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tom d
Dodge Dakota
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12/17/2004
20:16:16
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 Subject: How could they?
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How could they put such inferior parts in such a smooth and quiet vehicle. My wife and I both have autos with suspect ball joints. 2002 Durango and Dakota 4wd. From what I have read when I go in and have the upper joints replaced they are going to use the same designed parts and not ones that will last longer? Well I guess I will do like everyone else and replace them with moogs. Why can't they be replaced with ones that are on the newer models? Such a nice vehicle otherwise, makes me wish I could go back in time Iwould have bought something else.
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E. J.
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2004
02:09:26
| RE: How could they?
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It's all about money, Tom.
Their loyalty is to the bottom line.
Customers seem to come last.
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/18/2004
08:24:00
|  RE: How could they?
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Tom, you seem to have misinterpreted what you read or have come across some bad info. The replacement ball joints will be a different design from what you now have. Several people seem to have jumped to that wrong conclusion; I have no idea why anyone would jump to the conclusion that parts used in a recall would be the same as original. That just makes no sense, parts replaced in a recall are made to address the problems with the originals.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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tom d
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2004
10:21:04
| RE: How could they?
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No it would not make any sense to use the same defective parts but that was the impression I got from readers who are ready to switch to an after market ball joint. A better design to me would be to make them lubricated. If they used a redesigned ball joint would they be lubricated like the moogs?
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Misleading
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2004
11:21:53
| RE: How could they?
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That would be the wrong impression; it seems some are perhaps out to deliberately confuse this issue. The new parts ARE redesigned; they will likely NOT include a grease fitting. This does not make them "the same designed parts"; there IS a difference. Greasable ball joints would be another (and welcome) improvement. Many manufacturers are moving toward non greasable designs; I believe the ones on the newer trucks you wished for are also ungreasable. Most of us would prefer a greasable part here, I don't think that justfies worrying people that they will be getting the same parts they had.
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ID4x4
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2004
18:28:41
| RE: How could they?
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Maybe my post about Moog ball joints, and my lack of knowledge about recalls has led to some of this "mis-information". Alot of us Dakota owners spend money for aftermarket parts to enhance the performance, appearance, and everyday functionality of our trucks. So, my point or intention was, why trust DC to spend how many millions to significantly upgrade this crappy ball joint we are all stuck with right now?, if I could upgrade to a superiour part and get DC to pay for it.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
00:49:01
| RE: How could they?
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How can anybody trust DC to build anything safe ever again? I think I'll just trade to a manufacturer that has never has a safety related recall?
Better yet, I think I'll just start buying lots of aftermarket parts and build my own vehicle.
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Leviticus
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
01:32:45
| RE: How could they?
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If my 98 were covered under the recall.....I would go have them replaced under the recall...just for the point of it..to make DC spend their money..then go replace them with a decent one like Moog the next week.
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/19/2004
07:37:50
| RE: How could they?
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Why would you do that before they wore out ? I plan to get some milage out of my replacements; then I'll get ones with grease fitings if and when I need them.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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TheBigBobby
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
11:12:54
| RE: How could they?
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I posted this someplace else here, but it looks like this forum gets more traffic:
When I bought my truck 3 years ago, I had researched every smaller truck on the market. My final decision was on the Dakota...almost solely on looks...and I still love how it looks...
...but I can't say I love the company. First off, after buying my truck and having the dealer title it for me I was surprised to find out from the RMV that it had been titled with 30k more miles on it than what was on my odometer. The odometer disclosure statement that I signed and brought home with me had 9k typed onto it...the one sent to the RMV had 39k written over the typing in pen. The only way for me to prove what the actual mileage was? Take it to another dealer and pay $100? BS...
...then I had noise coming out of my rear differential...I take it to the dealer, who couldn't tell me anything other than I needed a $1500 complete rebuild...I doubt they even opened it up to check what was wrong. When I took it down the road to the trans shop they were able to tell me specifically that I had chipped teeth on two spider gears and that replacing them + bearings would be $700, although $200 of that had to go to Dodge as they were the only manufacturer of those gears...
...and then there was my 60k inspection, where they didn't have anything to tell me about the noise I pointed out in my front left wheelwell when I turned, but they certainly were quick to offer to turn the little wheel in my rear brakes for $100 and about $1k worth of similar bs work...in the end, that inspection essentially got me an oil change for $150.
...but at least they're now replacing those ball joints for free...but they've already lost me as a customer. I'm going to buy a car sometime in the next couple years, but it certainly will not be a Dodge.
Later,
Bobby
PS - Are there any auto manufacturers that allow you to buy parts directly from them over the Internet. It annoyed me that I had to get replacements for the "4x4" and "DODGE" stickers on my tailgate from the dealer when they seem like easily mailable items, but I can't say that I know any auto manufacturer would have let me buy them direct. If there *is* one, however, they're going to get an edge in my next vehicle purchase decision.
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wow
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
15:48:29
|  RE: How could they?
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You're blaming chrysler because someone sold you a beat up truck with the milage rolled back ? Place the blame where it belongs - the scumbag who falsified the milage. You can buy direct from dealers on the internet; no manufacturers sell direct. Mopar used to be the most connected to its customers - ever hear of "direct connection" you could buy performance parts from source. Hmmm, come to think of it, you still can !
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tom d
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
16:13:39
| RE: How could they?
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Yes I will wait and get my replacement ball joints and if they should go out I would replace with moogs if I decide to keep vehicle. I really like the truck otherwise. It has a nice ride, is quiet and I like the looks. When I again decide to buy something new it won't be a dodge. There are plenty of other trucks that look nice that I could have bought. A tundra was a candidate but more money. You get what you pay for.
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Huh
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
16:26:37
| RE: How could they?
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I can certainly understand anyone being put out by the fact that they bought a vehicle new from the dealer and it had a recall or some other major expense but that's what warranties are for. And really, recalls are a good thing. Vehicle makers do not voluntarily recall their vehicles. The NHTSA put's a gun to their heads and makes them do it and isn't that a good thing?
I mean, a government agency that actually does what it's supposed to and watches out for you and me.
As for never buying a Dodge again, I think you need to chill out. Anyone who buys a used vehicle has to take what they get. I've had good luck and bad luck buying used vehicles but the bad luck didn't make me into a never buy brand "X" baby. Suck it up, the guy who owned it before you did beat the living bejeezus out of it. Is that the fault of Dodge?
As for your PS, the short answer is no. Most dealers don't have the time to cater to everybody who won't get off their arse and drive to the parts department to pick up parts. At least none of the ones around me would mail me parts no matter how small.
I've owned quite a few vehicles both new and used. My GM products were definitely the worst but everybody has parts for those. I won't touch a Ford, except for a Stang not because of the company but just because I think they're garbage. Most of the imports I've owned were good vehicles but just too boring. My used Dak has been excellent and I would buy another from the same dealer because it's the dealer that makes buying a used vehicle good or bad, not the maker. Oh and the consumer has a big part in that too. Good luck with your next vehicle.
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TheBigBobby
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2004
19:42:27
| RE: How could they?
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Hey,
I read through some responses...maybe I wasn't clear...
I listed some specific issues that I had with two different Dodge Dealerships.
I have proof that one Dodge dealership told me one mileage when I bought the vehicle, and then changed their copy of the document that I signed it when they sent it to the RMV. I still have my copy, and a fax from the RMV where the mileage was changed.
I have another Dodge delearship that I tried taking the truck to when it had problems (noise in rear end, noise in front wheels). Each time they gave me an diagnosis that was far from satisfactory (complete rebuild, nothing wrong). I don't mind the gears or the ball joints needing replacement really; I mind that the Dodge dealership was completely useless when it came to solving these problems.
Are you saying that I shouldn't hold Dodge responsible for what their dealerships do? If so, I'll accept that as an argument (although I don't agree)...but it also doesn't sound like that's what some of you are saying.
Thanks for the info about buying parts direct. I design consumer electronics for a living, and it amazes me that my company will sell parts to customers direct on items that cost less than $500 where companies that sell vehicles for thousands will not. Different industry, different rules...but still...an auto manufacturer has an opportunity to connect with a part of their market by providing this service.
Later,
Bobby
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Tnjones
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2004
13:03:14
| RE: How could they?
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BigBobby,
I'm with you on this one. try a search on Tnjones or NV3500 and see the laundry list of problems I've had with my Dak and the even worse problems I've had with my local dealers (summerized below). To add insult to injury, Daimler cops out by saying they have no influence or authority over their dealers no matter how poor the service they offer (or refuse to offer). Well, they need to get some influence because their service departments have cost them me as a customer and it sounds like you too. I wonder how many more Dodge owners have said never again after being screwed by their dealers?
If neither of you have had any problem with the Chevy V6 tranny that Dodge decided to put behind their V-8 (even though the tranny is only rated for 300 ft-lbs of torque and the 4.7 with slight mods easily exceeds that), it must be that my tranny truely is defective and all 3 of the dealers who said there is nothing wrong with mine refusing to shift over 3000 RPMs are typical DC corporate suck-ups who are more interested in towing the company line than taking care of their customers and insuring the product they put on the street is safe and reliable.
My truck has had 3 recalls.
The clutch fluid resevoir was left hanging by it's supply line when it was delivered to me.
The shift horn bolts were never torked down to the top of the tranny and it slung most of it's lube on the drive home. When I drove it back to the dealer and pointed out the grease running down the tranny and dripping on the ground they said, "All manual tranny's leak a little".
There were extra bolts and insulation clips left scattered on top of the engine.
The power steering pump blew a seal and emptied itself when the truck was a month old.
The right head was incorrectly milled and had to be replaced because it rattled like a bucket of bolts.
If Tennesseee had a lemon law, DC'd sure have a pucker from sucking this one. As it is, unless I want to hire a lawyer and sue I'm stuck with this pice of SH!T. The last time I took it to the dealer a tech rode with me so I could show him it won't shift at higher RPM's. When it wouldn't go into gear I had the tech put his hand on the shifter and try. He couldn't get it to go into gear either. When we got back to the shop he told his manager that the problem was I wasn't pressing the clutch all the way to the floor!!!
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