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Bustoff
Dodge Dakota
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1/26/2003
07:50:18
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 Subject: ordering a new Dakota
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I am ordering a new Dak quad cab 4x4, I was wondering if anyone had advice on which options to pick. Some particular questions:
- should I get the factory tonneau cover or are there better ones aftermarket?
- does the limited slip rear diff work well? does it hurt gas mileage?
- I want the manual transmission but my local dealer has none to demo. Is it at least as good as my Explorer's 5 speed?
- The 4.7L 8 seems the best power/mileage compromise, do you agree?
I'll take comments on any other ordering issue. thanks
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jdub
Dodge Dakota
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1/26/2003
08:59:13
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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i got an 03 4.7 5spd cc. i love it. the limited is the only way to go in my opinion. i opted not for the factory tonneau cover bc i wanted a hard fiberglass one.
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Jer
Dodge Dakota
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1/26/2003
10:58:41
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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Go for the 4.7L for sure.
The one regret I have with my truck is the V6, not enough power and not much fuel savings.
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kevster
Dodge Dakota
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1/26/2003
12:11:33
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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Get the H.D Service group, tow pkg, overhead convenience group, 3;92 rear posi gears, 4.7 engine.. SLT+ Pkg, And Rock N Roll.
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2QK4U
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2003
00:01:39
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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Manual vs Auto will be your personal preference. Get bucket seats w/60/40 split in the back. Get the wheel and tire package, heavy duty svc group, tow package, overhead package, 3:92 lsd, and SLT model.
As for the tonneau cover negotiate a gull wing tonneau cover in. They're a hard fiberglass cover and opens up in 3 spots. Here is a picture of mine:
Aaron
2QK4U
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ShortSport
GenIII
1/27/2003
00:33:27
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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depends on what you want and how much you got to spend...i have the 4.7 by far the best power to gas ratio....and what ever you do get the lsd ......3.92 are harder on gas than 3.55 on highway but give you lots of low end grunt ....so if your towing get the 3.92 and tow package if your not save money on gas and just get 3.55 and lsd.......but definatly get 5spd and 4.7
2002 Reg cab 4x2 4.7 5-spd 3.55.1 LSD
fiberglass tonneau cover; stainless steel cat-back dual exhaust; magnaflow muffler
Go hard or go home!!
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Jaggy
GenIII
1/27/2003
14:00:11
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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I have a 2002 QC 4x4. I opted for the 4.7 manual.
I love it! I manage to get 13 miles to the gallon no matter what I do. (I can not stay out of the troddle.)
I am running the 3.55 rear end and wish that I had the 3.92. It sounds to me that the 4.7 manual 3.55 is what you are looking for. I have the HD service group and the tire and handling package. SLT+ package.
I didn't want the overhead comp, I hollowed out the space and put in a Radar detector. Check my profile for a pic.
Bed covers? check this forum or in group buys for the best bed covers. there are a couple of retractable covers that I like or Hard fiberglass.
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Dak03ta
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2003
14:34:04
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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13MPG? What are you doing to that poor thing. I have the exact same setup, and usually get much better depending on the weather. The single digits and the teens (temps) seem to be killing it. I got 16.5 when I first got it this summer, now I get about 15, still better than 13 though. Anyone else have the same experience with the cold weather? Mine doesnt sit in a garage either.
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b1llyw
DakotaEnthusiast
1/27/2003
15:33:47
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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I get 13 mpg no matter what I do with my '02. I also have a heavy foot. I love the 4.7/5 speed combo with 3.92's. The only downside is that first gear is pretty steep, especially in combination with 3.92's. If I'm rolling at even 5 mpg, I start off in 2nd gear.
My favorite option: steering wheel radio controls.
Bill White
2002 QC 4x4, SLT , 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92 LSD
1995 CC 4x2, SLT, 318, 5 spd, 3.55 LSD
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SteveS
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2003
22:08:10
|  RE: ordering a new Dakota
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- There are better factory tonneau covers out there.
-Limited slip works very well. Don't even consider not getting it if you ever plan to go off-road. If your going to do some serious 4-wheel'n, ask to see if you can get a front end limited slip.
- Why manual transmission? Auto is much better for off-road (constant power to the wheels/tires) and much better on both the truck and the trailer if you’re planning to pull.
-I have the 4.7L. @ 22k miles getting 15 city, 18 highway.
When your truck is delivered check the paint and bed alignment carefully. I picked mine up on a rainy day. First time I washed it I noticed the bed wasn't on straight and there were several (8-10) bumps in the paint. The paint looked like they had dirt in the paint booth at the factory. The dealer aligned the bed but all they would do is hand sand/buff the paint. Now I have dark specs (8-10) in my paint. The specs are about half the diameter of the blunt end of a bic pen.
Take all the time you need to be satisfied. Don't let them rush you.
Good luck
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BAE984
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2003
22:33:17
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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I have a 2000 QC 2wd 4.7/5sp. I'd say definitely get the LSD. I love being able to floor it in first and not spin (dropping the clutch is another story, however). I've got a 3.55 rear (with tow pkg) and I can't imagine really needing more gear for highway use. You can't really stay in 1st long, and I normally use 2nd for starting unless the surface is uphill. Can't help you with the tonneau.
By the way, I can usually get about 15 mpg city and 19+ highway (75-80 mph). The mileage just depends on how you drive it. I have gotten 14 before, but it's a rare occurance.
BAE
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Clark
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2003
10:25:13
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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Hi Bustoff,
I was in your position just a few weeks ago, so here are my thoughts.
My first suggestion is that you search this site's archives using each option you are considering as the search term.
I ordered my 2003 QC 4x4 on 12/31/02 and it is due to arrive next week. I spent several weeks in intense research on the Dakota, its models, options, and the competition. I will share some of my thoughts and findings.
Consider that a QC is the heaviest Dakota, so you are going for flexibility and passenger space over bed space and racing the truck.
Towing considerations: Do you tow anything heavier than a couple of dirt bikes a few times a year? If so go with the tow package and HD everything. You may want to consider 3.92 gears, since the truck will be heavy, and especially if you tow. They are a $40 option that costs about $1,200 to retrofit afterwards. Some good threads on this site regarding this.
Transfer case: I think the AWD is money well spent. I wrote a detailed thread on this topic, but the gist of it is that the front gears and driveline are always turning even when in 2WD. Therefore, you don't really pay a mileage penalty with the AWD. The AWD will pull the truck through the corners, so less understeer, it will eliminate spinning the tires when acelerating from a standstill, even on wet pavement. 4WD Hi/Lo will still work the same as on the part-time 4WD transfer case. To me the AWD is a no-brainer option to have.
Transmission considerations: The 5spd auto was designed in concert with the 4.7L and it make for a very efficient package with good performance. The tranny is computer controlled and will adapt to your driving style after a few days. Beyond these considerations it is a personal choice of which you prefer.
tires: I went with the 265x70 tires, which is another upgrade beyond the 'Plus' wheel and tire package. These tires have a 20mm taller sidewall, or about 4/5 of an inch. people pay a thousand to raise a truck 3", so this is a bargain. The tires will have a higher load rating and will last longer. The downside is higher rotational mass and it will make your effective gear ratio a bit taller (better mileage but less performance). Remember those 3.92 gears, well they will compensate for the gear ratio impact of the taller tires.
ABS brakes: An overpriced option that I do not consider optional (they come standard on an S-10). But if you drive on wet, snowy, or sandy roads it may well be a life saver. It will also lower your insurance premiums.
Suspension: If you frequently carry heavy loads or tow a heavy trailer then the heavy duty springs may be worth it to you. I took a different approach, I am ordering the standard springs but then I will have a rear 'air bag' assist installed, with an onboard air compressor. It costs about $500 but you retain the smooth around-town ride of the stock springs, yet at the push fo a button you can increase your load capacity by about 1,200 pounds.
Options beyond these are subjective choices that depend upon what you like and can afford. Either way think it through very carefully so that you are truely happy with what you spend the money on.
Good Luck
Clark (who is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his Dak!)
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hotplymouth
DakotaEnthusiast
1/30/2003
11:08:56
|  RE: ordering a new Dakota
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I got mine a year ago and love it all but cover cost me 21,000 in Idaho. Bright red 3.55 gears best truck I have owned.
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Bustoff
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2003
23:16:06
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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Message:
Thanks to all for the advice. I went ahead and ordered my truck last weekend. I got:
QC 4x4: gotta haul my family of 5 through New England winters
4.7L: best power/mileage/resale compromise.
5 speed: never bought an automatic, drives my dad nuts. Test drove one and didn't like it. I shift smoother.
LSD: did I mention New England winters?
Bench seat: nice throwback
I skipped the HD and towing packages; most of my hauling and towing will be light, and the vehicle is plenty heavy enough without extras.
Still looking for the best way to haul my canoe. Will probably go aftermarket. Anyone have one of these? http://www.seaportmachine.com/index.html
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Greg
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2003
01:32:06
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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I just got my 2003 CC 4x4 last week. Here's my take on this subject:
The options I ordered were:
AWD, 4 wheel anti-lock, 4.7 V8, 5 spd auto, tow package, HD Service package, 3.92 LSD, 265/70-16 tires, block heater, Infinity stereo w/ AM/FM cassette & CD player, bedliner, SLT Plus package (this includes the overhead convience group, front floor mats, cruise control, electric windows & door locks), Security system, & power foldaway heated mirrors.
The V8, transmission, tires, axles & gear ratios I got just to satisfy my male need for a powerful & rugged vehicle. The 4.7 has a nice rumble in its exhaust note!! Also, last weekend I drove a little over 200 highway miles & managed to get 18 mpg. Not bad for a vehicle with 700 miles on it. This was steady, cruise controlled 70 mph (just a smidge over 2000 rpm on the tach).
The stereo I wanted because I spend a lot of time in my vehicle going to & from work & visiting friends all over the state. It takes away some of the boredom of driving.
Why did I opt for all this stuff? Because that's what I wanted. Can I justify all this stuff? Maybe half of it. If I keep this truck for 10 yrs I will probably be able to count on one hand the times it will have gone off-road. The point is, get what you want & enjoy it. This is the first time I've had a vehicle loaded up like this (& I'm 42) & I'm like a kid with a new toy. There's a lot of good advice on this board, but ultimately it's up to you.
Best of luck,
Greg
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Clark
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2003
13:57:58
| RE: ordering a new Dakota
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That rail-n-rack system is neat. I expect to have a cap or hard tonneau on most of the time though, so it wouldn't work for my application.
I have a Fulton Canoe Caddy which goes on the trailer hitch and has a bar that goes up to a crossbar that supports the back of the canoe. It detaches in 30 seconds, and it helps a lone person to put the canoe on or off the top of the truck. It needs a rack or crossbar on the roof of the truck cab to hold the front of the canoe. It costs about $80 and can be gotten at Cabelas.com, as well as other sporting/marine outlets.
This would allow the use of a cap or cover, which will keep equipment and gear safe.
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