Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

1…5556586061…101

Comments

  • dpgrosedpgrose Member Posts: 11
    Ordered: 03/16/01
    Delivered: 04/20/01
    Drove home: 04/20/01

    I purchased the Quad Cab, SLT, 4.7L, 3.55, LSD, HD group, Overhead Power group, SLT Pus group, Audio Ctrls Steering Wheel, Six Way Power High Back bucket seat, Sliding Back Window, and Towing Package. Basically about all the extra features.
    Since Friday I have ran the first tank of gas and got 17.5 mpg. Two thirds of the driving was interstate, and the other third was driving around town and in the mountains of NC. Basically a shack down cruise. So far I am very pleased with the performance.
  • gbilhimergbilhimer Member Posts: 53
    Ok could somebody out there with the BOB tell me what it says about this. I need to change mine because I tow a trailer sometimes. the proper weight of gear oil and quantity is the info I need. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

    2000 4.7 3.55 lsd with HD and tow pkg.
    17K miles so far no real big problems,
    1. door lock problem, fixed no reoccurence
    2 speaker in DS front door has quit working the other day, if blown is this a warranty item?
    If not I will go aftermarket with new speakers.
    I have the CD/Cass/EQ
  • canttellyacanttellya Member Posts: 2
    I do mostly highway driving, can any one tell me what kind of MPG their getting with the 4.7 V8 4x4

    IM looking at buying one this week.
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    I do mostly city/rural driving and usually average 16.5 mpg. Last tank got 17.5 mpg. 4.7L V8, 5sp tranny, 3.55 axles, 4x4.
  • cknoucknou Member Posts: 1
    I have been to my dealer 3 times to get my over head computer fixed for the gas mileage calculation. Mine always registers 2-3 miles per gal moer than actual. IE..Says I get 18 when it is really 15.5! Dealer finally told me there have been several complaints to chrysler(after telling me every story in the book) and Chrysler now verifies problem and will have eprom flash available in 2-3 months to fix problem? 2001 computer always of 2 - 3 MPG.
  • canttellyacanttellya Member Posts: 2
    Thank you bobs5 & cknou for ansering my post. Have a great day.
  • trglick1trglick1 Member Posts: 3
    I just passed 3,000 miles on my '01 QC SLT, 4X4, 4.7L, auto, 3.55, tire and handling group, towing package and thought I would pass on how the truck has done.
    I have averaged around 15.7 mpg (50-50 mix of highway and city driving) and the overhead computer has been calculating gas mileage correctly. This weekend I towed my 4,800 lb. travel trailer, with camping supplies, and 4 people in the truck. The trip was 210 miles, with about 190 of them on I-5 (in the Seattle area). Since my truck set up has a 4,800 lb. maximum towing rating I was concerned with how the truck would do. Well I couldn't have been more pleased. I averaged just under 11 mpg and, with the cruise control set at 60 mph, held speed fairly well. On some of the hills it did have to shift down a gear but overall it did well. I do think that the 3.92 rear end would do better holding freeway speed without down shifting on the steaper hills and may investigate what it would take to some day have the gearing changed, but for now I am very happy with the truck and how it works for my family's needs.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    just wanted to let you know in case you didnt already know :o)) that if you get into an accident and they find out you were overloaded you wil be paying everything out of pocket. a buddy of mine was towing less than 1k pounds over the manufacturers limits and someone pulled out in front of him and kaboom. they said under normal circumstances that it would have been the other drivers fault but since he was overloaded it altered the braking performance of his truck and he had to pay over 600k out of pocket and was dropped by his insurance company and ticketed. i pull a 5000lb boat now loaded and am in the process of getting a travel trailer and my truck pulls 5800lbs and i am looking for a lite towable at around 3500lbs guw or less so when its loaded with 1k lbs and a few people and gear in the truck i will be safe and legal. everyone please keep in mind its not just your pulling capacity you have to keep in mind its the stopping capacity also even if the trailer has brakes its still a concern and when pulling a large trailer you have to account for the aerodynamics or lack there of in reguards to getting thrown into a ditch by the wind from a passing 18 wheeler.

    be careful towing everyone.

    robert
  • trglick1trglick1 Member Posts: 3
    If I change the rear end gearing to 3.92 I will be under the published towing capacity of my vehicle. I was wondering how changing the rear end gearing effects the trucks braking capabilities? Whether you have a V6 Dakota or a 5.9L V8 the braking set up is the same, yet the towing capacity is vastly different. While you may be correct that I might have some insurance issues, you are incorrect in stating I could have braking problems.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    trglick1, please read this copy from what i wrote above. it says "everyone" and wasnt directed at you. "everyone please keep in mind its not just your pulling capacity you have to keep in mind its the stopping capacity also even if the trailer has brakes its still a concern". that was not directed to you just a friendly reminder to "everyone" reading.

    your truck has the same brakes as the rest of us depending on if you have abs or not. brakes i believe are larger if you have 4 wheel abs and if i am wrong someone please step in and correct me.

    robert
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    hey, just something to think about if you dont already know. rv trailer weights are rated by guw (gross unloaded weight) base models then once you add a oven, a/c, jacks, spare tire, extra propane bottle and every other option added plus your towels, gear and water in the trailer it adds up fast. then you have to add people, fuel, gear in the truck, acessories you've added since you bought it. make sure you weigh the trailer loaded with water and gear. and weigh the truck also so you can see what your dealing with, you dont have to weight it every timne but its a good habit and very cheap at any truck stop. a 4800lb trailer can jump to over 6000lbs real fast when you add everything up not to mention whats in the truck itself, remember if you add a 200lb person in your truck it has to be subtracted from your towing so if you had 3 other people in your truck at a low 150lb each thats 450 on top of up to 6000lb for a loaded trailer. you may know this but its surprising how many peopple dont know the ins and outs of towing and i hope you dont think im nagging but i just want to make sure you and everyone else has a safe and happy trip.

    fyi: the trailer i am looking at is about 3500 guw lbs plus my options which add up to about 4200lbs, then add water and personal gear to the trailer and it will top an estimated 4500lbs then i add a few people and some gear in my truck and im at about 5100lbs and my new buy back truck will be a dakota quad, 4x4, 4.7, auto, 3.92, 4 wheel abs, towing and handling package and its rated for about 5800lbs that leaves me about 700 lbs to play with and that is actually kinda tight at about 88% of my trucks rated capacity. most people that are into towing especially rv'rs like a min of 10 and preferably 20% margin when towing. there is alot of confusion because of all the different gcwr, gvwr, gawr, guw, payload, trailer weight and tounge weight because if you add a pound to one of them you have to reconfigure all the others to get a correct weight. i hope you enjoy your trailer and if you knew all of this already sorry to bother you but maybe someone else will learn something from it.

    i hope you accept this in the manner it was intended :o)

    robert
  • namfflownamfflow Member Posts: 202
    The brakes on the dakota whether 4 wheel ABS or 2 Wheel abs are the same size. 11 Disc in front 9 X 2.5 drums unless you order the 2000 lb payload. There you get the 11 X 2 rear drums.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    that must be it then, i knew i read there was an option you could get that changed the size of brakes and i wanted the 2000lb payload but its not available on the quad so i stuck it far in the back of my empty head and forgot about it.

    that must be it, yea thats the ticket LOL...

    Thanks namfflow for the correction

    robert
  • scottieeckscottieeck Member Posts: 69
    It's so nice to see everyone is playing nice on this board!
    Hey norm, how was your trip? did you find your dream house?
    Be good boys and girls, and drive safely.
    scottie
  • quaddubquaddub Member Posts: 25
    gbilhimer-
    Which axle do you have?
    8 1/4 gets 4.7 pints(2.22L) of SAE 80W-90
    9 1/4 gets 4.9 pints(2.32L) of SAE 75W-90
    LSD (Trac-lok) also gets 5oz.(148ml) of Friction Modifier Additive.

    BOB would be a great investment for you since you like to do your own maintenance.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Scottie, I am not leaving until 04/30. I am going to look at new homes custom built on a lot, but only to "kick tires" as it will be some time before we can actually pull the trigger. However, I am going to look for buildable lots. If anything great emerges, it can be held on deposit subject to Judy's approval. If anything really hot comes up, we can fly down for a weekend. Thanks for asking.

    Bookitty
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Driving home yesterday and must have run over some road debris. Well, I have a nice half inch slit in the upper sidewall, just below the meaty tread section. Mr. Loser! It could not have been in the meaty tread section could it, noooooooooooo. My nice P265/70R16 goodyear tire with just over 3k miles needs to be replaced. Had to put two of the large sticky rope plugs in it to seal the tire. It holds air now, and it has become the spare tire. I do not like the location of this hole though, as the patch may give out with tire flexing.
    Guess it's time to go to the dealer and have the tire changed, believe it is covered by the extended warranty, well see. Also have the transfer case recall taken care of when I'm there.
    Has anyone else had an issue with the goodyear tires? Would "LT" tires be a worthwhile investment? Do "LT" tires have a stronger construction?
    Cursed by Murphy's Law,
    Bob
  • biglucybiglucy Member Posts: 140
    Norm, Have fun and be safe. Now, you may call it "looking at some houses" and "kicking some tires" but I think we all know what's going on! As I recall, Florida has some of the best,er, ah, Gentleman's Clubs, on the East Coast! I remember (sort of) this one place where you could take a shower in a plexiglass booth with the dancers!!! Norm, did you mean look at some "brick-houses" ?!?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Bobby, shame on you! The sole purpose of my trip is to study the road conditions and report to Scottie why they have fewer and more shallow potholes. But, it seems to me that you know more about Florida than the rest of us. And that includes some of our members who live there. While there I might take "Snowbird Driving 101" to learn how to hold up traffic on days when there is no traffic. This course also qualifies one as an official pace car driver for funeral processions. Turn right on red? What, are you kidding? Just sit there. Turn right on green? What, are you kidding? Just sit there. They also teach you to keep a turn signal (the opposite for the turn one is about to make) for a minimum of 10 miles (16.093 kilometers for Snowbirds of Canadian persuasion. And by the way Bobby, do they provide soap and towels?

    Bookitty
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    And don't forget the mandatory speed limit, which is 15 mph less than what is posted. :-)

    Hope you have great trip!

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Made an appointment for thursday to have the transfer case recall done. Hope they will have a tire for me as well. We shall see if the extended warranty covers any of the tire replacement, or what kind of a denial fest the dealer gives me.
    wish me luck,
    Bob
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Karen, thank you for keeping me up to date on speed limit regulations. I thought it was 25 MPH under the posted limit, and 30 MPH on single lane roads where no passing is allowed. This really frees me up for action. Of course, I won't have to cruise the streets @ 5 MPH like Bobby (bobs5) looking for certain gentlemen's clubs. Thanks for your good wishes. My wish is that my wife could go also, but then they would have to close down the schools.
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Hey now, I never said anything about a gentleman's club. I am a victim of mistaken identity.
    I believe is was biglucy who offered this quest for you. He is another bob.
    Besides, I doubt that it would interest me to experience the Pee Wee Herman adventure.

    Go to Montreal Canada if ya want to see GREAT go go.
  • nortx01qcnortx01qc Member Posts: 37
    and while you are looking into your driving class, check to see if they have a class for how to vote....

    And hats all I'll say bout that!
  • scottieeckscottieeck Member Posts: 69
    gentlemen's clubs? Isn't that where they teach etiquette to young blue-bloods? If not, I may need a little more information to clarify just what you people are talking about.
    as far as driving in florida, it is MANDATORY to drive . . .
    with your foot on the brake
    with your hazard lights or at least one turn signal on AT ALL TIMES!
    in a vehicle no less than fifteen feet long (unless you are a tourist in a rental car with an out of state license)
    a MINIMUM of fifteen mph below posted speed limits (25 mph preferred).
    on the left side of the road (or the sidewalk).

    also . . .
    under no circumstances may you . . .

    depress the accelerator in your vehicle unless the light has just turned red.
    signal to change lanes.
    signal to turn.
    look in your rear view mirrors.

    finally, the state of florida encourages you to stop and ask directions every time you encounter a road construction or utility crew if doing so will impede or prevent the flow of traffic.

    Norm, have a wonderful and safe trip.
    scottie
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Bobby, I do apologize, but I am reasonably certain that you are guilty of something. Biglucy is guilty of most everything. And now, I have to teach them how to vote. Darn,I'm going to be quite busy while in Florida.

    Bookitty
  • wantone2wantone2 Member Posts: 19
    Welcome to Florida Bookitty, I notice you left out one thing in your training. You have to make sure you are out on the most traveled roads early in the AM to help keep all of us working people from breaking the speedlimit on our way to work. And then you start resuming your dutys between 4:30 - 6:00 PM so we don't get home too early. I think with a few more pointers and some practice you will blend right in down here.
    I hope you enjoy your time here and find that great deal you are looking for.

    Marshall
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Marshall, we have a flight that leaves Atlantic City and flies directly to Fort Myers. We took advantage of a $129.00 round trip special on Spirit Airlines. Now, you've certainly heard of Spirit. Let me sing their theme for you.

    And when you hear those engines roaring;
    And you see those wings of tin.
    You'll know that Spirit airlines;
    Has sent their box tops in.

    I am staying in Punta Gorda, and will be looking at buildable lots for future use. I feel that property values are escalating there, and if we have a nice lot it will protect us somewhat from inflation in as far as the lot is concerned. I understand that it is a growth area, and demand raises prices and reduces selection. Beside that Marshall, we're tired of freezing our butts off.

    Bookitty
  • gator72gator72 Member Posts: 115
    When driving on any freeway, State law requires you to merge to the FAST lane as quickly as possible and stay there for as long as you drive below the posted speed limit.

    State law also requires you to keep pace with the slowest vehicle in the adjoing lane so as to impede as many speeders as possible.

    If another vehicle "tail-gates" you on any freeway, State law requires that you reduce your speed by at least 5 mph; 10 mph on 2-lane surface streets. Tap brakes frequently!

    You are not permitted to allow any vehicle to pass you. State law requires that accelerate, regardless of the speed required, to keep pace with any vehicle that attempts to pass you. This law is strictly enforced on 2-lane surface streets with heavy traffic in the opposite direction.

    Do not use headlights when it rains. It will only make it easier for other drivers to see you.

    Do not use any signals while merging, turning or changing lanes because it will only confuse other drivers.

    Currently, the Florida Dept. of Transportation is conducting a test of driver reaction times and effectiveness of anti-lock brakes. Therefore, check your brakes lights daily to make sure one or more bulbs are not working. If any brake light is functional, remove it immediately!

    Do not slow down to make a turn until you are within 10 feet of the target street. Any sooner and other drivers might try and cut in front of you.

    Remember, driving is a contact sport in Florida!

    HAPPY MOTORING!
  • slr9589slr9589 Member Posts: 121
    Oh great one....avoid all spots with early bird specials,matinee dollar movies and flea markets!!!
    have a great time..we just got back from dunedin sunday.
    My 00 4x2,4.7,5 spd. Quad is making popping sounds when i turn the wheel..can't figure out why? also starting to notice thudding as i break.
    Have i got the dreaded warpped rotors or is it a warpped driver?
    stephen
  • billarfbillarf Member Posts: 38
    Reading back through hundreds and hundreds of posts here I have come to understand that there is some sort of new Quad Cab check off list that you all have come up with. I am expecting delivery of my fully loaded '01 Quad Cab in a few weeks and would like to get a hold of a list / recommendations as to what to check when I go to pick-up the new truck. Hope someone can post here or mail me this list if it exists. Thanks in advance! Bill in NY bill@auffarth.com
  • skylerkskylerk Member Posts: 67
    See Dakota FAQ post #65:
    skylerk "Dodge Dakota Owners - FAQs" Feb 25, 2001 1:38am
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    In regards to the vicious besmirchment of my good name...your apology is accepted. ha ha
    OK, I'll stop the PA pothole jokes. Guilty as charged!
    Norm, what happened, to cloud your otherwise impeccable judgement.
    My suspicions are:
    You drank out of Boo's bowl....again.
    You sampled the new shipment of Boo's catnip.
    While your in Florida, I hope you will hold a seminar on how to properly punch a hole in paper.
    The class is CHAD-101.
    Have a great trip.
    Bob
  • biglucybiglucy Member Posts: 140
    Boy oh Boy! It looks like everybody is gonna miss the Boo. Hey Marshall, why don't you get together with Norm since He's flying into Fort Myers and then You can show him where all those Gentleman's clubs are?!?

    Norm, I hope you're taking a laptop so you can give us a full report on driving conditions and your exploits! Hey isn't Punta Gorda espanol para "fat football"???

    "I'm not as think as you drunk I am"
  • gregp5gregp5 Member Posts: 51
    He, Funny posts about driving in Florida,after just returning from visiting Venire I could have used those driving tips. lol.... A really nice area to visit, but those Seniors really are a trip ! Greg
  • gregp5gregp5 Member Posts: 51
    Oops,meant to say VENICE, guess I had a Senior moment myself. Greg
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Norm,
    Last year I made a wise crack about calling you "Dad", and you jumped all over me for that. If you are really moving to FL, then I will have to call you "Grandpa" from now on. Make sure you have a couple of extra bedrooms, so we can spend Spring Break with you. You can watch my kids while my wife and I go out. :) Thanks
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    bookitty - My bachelor brother-in-law lives in Fort Myers. I don't know if he frequents the "gentlemen" clubs, but he does know the best restaurants on Sanibel.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • scottieeckscottieeck Member Posts: 69
    Norm, I just read the editorial you wrote for the Courier (our local paper for those who aren't from around here). Wonderful job! I had been meaning to respond as well, but I, shamefully, haven't been able to find the time (what with work and all). Thanks for picking up my slack.
    Enjoy Fla.
    scottie
  • dodgetrukndodgetrukn Member Posts: 116
    Hi Karen S, My wife and I own a time share in Ft. Myers, going to fla in July. If ya can, post some Good restaurants..this is my 3rd time going there...Charlie Browns gets a bit boring..

    Otherwise my '01 Quad arrived at the dealership in flemington !! Going Sat 4-28 to pick it up !
    Got my 9 page inspection list and notes from reading many informative posts and
    hoping for the best !!!!! These message boards are really helpful,,appreciate everyones
    comments...! HAPPPPYYYYY !
    Ger.
  • zidctlrzidctlr Member Posts: 46
    just got finished putting dynamat in my quad... all 4 doors and behind the rear seat... it makes a big difference... it is soooo quiet in the cab now... would recommend to anyone
  • kingquad1kingquad1 Member Posts: 37
    in regard to #2070,2090 & 2096, according to BOB, copper core spark plugs are recommended because of pre-ignition possibilities. has anyone experienced this?
    I went to the Bocsh web site and they don't mention the 4.7 engine at all.
    I would like to try them, just want some feedback from those who have used them.
    I recently drove to South Carolina. The Quad cab is very impressive! had 4 adults with luggage. set the cruise in the Smoky mountains and the 4.7 was incredible! I have the automatic and the downshifting was barely noticeable.
    before the trip I put MOBIL 1 synthetic gearlube in the rear axle. plan on doing the front too.
    at 15000 miles, I consider this the best truck (4x4) I have ever owned. haven't had to take it back to the dealership yet and fortunately haven't experienced ANY problems with it.
    thanks again!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Okay, from the top: Bill, the driving laws are the same as New Jersey. Stephen, it seems that you have unintentionally (or intentionally)run over a senior citizen in Dunedin. Fortunately, he/she won't be missed but they are hanging from the chassis and going bump, bump, bump. Bobby (bobs5), I only mentioned what you were not guilty of; quit while you're ahead. Bobby (Biglucy), Punta Gorda in Spanish translates to "Fat Point", which actually relates to a game winning extra point kicked as the gun goes off signaling the game's end. Greg, your "senior moments" seem to be lasting longer and longer. Thad, a better idea. Judy, your wife and I will go out and have a great time while the kids baby-sit you. The kids may be more responsible and mature than the rest of us combined. Karen, your brother-in-law will tell you nothing about his private life in the event that you write a book and publish it in the Dodge Dakota topics. Scottie, you are the only one being kind to me but I suspect that it could change at any moment.

    Bookitty
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Hey, Grandpa is sign of respect. I do value what what you say. After all, the only difference between our trucks is color, 4x4 and our own choice of bed covers. I did only have to order mine once to get it right, but we know that wasn't your fault.
  • slr9589slr9589 Member Posts: 121
    With all the excitement of boo's florida trip i've forgotten anything directly related to the truck!
    i do know that some of you are way more serious about tinkering with your quads than i am.though, i did find someone willing to sell me a half of a yakima roof rack for my quad.i'll use a hitch upright in the rear to balance the flotilla.
    the post on sound deadening mats sounds great.a web address would be helpful.
    all of you guys have a good night ,
    stephen
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    I've seen where some people have tried them and have had good luck, The advertising I think says they have a copper core if I recall correctly. I also saw on the DML that some 4.7 owners have had good luck with the Autolite copper core plugs, I don't recall thenumber and I'm not at home right now answering this so I'll have to post the number later. I researched and ended up buying a set of the Autolites but have not installed them yet as I only have 9,000+ miles on my Quad. Rick.

    Bookitty, youse Jersey guys are always crying about sometin. You want I should wackem???
  • wantone2wantone2 Member Posts: 19
    Zidctir, - How difficult is the installation of the Dynamat? "Sounds" like something I might want to give a try.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Rick, how many times have I told you that it is pronounced "Joisey!"

    Bookitty
  • cowtownaggiecowtownaggie Member Posts: 39
    I have a lubrication question for all of you:

    I have: QC with 4.7/4x4/5sp/lsd

    I was looking to change all of the fluids this weekend & when I looked at the specs for the fluids it said in the BOB & owners manual that Mopar PN 4874464 is the ONLY type recommended or accepted for the NV 3500 transmission (5spd manual).

    Can Dodge prohibit using anything but Mopar fluids in the transmission?

    Is there anyone out there using a synthetic in a 5sp manual? Is so, what weight/type & have you had any problems with it.

    For full details see my post in the maint section (num 638)

    Thanx for the help

    Preston
    AKA: Cowtown Aggie
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Took the truck into the shop yesterday.

    They did the recall thing for the transfer case control module reprogramming.

    If anyone remembers, I was waiting since mid December for the window regulator to fix the driver's side rear door window. Story was, it was on national backorder. Seems someone dropped the ball back then, as they had the part in stock all this time. The only guy who had any knowledge of my problem no longer works there...how convienent. They changed out that part and the window rolls up real nice now. happy :-)

    Tire replacement. I had a flat tire on Monday of this week, a piece of metal slashed the sidewall with a good half inch cut. Good news is, I have a replacement tire. Bad news is, it is a blackwall tire without the white letters. Oh well, just keep it as the dedicated spare. I really did not want to wait any longer for an exactly matching tire while continuing driving around without a good spare tire. Better news, the extended warranty had tire protection coverage, so it cost me only $25 copay for the tire. This saved me about $140. :-)
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.