Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

kjcdr1 · May 2001

Looks like I need some help fellow owners. Please read on and respond.

Based on a post 2 or 3 months ago, I purchased a spare tire lock via the net from WheelLock, Inc in Tulsa. The member who posted earlier indicated the installation was easy. Mine would be too, except that the hook does not seem to be long enough to allow the lock to make it to the first hole. My question is "what size tires did the Quad owner who posted about this lock have on his truck?"

I have a Dakota Quad Sport 4x4 with P265/70R16 tires. I suspect that perhaps the hook would be long enough with the tires that were standard, but with the broader tire it is a bit short even with the tire tightly stowed.

Please confirm my suspicions with regard to the tire size or tell me I am not smart enough to handle something this simple. Thanks for your assistance. I will be looking for your posts on this subject.

Ken

tegwj · May 2001

I recall a post saying the dealers can reprogram the factory computer for different wheel/tire diameters (to keep the speedo/odo accurate) but am trying to find more details. Specifically, is there a magic word I need to use so they can look it up at the service desk, are there limits to how much adjustment can be figured in, etc?

Any info welcome, thanks!
twj

txqc2000 · May 2001

After talking with some custom 4x4 places etc., I got the overwhelming consensus that the Borla SS catback is the best -- if you can afford it. The Gibson also got very high marks. Larry from Dirty Parts told me that Gibson was started by a former Borla engineer. If you plan to install headers, Gibson makes a tuned header for their catback system, so this might be something to consider. I love my Gibson Singleswept Catback system as it sounds great outside, only added 1-2 db of resonance inside, and supposedly added something like 5-10 hp to the rear wheels. Mine's not SS, though, since that wasn't as much of a concern where I live.

spike50 · May 2001

My interest waxes and wanes for a cat-back to replace the factory unit. The one foot note I've seen a few times, on the web-pages, is that a dual system may require the loss of space for the spare tire. All you wise and experienced ones out there, please comment on possible problems when going with dual pipes. Also, are there dual systems that bring the pipes out the sides behind the wheels (factory location) or in front of the rear wheels?

biglucy · May 2001

You're absolutely right and I'm surprised the company owner keeps sending out the short rods because I spoke with him personally and He told me that I was not the first to complain about this. I chose option number 2 - which is to turn your tire upside down and the shaft will fit. However, 1. you can't reach the tire nipple, 2. I dunno if the rim is scratching any metal from below, and 3. I've had to reposition and tighten the spare twice now to keep the spare from squeaking after I've been on bumpy, gravel roads. Option number 1 is to send the lock back to the company and tell them to send you a longer shaft -- You Decide!!!!

slr9589 · May 2001

Thanks to mopar67 for the reply...geee hope mine isn't quite as bad as yours,no offense.
have an appt.for 6/7/01 to have it checked out.
I don't mean to be real ignorant but what in the hell is a cat back? And why do we really need it?
It is really great to see more and more quads on the road everyday.....Must be the only thing Daimler/Chrysler is selling.....
stephen

bpeebles · May 2001

(slr9589) This is a shorthand way of refering to an aftermarket exhaust system that replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to the tailpipe.

Federal Law does not allow modifications between the Catalyst and the engine. (Emmissions Laws) so CAT BACK is the only option.

Most 4.7L V8 Hemi engines have triple catalysts that are WELDED into the exhaust manifold so even headers are out of the question

Like all "accesseries", a cat-back certainly is not a requirement. The factory stainless steel system is very good. If one likes to hear the sound of their 4.7L V8 Hemi engine, it IS a requirement!

kjcdr1 · May 2001

Biglucy--Thanks for the rapid reply and the info. on the spare tire lock. Glad to hear that senility has not completely set in. Think I will confer with someone at Wheel Lock and go for the exchange (option 1)if they offer it or I can convince them.

Others who choose to safegaurd that expensive spare should be aware of this problem.

Thanks again. Ken

tmatthew · May 2001

That was my post. I went from 235 X 15 to 10.5 X 15. Same wheel size but bigger tires. It took abot 15 min...charged $45. Said that they can only adjust to a size that is avail on the QC. It can be done. It took me two tries but keep asking.

billarf · May 2001

I spoke with the owner two weeks ago and he mentioned having to flip the tire over. That's what I did and all works aok. Agree you can't get to the valve stem to check air but I routinely lower the tire and wax the rim, clean and lube the hoist cable and check the air. As for the finished side of the wheel facing up I find this a plus as it protects the front side of the rim. Major point is tire is secured but of course if the bad guy wants it he will get it anyway. Bill in NY

iowabigguy · May 2001

According to the Shop manual for the 2000 Dakota you are not limited to tire sizes that came from the factory. All you have to do is enter the number of rotations the tire makes to cover 1 mile. The dealer has to do this because it must be programmed into the ECU and as far as I know they are the only ones who have this capability. I don't have access to the shop manual for the 2001 but unless anyone else know otherwise I'd assume it is the same. Rick

davewarwick1 · May 2001

Just about ready for wax job #1. Any suggestions on type and procedure. Wax on, wax off?

Has anyone ran their gas tank low enough to see in fact the tank volume is close to 24 gallons. Seems like when gauge is low, fill up is not 20 gallons let alone 24. Supposed to be 24 gallons.

Dave

bluebayou · May 2001

Pick-up my Spankin New QC (4.7,SLT+, auto, 3.55, HD srvc, etc!) late last night!

What an awesome truck!!!

One question during break-in though...

When she gets up to temp, the engine bay smells really warm. Not burning, but like everyting is "breaking in". I think that this is normal, but was not sure if everybody else had this "feature".

Runs great!!!

thanks for the info!

Blue

drdakota · May 2001

Congrats on the ride. Give us some more specs. In regard to the gas tank capacity, I have put in nearly 26 gallons (surely some coming up the tube). In regard to the wax:
Rain-X Ultra: No, great shine, non abrasive but no protection to acid rain or bird droppings.
Check out the Eagle-One Polish and Wax, Finish First and Liquid Glass. All three are very good on new vehicles, fill swirl marks. The Liquid Glass and Finish First will build up to a degree and provide some additional protection.

Make sure you give the paint enough time to properly cure prior to waxing. New paints are softer and take longer to cure. Most dealers and shops recommend 30 days from the manufacturer date.

ferous · May 2001

I drive 500 miles a week and I push the gas needle to the bottom all the time. I also have the overhead computer which tells me how many miles till the tank is out of gas. With all this said, I have never put more than 23 gallons in, and that's when the computer said I only had 3 miles left.

bpeebles · May 2001

(davewarwick1) Without trying to start a WAX discussion.... Many people really like ZYMOL.( http://www.zymol.com ) It is one of the last to actually contain a high percentage of REAL carnauba wax. (Carnauba is the hardest natural wax. Derived fromthe Brazilian "Tree of Life" (Copernica Cerifera) that are REALLY good at shedding water)

Most "common" cheep concoctions are either Petroleum based wax or worse (silicone...etc)

"Zymol cleaner wax" is available in WallMart. Do not forget to open the cap and smell it.... Just the great smell alone is worth the effort to wax your truck.

As for application technique.... It is said that for the very best shine apply forward-back on the horizontal surfaces and up-down on the vertical areas.

bpeebles · May 2001

There are handheld re-programmers available. Stop by a bookstore and look thru some magazines.

slr9589 · May 2001

my thanks to bpeeples for the basic anatomy lesson.
i think i'll run with the factory pipes for now.
stephen

egaquaman · June 2001

I USED RAIN-X ON MY BLACK TRUCK. IT LOOKS GREAT AND CAN NOW BE (ALMOST) CLEANED BY SPRAYING IT WITH A HOSE. MOST IMPORTANTLY IS IT WAS EASY TO USE. IT DOES PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM BUGS, BIRDS AND SUN AND THOSE GREAT CANADIAN WINTERS!

biglucy · June 2001

Remarkable!

Bruce - you mean to tell me that I have been supposed to be waxing back & forth on the horizontals and up & down on the verticals?!?
Wow! I always used the swirl method! I must begin incorporating your technique... Immeadiately!!!

Shine on you Crazy Diamond!

drdakota · June 2001

Egaquaman, sounds like you have had good experience with the Rain- Ultra. My previous truck was a black AK. I put on the Rain- and it shined like a black mirror. However, once a bird targeted it, the dropping matter ate through the wax, the clear coat and into the black paint. The people at Rain- said it generally doesn't provide good protection against acidic substances. This made me worry about acid rain effects, so I quit using it.

The Zymol is all natural and uses crushed shells for a polishing agent. I tried it and it does shine. However, it did not fill the swirl marks and did not last long.

Using the Finish First, Liquid Glass and Eagle One did a good job of filling the swirl marks, shining and last longer.

In a May 2000 issue, Consumer Reports did a study of auto wax/polish. Finish First and Liquid Glass were not included in the study. However, the Eagle One was and was rated high for shine and was also found to not be abrasive to paint.

The bottom line in all of the wax discussions is this: expect different performance from each. No one wax/polish does 100% of what we all want.

drdakota · June 2001

The owners manual for my 4.7 DAK recommends using 87 octane. It further states that using gas with a higher octane rating may damage the engine. Does anyone have any comments on this?

quark99 · June 2001

As some of you may remember, I was the proud owner of a 2000 Pat Blue 2wd 4.7L 3:55 LS Auto Quad, but sold it to accommodate wife's 2000 Mustang GT purchase...(long story, bottom line was QC became my "commute" car-120 mile daily commute) Anyway, now I'm back in the market for QC #2! My little Sentra SE will remain my commuter; the QC will do duty on trips and weekend boat towing.
My question to you fine people here (yes, you too BooKitty) is now that some time has passed, what would you change about your QC purchase? Ex: Would you option it differently?
My old QC had the multi-speed auto with 4.7L; I'm definitely getting the 5-speed this time as I felt the auto had some shortcomings. Biggest issue for me is the high-maintenance aspect; tranny adjustments every 30K seems expensive and excessive. Gotta love that "punch it at the stoplight and blast-off" feeling with the auto; hope the 'stick provides the same 7.4 second 0-60 performance aspects. I have a feeling I'll be able to control my highway mpg a bit better with the stick, as well. Was it just me, or are any of you "addicted" to that dang overhead mpg indicator?
Well, I could go on and on, missed you all and looking forward to rejoining the group. My local DC Fleet Salesguy is ordering my 2002 QC in about 3 weeks (earliest he can put a 2002 order in).
2002 Forest Green QuadCab
4.7L, 5-speed, SLT, LSD 3:55, HD cooling, tow package, SLT Decor Group, T-H package, F-Lamps, Infinity Sound, Power Overhead Group, Power Driver's Seat (40/20/40) Heated Mirrors, Hitch, Rear Slider, yada, yada, yada
MSRP+Dest Charge: (after rebate) $23,685.00
Sale Price: $22,250 (plus T+L, of course)
-quark

scottieeck · June 2001

Okay, I have a question. sometimes, after starting up, I hear a "chirp" which sounds like it's coming from the engine. the frequency of this chirp does not change with engine speed, as i've tried revving the engine slightly to see if that would have any effect. When running, the chirp disappears, and is not always present when cold. It sounds almost exactly like there is a bird in the engine going "chirp, chirp, chirp".
any ideas?
scottie
(did I say "chirp" enough?)

quark99 · June 2001

As some of you may remember, I was the proud owner of a 2000 Pat Blue 2wd 4.7L 3:55 LS Auto Quad, but sold it to accommodate wife's 2000 Mustang GT purchase...(long story, bottom line was QC became my "commute" car-120 mile daily commute) Anyway, now I'm back in the market for QC #2! My little Sentra SE will remain my commuter; the QC will do duty on trips and weekend boat towing.
My question to you fine people here (yes, you too BooKitty) is now that some time has passed, what would you change about your QC purchase? Ex: Would you option it differently?
My old QC had the multi-speed auto with 4.7L; I'm definitely getting the 5-speed this time as I felt the auto had some shortcomings. Biggest issue for me is the high-maintenance aspect; tranny adjustments every 30K seems expensive and excessive. Gotta love that "punch it at the stoplight and blast-off" feeling with the auto; hope the 'stick provides the same 7.4 second 0-60 performance aspects. I have a feeling I'll be able to control my highway mpg a bit better with the stick, as well. Was it just me, or are any of you "addicted" to that dang overhead mpg indicator?
Well, I could go on and on, missed you all and looking forward to rejoining the group. My local DC Fleet Salesguy is ordering my 2002 QC in about 3 weeks (earliest he can put a 2002 order in).
2002 Forest Green QuadCab
4.7L, 5-speed, SLT, LSD 3:55, HD cooling, tow package, SLT Decor Group, T-H package, F-Lamps, Infinity Sound, Power Overhead Group, Power Driver's Seat (40/20/40) Heated Mirrors, Hitch, Rear Slider, yada, yada, yada
MSRP+Dest Charge: (after rebate) $23,685.00
Sale Price: $22,250 (plus T+L, of course)
-quark

nathan_johnson · June 2001

I am looking for some pics of a quad with ARE LSII. Unfortunately the only pic I can find is on the ARE site in the owners area (nice looking quad... only problem the vantage point is from the left front :-(

Thank
Nathan

macey · June 2001

I have one, about 1 week now with the cover and sport wing...no way to post pictures yet though, would a fax for the time being be ok?

urban3 · June 2001

You helped with pre-purchase questions, now after picking up my new QC yesterday, many more questions will likely come up. Here's a few I have so far.

There's a quick buzzing sound (<1 sec) when shifting into Reverse or Drive (4.7 Auto). Is this normal?

The owners manual seems to say that parking brake should always be used when the vehicle is in Park (again 4.7 Auto). Am I reading this correctly? Do others always use the parking brake?

It looks like rear axle components such as the the axle (tube?) and differential are coated with a black protecting material. On one side of the axle tube, some of this material is scraped away, exposing bare metal. Is this a potential corrosion problem?

It seems like the truck may be leaning to one side. I'm not sure if it's the whole vehicle, the bed, or just my imagination. Anyone else experience anything like this?

FYI, my QC was ordered 4/27, delivered 5/31. Not too bad of a turnaround.

Thanks for your help.

mopar67 · June 2001

bookitty, bpeebles, and biglucy can fill in what I got wrong or what I don't know.
First, yup the bzzz tck sound your tranny makes doing into drive or reverse is normal. Welcome to the 45RFE club.
Parking brake....only time I use it is on a hill where the weight of the truck would be too much strain on the parking pawl in the trans.
Axle tube....this sucker is heavy metal (cast iron?) so corrosion should not present a problem although its a little unsightly to say the least.
Lastly, I never really checked if my club cab is off kilter so I don't have an answer to your last question. bpeebles? Ahahser? Anyone? Bueller?
Congrats on getting your truck. May you drive many satisfied miles.
Full membership requires you obtain a BOB (or whatever color the 2001 FSM is) and read it cover to cover. bpeebles suggested that I get one and I don't regret it although it is expensive. Perhaps you can get your dealer to "throw" one in?

macey · June 2001

Gotta vent on this one (complaining not explaining!):

Ok, got me a new DAK QC that just had her cherry popped...first oil change at 807 miles (swapped in 10w-30 for the factory 5w-30 oil...it gets real triple H in the NE)

Hmmm, got about half a tank of gas, lets go fill up at the local HESS which just happens to have the cheapest 87 octane gas in town at $1.89 and
lets go for a cruise and have some fun!

Well after getting the bird twice for having to back in my new DAK QC to align up at the pumps, I throw my AMEX card in and start the flow...in
drives a tasty 2001 DAK CC where I can see the owner is just starting some exterior mods, takes the pit spot over at the next stall...he starts
pumping and does the mortal sin...lights a butt... in 2 seconds the loud speaker blares...'put out that smoke'...could you believe it, two PUNKS get out of that DODGE and start pushing around the attendant who came running out of his glass house, to enforce a must common sense rule...a friggen fight broke out..damn, I say, these youngsters with those hats turned sideways on their shaved heads are really stupid DODGE owners, and figured my 6 foot 1 inch 200 pound frame could sure help show some better
discression...never had the chance...2 other drivers pumping that liquid gold did a WWF body slam to the most vocal Axxholes. What the hell is the deal here people!

Damn, and me just wanting to toy around with my new truck..just drove it home and parked it... Bummer!

Now I love my new DODGE, but have you folks run into really stupid DODGE owners who you feel would be better off driving a honda? I mean do you go out of your way to avoid these idiots!

bobsyvee · June 2001

Post # 69 in the Photo section has two pics of my Amber Fire Pearl QC with the cap. Not real detailed though. (320x240 camera). It's flat with the same detail as the hood in it.

Please, don't anyone confuse the Zymol Cleaner wax with their true waxes. These are only found at Auto "boutiques" or detail shops. There's a big difference in both the amount of carnauba and price. I use only their Carbon formula on my QC. I only need to apply about every two months.

Jim H

niddersbach · June 2001

Well my new white quad is a heaven sent!!!

I see that my arch nemesis the Lizardman has had some troubles getting along with people on this board . . . what a fool . . .
I would have to say that previous e-mails stating dodge owners are idiots is a horrible blanket statement . . . if the lizardmans e-mails were banned we should take these off too . . . they are rather inflamitory!!
Does anyone know why my new quad 4x4 would be missing a leaf on the left side of the rear suspension? One side has three leafs the other has two? I don't notice any ride difference but I'm sure this isn't right unless it's because the gas tank is on the right side?

The pope saw me the other day and wanted a ride to work!!
I made him get into the carge area and then I went off roading before dropping him off!

biglucy · June 2001

We must all strive to be compassionate, which is very hard to do when some [non-permissible content removed] is smoking next to a gas pump! I would have no problem telling the punk to put out the smoke. Don't feel bad macey, I would tend to think that people who pay hard earned money for their ride would be respectful of others and if they are not, then they just need a little teaching!

Welcome back niddersbach! Good to hear you received your QC! I don't know about everyone else, but I've got 4 leafs on both sides, sounds like a blunder to me... It's a shame the lizardman got huffy and stomped off, all that is required on this forum is a little decorum! Hostess Karen set him straight and that should have been the end of it with no hard feelings. Be careful on those one lane Roman roads - don't hit any peanut vendors!

nathan_johnson · June 2001

Thanks for the offer of the fax. I am afraid that I will not be able to see the detail I am looking for. I got a chance to see a dakota lid (for a long bed) in person and I like the construction. I guess all that is left to do is just order one (and prepare myself for the why did you need that talk with my wife).

truckerwannabe · June 2001

Any reviews on the new 3.7 V6 engine that is supposed to replace the 3.9?? Will the performance be similar to the Liberty?

davewarwick1 · June 2001

Thank you all for your responses to my inquiry regarding what wax to use on my QC. Need to put your recommendations to use and get waxing. I have now had the truck for 2.5 months and have 2000 miles on it.

I have had no problems with it and the only thing that seems "odd" is the shifting of the auto transmission. The transition from gear to gear "at times" is not smooth even when everything is up to temp. Aside from that - no problems. When I sent my eval form back to Dodge, I included my recommendations for improvement which are : Make the high beams brighter, lower the front seats by an inch and soften the seats just a touch. On that last one, yea I know, getting old.

Lots of compliments on the intense blue and I am very pleased with the truck. Thanks again.

Dave

ayrow · June 2001

Ok everybody. Another unique and clever modification that I thought some of you would like to see.

I installed side turn signals under the mirrors on my QC.

Let me know what you think.

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

Ayrow

spike50 · June 2001

Looks great but it probably wouldn't fly in PA. Have to disconnect them for the vehicle inspection. We have the most compliant vehicles in the country.

stnick · June 2001

mopar67 pretty well answered you questions. My 00 QC 4.7 auto has the buzz in it when changing D to R etc. It bothered me at first because on some older G.M. vehicles and others thats one way you knew you might be low on tranny fluid. On the emergency brake, if you check, most owners manuals recommend using the emergency brake at all times, but most of us don't. Also on the level of your truck, make sure you have it on very level ground, as they will look unlevel if parked on slight inclines or one wheel in a depression etc.

cbacres1 · June 2001

last Wed. It's everything I expected and more.
2001 SLT w/ 4.7,auto,limited slip,T & H package, fact. bed liner. Have over 700 miles as of today,17.2 MPG.

Installed a Advance hard cover ( folding ), Lund bug deflector & a Winchlock ( their rod that goes thru the rim is plenty long enough with some left over). Ventvisors & front door window tint this week. Getting ready for a trip thru Ga. & Tenn. next week.At this rate I'll be ready for a oil change the week after.

Where would be a good source for bodyside molding, the black flat rubber. I messed up by not ordering with truck and the dealer wants $ 242.00 for the set ( over the counter).

Look forward to being in this group.

gsu1 · June 2001

I am replacing my headlight bulbs for the PIAA bulbs, I have heard they are much better. Now how do I make sure the headlights are not shining to high or low, is there a way to measure. Any help would be great.

ahasher · June 2001

bulbs as well. Since no one in my area keeps them in stock, I am still waiting. However, on the PIAA.com website, they have a really good aiming guide. Unless our patriarch or jester #1 have easier instructions, I would recommend going to teh site, print the diagram set them if needed. I do know that you will need the headlight screw star driver to do the adjustment (auto zone $3 or so)

gsu1 · June 2001

I will check the PIAA site for the guide. I do already have the star driver in my tool case, don't remember when or why I got it though.

txqc2000 · June 2001

When I installed my 9007's, I didn't need to realign the headlights. I suspect that if your lights were properly aligned beforehand, you shouldn't have a problem either.

ahasher · June 2001

those aiming instructions were linked from the bottom of their main page.. hard to find at first.. sorry I forgot to mention that..

ferous · June 2001

They look great on you red truck. Neat idea. I bet it took a few shoots to get the flashing pictures.

Could you please include the info on you roof rack. Thanks

bpeebles · June 2001

( gsu1) Do not waste your time or money. Any quartz-halogen envelope that puts out more light MUST be a higher wattage. Besides being ILLEGAL in most locations. The higher wattager bulb will burn out more quickly and possibly melt your plastic headlamp assembly in the process. Besides, the original bulb is coverd by the vehicle warantee.

Several folks on the various Dakota forums will attest to these facts. I personally installed ONE of the higher-wattage bulbs to see what the difference was. Shining against a white garage door, I could see a VERY SLIGHT difference in brightness.... It burned out about a month later and I am running the original bulb again.

To answer your quesiton.... Just reach behind the headlamp assy. WIth a 1/4 twist, pull the old bulb/harness out. The new bulb fits right into the harness. THE AIMING IS NOT AFFECTED IN ANY WAY BY THIS PROCESS. It is very important that you clean the envelope with IPA before installing it.

ayrow · June 2001

Thad,

My roof rack that you see in the pictures was custom built so I could haul my bike as well as wood and/or other construction materials.

The front and back consist of a Thule base. I then welded a carriage between them that will hold several hundred pounds. It is a great setup that looks pretty cool too.

Thanks for the compliment and yes, it did take a few tries at getting a shot with the lights actually on.

Ayrow

gsu1 · June 2001

Not to start any arguments but the PIAA bulbs are 50 state street legal. They also have a 1yr warranty. I have also seen several people on this site whom have installed them like the way they preform. I will let everyone know my opinion after I install them the week.

How do you reach behind the head lamp [non-permissible content removed]., do you access it from under the truck. I looked at the owners manual and it showed how to take the whole headlight [non-permissible content removed]. off the front of the truck. Any help would be great.

zoomquad · June 2001

to cbacres1 - I was wondering how the Advance Cover was working out. Did you consider the Fold-A-Cover? How easy is it to remove? How much does it weigh? How watertight is it?.

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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