Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

bookitty · May 2001

Paul, some time back it was explained why 5W-30 is a better choice for the 4.7 liter engine. It had to do with extremely close tolerances in the machining and assembly of the engine. Check this out while attending the seminar.

Bookitty

mopar67 · May 2001

Isn't it great to have a modern engine that actually behaves like one?
i love technology.

ohc_baby · May 2001

Sorry, but I forgot to ask folks about their engine and transmission: Here's the updated version:

Well, there are all sorts of ideas on here and the DML both that relate the limiter to manual/auto, Tire&Handling/base, rear-end ratio, and other stuff. It always seems that for every rule, an exception pops up in the next post, so I'd like to figure this out. Those of you who have hit your limiter, would you please e-mail me with your:

Year
Body (RC, CC, QC)
Engine (2.5, 3.9, 4.7, 5.2, 5.9)
Transmission (Auto or Man. will do, I'll work out model numbers if it proves to be a factor)
Drivetrain (4wd, 2wd, Awd)
Rear End (3.21, 3.55, 3.92)
Tire/Handling (Yes, No)
Heavy Duty Service (Yes, No)
Indicated Speed Limit

Also, I understand that Silver's a little faster, so let me know...

Thanks,
Crit in Atlanta
crit@engineer.com

quaddub · May 2001

Does "Indicated Speed Limit" refer to a mark on the speedometer? Or roadsign?

btw-
Silver is slower--added weight of metalflake :-)

ohc_baby · May 2001

No, the speed limiter is a programmed fuel cut that stops you from passing a preset speed. In some trucks it's 97-100, 113-115 on others. I can't find any rhyme or reason to it yet, other than what mood Dodge was in when they programmed your PCM. I'll let y'all know when I see something, though.

bobs5 · May 2001

There is a leather interior group buy being investigated here:

http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/gen/1043.html

ahasher · May 2001

to lawnmowers and chainsaws, mopar67... you are right, it's a fuel burning computer.. which had it's quirks; and the shadetree mechanic will be semi-retired. Ultimately, I feel it was worth the trouble to get the flash, in spite of the "reported" HP loss and engine relearning process which I am experiencing. My next NON technological $$ investment is to upgrade the lights to PIAA. They are a bit expensive compared to others but they come well recommended.

biglucy · May 2001

bluebayou · May 2001

Hey guys! Need some help here.... again!

I just ordered a 01 QC just the way I wanted it. Problem is that my dealer can no longer order 01's... just 02's. the only problem i s that 02's don't have the rebate. OUCH!!!

None the less, my dealer has a bead on a truck with everything that I wanted except it does not have fog lights and it has a bench instead of buckets. I can't stand the bench!

My dealer told me that the only difference b/w the bench and buckets is the center section/console. He thinks that he can remove the center of the bench (because it is on it's own pedastal) and put in the center console from the buckets. I for one think that he is full of S*$@ but i don't know.

Has anybody heard of this?
Anybody with the bench, can the center be removed?
Has anybody had the dealer swap the entire bench seat with buckets and center console?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

blue

tvay · May 2001

I have the bench I think there great. Yes the seats are the same and I recall a previous post months ago where someone said the center can be removed. I personally feel the bench console is nicer. It's not deep so things don't get lost.

namfflow · May 2001

The bench and buckets are the same. The console and center bloster are interchangable so the dealer is not given you a story.

The fog lights can be installed by the dealer.

tegwj · May 2001

I hate to disagree but in my experience the bench & buckets are *not* the same. I test drove both and found the thigh support, especially on my left thigh, was very different between the two options once both seats were adjusted to fit. The side bolstering is different, seat controls are different, etc etc.

Bluebayou: you won't rest easy until you're sure for yourself. Find a dealer with both seats on the lot and try them out for yourself.

twj

james_buchanan · May 2001

Tomorrow I pick-up my 2001 Quad Cab Sport 4x4.

Is there any advice for items to check for when I get delivery from the dealer?

From postings over the last couple of months I recall:
- missing console light
- missing Quad badge (not sure that this matters to me)
- paint inconsistencies on the doors
- missing hood insulation (I didn't order this)

Please let me know if you have other suggestions. Also, does anyone have a generic list of things to look for in a delivery inspection?

BTW, where is the console light anyway?

Thanks.

iowabigguy · May 2001

I don't mean to add to the confusion but while you do your survey you might include whether or not the rear end is the corporate 8 3/8" ring gear or the 9 1/4". This might not have impact in the speed limiter but might help with the rear end whine and offset problems reported. I had a 93 Dak with the 5.2/auto and it had the 8 3/8" rear end. My current 2k Quad has the 9 1/4". I have noticed in the brochure for the 2001 Daks that the rear end is again the corporate 8 3/8". The rear end can be identified by a metal tag attached to the left rear side of the differential housing cover plate. It identifies the ring gear size and shows LSD as well if you have the limited slip option. Rick

kojak3 · May 2001

Bluebayou,
The center console DOES swap out. My butt can't feel the difference between seats ordered bucket or bench. In fact, my dealer told me they were the same.

The console can be swapped on a 01, but not sure of 00. I believe it was Iowabigguy that e-mailed me the pictures to do the swap. Went out to the truck to check it out and sure enough, it will change. If you have an automatic, the current piece of fllor console will also be removed so the new console can fit in. I'm going to eventually do mine because I prefer the room to throw the "shhtuff" instead of on the floor.

I got my truck in January and hated the bench seat at first, but now its grown on me. Long story why I couldn't get the buckets at the time.

I figure taking your time, it should only taker an hour or so to unbolt the seats and rebolt the console in. You will have to unbolt the whole front seat to change to console.

Cheers
Kojak

earl1z19 · May 2001

My Pa inspection is due and i need to replace my fog lights do to cracks in the lenses. Does any one know where I can Find replacements? i need em fast and Help would be great!

ayrow · May 2001

Toby and w k,

I have to laugh at your argument. You are both right. The buckets are slightly, and I stress SLIGHTLY different than the bench seats. I am an expert in this area and you will soon see why.

I ordered my 2001 QC with the "bucket" seats and was VERY disappointed. No support and no headrest to speak of. The real kicker here is that Dodge charges you an extra $200 for the "bucket" feature.

A total waste of money!

I've had a lot of cars (16 to be exact) with a lot of different seats and the bucket seats they put in the new Dakotas are horrible.

How did I solve the problem?

Follow the link and see. You'll be surprised.

Ayrow

http://www.ayrow.com/seats.html

skylerk · May 2001

See Dakota FAQ #65: New Vehicle Inspection Checklist
skylerk "Dodge Dakota Owners - FAQs" Feb 25, 2001 1:38am

spike50 · May 2001

earl1z19 - Are you canvasing the PA subset of the Quad group for used but good factory lights? Otherwise, why not call dealers for new units?

I fell victim to the adrent application of PA inspection process in which my non-factory fogs had to come off. They ought to put up a sign in the inspection bays that says "This is going to hurt but its good for you". Its like going to the dentist. We all used to have to spend a pile of money to stay legal years ago when the inspections were every 6 months.

The PA inspection process concerns me when thinking about changing intake / exhaust equipment on the QC. Something that's legal today may not be tomorrow.

dragonhawk · May 2001

The truck has arrived at the dealer; however, I won't be able to see it until July 3rd when we return from Korea.

For the record: Silver 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, 5 sp, 3.92, LSD, Trailer Tow, HD Svc, Skid plates, Sliding Rear Window, Engine block heater, floor mats, CD/Cass/Eq. Invoice (including the advertising charges) less the 2000 rebate and the farm bureau rebate means total cost of $21,964.

An unloaded truck as far as conveniences go: I'll be using the Armstrong method for controlling the windows; but the money saved has gone towards roll n lock cover, bed rug and a very nice archtop guitar.

The dealer (John Ryan in Green Bay, WI) has been great so far. Only disappointment after more than a year of quadwaiting is that Amber Fire abruptly got yanked.

earl1z19 · May 2001

I was looking for aftermarket lights that fit the factory opening. I seem to recall a post that mentioned items like these but I do not know where they were available.
Does anyone else remember this post?

bookitty · May 2001

Keith, Quadratec offers a Dakota fog light kit that includes pre-assembled wiring harness, switch and relay for $69.95 in clear or amber (77020.602 or 77020.601 respectively). Their site address is http://www.quadratec.com (800) 745-6109
toll free. They are shown as fitting into the existing blank areas. Hope this helps.

Bookitty

macey · May 2001

I'm turning exactly 2000 RPMs at 60 MPH. I have a 2001 DAK QC 4.7/AWD/Auto/3.92/Limited Slip/T&H and would have thought with the 3.92s, I'd be pulling more RPMS.

My 1998 JEEP Sahara with 3.73s (though it was a 5-speed) pulled 2200 RPM at 60 MPH.

What are all you 4.7/Auto/3.92 DAK QC drivers RPMs showing at 60 MPH?

Thanks

urban3 · May 2001

Do you know if the leather Durango seats are the same as the ones that would come in Dakota? Or are the leather Dakota seats different (in height) than the ones you put in?

bluebayou · May 2001

TVAY, NAMFFLOW, TEGWJ, KOJAK3, AYROW

I just wanted to thank everybody for their help! Checked out both types last night and agree... that the seats are so close to the same it does not matter. But... the center console on the buckets is far superior! None the less, my dealer said we could swap it but I would have to pay for the console (at his cost). He said it was about 500 - 600 bucks, maybe 400 at his cost. I think i'll tell him that i'll split the difference with him. It's his fault anyway. I wanted to order the first day i was on his lot (the last day they were taking orders) but he said he could get the exact same thing in a few days. WRONG!

It should be interesting because i'm real close to burning this bridge and rippin him a new one! In the dealership on a saturday of course! :-)

Thanks again!!!

blue

zoomquad · May 2001

I think the Quad Cab is wonderful and has the most rear seat leg room of any of the compact pick-ups. One improvement though would be increasing the height of gap between the floor board and the back side of the front seat, thus allow a person to slide their foot farther under the front seat, thus providing more leg room (aka airplane seat). The car seats provided with sedans always seem to have a gap of 5 to 6 inches while the Dakota is only about 3 inches, thus if you wearing work boots it is restricting. I was wondering with all the seat changes you have made, is their any difference with this gap. Since the bolts that hold down the seats extend about a inch past the sheet metal, the gap could be increased by adding a spacer.

zidctlr · May 2001

While on a round trip from Indianapolis to Cincinnati (aprox. 300 miles) I got 22.1 mpg. I have the 2001 sport qc 4.7 auto 3.55 diff. This is the best milage I have gotten yet. Also used Mobil1 last oil change. Ran between 65 and 70 the whole way.

Also does anyone know how to remove the headliner. I would like to put some dynomat in the ceiling for noise dampening.

steve234 · May 2001

The Durango seats are different and are reported to be more comfortable. Of course, with how much a Durango costs compared with the Dakota, they should have Recaro seats.

namfflow · May 2001

The Durango seats will fit. Go to post 3118 and follow the link. This poster installed the leather Durango seats in his Quad Cab. Doesn't look like the install is much different than swapping out stock seats.

As to bench vs. console. It isn't that one is "better" than the other. They just suit diffent needs. For me personally I find the console makes the seats feel too restricted and boxed in. The bench leaves me feeling freer. It is all a matter of what you desire. Isn't freedom of choice a good thing?

Blur bayou, make the dealer work for his money. Negotiate this down as far as you can go. After all remind him that he screwed you out of ordering exactly what you want and you are willing to compramise but only to a point.

iowabigguy · May 2001

Why not wait for the 2002 Dakota? They may tell you there is no rebate but just wait. It will be back, DC can't afford to lose market share. I'd recommend ordering and getting exactly what you want. When you have to spend the kind of money new trucks are going for you should have no regrets in the buying. Also ask Bookitty about waiting and anticipation. Rick

txqc2000 · May 2001

The PIAA 510 series (foglights or driving lights) fit perfectly in the QC. My 510 driving lights are excellent. I just drove from TX to CA and when using these lights, they lit up the road like daytime @ night.

I've included my links below if you want to see pics etc. You may need to use the PIAA brackets that are made for the 510's and the Dakota in case your original ones don't work.

'00 Quadcab SLT+ Garnet Red 4x4 (AWD) 5.9L 46RE 3.55 LSD. For list of modifications to my QC, see my profile:

http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Vof5jrNb0pR1M/

For pictures of my QC & Accessories: http://www.geocities.com/txqc2000

gsu1 · May 2001

Did the have to cut the opening any larger that what they were cut for the factory driving lights? I am looking to either replace my factor driving lights or adding a safari bar and some PIAA 520's. With money being a factor which would you recommend I do first.

macey · May 2001

SWEET!!!..great paint job by A.R.E. matching my Flame Red PR4 factory color. Great fit.

Had a shop do the install job, less than 30 minutes, probablly could have done it myself but they warranty their work life time to match A.R.E.'s life time warranty on the cover...ok price at $880 for paint match of cover, wing, and install.

Now the fun part...truck just hit 666 miles when the install was done, driving home, the wing attracted two speed racers, one 2001 Subaru WRX who just tailed me admiring my rear (the wing...) and a 1986 or so Mustang 5.0 convertible who must have really admired the wing after we lined up at a stop light in the rain, side by side, and just spun his tires while my AWD launched and threw me back in the drivers seat (first time mash of go pedal for me, the hell with the rain!)

The cover and wing just add such a new meaty, big, aggressive rear end view to my new DAK QC...I feel the money taken away for the 'go faster now' parts budget was well spent!

I'd like to hope the extra 100LBS over the rear axle helps a bit over those rough spots in the road and improves traction slightly, while the cover might improve MPG (slightly gullable here now)...

Now looking for a exhaust shop to do me a nice custom dual exhaust with a Flowmaster SUV Performance 50 series muffler (single 2 1/2 inch inlet, dual 2 1/4 inch outlets)...to really make my rear end (the truck...) stick out!

txqc2000 · May 2001

510's should fit exactly in the existing holes. I'm not @ home right now (1300 miles and 3 states away, actually) so I can't tell you what I paid for the 510's, but as far as what to do first, I guess it depends upon your objective. If better lighting is your objective, I'd probably lean towards installing the 510's first -- and you might consider installing the brand new bulbs that PIAA came out with 3 days ago. My favorite 4x4 shop in Los Angeles, Dirty Parts (310-390-9086), just installed them for me. The color is almost identical to HID lamps (only 2 degrees Kelvin difference) and they make the PIAA Super White bulbs in my headlights look very very yellow. Unfortunately, the owner of Dirty Parts (Larry) told me that PIAA has no plans to make these bulbs for headlights. If you call Larry, he'll tell you everything you need to know about PIAA's etc., including the price for the 510's (I bought them from him) and whether you need to get the PIAA brackets as well.

Good luck.

henne · May 2001

well i have had my 2nd quad for a few days now and so far so good. the tranny shifts tighter than the first one ever did (both of them are 4.7 with multispeed auto)and i hope it stays like that. the old one was too smooth and i like the slight shift of the old days than these new computer controlled trannys and my rear end is quiet as a mouse and i hope it stays that way also

)) the buyback went so smooooootthhhhhh that i was a little scared that the bomb was going to drop but it never did and we were in and out of the dealer in an hour or so.

hope all is well with everyone elses truck

robert

spike50 · May 2001

txqc2000 - So what you're saying is that PIAA has a ready made bracket to mate their 510's, which are 3.5-4.0" dia., with the QC? Also the 510's are then at the right spot (all axes) to fit the factory driving light holes in the apron? And that the 510's bulb is noticeably yellow as would be the case with a real fog light? Do the lights have a definite horizontal and down lighting pattern? Once the 510's are mounted, are they easily adjustable up/down and left/right? I imagine you had the factory main light switch that only allows these to be used with the parking lights and with the low beams? Do the PIAA's have a Dept of Transportation approval designation and also are they clearly marked with separate designation that they are either fog lights or driving lights?

I'm asking a lot of questions because they are tough on vehicle inspections in PA and it seems anything non-factory can get flagged. My current set-up has to come off once a year so the QC can pass inspection.

truckerwannabe · May 2001

I just missed the cutoff to order 2001 Quad Cab truck (dealer said DC moved up two weeks, but that's another topic)and will probably order 2002.

A couple of questions. First, are there any significant changes to the QC for 2002 (like better bucket seats)? What kind of rebates should be available early in 2002 (I will miss the $2000 cash rebate)? Also, does the manual 5 speed help with acceleration and gas guzzling with the 4.7 V8?
How's the DC upgraded audio system or would you be better off with an after-market system?
Thanks!

biglucy · May 2001

Wow!!! great price on the LSII with Sport Wing. Dang I want one too!!!! The price I got from my accessory shop was $1200.00.

Unfortunately, I've got other things gobbling at my money so I'll have to ride bare-back for now, but I sure would like to see a picture of your HotRod!!!!

jimt · May 2001

Macey, I have about same vehicle, except4x4 is part-time. I turn about 2000 at 60mph, about 2150 at 65mph, and about 2300 at 70. I am averaging over 17 mpg with mostly highway driving. I am pretty happy with rpm/speed relationship considering 3.92's. The lid sounds awsome! Jim

txqc2000 · May 2001

First the brackets. Yes these make the 510's mount perfectly within the holes in the airdam. Also allows adjustments left/right & up/down.

The color of the bulb is yellow for the fog light version. Since I have the driving light version, I can't tell you what the pattern is for the foglight version (the driving light version is awesome, and with the new near HID bulbs I've installed, they produce a very intense white light). However, on my PIAA Series 90's, the fog light has a sharp cutoff and a nice wide pattern. They are very effective fog lights -- not necessarily the brightest, but probably the most effective ones I've ever owned (previously owned Hella's, etc.). I'd imagine the 510's have a similar pattern.

I don't have my 510's wired into the stock headlight switch. However, I believe PIAA has a wiring diagram to show how to wire the lights so that they cut off when you go to highbeam. And I'm 99.99% sure they are DOT approved. The stuff that is not is clearly labelled on the box and on their website -- usually the large round fog and pencil beam lights that are only to be used off-road.

My suggestion is to call Larry @ Dirty Parts (310-390-9086). He works with the PIAA folks all the time and tests some of their prototype stuff for them on his project 4x4 vehicles. He's also probably the only one that actually stocks the PIAA brackets for the 510's. In fact, I doubt you'll find many PIAA dealers who even know that such a bracket exists specifically for the Dodge Dakota's.

Good luck.

gsu1 · May 2001

Thanks for all the information in am going call Larry and get some help but since I live in Georgia I don't know how much he can help with the install. Everyone be careful the rest of this Holiday weekend, there are crazy drivers everywhere.

slr9589 · May 2001

slr9589 · May 2001

happy holiday to all especially to fellow veterans.
My quad is 2000,slt,5-spd.,2wd,4.7l.....23,0000 miles(all good ones!).....I am starting to feel pulsing in the front end when i apply the brakes for normal stops.vehicle still steers,tracks,and stops fine.
at 23000 miles am I looking at rotors/pads ?
thanks,
stephen

sneddren · May 2001

I had a catback system installed on my 2000 CC (4x4 SLT 4.7 and auto) on Friday. I had already installed an Airaid system a few months earlier and was hoping for something that would give me a bit better mileage, better performance and a good sound. I had a Flowmaster 50 Series put on, dual 2 1/4 pipes out the back. I did a lot of reading on this and was totally confused by the time I gave the orders to do the installation, but I'm happy to say that all goals were met. The sound is REALLY good. Not too loud or immature (according to my wife), but it really says "There is a V8 under the hood". The performance is noticeably better, no loss of low end torque and a lot quicker in the mid and high range. The best part was the increase in mileage. I had been getting about 11.5 in the city and maybe 15 on the road on a good day. I took the truck from SF to Tahoe and back over the weekend with a little offroading in Tahoe and I averaged 16 mpg on the way up (which included a LOT of stop and go traffic and the ascent from sea level to 7000 feet over the course of the trip) and 19.8 mpg on the way back (at over 70 mph average). Amazing. The power up the hills was a true joy and I highly recommend this setup. The only problem is that I now hear a sound that resembles some screws rattling around in a tin can. It comes from the front of the truck and I've done a visual inspection of the exhaust system and engine bay and found nothing loose. I'm guessing that it may be something dropped during the service or maybe a loose connection that I can't see on the exhaust. It's annoying and a bit embarassing, but I'm hoping that it can be easily remedied. But as far as the performance of the truck goes, the $450 I spent on the Airaid and catback was money incredibly well spent.

pmacey · May 2001

I like your results after the catback was installed!

I plan on doing the same setup, Flowmaster SUV Performance 50 series, single inlet, dual 2 1/4 inch outlets dumping into 3 inch chrome tips...problem is, I'm having a hard time finding a muffler shop with a mandrel pipe bending machine, or even a shop that wants to do the job (one shop looked my 2001 DAK QC over, never called back, I'm guessing he doesn't want the job, and he was the only local shop with that mandrel machine)

Still searching for my muffler man!

gregp5 · May 2001

The Dealer says my QC is on a train,won't be long
now !!
I'm considering the Line X bed liner, so I used the dealer locator,then called Line X and can you believe it, no dealers in N.J. !!
Guess Delaware Valley Line X in Willow Grove is my closest.
My Question, Anybody use Del. Valley, and were you satisfied ?

Thanks for your help,
Greg

bpeebles · May 2001

One reason I bought a V8 was for the great sound. I have had exhaust custom-bent for me in the past but found a few drawbacks to this option.

1) Bendable tubing is inherantly softer for ease of bending.

2) It RUSTS out in about 2 Vermont winters.

These reasons have led me to look only at 100% stainless cat-back systems. So far I am looking at Gibson and Borla for my Dak. I am leaning twards the Borla due to their "glasspack" sound. (they use SS packing and offer their famous "Million Mile Warranty")

Unfortinuatly, most of the available cat-back systems for the Dakota are not SS. (Jardine, Edelbrock...etc) If you DO NOT need the SS option... there are many options avaialble for the Dakota.

Also, If one does any towing or has a cap on their truck, having duals out the rear is NOT recommended. (Although this is want I really want.)

The choice of catback system is really based on personal choice of sound. Each muffler design has its own sound. If you want a unique sound, the SPINTECH mufflers are the best choice. They actually have "snail shell" baffles that 'spin' the sound into itself with virtually NO backpressure. (but they do not offer a catback system)

http://www.spintechmufflers.com/

gregp5 · May 2001

The Dealer says my QC is on a train,won't be long
now !!
I'm considering the Line X bed liner, so I used the dealer locator,then called Line X and can you believe it, no dealers in N.J. !!
Guess Delaware Valley Line X in Willow Grove is my closest.
My Question, Anybody use Del. Valley, and were you satisfied ?

Thanks for your help,
Greg

mopar67 · May 2001

Yes, either that or drums. I go in this Thursday for my second set of replacement drums.
Already had rotors replaced at 8K.
Good luck.

gregp5 · May 2001

The Dealer says my QC is on a train,won't be long
now !!
I'm considering the Line X bed liner, so I used the dealer locator,then called Line X and can you believe it, no dealers in N.J. !!
Guess Delaware Valley Line X in Willow Grove is my closest.
My Question, Anybody use Del. Valley, and were you satisfied ?

Thanks for your help,
Greg

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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