Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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Comments

  • quadenitquadenit Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2000 Two tone Garnet Red Quad and it seems if anybody walks past my truck it gets a scratch. Most recent experiance a dog jumped on the door and left marks all the way down the side,(tears flowing). My Isuzu Rodeo could with stand my old dog jumping on it at 160# and never scratched.(not the dog who jumped on my quad).

    Anyway anyone else experiancing any problems with their paint?

    Thanks
    Larry (quadenit)
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    My 01 does not have the rear window tint. It may be that this is only on the rear defroster equiped vehicles. The rear side windows are tinted on all Quads. I doubt if they will ever go to standard rear glas tint, because a lot of people who put caps on would not care for it.

    The manual somewhere says that the shift light is only for selected models with the 5spd.
  • krusty2krusty2 Member Posts: 10
    I also feel that the paint on my quad cab is easily scratched. I thought it was just me, but I have a 6 year old Avenger with fewer scratches. It is a truck, though, and there is a lot more surface area than my car. I have used Meguiars paint cleaner (the first step of their 3 step clean/wax process) and a clean teri cloth to "wipe out" most surface scratches. At least it doesn't seem to cause further damage, like swirl marks if the scratch doesn't come out. Dog claw marks might be tougher, though. I think the Meguiars stuff is worth a shot as a first fix.
  • tmatthewtmatthew Member Posts: 26
    I got it two weeks ago. Already have 1000 miles on it. Bought it the same day I saw it...I was actually going to get a Ford Sport Trac but the Dodge blew it away! It is bright white, 4x4, 4.7, 3.55, auto. so far my mpg has improved with each fill up. From 14.7 to 15.5 on the last one. I took it dove hunting on Labor day. Did great in the mud and sand. I pulled out a Ford econoline van stuck in the sand to its axles! No prob. I would like to try synthetic oil at the 6000 mile change, but need to research it more. I am hoping it will get better MPG then The manual says I should see improved MPG at the 4000 mile mark. Man I am enjoying the truck. Got it for $50 over invoice at a credit union sale. Out the door with tax including 6 year/ 72K and clifford anti-theft device. I am outside of Tucson, only 40 min from the Mexican border. The stolen P/U capital of the world! Well I am enjoying reading all the posts. Thanks for letting me ramble. Anyone know where to get a decent bed mat. No one around here stocks one.
  • tmatthewtmatthew Member Posts: 26
    forget to say under 30K is what I got it out the door for. The base was $25,255 before tax, tags, anti-theft, and extended warranty. Window sticker was $27,255.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    just ordered 01 q/c white and dark slate cloth int the following opts: 1)4.7l v8 2)auto trans 3)sport plus grp 4)alarm 5)delux conv grp 6)pwr overhead conv grp 7)4wheel a.b.s 8)frt&rear mats 9)leather wheel 10)am/fm/cd 11)ltd slip diff 12)h.d. serv grp 13)trailer tow grp 14)rear slider win 15)pwr 6x9 mirriors 16)buc seats(cloth) 17)pwr drivers seat spitzer dodge homestead fl $24,400 +tax,tag,title.no dealer fees.can't wait! accessories on order.underrail liner,wheel flairs,molded splash guards,hood deflector,vent visors..... soon roll n lock cover.......
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    just ordered 01 q/c white and dark slate cloth int the following opts: 1)4.7l v8 2)auto trans 3)sport plus grp 4)alarm 5)delux conv grp 6)pwr overhead conv grp 7)4wheel a.b.s 8)frt&rear mats 9)leather wheel 10)am/fm/cd 11)ltd slip diff 12)h.d. serv grp 13)trailer tow grp 14)rear slider win 15)pwr 6x9 mirriors 16)buc seats(cloth) 17)pwr drivers seat spitzer dodge homestead fl $24,400 +tax,tag,title.no dealer fees.can't wait! accessories on order.underrail liner,wheel flairs,molded splash guards,hood deflector,vent visors..... soon roll n lock cover.......
  • bcarter3bcarter3 Member Posts: 145
    How much deposit did you have to give them? I was trying to order a 2001 Club Cab from them but they wanted 1,000 deposit. I think it is excessive but may give in to them. They are only a mile from me and very convenient.
  • snowcountrysnowcountry Member Posts: 15
    I thought it was my imagination - mine is pat blue, it seems to scratch just by looking at it. I've never owned a vehicle that scratches as easy as this. Or maybe I just never cared. Is there a standard test used to determine wear resistance of coatings? I use Zymol"HD Cleanse" and then wax with their carnuba. The cleaner does a good job of reducing the scratches
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Slick, if you want to see how good a deal you have, compare post #532 versus post # 533. This will allow you to see how much others are paying. Just joshing, good luck. well equipped and planned.

    Bookitty
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    My Pat. Blue 00 looks like a lexan bus window in the city, it has so many scratches in it. I remember reading here several months ago that the paint is initially very soft, and shouldn't even be waxed for some time (there was certainly debate on that point). My work requires parking on dirt every day, not to mention driving through clouds of it, so even with weekly rinsing and towel-drying, this truck is taking a beating. Drive by a bush or a shrub and its like taking your lawn tractor through the briar patch, it hurts so much. But I've always had dark blue trucks, still like the looks of it, and it is, after all, a truck. The Leer cap, btw, is matched perfectly, and seems quite scratch resistant. Many scratches begin on the truck and disappear where the cap begins...
    Be careful
    Ben
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I have the 4.7 5spd and every once in a while I feel the lag in RPM drop when shifting. Most of the time I'm skipping gears and shifting at low RPMs (2,500 - 2,800) so I don't have the lag.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    I was getting worried about AJ. It's been a long summer without him. I heard the North Pole melted this summer and I was afraid that he might have fallen in. Then maybe he did and washed up in the Bahamas.
  • cmedcmed Member Posts: 6
    I was wondering if anyone could post any increase in gas mileage with the 4.7 attributed to A.) a K & N filter and or B.) a K & N filter charger-either home made or Airaid. I would gladly do either, but want to know what the positives are. I'm not concerned with more horsepower, just mileage.

    Thanks
    CMed
  • surfzupsurfzup Member Posts: 7
    I am shopping around for a '01 Quad and had a few questions for anyone who would like to share an opinion:
    (1) Have not been able to test drive 5.9, but heard there was a noticeable difference in how the 5.9 and 4.7 shift (auto trans). Is this true?
    (2) Been reading several posts about how easy the paint seems to scratch, but several of these seem to have had Patriot blue pearl. Do you think it is actually the paint or maybe just that this particular color shows more?
    (3) Anyone have any pros or cons for sliding rear window vs. the rear defrost (I don't think you can have both).
    (4) Over-rail bed liner: I have heard that it may cause noticeable scratches to rail. Anyone have opinions or recommendations on this?

    Any comments/recommendations appreciated.
    THANKS - Surfzup
  • quadenitquadenit Member Posts: 5
    I am sad to here that I'm not the only one who has noticed the lack of durability of some paint jobs. I spoke with my dealers body shop and he claims the EPA made the industry reformulate the paint they use on cars several years ago to eliminatte some harmful chemicals which in turn eliminated the "hardness" of the paint. Additionally he stated that they are spraying the cars with thinner coats of paint as well. His recommendation is to wax it and wax it often. My truck goes in Monday to have a few prepurchase scratches taken care of and he said he would try to fix my door as well.

    If any one else is having paint problems please let me know I want to track this informally incase there is a problem with the paint. A truck with 2500 miles shouldn't look worse then my old truck with 150,000!

    I do still love the truck though!!!

    Thanks
    Larry
  • slclark3slclark3 Member Posts: 18
    I too had problems with the paint on my Dakota quad. I had the hood completely repainted after I spotted a bad place in the paint under the clear coat. They wanted to spot paint it but I said NO! So they gave in and painted the whole hood. The truck is white with silver bottom.It looks real good now. I bought a Durango back in March and have not noticed any scratches in the paint. It is also white. I have already waxed it and washed it several times but it still looks great. I do use a boar's hair brush to wash it.
  • raider41005raider41005 Member Posts: 9
    Just got my 2000 4x4 qc w/ 5.9 & auto. Less than 500 miles on it. I notice a low pitched whine when de-accerating (coasting) from about 45 - 40 mph. Noise dissappears if I touch the gas pedal, even if I just barely depress it. Anyone else hear this with their truck and the same engine, trans, ect.? Or is just mine. It's pretty loud and annoying. Otherwise I like truck a lot so far.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    they wnted a $1000.00 dep and told them no.$500.00 is more then enough to seal the deal.keep in mind your dep is nonrefundable.please post your opts and price quote.i shopped every dodge dealer in miami to westpalm beach and the old story of nobody will give you any thing unless they have to (you must make them compete with each other for your business! in my case 100.00 made the difference of driving south or north:).good luck and keep me posted as u progress.......
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Interesting. Again, I have the tinted solid defrost-equipped rear window on my '00. Really makes the truck look sharp. Although I only have a tonneau cover, can't think that one can see well enough out of the rear window and the two windows on the cap to depend on that when backing up.

    Just strikes me funny that the solid rear windows aren't tinted. Is it something you can order?
  • bigal31bigal31 Member Posts: 189
    My 00 has the tinted, solid defrost-equipped rear window..

    What is going on here? Do we have another conspiracy? Remember the Grey verses Beige headliner. I don't think we ever got to the bottom of that one either..
    Allen-
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    SURFZUP -- On the 5.9 vs. 4.7 shifting, don't expect them to shift the same... They're entirely different transmissions. I have an '00 Quad, 5.9 auto. It has the "old-style" trans (3 spd + OD) that held up so well under some rather severe trailering with my '95 Ram SB, 5.9... Certainly not as smooth as the 4.7 with that trick 2-stage 2nd gear! I'm happy with the 5.9/auto... But DON'T ask me about gas mileage!!!

    On the sliding rear glass... Maybe I'm physically challenged... But I can't seem to reach the rear glass from the driver's seat in a Quad... Easier to get the ventilation by simply cracking the power rear door glass down a bit. I opted for the solid/defroster/tinted rear light with Pwr. heated RV mirrors... Already beginning to enjoy the defroster on these increasingly cold Michigan mornings... Guess it's all what you need!

    RAIDER41005 -- I have the same setup as you, but no noise during coasting under the conditions you describe. However, I do experience some drivetrain harmonics between 59 and 63 mph (speedo indication)... You might want to have the dealer check it out... At least get a Service Advisor to ink the problem on a Repair Order. That way, if anything DOES hapen down the road, you've got a dealer-acknowledged record of your concern.

    IN THE "BUMMER" DEPARTMENT -- Stopped on the way home tonight... Looked across the street and noticed a BEAUTIFUL NEW (temporary tags) fire amber Quad parked... Also noticed a huge dent in the passenger side rear fender. The owner emerged from the hardware store... NOT looking very happy... Didn't have the heart to say something dumb like, "Hey there!! Nice looking truck!!"
  • bcarter3bcarter3 Member Posts: 145
    I Posted info in "New Owners" as I am not getting a Quad. It was a strange feeling to know more about the truck, options, and prices than the dealer. They were not even aware of the existence of the 16" rims!
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The tinted glass probably is packaged with the defroster (only availble on solid rear glass). The only time that I use the rear glass for backing up is when I am hooking up my boat, but I do use it a lot for watching traffic and keeping an eye on my dogs when thay are in the back.
    slrclark3: A plastic liner will scratch the bed and the rails. I think the general consensus is to spend the money on a spray in liner like Rhino or Line-X. All the advantages of a bedliner without the problems.
  • tmatthewtmatthew Member Posts: 26
    Where can I find stuff for my Quad? None of the local parts suppliers have anything for the 2001 or even the 2000. I would like a Protecta bed mat among other things.....
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    www.atlantaauto.com
    www.truckaddons.com
    www.trucktoys4less.com
    www.accessconnect.com
    www.ustruckaccessorieswhse.com
    www.quadratec.com

    These are a few of the available sites. Good luck.
    Just click on the URL and you're there.

    Bookitty
  • kwanderikwanderi Member Posts: 33
    Another combo for the rear window is a slider with tint, which I have. No need for a rear defrost here in Phoenix.
  • leigh38leigh38 Member Posts: 5
    Hello All- I just bought a 2000 Quad Cab. I had a 96 Ford Bronco that I really liked but It was in the shop more than on the road. I put 20,000 0n It in 2 years and spent $4000 on repairs.
    I love the Quad. It has 300 miles. How soon should I change the oil?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Leigh, depending on conditions, oil and filter should be changed every 3000 miles. Recommended viscosity is 5-30. Some folks like to change oil and filter after the first 1000 and then every 3000 miles. Under adverse conditions like dusty roads, towing climbing steep inclines oil and filter may have to be changed sooner. A bunch of owners swear by Mobil 1 synthetic oil and a Mobil 1 filter (204). Hope this helps.

    Bookitty
  • akula2akula2 Member Posts: 8
    Greetings to everyone on this forum. I have been lurking around the various incarnations of the Dakota forum for almost a year now, bidding my time in order to finally strike and I finally did two weeks ago! 2001 Dakota Quad Cab Sport 4X4 4.7L in silver metallic with all of the bells and whistles except the 3.92 rear ,engine block heater,leather and skid plates.I purchased it off the lot for $200 over invoice (thanks to all you other Quaders out there. It also came with a California Concepts package which included a 3 inch lift, dual Flowmaster exaust, aftermarket wheels, billet grill, and 32X11.5-15 B.F Goodrich
    T/As. I know some of you have had a bad experience with California Concepts and so that made me very wary of the package. I asked the dealer to state in writing that they would warranty the work that California Concepts performed and asked and received the invoice from California Concepts for the parts and labor performed. All in all the truck is AWESOME. I have put approximately 600 miles on the Dakota so far and absolutely no problems. I have been averaging 17.5 mpg so far and that has been a combination of city and highway driving with a fair amount of stop and go commute traffic. What I need now is to get some skid plates installed (unfortunately I did not think of getting the dealer to throw those in during my wheeling and dealing), spray in bedliner and these cool steel(I like to call it armored) front bumper made by Hanson Enterprises that is bolted directly to the frame but isn't as blocky as a lot of those steel, winch equipped bumpers appear. By the way does anyone have any experience with those Edelbrock IAS shocks? I like the way they are able to smooth the ride out on and off road. Anyway the Silver Quad looks hot, especially when sitting in the garage next to my black 92 NSX. Now I have the best of both worlds;on and off road! Later.....
  • surfzupsurfzup Member Posts: 7
    Slow to get much info on 2001 models in this neck of the woods. Just wondering if there are any new colors (sport and SLT) for 2001, both interior and exterior.

    Hey akula2, sounds sweet! You got any pics of that silver bullet??

    surfzup
  • victxvictx Member Posts: 108
    I posted before that I was not able to disable the horn honk when locking the doors using the keyless entry remote. There are instructions in the manual, but they just don't work.

    Today I took the truck to the dealer. They tried it, it didn't work. They tried to reprogram it using the DRB3, but they couldn't find the right menues. So the service manager got on the phone with some DC techs in Detroit. The tech thought for sure he could do it, but after 30 minutes he told me service manager it could not be done. The only hope is that possibly the DRB3 needs to be updated for the 2001 vehicles. (BTW, DRB3 is a diagnostic/programming tool that plugs into the vehicle.)

    Surfzup
    Silver is the only new color, it replaces Light Driftwood. New interior colors are Taupe and Dark Slate Grey. I've got pictures of my Intense Blue Quad with the Dark slate Grey interior, click on my name to get my website address and check out the pics.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    isn't the 2000 agate the same color as dark slate they just changed the name?
  • raider41005raider41005 Member Posts: 9
    I checked with my dealer and he says they have ran into this noise (see my earlier post) one other time. It is caused by improper clearance in rearend (I assume he means ring & pinion gears). They can fix, no problem. I'll let everyone know if it turns out to be different than this. By the way, this dealer (Robke-Ginn in Carrolton,KY) has been excellent! Beat 4 other dealers pants off in price (I paid invoice less the $750 rebate + they gave me $1000.00 more than anyone else would on my trade, this equaled 11% below sticker $) and have been great to deal with. Small dealership with real values!

    Does anyone know of a soft bed cover made for the quad that is a low profile or flush mount? I had one on my 96 Ram 1500 by LeBra, they don't offer it for the Quad. Looks really nice as it mounts on the inside of the bed rails flush with the top of them. I can't find one anywhere. How about if a rubber bed mat is available for 2000 quad (Rubber Quenn, ect.)?
  • gaquadgaquad Member Posts: 29
    Thanks for repeating the information about the Fold-A-Cover for me. I did not know about the "Dodge Dakota Crew Cab" pages.

    By the way mine is now KZL.
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    hey akula2 - your truck sounds a lot like what I ordered, cept I'm waiting 6-8 weeks for mine! good on ya' mate for buying off the lot. For what it's worth I've heard very good things about the Edelbrock shocks but not from someone who has them on a Quad. The BF Goody tires are awesome - perfect 4by complement to your rig. I'm going to go for those or the Pirelli Scorpions. Heard good or bad on those tires?
  • slr9589slr9589 Member Posts: 121
    hi,
    i wonder if any 2000 quad owners have had trouble with the inner head liner supports coming undone?
    also,
    does anyone know if the metal support bars in the roof of the quad go fully across the width of the cab?
    thanks,
    slr
  • akula2akula2 Member Posts: 8
    Hey Asta,

    Thanks for the compliment on the Dakota and the info on the shocks. As for the Pirellis check out tirerack.com. They give real world comparisons between the T/As and the Scorpions as well as other brands and will mail order the tires to you for a very good price.
  • victxvictx Member Posts: 108
    slick willie
    Agate and Dark Slate are not the same colors. Agate is a medium Grey (can be found on www.4adodge.com), while Dark slate is almost black(see it on my website).
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    thanks akula2 - do you or anyone else know what tires come standard on the Quad 4x4 with the 16" wheels??
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    BOO -- Thanks for the links to the aftermarket URLs... Came at an opportune time!

    PAINT:
    Some of the negative remarks about the Quad paint coatings have troubled me, so I thought I'd toss in my personal 2 cents... emphasizing "personal."

    I spent about 10 years squirting custom paint jobs(show bikes, classic cars, race cars, etc.), using the customary acrylic enamels and laquers for the most part.

    Unless it was shot in 2-part epoxy, a vehicle never went out of my shop without a written note: DO NOT USE ABBRASIVES OR WAX ON THIS PAINT FOR AT LEAST 60 DAYS -- HAND WASH AND CHAMOIS DRY ONLY.

    That wasn't simply my recommendation. It was the advice of the coatings manufacturers at the time. The reason? There's a BIG difference between paint that's "dry" and paint that's "cured."

    Whether the coating was baked or not, it was still considered "green" for a minimum of 30 days, and using a polishing compound, cleaner wax or even just wax would invariably leave scratches or hazing. Add clear coats (which I always did), containing virtually no solids, and you could figure on doubling the cure time. Clear coats are HIGHLY susceptable to scratching when green.

    I have no experience with the new waterborne coatings, but suspect that these general guidelines still apply (personal opinion ONLY!).

    My Quad's now about 4 months old. It's been lovingly washed but never waxed. Only now am I ready to go through the first-wax routine -- Wash it carefully... Park it in the garage on football Sunday... Assure that TV and sufficient quantities of an appropriate beverage are on-hand... Go over it with a micro-fine polishing compound (Maguires or similar)... Rinse and chamois... Apply and buff two full coats of a good carnuba-based wax (NOT a "cleaner wax").

    It's definitely a 6-beer job. But I'm willing to bet it'll come out totally scratch-free. If it ain't so, I'll readily admit it.

    Enjoy the game!
  • benny15benny15 Member Posts: 1
    Greetings all,
    I'm thinking about buying a 2000 Club Cab SLT, V6, automatic. One thing I'm worried about is the rating that Consumer Reports has given the vehicle. The April 2000 issue claims the "reliability has fallen below average and they no longer recommend it". Can anyone give me their opinion? It's a good looking truck and I'd like to own one. I just don't want to buy one if it's going to give me more problems than normal. Any response would be greatly appreciated.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I've been looking at the Dakota for almost a year now, reading everything I can both in print and on the net. It seems to me that Dodge trucks do have more problems than some other trucks. Sorry-don't want to start another flame war here; this is just my observation.

    I'm still buying one, however, because its design and functionality suit my needs better than any other truck on the market.

    Basically, I decided that the reliability of today's cars and trucks is pretty good all around, so the odds of getting a lemon are acceptably low, even if they're somewhat higher with a Dodge. (Plus my wife got sick of my going back and forth about the thing.)

    Bottom line-- it's a very personal decision, but if reliability is your number one concern, I'd look elsewhere. I decided that it wasn't, and if it turns out that I do get a lemon, I'll deal with it.
  • rhyswfrhyswf Member Posts: 16
    Benny

    I also did several months research before buying. Have driven Fords for last 20 some years. My Dad dove Fords for 40+ years. So was big change to buy a Dodge. Have been a proud owner of 2001 Dakota for 1 month. This truck is fabulous!!!!!

    In checking around I did not find any greater dissatisfaction with the dakota's reliability than any other make, less than some. Found on guy with a "My Dakota is a Lemmon" page, but even he seemed satisfied after Dodge replace his truck.

    As to the Consumer Reports, JD Powers rates the Dakota #1 in consumer satisfaction. Go figure.

    I would highly recommend the Dakota, its a great ride.

    PS..

    If you can strech, get the 4.7L V8. From observing the posting here and elsewhere the gas mileage is really about the same and the performance of the V8 is very very smooth and stong. Plus it has enough power should you ever need to tow.

    Good Luck

    Rhys
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Having done sales and service training for the Big 3 for some 15 years now, ALL of them will privately acknowledge that "cars are cars and trucks are trucks," no matter what the badge. All generally have certain minor quality glitches. If they're unusually LUCKY, they won't.

    JD Powers and CU are increasingly critical of even minor glitches, reflecting increasingly critical consumer expectations for quality. That's GOOD! But it can be a bit misleading in the real world.

    "Initial quality" is definitely NOT real-world. But repetitive quality problems in critical areas and system OVER TIME are. (Example: Dodge Intrepid's miserable transmission & NVH problems from '94 - '96 earned it rapidly-plummeting sales from '97 to date)

    The jury's still out on major systems on the Quad. I ignored the initial quality reports, bought my '00 Quad, have over 3,000 miles on it, and am totally pleased... Time will tell whether the warm fuzzies will continue.
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    Akula2 and other interested parties: went to tirerack.com (helpful site) to see their comparison tests for several off-road tires for the Quad. The Yokohama Geolander AT+ rated the very highest in their survey (bit of a surprise) with the Michelin LTX/AT's and the Yokohama Super-Diggers close behind. In 4th was the Pirelli Scoprion A/T's - the tire that I have been leaning toward. The BF Goodrich A/T wasn't on the list at all (or at least I didn't see it) which really threw me. I thought that was the most dependable off/on road tire on the market. I've heard the tire just will not get stuck in mud and snow, and that's it fairly decent on highway for ride comfort and noise. It's been the off-roader's choice for a few years now. At any rate, I'm curious about these Michelin's and the Yokohamas, if anybody has real-world experience with those two brands, and also the Scorpions, which I've yet to hear a bad thing about in virtually all areas. One other question: if the manufacturer, i.e. Pirelli, does not list the tire in the exact specs that come O/E on the Quad's 16" wheels (P265/70R16) does it matter? BF Goodrich shows a range of specs for their A/T which seems to tolerant various sizes within the 16x8 wheel. Also, if anybody knows, still wondering what tires come standard on the new 2001 4x4 Quad with the 16" wheel that I ordered. thanks!
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Hello again. I have had experience with what I would describe as a rear end howl on my 00 quad 4.7 auto. Mine is very noticeable at from 45 to 55 mph but only with light throttle. if you let completely off or give the truck more throttle it disappears. I have consulted my dealer and he will check it out next week. He says that a pinion gear adjustment can move the "harmonic" noise to a different speed range but probably not eliminate it. So we will see next week. I did drive another one from their lot that had only 50 miles on it, and after warmup heard some noise, not as bad as mine, but at a lower speed also. I now have about 3800 on mine. on quality issues I thing the worst rap on Dodge has been transmission problems, but I also know very many owners will simply not think of maintenance on their transmissions. Kind of out of sight out of mind. I myself am leaning toward an extended warr from www. chryslerwarranty.com as was suggested here on an earlier post. The pricing is much better than our dealers or DC's. Regards all.
  • tmatthewtmatthew Member Posts: 26
    I live in Tucson and my 2001 quad came with 15" rims. I didn't even know the 16" was available. all the Dakotas had 15" rims. Is this a dealer choice or what? I am goint to put 9.5 x 15 on the quad. I have a new set on my older vehicle. Is it a big deal for the dealer to reprogram my quad's comp so my odometer/speedometer are correct. And the first road trip for my quad. My wife took it up tothe White Mountains of AZ. a 500 mile round trip with lots of elevation climb. (2600' to 9500') and she got 18.5mpg with 1200 miles on a 4.7 auto 4x4. not bad. will only go up I hope.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    i have a dakota quad 4.7, auto, 3.92 rear with over 16k miles and after some bad info from my dealer i assumed i had the recommended synthetic rearend fluid and i didnt, so it tore up my rearend from alot of towing. they had to replace the bushing and the pinion, then it started howling at any speed and the faster you went the louder it got. so i took it in and they adjusted and now its between 40 - 50 and they tried to get it out again and it wont come out. my DC rep came and rode with me and he thinks they can get it out but recommended another dealer to do such delicate work, the rearend is one of the hardest things to repair. if your dealer cant repair it ask them to get DC rep involved and see if he can recommend a better dealer to do the job. mine goes in mon to the new dealer and ill let everyone know what happens. other than the rearend which isnt the trucks fault the truck is the best ive ever owned, i highly recommended this truck!

    to anyone wondering if they should get this truck because of magazines: take anything you read in magazines with a grain of salt, i had a friend that worked with a few of them in the past and most of the people that fill out the questionaires are unhappy, you seldom get happy customers to answer these things, although if there are alot of unhappy people there could be a problem with the vehicle, but i know alot of these magazines live off of advertising and everyone knows you dont bite the hand that feeds you. look and see who is a big advertiser and whos not, just my experience.

    in the real world i dont know of anyone unhappy with their dakota, i know alot of unhappy people with ford and a hell of alot unhappy with chevy. just look at these boards, you wont find a happier bunch of truck owners than right here period! so do your own research and get what you want.
  • lsuquadlsuquad Member Posts: 8
    Hey all. Thought that I'd jump in here. I just took delivery on a 2001 quad, green over silver, taupe interior, 4.7L, handling package with 16" wheels. I ordered it from a dealer on 8/11 and it arrived on 9/6. It was well worth the wait! I've only got about 100 miles on it so far, but it handles great. Those big wheels with the 255/65 Goodyear tires are awesome. Best part of all: It fits in the garage(barely).
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