Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

spike50 · February 2001

ohc_baby - Right-hand-rule sounded good to me but might not cover everything. I must admit I do spend a lot of time sealed off from the real-world dealing with the greed and fear of the commodity markets. I'd like to learn more about torque steer, which I've seen associated with FWD vehicles.

davids1 · February 2001

ain't got diddly to do with the ol' right hand rule, or the other way around. It has to do with two drive shafts of equal cross-section but different lengths deflecting rotationally different amounts. Whew, what a mouthful. Have fun.

stnick · February 2001

Hey guys n gals. The old 4x4 QC has met her match tonight in Nebraska. Freezing rain galore. Lsd, 4x4, all becomes meaningless with this wonderful gift from mother nature. Those of you that live in Iowa, Illinois, Minn. and points northeast, take cover, this is probably heading your way. Be careful, Nick

2nddak · February 2001

I'm surprised this is the first post I've seen on the high seats or short windshield. I'm only 5'9 and have been wondering how you 6' plus guys deal with the view through the glass. An Explorer was my last vehicle and that had more head room and glass to look through. I guess I'll have to get used to it. 2nddak

sscckk · February 2001

The power seats sit at the same height as the bench. I am 6'3" and checked them both before ordering. My head rubs on both as low as they go, forward and back.

StoneCold

ayrow · February 2001

Regarding the heat at the floor:

Consumer Reports, plus a few other magazines that review automobiles, will always point out when they feel air blowing on their feet. It is looked upon as a negative characteristic. What they feel is better is a climate control that heats evenly at the feet rather than blow on the feet.

I wonder, reading your posts, if maybe this is what Dodge was trying to accomplish. You wouldn't feel any blowing, however, you would get heat down there just the same.

Seats:

I am 5' 8" (short, by comparision) and I know what you guys mean about looking down through the windsheild. My Rodeo has a ton of glass around me and therefore, a lot more room to see.

Interesting note, if you read any of my previous posts, you know that I am very unhappy with the "bucket" seats that I paid an extra $200 for. No support on the sides or in the butt. Plus, there is no headrest to speak of ( I love to rest my head back while driving long distances).

I think I solved the problem though. The Durango, especially '98 and newer, has awesome seats. I found a pair of leather seats from one and will be receiving them any day. I am going to put them in my Dakota (QC) and that should make a lot of difference.

I'll keep you posted (no pun intended).

earl1z19 · February 2001

EGAQUAMAN

Can you give me the name of the deler you purchased your bedrug through?
I would like to get one!

biglucy · February 2001

Tod,

I'll be interested to hear the news when you get the durango seats installed. I've been following your posts but never gave any serious thought to such a major modification - since I have the bench seat thing. I guess it's technically still called a "bench" even though it's three peices!? Butt will the durango seats sit lower in the QC (doubt it)??

ayrow · February 2001

Bob,

No, you are probably right, they will not sit lower than the current seats.

However, my intention here is to attain comfort. Nothing I hate more than going around a corner and having to shift my weight in order to stay in the middle of the seat.

The biggest thing that I noticed in the Durango is that the seats are a little higher in the back (headrest) and that they are a lot more supportive.

I checked with the dealer and they said that the seats should fit right in.

We'll see.

I'll keep you unpdated with pictures and everything when they come in.

-Tod

rockymtn4x4 · February 2001

I'm with hillybill. Having just recently ordered my QC I would be very much interested in seeing a checklist that covers what to look for upon delivery. It has been mentioned before that this has been posted at one time, does anyone know where or have a copy of it? Thanks.

Rich

gator72 · February 2001

A while back, I posted a note about a popping noise when making a slow right turn - and gently applying the brakes. The problem is still not resolved. (I have a '01 QC SLT, 4.7L, 4x2).

DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS NOISE???

Went to the dealer and the "technician" said it is "normal" "torque steer". I was in a rush when I picked up my QC, so I didn't get a chance to quiz the technician about this.

Afterwards, I searched the web and found that my hunch is correct - "torque steer" is a term generally applied to front-wheel drive vehicles. (As you know, all Dakotas are either rear-wheel drive or four wheel drive - not a front-wheel drive in the bunch).

I e-mailed DM and they agreed that torque steer is not a correct diagnosis for an unusual sound coming from the FRONT of a Dakota. DM suggested that I go to ANOTHER dealer for a 2nd opinion!!!

I believe my best bet is to speak to the service manager and/or general manager at the dealer that sold me the QC. If that doesn't get the problem resolved, I'll ask them to set up a meeting with the Dodge Rep..

Don't get me wrong. I love my new QC. Granted, the "problem" might turn out to be "normal" for this vehicle. BUT, I need a straight answer.

The Dodge technician was just giving me the "run-around" with his "torque steer" answer. But, his answer only served to heighten my concerns about the noise. Is this a problem that could mushroom into a crisis at highway speeds???

GATOR72

kjcdr1 · February 2001

The silver Q/C that was described in my post #1780 was ordered on Friday 26 Jan 2001. It was shipped from the factory on Feb 17 and arrived on the dealer's lot on Friday 23 Feb 2001, exactly four weeks from order date. I was there to look it over just a few minutes after it came off the delivery truck.
Expect to take delivery in a day or two. Now comes the need to decide what accessories should be added. To protect the bed the choice will probably be between a Penda under the rail bed liner or the Bedrug, which the dealer describes as indestructable. Either one will probably be covered by a Sport Masters heavy duty vinyl Tonneau cover. Also under consideration are some form of running board or nerf bar, bug deflectors, window vent shades, mud flaps, and side molding or a small trim design to brighten up the package. Comments from anyone on the forum who has experience with any of these items will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance. Ken

weebedna · February 2001

I have a 4x2 quad cab w/o limited slip rearend...does anyone know how difficult it is to convert to limited slip?

bpeebles · February 2001

(weebedna) a trained differental technition can install one for you as a routine procedure. If you are suggesting that YOU perform the install in your driveway... Not recommended.

Go ahaid and call around to some xmission / drivetrain shops to get a feel for the cost.

Here are some links to more information. The Trac Lock unit is original equipment for Dodge vehicles while the auburn gear unit is another way to go.

Here is aDifferential Differences Link.

danodw · February 2001

First I would make sure everything I ordered on the truck was as I ordered.
Then I would look at the apperance, inside and out also under the hood.
Next, I would give it a good long test drive. I test drove mine for about
40 or 50 miles and even took it home before I signed anything. If all things past,
I would sign the papers and take it home.

ayrow · February 2001

Well guys,
I finally got my truck back today (2001 QC)

Where was it, you ask?

I took delivery about 2 weeks ago. My salesman took me out to show me the back door on the right side. It had a huge paint defect that looked like a golf ball hit it at 90mph while the paint was still drying.

They fixed that. Now the inside of the truck smells like paint.

Got it home today and found other blotches that could only be seen in sunlight (first sunny day we've had since I took delivery). They looked like,...I don't know,.. like someone baked hairspray on there or something. Anyway, it was all over the left side about 1/3 up the doors.

Instead of taking the truck back and raising hell, I found a great scratch remover ( I used to paint motorcycle helmets) and with a lot of rubbing and buffing, got the blotches out. Then I took some nice car wax and buffed it to a nice shine.

Looks perfect.

My point here is that those of you taking delivery or waiting to take delivery, need to look very hard at the paint job(s) on your truck. I have read a ton of posts here that found the same sort of thing on their trucks when they took delivery.

I don't know what they are doing up there at the Dodge plant, but they need to figure out how to paint automobiles.

Now, if my damn seats would get here!

skylerk · February 2001

For those of you that have been asking for a link to a New Vehicle Inspection Checklist, I finally found the one I used when I took delivery of my Dakota back in November. It used to be at www.dodgeram.com, but they moved to dodgeram.org

There are a few items on this list which are specific to Dodge Ram problems, but most of the list is pretty generic and works just fine for the Dodge Dakota too. Happy Inspecting!

Here's the link: http://dodgeram.org/buying_info/Inspect.htm

spike50 · February 2001

I'm trying to learn more about torque steer but need more of an explanation than the too short ones given so far. Does anyone know of a website that might give the "science" behind it and the end results to be expected?

If torque steer is the result of unequal length drive shafts for the front wheels then it stands to reason that a 4WD Dak should experience that effect since its IFS differential is off center and the shafts probably aren't of equal length. I'm not looking under the truck today to confirm this - icy rain.

pixeln · February 2001

Took delivery of my new silver 4x4 Quad ST 4.7 5speed towing skid etc. last Tuesday. Ordered before mass it took a long time to get to South FL. Thanks to all the "regulars" for helping me make an informed decision (also got $2500 in rebates!). No paint problems. Ordered 5 speed sight unseen based on discussions here and the fact that every vehicle I've owned in the last 20 years has had one. Very happy with the 4.7, 5 speed combination. One question for the group. My console (bucket seats) has a square opening for a light in the lid, but no light. What option group had this? I,mm trying to figure out if I should have it or not. Thanks for past and future responses. Rick

brianpha · February 2001

Rick,
I too thought a light went there but believe it or not its a tissue holder. Ya know, those small Kleenex packs....if you have your brochure, look through it and indeed it says, "even a place to hold tissues".....if u feel silly, its ok I did too : )

Brian

hogger4 · February 2001

Put my 01 Quad (4.7/auto) into Park the other day. Turned the switch to off, but the key didn't move all the way and engine continued to run. Turned key back to On, moved shift lever into Drive and then Park again. Worked fine this time. Mentioned to dealer, who said he had "never heard of that happening before". Have 4,200 miles on Quad, so will have it checked out at next oil change, unless it happens again sooner. Perhaps cold weather in Upstate NY has made the shift linkage stiff or I am getting weak in my old age!

hogger4 · February 2001

Was 2000 the first year of Dakota Quad Cab production? I get pissed when I read other 4 door trucks being evaluated by magazines without the Dakota Quad being included. Last time, it is because a Dodge was not available. Perhaps we are buying them too fast!!!!!!!!!

sscckk · February 2001

I removed the differential from my Toyota Truck in about 20 minutes yesterday only for the purposes of replacing the leaky gasket. I do intend to take the diff in to upgrade to LSD soon also. You may be able to do this to your Quad in order to save a substantial amount when converting to LSD. Simply take the unit in for upgrade since that is the only part requiring specialist or special tools. The axle and diff are remarkably simple...on the Toyota anyway...I assume it has to be a similar system on any rear wheel drive vehicle.

pixeln · February 2001

Brian, thanks for setting me straight. Kleenex pack fits in there all rig. But the reflection in the brochure picture sure looked like a light. Excuses, excuses. Rick

pixeln · February 2001

Brian, thanks for setting me straight. Kleenex pack fits in there all right. But the reflection in the brochure picture sure looked like a light. Excuses, excuses. Rick

jbardram · February 2001

Anyone know why the substantial difference in towing capacity between the 2 available axle ratio's? I understand the 3.92 will spin the engine faster and generate more torgue at lower rpm, but couldnt you just use more throttle to compensate for this with a 3.55? Seems the almost 1 ton difference for otherwise identical trucks is a big difference. Thanks!

bpeebles · February 2001

(spike50) The unequal-length driveshafts sounds like a great explanantion at first but this may not be the entire story. Most FWD vehicles have equal weight driveshafts. (a short-solid one and a longer-hollow one)

In an effort to answer your question... Torque Steer is simply one of the front tires having more Torque applied to it than the other front tire. It should be easy to visualize that the tire that is pulling harder will tend to "steer" the front wheels in the opposate direciton of that tire. (If the left-front tire is pulling harder... then the entire steering assembly will tend to be pulled to the RIGHT)

To make it easier, visualize... the front-right tire on ICE while the front-left is on solid pavement. Obviously the tire on ICE has LESS traction than the tire on pavement....thus the tire with traction (most torque) will pull the steering assembly to the RIGHT.

An open differential tends to send more torque to ONE wheel. If you have ever driven a MANUAL RACK AND PINION vehicle, you would be very aware of torque-steer. All FWD vehicles have it to some degree but POWER STEERING tends to isolate the driver from its effects.

Torque Steer on a 4X4 dakota would be hard to feel because the drivetrain wind-up forces are MUCH more apparent. This is EXACTLY why one is not supposed to drive a 4X4 on pavement.(while engauged)

bookitty · February 2001

Joe, the differences are as follows for the 4.7.
3.55=9500 Gross Combination Weight Rating
3.92=10,500 Gross Combination Weight Rating
This is for a 5 speed 2000 Quad cab. The auto reduces the 3.55 to 9,200#. 3.92 remains the same

This is not about RPM and horsepower, it is about drive torque. The 3.92 keeps the torque level higher. The difference remains proportionate throughout the line for different engines, cabs as well as transmissions.

Bookitty

bobs5 · February 2001

Hi all.
Well, my first real problem popped up this morning.
The check engine light came on after a miss in the engine.
There is a major rotten egg smell now, the engine does not idle well, and the engine does not rev over 3000 rpm.

I did the code retrieval by way of the ignition switch and got error code P0320.
The truck has less than 1800 miles on it.

Anyone know what happened?

Any help would be appreciated.

egaquaman · February 2001

earl1z19, I got my Bedrug at Van and Truck world in Scarborough, Ontario. See Alex. The only problem I am having is a separating seam (at the stitching). They assure me that it will be fixed if I can ever get in there. I paid $422.78 CDN (about $15 US...just kidding, this is about $280 US) Install included. The phone is 416-759-5001

bobs5 · February 2001

Have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow, so the service department can look at the truck.
I will post results.

earl1z19 · February 2001

EGAQUAMAN,

I have tried all around and cannot find a good price on this. I would be willing to pay you for yor effort if you would want to pick one up for me and mail it to Pennsylvania. Van and truck world
does not ship to the US. if you are interested please contact me @ earl1z19@nauticom.net

richster · February 2001

Here is a link that has all of the OD II Codes:

http://www.obdii.com/codes.html

Your code is defined as:

P0320 Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction

I have heard of a problem with the crankshaft positioning sensor going bad.

bobs5 · February 2001

Thanks for posting such a helpful link.

I hope it is just a simple sensor that can be replaced while I wait. I will have them do the oil and filter change while it's there.

Sure hope this is not an omen to further problems.

egaquaman · February 2001

earl1z19 needs help from the Club!!! I cannot ship to the US either, I have tried in reverse (I have family in Philly) but get the customs guys ticked off. Can anyone help Earl find a Bedrug??

Sorry I can't help you!

weebedna · February 2001

Is there a web site where the pop-n-lock tailgate lock can be ordered?

richster · February 2001

Weebedna, these are a few places you can find a pop I lock on-line. I do not have personal experience with any of these vendors so you will need to check them out.

http://www.tntserve.com/key_and_latch_pace_edwards.htm

http://www.pickupstuff.com/html/tailgate.htm

http://www.truckstuff4less.com/tailgate.htm

http://ultimatetruck.com/products/popnlock.asp?categid=48

traumagas · February 2001

Today I waxed my 01 quad for the first time. I bought it back in Oct and waited untill now for paint to cure???, along with a day that was 65 degrees. I believe I could have shot the paint on this truck better. I found all kinds of impurities in the paint. I am glad I got white because it hides the imperfections. Maybe DC needs to spray some old motor on the barn floor to keep down the dust before they paint. It worked for me back in high school when I painted my 58 chevy Yeoman Station wagon (2dr)
Traumagas@aol.com

triple_deke1 · February 2001

I just got a 2001 Dak with the overhead console (not the computer).
At the front of it there is a clip. What the heck is this for?? Ive been
trying to figure out what I can use it for but cant come up with anything.

TD

jbardram · February 2001

About the only use I've come up with for that clip at the front of the console is for a toll highway ticket.

hogger4 · February 2001

My dealer explained it is for toll tickets, gas cards and the like items.

triple_deke1 · February 2001

I would have never gussed that!!

TD

indychapell · February 2001

I have found it useful for putting dentist appointment cards in. never forget that way.

stnick · February 2001

Keith, I will drop you an e-mail on the bed rug, Nick.

Mark16q · February 2001

Finally settled on a 2wd qc, 4.7l auto with sports plus and most all options. Dealer is willing to do $500 over cost without much argument. What's the going rate out there. The car stickers at 25765.

txqc2000 · February 2001

I imagine the best deal you're going to get will depending on where you live and how much research you feel like doing.

Back in late December when I bought my 2000 QC 5.9L 4x4, I received a quote from a dealer in Dallas for $50 over invoice for a 2001 4.7L 4x4. This was from a dealer from the Sam's Club auto buying network. I also recall talking to a dealer in AZ that I found on the internet that routinely sells their Dakota's for something like $100 over invoice.

I ended up buying my '00 from a dealer in Dallas (Preston Dodge) for dealer invoice. Ron Jackson, the salesman/floor manager, said "what price did I have in mind." I said "dealer invoice." He said "ok." He showed me the invoice price (which matched the Edmunds price) and that was it. Needless to say, it was a great purchasing experience for me, especially b/c Ron let me test drive the QC as many times as I needed to get comfortable with the QC, never pressured me, and gave me straight forward advice re:which Mopar accessories to buy and which to stay away from and buy elsewhere for a lot less $$. My lights, catback system, and some misc. accessories were installed by 3rd party installers he recommended.

DC's fortunes have obviously worsen since Dec, so I would speculate you could buy a 4.7 for invoice or possibly less. In fact, I recall reading some posts on this or the other Townhall Quadcab board where people had gotten their '01 4.7's for $200 under invoice, I believe. Check out the previous posts for the last month or so.

Good luck.

quadtruck · February 2001

Does anyone know if you have trouble with your Dodge QC, if the DTC show up anywhere on the truck where you can tell what may be wrong? Or do you have to have a dealer service tell you? I downloaded all the codes, hoping that I would be able to know what is going on.

Anyone knowing something regarding this, I would sure appresate an anwser. Thanks!!

triple_deke1 · February 2001

Im very happy to report that on my 1st tank I got 15 miles/gal..
4x4,auto,4.7,3:55 rear,lsd,tire/handling pkg..Hopefully when the engine
breaks in I can get a little better..You guys were right about the 4.7
It is one smooth machine

TD

ford_bii · February 2001

Changed the oil for the first time in my Quad at 2700 miles. What a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]! I actually took the skid plate off before I dropped the plug because I was afraid the oil would flow into it. After looking closely, I think that if the oil was changed COLD (after a night sitting) you wouldn't have to remove the plate, otherwise definitely remove the plate. I wonder what Jiffy Lube does when a Dak with skid plates comes in? What a mess that must make, and unless you're watching, I'm sure they don't clean a thing up.

On a side note: my left Quad Cab badge fell off the C-pillar! Gotta call the service dept and get a new one.

My paint appears to be ok. I haven't waxed yet, so I haven't been over every single inch of the truck, but there is one sight imperfection above the front passenger door.

For those of you who have A.R.E tonneaus for this truck - does your cover seal completely on the sides and back? I have an area right around the rear corners of the truck that is not weather sealed (the gasket does not make contact). Also, the gasket doesn't completely contact the aluminum rails, so some air is able to bleed through. I was wonder if they're all like this. I don't think much rain gets in, but there's definately some road dust inside because of it.

bookitty · February 2001

Chris, my A.R.E. seals very tightly. My last one (1995) had a hinge problem which was changed under warranty even though it was two years old. The new hinge was much stronger. The lid started to overhang the tailgate and then it started to leak. When the dealer installed this, he used adhesive seal strip very generously. This lid has clamps, the previous one had cap screws (bolts). Perhaps additional foam seal tape is needed. Take it back to your installer and have him look at it.

Bookitty

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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