the pay window. Each time I heard a clicking noise for about a second before the gears changed. Should I be concerned about either noise?

mtrogstad · February 2001

Does anyone know approximitaly how long it takes for a Dakota to be delivered once it leaves the factory. I know my truck was built on 2/14/01, and went on rail by 2/16/01. I tried tracking it on burlington northern's website but it isn't showing up. I live in North Dakota, so I don't think it goes on burlington until it reaches Chicago. I doesn't seem like it should take that long to get to Chicago though. Any input?

peb2 · February 2001

That was my post you read. The whinning noise (very noticable) occurs between 40 and 50 mph only when I let off the accelerator and coast. When I re-apply gas, the whinning disappears. The service dept said something needed adjustment and that they were waiting on the part. Some type of shim. But at this point I do not care what they do to this truck since my replacement truck is on its way.

triple_deke1 · February 2001

I ordered mine on 1/22 and am picking it up tonight..

TD

txqc2000 · February 2001

Does anyone have any experience with the Bosch Platinum+4 sparkplugs or something similar on their V-8 (4.7 or 5.9)? Bosch claims that they increase performance and gas mileage, of course. The salesman @ my dealership says that these types of plugs generally do work (his personal experience, but not on a QC) and he recommended I try them, but my personal (non-dealer) mechanic generally advised against them due to problems he's seen with them and other similar hi-performance plugs.

I'd be very interested to hear what anyone on this board has to say on this subject. Thanks in advance.

donamy · February 2001

Dean,

I too thought that my heater was not working properly. After further inspection, I found the floor vents way up front on the fire wall facing the floor. I was sitting in the driver seat and could not feel any heat from anywhere. I then realized that the snow was still melting on the floor. I got out and crawled under the dash to find out where the air was comuing from. This is my first Dodge and my only complaint is the heater. I think they could have increased the air flow on the floor. After a short while you will notice the floor getting warm, but will not feel the air rushing over your legs.

triple_deke1 · February 2001

Does anyone know how to disable the seatbelt light on the dash??

TD

sscckk · February 2001

Thanks for the reply to my earlier post. I am aware of the capacity of both the Toyota and the Quad Cab and I certainly don't pull the boat often or for very far distances. Interesting point about the possible complications with insurance coverage. I will look into this, however I have had extensive experience with dealing with insurance companies and am of the understanding that you practically have to be involved in a criminal act for a vehicle to not be covered. Think about the bank that carries the note for instance. I'm sure they are over insured, but, none the less, an insurance company will have an uphill battle attempting to withhold coverage on a current policy after the fact.
I would still like to hear of all your wet rear tires and boat ramps with the two wheel drive models. Thanks again.

StoneCold

ayrow · February 2001

TD,

I know how to disable the seatbelt light.

Fasten your seatbelt.

bobs5 · February 2001

donamy (post #2071) has described this issue nicely.

I wish there were either more force, or a way to redirect the floor heat, so it blows on my feet not under them.
The heat is there, but it is all the way by the fire wall and goes along the floor of the truck.

If anyone finds a solution, or creative way to redirect the heat, please post it.

About 1700 miles on truck now, no major complaints (floor heat and gas mileage), average 16 mpg in my daily commute.

Still waiting for the "window regulator" replacement part to arrive at dealers, so the drivers side rear window can work properly. Its been on order for 2 months. They built the entire truck and shipped within 5 weeks.
How long does it take to get a part anyway?

steve234 · February 2001

bookitty: Bad news. I just read that they are discontinueing the Amber Fire and Med. Bronze colors.

txqc2000: Do not use platinum plugs with the 4.7 engine. They work fine with the 5.9, but the 4.7 does not use the traditional single coil operation. The higher resistance of plantinum plugs can cause problems with coil-on-plug systems. The only plug recommended is the copper plugs.

sscckk: I have pulled a 4500 boat from various ramps with only 2wd w/o LSD. I rarely have problems, but there are a lot of factors. The biggest worry are the ramps with a lot of slime and poor drainage. One thing that helps in an emergency is to carry a couple of 30 gallon plastic barrels. If you have traction problems, fill them with water and they will give you an extra 500 lbs of weight.
As far as the insurance companies and the banks, they could care less about you. In most states, the insurance is void and nullified under certain circumstances. The bank is owed money regardless of the condition of the vehicle. My brother paid for two years on a Honda that was destroyed by a landslide in Mexico. And his insurance did not cover it either.

zonk · February 2001

To add to my question of yesterday regarding the noise I hear when shifting: it is more of a buzzing noise when shifting from Park to Reverse or Neutral to Reverse or Drive. I shift and I hear the buzz as I complete the shift. Fluid level is ok. Can anyone tell me what it is?

txqc2000 · February 2001

I forgot to thank you for answering my question regarding what "bitumen" means. I figured it had something to do with asphalt, but I was completely unfamiliar with the term.

carls5 · February 2001

sscckk I have no problems either towing or pulling my 3200 lb boat up a ramp. 4X2, 4.7, auto, 3.92, T&H package.
carl

mulderig · February 2001

On my 2001 QC the fog light wires and relay were on the truck. All I had to do was replace the headlight switch with the headlight/foglight switch and make 2 brackets for the factory fog lights I already had salvaged from a wreck.

kwanderi · February 2001

Humm, only a two year run of this color should make AF trucks rather rare. I was actually hoping it would only be a one year run, but two isn't bad.

BTW - My Amber Fire was specially ordered by me.

billyhill · February 2001

Ref my msg 2021. Cancel my imput on a $300 black Euroguard from Quadratic. They want $79 to ship it.More info on chrome bedrails-pickup truck accessories sells them for 79 plus 15 shipping. Still hoping someone will repost or remember where the original post was concerning a checklist to use before accepting the truck from the dealer.Mine is being delivered probably 26 Feb.

deangh · February 2001

Dodge has a link on their web site www.4adodge.com I clicked on the word assistance in the upper title bar on their web page. You have to fill in some info but it didn't take very long and the tech support person had a response back to me in about an hour. I sent a note telling of the no heat situation in the test drive vehicle. They recommended that I contact the dealer from which I test drove the vehicle. I did and the dealer did call me back to let me know that there was some sort of problem with the heat in the vehicle that I test drove. He informed me that the heat discharge nozzle should be right above the foot pedals. I wonder if the flexible heat supply hose somehow has become disconnected ( or was never connected properly ) from the nozzle. This may be the same thing that you are experiencing with your vehicle. He said the nozzle on the 2001 QC is about 1" x 1.5" in size. It is not very big, I am guessing that it is black in color and maybe just was overlooked. Good luck.

Dean

txqc2000 · February 2001

Due in no small part to Ole3's feedback, I just had a Gibson Single Swept catback system installed today and it sounds great!! I also got a great deal on the system from Steve @ smokindakota.com -- $275 total, including shipping. It is nearly as quiet as stock at speed (70mph), but has a nice low rumble when you open up the throttle. It also has a really cool & wide stainless steel slash exhaust tip. It is definitely a nice complement to the Mopar cold air induction system on my truck, which I believe to be a rebadged K&N Generation II induction system (Dodge even included the K&N branded filter cleaning kit with the system). I also changed out the original oil with Mobil 1 synthetic 10/30W oil a couple of days ago, and I feel that made my 5.9L engine run smoother right away.

I'm not sure whether the synthetic oil or exhaust have done much to improve my hp/torque performance, but I can definitely say the engine feels like it revs easier and feels less restricted than before when I just had the cold air induction system -- which DID add a performance boost to my engine.

Now if gas prices for 92 octane fuel would stabilize or come down some, I may go ahead and add that Jet Stage II chip. I'm also very interested in trying out those Bosch Platinum+4's, mostly to try and improve my gas mileage, but I'd like to hear/read more feedback from this and other boards before making that move. Any further feedback on the sparkplug issue would be greatly appreciated.

triple_deke1 · February 2001

**LOL** I guess I left myself open for that one!!

TD

bookitty · February 2001

Steve, when D/C discontinues a color, does someone
come out some dark night and repaint the vehicle? I'm glad that my garage is locked.

Bookitty

spike50 · February 2001

Have to apologize for such a late reply due to spending every waking moment taking another accounting class. In my old physics book, there's an explanation of "The Right-Hand Rule", which helps one visualize why spinning disks, tires, move at a right angle to the rotation. As the name implies, on a perfectly flat surface with a "locked" axle, the rear of the car on a RWD car, should swig out to the driver's left. The same thing is true if its a FWD car. Spin the wheels on snow with the steering wheel aimed straight ahead and the front of the car should move almost sideways off to the driver's left.

Back to the Right-Hand Rule: visualize wrapping your right hand around the shaft that will be rotating, with your finger tips point in the direction of rotation. Your thumb stays aligned with the shaft and points in the direction this spinning mass will want to wander towards - the left if you're sitting in your car.

traumagas · February 2001

I ran my gastank down to 10 miles past distance to empty on trip puter, I then placed 26.8 gals in it. Has anyone else tried this
o1 qc 4x4 Traumagas

ohc_baby · February 2001

Right hand rule is good for two things - vector math and cross products, and mechatronics/magnetics (current through a relay being able to throw the switch). It doesn't apply at all in mechanics.

ole3 · February 2001

TXQC2000:

Congrats on getting your Gibson installed, I LOVE MYNE !
Sounds nice and quiet till you ROMP on it, then it sounds great
(truck sounds awesome with "open" intake also)

On Bosch +4 Platinum 4417s:

When I installed myne, the difference was definately noticable
in both butt dyno and general smoothness in idle and acceleration.
I read about them on the Dakota Mailing List (archives) for about six months
before I decided on them. As you can read there, nobody has had any
problems with them on 4.7L motors, and everyone who has 'em LOVES 'EM !

bobs5 · February 2001

Thank you for sharing the info you recieved from the dealer about the floor heat issue.
I will have to take a closer look at it to see whats up.

Mine does have heat, I would just like to redirect the flow path a bit, so it is applied to the top of my feet.

bobs5 · February 2001

Are these colors being discontinued for good, or just canceled for the rest of the 2001 model build year?

I have seen only one other medium bronze quad like mine in my area.

My guess would be, that the colors are canceled for the rest of the 2001 model build year.

More info here:

http://wheels.com/reference/referenceFrame.htm

The ordering deadline is approaching for those of you still undecided about a new truck.

bobs5 · February 2001

More snow driving this morning. No problems at all in my commute to work. A little bit of "fish tailing" in 2wd mode. ABS brakes kicked in a couple of times. This truck is extremely sure footed in 4x4. I now know, the 4x4 was a good investment for me.

bookitty · February 2001

I took my aunt to the Home Show in Fort Washington
Pennsylvania yesterday, and while were having a great time in there (hardly anyone showed) it was busy outside snowing. When we left, it was fairly late and I drove from the parking area to pick up my aunt at the main entrance so that she would not have to walk through the snow. I drove around the lot in 2WD (this is only a test) and the LSD performed very well. My aunt lives a few minutes away in Flourtown, so we encountered no problems other than the usual folks out in the storm.

First there is "Captain Fear", who drives with extra caution and remembers to stop in the middle of each hill for safety. He/she is very uncomfortable driving in inclement weather, and you would be also if you were sitting on a fresh bowel movement.

Then there is "Left Lane Louie (Louise)" driving very slowly in the left lane. They also do part time work as a pace car driver for funeral processions. The reason for driving in the left lane is that they will soon be turning right.

We also encountered "Four Wheel Floyd", a recent SUV owner who is completely invincible and flies past fishtailing up the road. Unfortunately, his braking system is less than invincible and "Four Wheel" ended up in a sewer culvert (truth).

When I got onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike I saw all of the aforementioned characters as well as their close relatives. I was able to use the right hand lane (empty) to complete my journey. In 4WD and in 2WD the Quad performed flawlessly. The trick is not to do anything on a sudden basis, and to try to anticipate what others not well equipped and/or skilled will attempt.

Bookitty

wetwillie · February 2001

And here I thought this cast of characters all lived this frozen tundra called Minnesota.

txqc2000 · February 2001

Thanks again for your input. One last question regarding the Platinum+4's -- did you see any improvement in gas mileage after you installed them? The sales person @ my dealership said when he installed similar types of sparkplugs on one of his other vehicles, he saw an improvement in gas mileage (over 1mpg improvement) as well as performance.

I would imagine gas mileage is a concern for you since you live in So. Cal. and pay at least $0.20/gal more for gas than we do in TX. I used to live in LA and I'm glad I don't have to drive my 5.9L QC in commuter traffic down there!

bobs5 · February 2001

HA HA, I think that just about sums it up.

A few years ago I had "speed racer" or "foolio andretti" to contend with in a snowstorm. You know the type, hopped up sports car, drag bars, wide tires. Think it was a camaro. Well anyway, this clown thinks we are on a nascar track as he is about 2 inches from my back bumper. At the first opportunity, I signal and pull over to let em pass. As he is fish tailing by and darn near hits my car, he gives me the international your #1 finger. Now after all that, I resume my commute home and about a half mile up the road, guess who I see, thats right, mr speed racer. He lost it going around a turn in the road, goes down into and over the ditch and adjusts his front end with a big ol oak tree. As I pass the aftermath, see him sobbing as gazes upon his beautiful bodywork, the international your #1 finger was returned with a chuckle.

biglucy · February 2001

Yup - I think you got them all bookitty, lest not forget the jackknifed tractor trailer...
It was certainly the gentlemanly thing to do, to pick up your auntie at the main entrance, you are to be commended. Did you perform any vector radial slippage excercises, i.e. "doughnuts" with everyone aboard while you were in the parking lot? I bet your aunt would have enjoyed that!!!
It only took me three hours to get home last night (normal 30 minute drive). Boy, I was sure wishing I had some cheesey poofs or something after about two hours - I could have skied home faster! Well that's the way it is in the Philadelphia area. We make talk about how you guys in New Jersey and New York drive with no consideration for human life, but I gotta say Philly drivers CANNOT drive in ANY inclement weather!!! 4 inches of snow and every road seizes up like a coronary artery dipped in melted butter! Ain't it the truth!!!

bookitty · February 2001

Bob, actually, spins, donuts and such would not faze "Aunt Lucy" (coincidence) as she would think that she was driving with her son, Mitchell. You kind of get used to it. I'm glad that all of you recognized some of the characters mentioned. I believe that they are universal.

Bookitty

steve234 · February 2001

The colors are scheduled to be deleted for the 2002 models. Interestingly, I had only seen a few Bronze Quads since buying mine and all but one was at a dealer lot. This past week, I saw three (4wd) and two within an hour.

biglucy · February 2001

I know I've posted about this issue before, but after sitting in the truck for over three hours yesterday, I started revisiting my old problem of feeling like I'm sitting to high on the 40/20/40 bench and instead of looking "through" the windshield, I'm looking "down". When I look straight ahead I get a great view of the warning sign on the sun visor. I'm only 5'11'' and I don't have an abnormally long torso (I think). My question - Will the six way power seat move in a downward direction to fix the angle I look out the windshield. Do you have to have the bucket seats, bench, or both to get the power seat and is it feasable (prewired?, $$$?) to get the power seat installed. I should find a QC with the power seat to see for myself, but I'm sure someone here can enlighten me! I'm also thinking about getting rid of the fat factory rear view mirror for a slimmer one that doesn't blind the center windshield view. Any ideas where I can find these as well?!?

bookitty · February 2001

Bob, I am a tad over 6', with a long torso and rather short legs. Instead of moving the bench type driver's seat all the way rearward, I move it forward a bit and slightly lower the seat back angle. This provides the leg room while affording me a good sight window. It needs only to be lowered a notch or two to reach this angle. Hope this helps.

Bookitty

scottieeck · February 2001

Some ding elf found my baby. there is a fairly deep scratch on the rear passenger side door of Gretchen, ( not quite to the metal, small scratch but deep). Anyone with experience in "scratch compounds" or other scratch obliterating products which work well on the old "pearl coat"(?), I could sure use your help!
Thanks!
Scottie

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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