Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

drdakota · April 2001

To pose a question to this most intelligent group, I have a 2001 Quad with AWD/4WD combo and Auto Transmission. It seems to take some time after starting and initially putting the truck into drive for the transmission not to roar. Does anyone else have this going on? Any clues to the cause. Other than this, my DAK is a wonderful piece of machinery.

tegwj · April 2001

Truck is an '01 2wd 4.7l QC w/tire & handling package among other things.

Believe it or not I took my truck out on a race track recently. I am an occasional instructor for high-performance driving schools but my track car blew up so I used the QC as my instructor vehicle. I was still faster than the students (in Miatas this time around) which I think surprised a few of them.

Anyway the experience reinforced in my mind the need to address the tire/suspension combo on the QC. The tires are large and bouncy and the suspension lacks sufficient damping. My thoughts are to upgrade to a lower-profile tire on an 18" rim, and to replace the OEM shocks with either adjustables or maybe the Edelbrock IAS units. I don't want to change out the springs or build a lowrider -- I use the QC to haul so I'd like to preserve full spring travel, just keep it in better control. I might also fit a larger rear sway bar but probably won't adjust the front.

Anybody have any experience down these lines? I'm much better at small sports cars' suspension than big ol' trucks.

cheers,
twj

txqc2000 · April 2001

You might do a search on the DML (www.dakota-truck.net). A lot of the Dak owners on that board race their trucks and have added a ton of high performance mods to their vehicles. I recall reading a recent thread about lowering a Quad and adding adjustable shocks etc. Good luck.

ensign1 · April 2001

After weeks of internet research in Japan I went to the local dealer I had been e mailing. Drove the 1500 extended cab and it was just too huge for my liking. Then drove the Dakota. Wow, what a nice truck! After eating lunch came back and purchased a Silver '01 Quad Cab SLT Plus: 4.7L V8, SLT/SLT Plus decor group,pwr heated mirrors and pwr everything, fog lamps, am/fm/cd cass/EQ. paid 20,600 after $2K rebate and financed through chrysler with 6.9%. extremely happy with the looks and feel of the truck. Want to thank you all for the information you post. It helped me immensely in my decision and sure that others feel the same.

macey · April 2001

What is the level of window tint from the factory for the rear pax doors? Would it be a level 5 or 10? (lower number being darker tint)

The rear sliding window should have the same level of tint as the rear doors, right?

Anyone have problems with tinting the front doors as the same level of the rear, meaning your shop says the law won't allow this?

BTW, how much should I expect to pay for tinting just the front, and I would think I should tint first before installing vent-visors, right?

While I'm at the window tint shop, gonna ask for a recommendation for sun-roof installers, with the full power overhead console, what is the largest sun-roof that can be installed, keeping all parts of that overhead console as well as the horizontal roof support?

Thanks in advance!

(My AWD QC should be built any day now, has a estimated ship date of 4/12)

txqc2000 · April 2001

The shop that tinted my front windows here in TX said they had to be a little lighter than the rear ones. With my dark interior, it really didn't make a difference b/c the reflection from the dark interior causes all of my windows to look pretty dark. Pricing was something like $40-60 bucks off the top of my head. If higher, I'll post a correction.

BTW, you might want to consider installing Weatherflectors instead of Ventvisors. I had the Ventvisors and liked the looks of them, but they tend to cause an extended A-Pillar blind spot. You don't get that problem with the Weatherflectors. Luckily, since I presented this as a "safety issue" to my wife, she didn't kill me for wasting money on the Ventvisors.

bpeebles · April 2001

(drdakota)

You are not hearing the xmissin... it is the viscous fan clutch that is engauging for a few miles until the internal fluid gets 'trown' to the outside of the housing thus dis-engauging the fan.

This is 'normal' and tends to be more noticable when the ambient temp is between 30-50F.

wantone2 · April 2001

The dealership finally got my Anti-lock brake problem resolved and delivered my new Silver SLT QC to me this afternoon. So far Sunset Dodge in Sarasota has been a super dealership to deal with. My salesman Scott Montgomery has really been up front with me and gone out of his way to make sure I got my truck today. Now I feel like a real Dodge owner. Its time to start shopping around for all the good stuff to add on. Thanks to everyone for all the good information and guiding me through this whole odeal. It is hard work finding the right deal and the right dealer and ordering the right options. I am sure glad that part of it is over, now its time to enjoy my new QC like everyone else.

rassom1 · April 2001

Well I finally did it.
Ordered my Quad Cab on 4/2/01. Will be turning in my 98 Dodge Dakota CC(lease) in May. Has been an excellent truck for the last 3 years.
Have been following this forum for the last year and information has been fantastic. Thanks to all of you.
Anyways, this is what I ordered.
2001 Dakota QC, SLT, SLT +, fog lights, rear window defog, bucket seats, 4.7L V8, auto transmission, leather wrapped steering wheel, limited slip differential, am/fm cassette with changer controls and infinity speakers, patriot blue with slate gray interior.
Got 2000 rebate with farm bureau rebate, got a great deal.
Check with DC on 800 number and truck is D1 status and sceduled to be shipped on 4/27. Already got my VIN number.
Really feal like a kid waiting for christmas.
Will let you guys know as things move along.
Thanks for all the good info.
Almost forgot, its a 4X2.

bookitty · April 2001

Marshall, congratulations and the best of luck with your new Quad cab Dakota. I am happy to hear that the brake information sensor problem was resolved. I had a similar problem with my 1995 Dakota, but I didn't have the anxiety of waiting for my "new toy." Maybe I will spot your truck when flying into Fort Myers at the end of the month. I am looking at property in the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte area(s). We are preparing to become "Snow Birds" in the future, spending our time between our beach house in NJ and the cold months in FL. We promise to drive very slowly, halting traffic, and to keep our turn signals operating for miles on end, finally turning in the opposite direction. I believe that this will qualify us. Enjoy your truck.

Bookitty

dave255 · April 2001

I am considering the purchase of a 2001 QC and have a question about winter driving. I currently drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee and am curious if anyone would know how different it would be to drive a truck in winter conditions. My concern is that there is less weight on the rear axle and thus might suffer more with fishtailing. Any opinions on this? Is there any information on the percent of vehicle weight on each axle?

bobs5 · April 2001

The quad is very good in the snow. The limited slip rear is worth the price. This past winter I really did not need to use 4x4, but when I did, it was very sure footed in the snow.
With a rear drive truck, it will fishtail a bit, so it is important to be careful around the turns.

bookitty · April 2001

Dave, I currently drive 3 4WD vehicles, a 2000 Quad Cab 4X4, 4.7, 5 speed, 3.55 LSD, part time. 4Runner, 5 speed, Wrangler, 4.0 liter 5 speed.

All of these vehicles move about and track well in snow. A great deal depends upon the tires, ie. aggressivenes, tread type, inflation. The Wrangler with it's short wheelbase provides great control and tractive effort. The Quad is an easy truck to drive through snow as is the 4Runner. All are made easier with the use of a manual transmission which provides controllable options for driving in inclement weather and offers more positive stopping with the ability to use the gearbox to decelerate without losing tractive effort. A little weight in the rear of any vehicle (front, 4WD or conventional rear wheel drive) does not hurt things either. You will be very pleased with the Dakota 4X4 system (I prefer part/time) as well as handling and tractive effort.

Bookitty

goofyandpup · April 2001

Quad was relased on Mar 23. It has been KZL (released-not shipped) ever since then. It appears that it it waiting for CSX Transportation/Railroad to get their act together and ship it to central Mass. Has anybody experienced delays like this? The problem is that I just sold my '98 Ranger yesterday because DC told me 2-3 weeks. Had to borrow the in-laws Olds Ciera (circa 1992 with 105,000 on it). So far dealer has been mute. Wonder if I fly to Warren and pick it up if they'll forgo the $585 Destination Charge. Fat chance!

Bookitty - I think it is also legal to drive on the sidewalks in Florida and mow down unsuspecting tourists. I think you may have to drive a Cadillac and be 70+.

ferous · April 2001

After a 100+" snow season this year, my 2wd Quad never left me stuck. I have the 3.55LSD rear end and I feel that the LSD should just be SD equipment.

Fish tailing - I did a lot of this over the last 5 months (in snow), but almost 100% of the time, it was driver influenced (saves on steering).

james_buchanan · April 2001

I am currently negotiating to purchase a 2001 Quad Cab Sport 4x4. The salesman told me today that Chrysler Canada told him they are shutting down factory orders at the end of this week for the Dakota - Thursday given Good Friday. This makes some sense given the state of the auto industry and 2001 inventory levels.

Has anybody heard of this or is a creepy sales guy tactic?

Any input would be appreciated as I will likely need to factory order to get my desired options.

Thanks

steve234 · April 2001

DC normally shuts the Dakota factory down in mid-June for model changes. It could be that your dealer is out of his allocation for the year. It could also be that they are backed up to the point that they have stopped taking new orders. Either way, there is a good chance that you are too late for a 2001 model order. Your best bet is to go to another dealer with a good rep and see if they can still order. If not, you might want to wait for the 02s. Better to wait and get what you want than to settle for less. Of course, you also have to deal with the new color choices.

bobs5 · April 2001

See the following site for order cutoff date and order restrictions.

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

slick300 · April 2001

and was told that my Quad is scheduled to be shipped 4/19.

Goofy...: I actually live just outside Albany NY and was told that my truck (which is coming from Warren MI) will be transported by truck and not rail...

I was also told that the estimated time to my area (Zone 44?) is 11 days OTR. Anyone have a handle on how accurate this may be?

james_buchanan · April 2001

Looks like this guy is speaking the truth. Thanks for your timely and accurate responses.

I will likely go with the 2001 factory order given that I would like to make use of the Quad Cab over the summer.

macey · April 2001

I live not too far from you in the lower Hudson Valley, region 32....I was told my estimated ship time is 8 business days.

My AWD QC has a estimated ship date of 4/12...tomorrow, meaning it is being built today (was still D1 yesterday)...I'm a bit suspect of it actually being built and released for shipping, all in one days time.

Doesn't give me too much play with 'must take delivery by 4/30' for the rebate, which shouldn't actually be a concern, as my dealer has said the rebate is good if a factory order is placed before 4/30 (he has a good idea that I won't take the truck without the rebate (down payment is on a credit card)).

I'll be calling DC tomorrow to verify my truck has shipped, and start tracking it via all those codes.

BTW, my order went into the system on 3/19, has sat in D1 status since 3/28...good luck on getting yours ASAP!

txqc2000 · April 2001

We've had our share of snow, sleet, ice, and heavy rain here in TX. this winter/spring. My AWD QC handled every situation with aplomb and incredible traction. My previous 4x4 was a Mitsubishi Montero SR with AWD and 4wd lock capabilities. I'd say that the QC handled as good as the Montero -- perhaps a little better around the corners b/c of the lower center of gravity. The only fish tailing I experienced was purposely induced by me. As soon as I let off the gas, the tail came right back in line and I could feel the front and rear wheels grabbing.

About the only unnerving driving situation I've experienced has been hitting pot holes or ruts at speed. The tail and truck as a whole does tend to shimmy sideways a bit during those encounters -- more so than in my Montero. But that's about it.

mrnra · April 2001

I ordered a quad cab. The truck was built and sent to the rail yard where it sat for 6 weeks before beginning the journey to my dealer. The Dodge factory said that the rail yard waits to have a full rail car before the train leaves but 6 weeks seems like too long for that to be the reason. The dealer said the truck was probably boxed in by many other vehicles and the rail yard guys were too lazy to rearrange some vehicles to obtain a clear driving path. The good news was that the rebate went up during that additional 6 week wait. The railway that carried that truck was Norfolk Southern. I sent a slightly heated E-mail to Dodge and the factory guy was helpful and the truck just so happened to ship during the next few days.

namfflow · April 2001

Just as another point of reference. I ordered my Dakota on 3/11. It was D1 status on 3/29 and shipped on 3/30. On 4/9 it arrived at the rail yards in Benicia California. By now it should be on a truck heading for my dealer if it isn't there already.

One day to build is not unusual. Think about it, all the parts are built, they just put it all together in a very modern manufacturing plant.

scottieeck · April 2001

could it be that you are actually planning to leave lower bucks county? for good? Oh woe is me!

bookitty · April 2001

Scottie, you won't get that lucky. This is a long range plan that Judy and I are talking about. I am taking advantage of an inexpensive flight package out of Atlantic City to Fort Myers along with friends who are realtors. We couldn't go until July, and they are too busy in July so Judy suggested that I go along with them to sort of kick tires. The only possibility on this trip would be if I found a great deal on a building lot. Then Judy could fly down on a weekend to look at it. Other than that, you're stuck with me.

Bookitty

gator72 · April 2001

Went to the dealer yesterday for 1st oil change AND to check out the noise coming from the right front (popping/creaking sound when making a slow right turn and applying brakes).

The noise mysteriously stopped about 5 days before I went to the dealer. Dealer kept my QC all day; and checked (allegedly) everything. Found nothing wrong! They checked for faulty stabilizer bushings, upper and lower ball joints, upper control arm and the sound deadener spring device in the front brakes - NOTHING! At my request, they also checked the brakes AND all nuts and bolts in the front end to see if any were loose - NOTHING! Dealer said to bring it back if the noise starts up again.

(Note: When it was making noise 2 months ago, I took it to the dealer at that time and they said it was "torque steer". I was prepared for that argument this time, but, didn't have to "go there".

On a happy note, dealer said my '01 QC checks out - tip/top shape. In a few weeks, I'll take it on a 1.5k trip to Texas for family reunion - will keep everyone posted.

GATOR72

wantone2 · April 2001

Bookitty,
Come on down, there is always room to squeeze one more snowbird in. Right now there are a lot of them headed north. It sure will be nice to get into the good restaurants again without the two hour wait for a few months. Amd we have all adapted to the turn signals, if it has an out of state tag, I just assume they are going the opposite direction anyway. As for my new "toy", so far it is fantastic. I am taking Thursday & Friday off to have some time to bond with my new QC and get is some accessories. I have to get all I can before my wife realizes that tonneau covers,bed liners,and K & N filters, etc, are not necessary equipment.

Marshall

bookitty · April 2001

What do you mean, not necessary? Can't these girls see that "necessary" and "accessory" are both derived from the Latin word root "tonneaulinerfilter."

Bookitty

namfflow · April 2001

It's no problem for me to get acessories for the Dakota. In fact I had to buy a second one because my wife wanted her toy back!!!

biglucy · April 2001

Wives should not throw stones at glass houses! I don't have five different shades of bed liners - that would be accessorizing!

mrnra · April 2001

Does anyone have this experience: I hear a "rattle" sound coming from the front end passenger side of the 4wd Quad cab sometimes when traveling over rough pavement at 20-30 mph with the windows down. The truck has 2000 miles on it and I plan to take it to the dealer to have them check it out. My guess would be the brake caliper and/or hardware but I don't know. This is a nice truck and I appreciate the advice. Thanks

taki3 · April 2001

i have a 1997 Dakota RC that i ordered in october 96 - and ive had a rattle in the right side passenger almost since day one (mostly heard while going over bumps) - and about 1 year ago i discovered what it was - there is some black plastic just under the glove box - i think its the ac/heater blower/fan....

if you grasp this black plastic area and give it a little shake, i can reproduce the creaking i hear in my truck....

i havent determined how to fix it - yet....

mrnra · April 2001

Thanks for the reply but the sound comes from the front end/wheel area and is metallic in nature.

trippinglizard · April 2001

Wow those leer caps for the quads are really sweet!! Does anyone know how to get the LEER sticker off the back of the cap. I'm not found of free advertising!! Plus it looks tacky!

-Front end noise is gone . . . perhaps was just a
"phantom" rattle.

macey · April 2001

I've been floating around on a couple of different Dakota boards and NGs...see a lot of posts about getting PCMs, chips, flashes, etc, to work correctly for the 2001 4.7L engine...some even post that there is no base code available for the 2001 re: performance enhancements, or at least to make reliable code upgrades for better performance.

Basically, posts saying the money you're gonna pay for HyperTech, JetChip, etc, isn't gonna do anything for you, AND Mopar has discountinued the part number for their 2001 PCM (EPA certification?)

Has anyone here upgraded their 2001 4.7s PCM and did it really work? If so, what product did you use?

BTW, one post did offer the advice of resetting or erasing the 2001's PCM memory, after adding a cold air induction and cat-back system, in order to have the PCM re-learn your driving habits due to the performance mods made...has anyone done this?

Thanks.

biglucy · April 2001

Fritz - what kind of Leer cap did you buy and how much did it cost - how about a picture?!? I'm itching to get an ARE LSII but I just can't justify the price! It looks like that Vatican City Dude has been leaving you alone, did you finally get to church?

txqc2000 · April 2001

I have a 5.9L engine. But when I started my search for performance chips and PCM's, I corresponded with a gentleman from this board who has a 4.7L engine and a Gibson catback. He recently installed a Jet Stage II chip and told me the results were very good. If you send me your email address, I'll forward it to this gentleman so you can directly discuss how the Jet Chip and other mods he's done are working.

Also, did you call Mike Leach & Co 714-639-5220, the company that designed the flash program for most of the Mopar HP PCM's? They may have the flash available for your 2001 4.7L engine. When I last spoke with them, the tech said they were getting some really good results out of the 4.7's (better than they get for the 5.9L engines which achieve an additional 18hp at the rear wheels with the custom flash). You need to give them the part # on your PCM in order for them to determine if they have the right flash for your PCM.

Good luck.

bobs5 · April 2001

About 2900 miles on the truck now. Last tank of gas yielded 16.5 mpg. Still waiting for the backordered window regulator.

Have an ever so teeny tiny rattle in the truck somewhere. It is not a rattle, so much as it is an occassional click or tap. It sounds like it comes from the passenger side of the truck. I can just about duplicate the sound by tapping on the passenger side seatbelt mechanism where it is anchored on the b pillar. Anyone else have this?

Otherwise the truck runs great.

bobs5 · April 2001

Awfully quiet on this board today.

Bookitty....is this a good example of a PA pothole?

http://www.ilovebacon.com/vehicles/013001c.shtml

macey · April 2001

I've sent you a email, appreciate it if you could forward it onto our fellow 4.7L owner with the Jet Stage II chip.

"Have You Had Your V8 Today!"

mtrogstad · April 2001

I now have about 1600 miles on my Quad. I LOVE IT! However, I am still having some problems with it wanting to stall on me after it has been sitting awhile. I brought it to the dealer and they adjusted the idle settings. But I knew that wasn't it because it only wants to stall after I put it into gear, it is fine when in neutral. Anyway, I then put some "heat" in it to see if there was some water in the fuel system. It seemed to help considerably, but it still stalls every once in a while. Anyone have any ideas?

So I am going to be bringing it in for the first oil change soon. Is it true that the 4.7 V8 should only get 5W30 oil? I believe I read that in the manual. Also, what brand oil should I go with. I don't think I want to use synthetics, unless someone can give me some really good reasons.

Anyway, you guys were a great help in my ordering process so I figured you could help out throughout the life of the truck too. Thanks

bobs5 · April 2001

I believe the manual states that the 4.7L requires 5w30. I will continue to let the service guys change it for me. Got a service contract, in which the dealer covers every other oil and filter change. Tired of turning wrenches myself.

The idle seems strange to me at times, but it has never stalled yet. You have the automatic tranny?
best of luck.
Bob

steve234 · April 2001

If you remember, I mentioned that we would see some new colors on the Dakotas. Well, the word is that starting at the end of this month, Graphite will be an available color, followed by Atlantic Blue next month and soon to be followed by Light Almond in the near future. It seems strange that they would have a third blue. I wonder if Patriot or Intense will be joining Bronze and Amber.

gator72 · April 2001

I had a similar "tiny rattle" coming from somewhere on the front passenger side. Couldn't pinpoint source - drove me nuts.

Then, one day my wife was riding with me and found it in less than 5 minutes!!! She opened the ashtray and found that the cigarette lighter was loose - (not pushed in far enough). She pushed it in slightly til it clicked. No "tiny rattles" since!!!

Evidently, the lighter "backed-out" over time; just enough to start the "tiny rattle".

FYI: I never used the lighter OR opened the ashtray since buying the truck back in October. It must have vibrated just enough on these wonderful roads to "back-out" just enough to rattle.

Hope this helps.

GATOR72

namfflow · April 2001

Probably the Intense Blue will go Bye-Bye. They changed the Brillant Blue (PCH paint code) they had in late 97-98 to an ugly blue then to the Intense Blue which looks good. The Brillant Blue was good, That is what my 97 is, Blue/Silver. Still get compliments. I hope the Atlantic Blue looks okay. It sounds like it might be a sky blue type color.

The Patriot Blue will stick around. Like Black the dark Blue is popular with many folks.

Speaking of the Amber, around these parts I have never seen an amber Dakota. I wanted to as I was thinking of ordering that but I never saw it and wasn't gonna take a chance so I ordered Red/Silver Any accurate pictures of an amber one on the web?

ayrow · April 2001

I wish they would bring back yellow!!!

I wanted it when I bought my '01 QC, and they didn't have it available.

mtrialsm · April 2001

New shocks are new shocks,,,,my Quad had 49K miles on the old shocks. I felt they needed replacing for 20k miles? I'm sure a set of cheaper Monroe Refex shocks would have been OK and cheaper by $20 a shock,,,I decided to go with the Edlebrock because of build quality. But would they perform "better" and for how long? Don't know? I do doubt that the rubber boots will last for long? I really doubt that shocks
last more than 30k miles anyway?
Hand testing the old shocks, two were bad. The other two just weak?
How long to you plan on keeping your ride would make a difference also.

biglucy · April 2001

I was passed by a forest green QC on Camp Hill road near Dresher. Scott, was that you???

biglucy · April 2001

Jim,

Sorry, I kind of lost track of our "hiker" thread. Actually, it's always good to carry thread with you when you're backpacking, and duct tape too! - just don't tape over dashboard knobs with it ;]

Wow - You got visited by a grizzly bear!!! That's a story to tell the grandchildren. I assure you that screaming spruce hens can also be quite fierce. This thing jumped out on the trail about 15 feet in front of me after making a mess of noise in the brush. The bird started flapping it's wings, puffing out it's chest, and making all kind of yapping sounds. The thing charged me and as I started moving backward with a full load in my pack, I stumbled on a big rock and fell on my [non-permissible content removed]. (I was hiking solo and I weigh about 250 and my pack is usually a good 70 pounds[no lie]). Obviously, it was a maternal protection instinct -- one of the most dangerous behavioral instincts known. And looking at a screaming spruce hen charging you from crotch level is not very comforting. Somehow I survived, maybe it was my odor from being on the trail for four days!

World's End State Park is a gorgeous place to visit in the fall. Perhaps a good place to have the Historical First QC gathering?!? Find out how far Forksville, PA 18616 is from you by using mapquest.com Somehow I get the impression that as good natured the folks on this forum are, I bet there are a number of you that can cook a mean barbecue, you know who you are!!!

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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