Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

17778808283101

Comments

  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    I am in Northern Virginia and drive in Virginia, Maryland and DC everyday. I have a 2001 Quad 4x4, 4.7, auto and lsd and I average about 15.1 mpg. I use to get 12-13 but now I drive off of the computer i.e. I set the computer to mpg and I adjust my acceleration and my speeds and braking to get the best mpg I can and it has gone up 2 or so mpg.

    Robert
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Sorry for the late response, I've been on the road for the last week.

    I haven't heard anyone talk much about tire size. My 2wd QC has P215s. You have P255s. The best 255s you can put on your truck are about the same as my 215s with 40K miles on them. Tire width makes a big differance. The "big" tires look good, but on wet/snowy pavement looks don't count. Now "off the line" on a dry sunny day, I will be eatting your Texas dust. So you win some / loose some.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (varroa)
    Many folks have found the best sparkplugs for the
    4.7L V8 are Bosch 4418.

    No matter what plugs you choose...
    Do not forget that you need to replace the plugs when the engine is STONE COLD. (lest risk messing up the aluminum threads in the head) Also butter up the plug threads with antiseeze and use silicone grease on the coil O-rings.
  • varroavarroa Member Posts: 8
    Thanks bpeebles, I'll give them a try.
  • varroavarroa Member Posts: 8
    My brother had stock goodyears on his Jeep yj. Every time he went off road he would get at LEAST one flat with those tires. He changed to B.F. Goodrich an no flats ever again. I had Scorpions on my Jeep Cherokee and I never had any flats or traction problems what so ever. Also my brother currently has 90K Kms on his tires so far, not bad for a off-road tire.
  • mtrialsmmtrialsm Member Posts: 159
    I'm confused,,,people recommend the AutoLite 3923
    or the Bosch 4418.
    I did a search on the AutoLite web site for my
    truck,2001 Dakota,4.7,etc,, comes back with
    these plugs; AP5524(platinum) or 5224 copper.
    what is a 3923? Looks like the 3923 and Bosch
    4418 are for the 5.2?
    There's so much controversy on these multi-tip
    plugs on other Dakota sites. I'll go with single
    tip plugs.
    mick
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Your research may be flawed. The BOSCH 4418 is BY FAR the better-liked plug for the 4.7L V8 hemi. (do NOT try to use it in the other dodge engines!)

    If for no other reason than the fact that BOSCH is a much better sparkplug. BOSCH invented the very first sparkplug and everyone else is still trying to catch up.

    When you did your research...
    Did you go back at least 2 years in the DML?
    what about MOPARCHAT and DEJACOM websites?
    Of course the dodgedakotas website too.
  • czar61czar61 Member Posts: 6
    2001 Quad 2WD with 16" tires. What size replacements are folks going with. I am thinking of Mich LTX MS. I do 80 miles a day commute on the highway. 255/16 goodyear OEM on there now but getting close to done. Also put the FERNCO intake mod on. Good power but no noticeable mpg improvements yet. Any thoughts? Thanks. CZAR
  • digipixdigipix Member Posts: 5
    I'm configuring a new truck, but was wondering what the Anti-Slip differential is used for? What are the benefits of having it?

    I would like the truck to have excellent abilities in Snow and when taken off road. My off road use is pretty mild, no huge rocks or traverses, but steep hills are an issue. Would the anti-slip differential help me here? (Snow/Off Road) Thanks.
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Get the limited slip differential. It's a no brainer. Totally worth the money.

    In a nutshell, a limited slip differential allows torque to be transferred to both wheels rather than just one. In an "open differential" only one wheel will ever have torque, and if that wheels loses traction, the other wheels just sits there and does nothing. With a LS Diff, the torque will get distributed to the other wheel when the first one slips, resulting in better traction.

    Don't even think about it, just get it.
  • furrydog1furrydog1 Member Posts: 35
    If you have scratches on the bed rails get a Line-x over the rail bedliner. Put one on a month ago and love it. I also have a cap on the back so the liner will prevent the topper from scratching the tailgate and the rails. Cost about $425, well worth it.
  • ckmccoy5ckmccoy5 Member Posts: 24
    No luck at the auction on Tuesday, but am ready to pull the trigger on a '01, 4.7, 17K for $19300. Question: I've been quoted $1600 to put leather seats in (actually they put new leather covers over the existing foam and frame). Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket leather and its pricing? Thanks. Also - any feedback on the above deal?
  • earl1z19earl1z19 Member Posts: 39
    I can hook you up with the materials neede to do this yourself if you are interested. We have complete kits made especially for the Dakota QC. You can chose from 50 colors with several options.
    I have installed a few of these kits my self and it is very easy.
    Let me know if you are interested and we can discuss the cost. ( it is less than half of the above price)
    The qality is superb!
  • digipixdigipix Member Posts: 5
    I would really like leather seats in my Dakota, but to get them you have to get the infinity speakers, power seat, etc... stuff I don't want. I'd really like to be able to have leather, so I'm interested in what you can 'hook up.' Post more information for us!
  • earl1z19earl1z19 Member Posts: 39
    Jason, send me your e-mail address and I will send you some pictures of what I have done. I can also get you electric seat heaters if you would like. My address is earl1z19@nauticom.net.
  • tsadowskitsadowski Member Posts: 3
    I bot the Pirelli Scorps. WHat a huge difference. I really appreciate all the advice and will make sure that I keep the proper inflation now. Im a believer. Also, tirerack.com is a great site and I'll be going back there whenever I need tires. I wish I had some expertise to contribute, as I hate to be only a taker, but... You know how it is. Thanks again y'all!
  • drdakotadrdakota Member Posts: 24
    Several months ago, there was talk of several Dakota owners getting together in Gatlinburg, TN. Did anything ever come of this?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (tsadowski) can you tell us which Perelli scorpions you bought (there are a couple different 'flavors' of them)

    Also, what differences do you notice the most... ride, traction, roadnoise, handling, cornering... etc??
  • varroavarroa Member Posts: 8
    Has anybody tried the Jet chips (Stage 1) on a 4.7L manual yet? Just curious how it performs and if it works?
  • jebsdaddyjebsdaddy Member Posts: 52
    I just noticed something that costs nothing to do and improves vision thru the windshield. The rear view mirror was bugging me because it seemed to block out a large portion of the view. I adjusted the connector between the ball on the windshield mount and the ball on the back of the mirror. I pushed the connector up as far as possible with the end connected to the mirror toward the ceiling and then adjusted the mirror at that position. I positioned the mirror so that the lever on the bottom of the mirror is normally away from the driver and a person would pull the lever toward them if bright lights at night are behind you. This positions the mirror closer to the top of the windshield and it really helps with an otherwise hidden view thru the windshield. I wish I would have noticed that sooner but my engineering degree must have hamstrung me. Hope this helps.
  • slogdogslogdog Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info, fellas.
    I am having the line-X over the rail put in next weekend. Price: $379 (Cincy). One question, though, can I put a tonneau on top of the sprayed rails???
    Also, I have some rust on the inside of my gas cap. Is this normal or am I not getting a proper seal?
    Thanks,
    Slog
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    My 2000 4x4 Quad 4.7 has in the last few thousand miles developed a rotten egg smell that is usually noticed after I drive a few miles (or more). I first noticed it when I regularly stop to open a gate after driving about 10 miles from work. The 4.7 has about 65,000 miles plus. I haven't taken it to a shop yet because I sort of like to have a little prior knowledge if possible before I lay myself on the mercy of the mechanics.

    Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

    I posted on the maintanence forum but thought I would try here as well.

    Hello ferrous, bookitty, bpeeples, and other old quad hands. How's it going?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (ozark) The smell is chemically a sulpher-based odor. There are several reasons you may be getting this smell from the tailpipe.

    One cause may be the use of gasoline that is high in sulpher content. Try another brand of gas for awhile and see if there is any change.

    Another cause may be the engine running too rich. (More fuel injected than can be burned by the engine) In this case, the catalytic converter(s) may be getting "overloaded" and cannot burn off all of the excess fuel. Since ODBII (OnBoardDiagnostics Verion2) is supposed to constantly monitor (sniff) the exhaust and throw an errorcode if there is a problem, It is unlikely that this is the case.

    Since the federal government commands all automakers to warantee emmissions controls on 2000 vehicles for 10 years/100,000 miles... you should be covered if the problem is not high-sulpher fuel.

    I hope this helps to answer your questions... Keep us informed of any further findings on this.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    as usual, you quickly responded with information that I can use. I suspected the catalytic converter but there have been no warning lights, etc.

    Anybody else out there have this problem. I'll try watching the gas I buy but I have been using different brands for awhile.

    Guess I will have to talk to the dealer about it as well. I'll post further developments.

    After all these miles, 65,000+, my quad is still a great vehicle for traveling and my semi-outdoor lifestyle--with the Leer shell it is more versatile than either the smaller Dakota pickup or the Durango. The longer wheel base makes for a great ride. The gas mileage has stayed pretty constant at 17mpg. I have a few complaints that deal with minor issues of quality control but for the most part, I have been pleased with the truck for the past two years. Oh yeah, I love the 4.7 and the 5spd.
  • bozco12bozco12 Member Posts: 10
    I have seen lots of posting about brake issue..mainly in regards to their parts longevity. I have recently experienced something new.
    Driving in Houston traffic requires lots of short sudden stops. For example merging into freeway or someone cutting over suddenly. In two instances within the last week my brakes locks up, pedals feels mushy and I feel like the pads and brakes have disengaged. , push down a little more and the brakes engage again. Is this a result of a brake lockup or brake fluid leak..I am not sure. But I wonder if anyone has had similar experience?
  • czar61czar61 Member Posts: 6
    I made the Fernco intake mod some weeks ago and though the sound is nice my gas mileage has decreased a bit. I am acutely aware of my foot and have been keeping it out of the throttle - honest!! Any ideas? I am also getting close to replacing stock tires 255/65/16's & looking to upsize to a little taller tire. Anyone have any experience to share? Thanks to all. CZAR
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Changing from the original tire diameter requires "reprogramming" the onboard computer to be aware of the new diameter.

    You can purcahse a reprogrammer from several sources or go to a mechanic that has one.

    This affects both the spedometoer and the ABS system operation.
  • victxvictx Member Posts: 108
    Bpeebles

    I was under the impression that the re-programming of the PCM for different sized tires by the computer the dealer has and it costs over $1,000. I've had 265/75/16 BFG A/T Kos on my 4x4 QC for about a year now. I know my speedo isn't off by too much, but I don't think my ABS is able to perform at it's best since it thinks I have smaller tires.

    BTW I went to my local dealer and they told me they could only re-program for one of the tire sizes that are factory options. Since I didn't buy one of these sizes, they couldn't re-program. I'd be excatic if I was wrong and I could get this corrected, but noone has been able to help me with this so far.

    I've also inquired about electronic ratio adapters that modify the pulse signal from the speed sensor on the rear axle. The manufacturer that I had inquired with said they have not had much success with their product on vehicles with 4 wheel ABS.
  • jebsdaddyjebsdaddy Member Posts: 52
    The o.d. of the 265/75/16 tire is as follows:
    (((265/25.4) x .75) x 2) + 16 = 31.65"

    The o.d. of the 265/70/16 tire which is optional on the Dakota is as follows:
    (((265/25.4) x .70) x 2) + 16 = 30.61"

    I would think that programming the computer for the 265/70/16 would be close enough because the 265/75/16 is only a 3.4% increase in o.d.

    Hope this helps
  • eagleeye13eagleeye13 Member Posts: 29
    Hi, everyone after a 2 year wait I finally ordered a '02 QC slt+ 4.7, 3.55 lsd, hvy dty everything,hndl pkg, ovrhd pkg, cd/cas in dash with infinity spkrs. selling '98 CC equipped same as new order with after market Arma spray-on bed liner, Gaylord Tonneau, American Racing 15x7 2pc whls, 30-9.50x15 toyo road country radials.
    I thank everyone for the info from all of the Dakota sites and Edmunds for their site.

    I have a Question about a web site or phone number to track my order #???? I know I saw this information posted once before but don't remember which site and date. Any help is greatly appr.
    hope to post pic's of new and old on pic site soon!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Le Mar, the number for status information is:
    1-800-992-1997. You will need a vehicle order number (VON) supplied by your dealer. Your truck sounds wonderful, but what color did you order? Did you get a 5 speed (I'm certain that you did) or automatic? Good luck, and a speedy delivery.

    Bookitty
  • eagleeye13eagleeye13 Member Posts: 29
    Thanks for the info, and YES I got the 5 spd, is there anything else!!!!! Ordered White same as '98 I hate a dirty truck and the white seems to be alot easier to maintain!!!!
  • pattyjoe2pattyjoe2 Member Posts: 2
    2001. 8000 MILES 3.9L. SOMEONE OUT THERE MUST HAVE THE ANSWER TO THIS ST INKY PROBLEM.I HAVE SEEN THIS QUESTION AND PROBLEM ON MANY MESSAGE BOARDS BUT NO ONE HAS ANSWERED WITH A SUCCESS STORY. I HAVE HAD MINE TO 2 DEALERS AND THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS THE SAME "CHECKS OK".GRANTED THE ODOR IS NOT ALWAYS PRESENT,JUST 90% OF THE TIME.THE DIFFERENT FUEL THEORY DOSEN'T WORK!THE DEALER WONT CHANGE THE CAT BECAUSE THEY SAY IT "CHECKS OK". HELP !!!!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (victx) The HYPERTECH "Power Programmer III" claims to be able to "recalibrate" the spedo for tire diameters.

    It also claims to be able to calibrate for fuel, raise the speed-limiter and rev-limiter.

    I have seen this in magizine ads for the HYPERTECH "Power Programmer III" (about $350)
  • czar61czar61 Member Posts: 6
    This is a link I found to tire size/speedo changes. How about the Fernco intake mod? I'm still seeing a decrease in mileage. Stock airbox and K&N. Sounds great, runs great but mileage is down. I'm at a loss. CZAR

    http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm
  • hogger4hogger4 Member Posts: 29
    Invested in a dual exhaust system for my 01 Quad. Having heard other systems coming from this shop with a Dynamax muffler that were too loud for my taste, I added a pair of Harley Davidson mufflers in place of the standard tail pipes. I like the sound better than the harsh tone of the Dynamax muffler and tail pipes. Of course, I had the mufflers from my 94 H-D Ultra Classic just sitting around, so I incurred no additional cost. The mufflers look great, better than the tips the shop usually uses. If you decide to do this, stop at your local Harley-Davidson shop and ask them for a pair of take-off mufflers. Many owners change their stock exhaust system before taking delivery, so shops will usually give you the mufflers to get them out of the way!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I would not expect the MPG to be affected one way or another by adding a different intake. There may be some diffenence in MPG if a "cold air" intake was installed.

    Perhaps you are seeing lower MPG because of colder ambient temps or reformulated gasoline.

    You could bolt the original intake back on and measure MPG for a tankful of gas. This is only a 10-minute swap.
  • chiefdoc2chiefdoc2 Member Posts: 18
    My wife's '01 QC stops normal when driving under 30 mph. Get it up to 50+ however and hit the clamps and it veers right a bit AND the pedal feels like a washboard! It has only rear anti-locks. I think it has a warped roter. Dodge dealer here has tested TWICE and claim nothing wrong with the brakes but when I went with mechanic and insisted he get up to 50 and brake her, well he said, "Hey, something is wrong with these brakes!" YET, upon checking at the shop,
    "Nothing wrong with the brakes sir!" story.

    Question: Anyone else experienced this? Truck is 4x4 with the big tires and v-8. Second set of GoodYear Wranglers. Problem is not new but ever since delivery in Nov '00.

    Thanx
    Ron W.
    Killeen, TX
  • gtownguygtownguy Member Posts: 73
    Has anyone got the OEM roof rack for the QC as pictured on the DC brochure? It looks like the dealer rack is the same as from the factory. Has anyone attempted to install it themselves? Also how much have you paid. I am interested in putting one on my 01 QC 4x4,4.7. Inital price looks to be around $200.00 for the part only. Any input would be appreciated.
    Thanks, Tom.
  • mopar67mopar67 Member Posts: 728
    See my numerous posts on this topic. Don't let anyone call you a crank; check out dodgedakotas.com and you'll see others there with the same issue.

    THe cause is your rotors are warped. And its standard practice for the dealer to say "nothing wrong or cannot find it". THis way, they get out of warranty work on which they make no money and move on to people who are paying for routine maintenance.

    Your solution: Buy aftermarket rotors and have a buddy help you install them.
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    I have the Mopar Accessory roof rack. I think it was around $180-$190. It was actually pretty easy to install, the only out of the ordinary tool is a rivet gun. The only advice I have for it is take a ton of time lining it up and measuring before drilling. I also duck-taped it down to hold it while marking. I also used some silicone sealer and touched up the paint around each hole before mounting. The directions are relitivly clear. I'd call it a 6 beer job (first two just to get enough guts to DRILL into the roof).
  • gevergreengevergreen Member Posts: 5
    My wife and I purchased a new 2001 QC SLT with the 4.7, AT and a long list of goodies. We received it on 2/7/01. The vehicle presently has 10,500(+) miles on the odometer. The vehicle as delivered was virtually flawless and has had no problems to date.
    However, we have noticed that the air flow from the heater when directed specifically to the floor is lacking sufficient flow to warm our feet and ankles. We have tried every setting combination possible on the control panel to correct the problem, but to avail. The owners manual, as well as the shop manual, says that essentially "most" heat will flow to the floor but in our case it doesn't. The dealer has checked it out and said that everything is "normal". We very strongly disagree.
    Has anyone else had a similar problem and if so what was done to correct it? Is there a TSB for this problem or is it just the nature of the beast and we must accept it as is? Any help would very much be appreciated!!!
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    It seems that DC heaters are noted for making a lot of noise but not being as effective as they could be. During the winter (PA) I always have it on the floor only setting for the first half hour. After that I'll go to the combo floor / upper vents. Granted at that point your feet are used to the heat but after switching to the combo mode you notice that there is a bias away from the floor vents. The heater always makes more noise than I would prefer in all settings except combo and OFF.

    I've had a Stratus and Caravan that behaved the same way.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I think the floor heat mode was designed for Southern states. Up here in Michigan, I drive 43 miles to work, and it takes the first 20 to warm the cab on the floor mode. I don't like the vent mode, too much hot air in my face (I get enough of that at work). After 2 years & 45K miles, I'm use to the way it works. It's my only real complaint with the truck.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I just realized typing the previous e-mail, that this week marks my Quad's 2nd birthday. I have driven 45K miles with not 1 mechanical issue with this truck. Still very happy, but a friend just picked up the new Ram Quad and I have to admit, it put a smile on my face. Another 6 more years and 140K miles from now, I might move to the big one!
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Its been said many times before but don't you think that we'll be in "micro" trucks getting 30+ miles per gallon in 6 years? The big ones won't be available to non-business people or heavily taxed heavily or fuel will be very expensive, all pricing the big ones out of reach. One of these days some version of this will happen and gentlemen pick-up truck owner will have driven off into the sunset.
  • gtownguygtownguy Member Posts: 73
    Thanks Tuvtest for the info on the rack.

    And to gevergreen, I have the same year truck with the same problem. As I looked under the dash, it seems there is a lack of sufficient exhaust vents on the floor. I found mine to be very small (thats why it sounds louder on the floor setting, lots of air and small vents= high pressure=loud noise) as well as poorly placed to blow air.
    Good luck anyways.
    Tom.
  • hogger4hogger4 Member Posts: 29
    Check my previous posting regarding whistling fan noise. DC has a TSB on heater controls that will keep you warm & toasty! Takes about 2 hours to do the work and, of course, it is a warranty item. Check it out!
  • gevergreengevergreen Member Posts: 5
    Many thanx to those of you who responded to my Posting Number 3993. With regard to Posting Number 3999, hogger4. I referred to your previous posting, 3931, and will check out the TSB listed.
    However, is there a site, Web or otherwise, that lists the TSB's and describes the problem and how to solve the problem?
    Any ones help would be greatly appreciated!!
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    www.alldata.com/TSB will get you started. You'll need to put in the model yr, etc. until you get to where you want.
This discussion has been closed.

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.