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General Dakota Board
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Zach
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
15:22:58
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 Subject: Poor Quality
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Anybody who has a dakota should avoid mud, rocks, snow, sand, grass, pavememnt or any general driving of the vehicle. I had a dakota for one year and at 36000 (oddly the exact mileage when the warranty is up. coincidence?) the rear end went out when teeth started breaking off of the spider gears. Then at about 40000, the front end decided to explode as a result of the cv on the front driveshaft locking up. I can personally account for the piss poorest quality of design I have ever seen on a vehicle of any kind, and this comes from years of work as a mechanic. GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN
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360Quadcab
GenIII
2/06/2006
16:54:23
|  RE: Poor Quality
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I'll take my chances. That's why they give us the 7/70 warranty on powertrain! I've had three Daks and a Ram, my Rams trans exploded at 26K, but was replaced with no problem. My wife's Envoy needed new front axle seals at 500 miles and has so many intermittent problems it's not even funny...
285/75 BFG AT KO's, 3" PA, TB's cranked, 2" blocks, duals, clear corners, billet overlay, K&N FIPK
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JOE T.
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
18:55:56
| RE: Poor Quality
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IN 2000 I BROUGHT A BRAND NEW 2000 DAKOTA IN 04 MY 2000 GOT STOLEN AND NEVER FOUND WHAT DID I DO I BROUGHT AN BRAND NEW 04 DAKOTA AND IT WAS THE SMARTEST THING I DID.
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modain
GenIII
2/06/2006
19:14:12
|  RE: Poor Quality
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Message:
It sounds like Zach got the occasional bad vehicle that gets produced. All manufacturers make bad units periodically.
His experience is "his" experience, but nowhere near the state of DCX's engineering and manufacturing that the near total of us here have experienced.
I hope your replacement vehicle(s) live up to your expectations. I'm staying, thank-you.
What's your left foot doing?
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
19:27:20
| RE: Poor Quality
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I doubt he ever owned one. just a poor flame job. Over did it beyond beleif
So many problems .... So little time
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toolfan
GenIII
2/06/2006
19:46:03
| RE: Poor Quality
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good thing my truck has well over 40k miles on it. if that is true than i give DC a pat on the back for part faliure right after the warrenty is up. good time!
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kpg712
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
19:54:25
| RE: Poor Quality
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I have a '98 with 82,000 mi. on it. The only thing I have had to replace is the water pump. Not too bad in my opinion.
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Old Fool
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
20:39:03
|  RE: Poor Quality
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I had my '02 Dakota for 72,000+ miles and traded it in on a HEMI Quad (needed more room my son had outgrown the back seat).
I had my share of problems with my truck. At 42,000 miles it went into the shop to have all the synchrose in the tranny replaced. And at 48,000 miles I had the passenger side head replaced. Well maybe these problems were owner generated (partially my step son, partially me).
I put over 400 trips down the Drag Strip at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm clutch dump launches on it with M/T ET Streets 28x11.5 - 16s. And I let my step son drive it and he slam shifted it way to many times. Maybe the reason the Synchros went out at 42,000 miles I dunno. After Having the Tranny Rebuilt (under warranty of course) I took it down the strip for about 200 more drive line jarring 3,500 rpm clutch dump launches, barking the tires at every 2nd and 3rd gear shift. But guess what, when I traded it in the Factory original clutch was still grabbing like a beast.
And the head replacement was due to, uh, my error maybe. I cross threaded, broke and stripped one of the header bolts in the alluminum head, and then let the drill bit slip over to the side when I tried to extract it and cut the bolt hole way to big.
Maybe I had a Lemon, I dunno. But it didn't keep me from buying my HEMI.
Later,
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Zach
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
23:40:27
| RE: Poor Quality
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quote:
" doubt he ever owned one. just a poor flame job. Over did it beyond beleif
So many problems .... So little time"
Never owned one? You're a 'flame job'
I know more about dakotas than the damn engineers. It's amazing what kind of crap slips through the cracks. There is no excuse for the front end of a truck to weigh only 50 pounds and break when dropped. One of the mounts for the front end is on the transmission, thus when the front end goes, so does the transmission. I had to pull them both and have a piece of the transmission welded back on, but you better believe it was all easy to remove because there isn't a single skid plate on the entire under- side of the truck. Even the jack is crap on this thing. The damn thing bent out of shape the only time I ever used it. Wanna put new brakes on it? Better go to the hardware store first, because the bolts are allen-style in a size that no tool kits come with. Wanna change the oil? Gotta drain the crank case first, then plug it and drain the filter because they're too far apart for a normal drain pan to reach. Wanna put subs behind the seats? Don't even think about it. You can't even fit a jacket back there without having to move the seat forward from the already uncomfortable all-the-way-back position. Wanna drive on the interstate? better be in Kansas or south Florida, because any incline at all and it won't hold 75mph without downshifting, and that's if you survive without the recall ball joints falling apart. Wanna change the gear oil? Well...Direct quote from the owner's manual: "your transmission is equipped with a lifetime gear lubricant and needs not to be changed for the life of the vehicle" What the hell is that? At least they know how long the truck will last; about as long as the service period on gear oil (usually about 30000 miles). If you call the dealership, you can pick up mopar manual transmission fluid for about $16 a quart. I want to discover a field full of THAT oil. That's $3520 a barrel! I'd be richer than Bill Gates!
The Dodge Dakota is good for one thing, and one thing only: For other people to look at. They are without a doubt the best-looking mid-sized truck ever created (97-2004 anyway), but it all goes down from there. Anybody who wants a truck for nothing more than to park and look at should seriously consider the dodge dakota.
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Zach
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
23:43:29
| RE: Poor Quality
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Message:
Quote:
"It sounds like Zach got the occasional bad vehicle that gets produced. All manufacturers make bad units periodically.
His experience is "his" experience, but nowhere near the state of DCX's engineering and manufacturing that the near total of us here have experienced.
I hope your replacement vehicle(s) live up to your expectations. I'm staying, thank-you."
Occasionally? Periodically? Check out this website:
http://daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com/
I'm surprised DaimlerChrysler isn't a government run business, because they sure as hell act like it.
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
00:20:41
| RE: Poor Quality
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Message:
Feel better now ?
So many problems .... So little time
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prodak
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
10:01:19
| RE: Poor Quality
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Here we go again - that website is 90% nonsense. I tried to explain why in this thread:
http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/gen/23422.html
I'd like to see the section of the owner's manual that talks about lowering/suspension mods. Zach complains about DC engineering and then blames THEM when HE re-engineers the truck and it breaks.
The "jack is crap"? So are most OEM ones.
He had to buy a tool to do a brake job? Unheard of.
The drain plug and filter are too far apart? OMFG.
Not enough room for subs? Dude, it's a truck, not a living room.
They put a plug in the rear diff cover - if you want to change the fluid, then change it.
$16/quart? Gimme a fvckin break.
God, I must have WAY too much time on my hands to even bother addressing this silliness.
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modain
GenIII
2/07/2006
12:27:13
|  RE: Poor Quality
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Quote: "I know more about dakotas than the damn engineers. It's amazing what kind of crap slips through the cracks. There is no excuse for the front end of a truck to weigh only 50 pounds and break when dropped."
Then why haven't you made that known to DCX so they can hire you to be the chief engineer, then fire the entire staff so you can build a competent one?
Since when does an automobile's front end weigh only 50 pounds?
What is the statistical sampling of the complaints in the daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com website? If it were 100% (or near) then we should be running around with you screaming, "the sky is falling!" This is just a few cases of people who have bad experiences with faulty units, their own negligence, or corporate denial. Out of the millions of vehicles produced there is such a small number of complaints.
Every automaker is in the business to earn and keep the customer's money, not run a benevolence program to give it back when requested. Nobody in business wants to part with their money unless there is no way not to do so.
I don't know who you are, or your education, or profession, but I seriously doubt you know much more about Dakotas than fine folks who have engineered and built this truck. Your postings also don't lead me to believe that you know much about Dakotas at all.
Time to get off your soapbox Zach. Like I said before, I hope your next vehicle lives up to your expectations.
What's your left foot doing?
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open
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01DakSLT
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
12:44:43
| RE: Poor Quality
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Zach just needs to buy a skateboard. Only four moving parts that he can biotch about.
90k on my truck and not one major problem. Minor wear problems, yeah, but at 90k I expect that with any vehicle.
You know more than DCX Engineers? If they are so bad, why the hell did you buy one in the first place? You have yeeeeeeeeaaaaarrrrrs of experience as a mechanic so you should have known this already. Since you think they are pieces of crap but you bought one anyway, that doesn't say much for your level of intelligence. I hope your next vehicle gives you the same problems so you can continue your soap box rant.
From your email addy, my guess is you're a college student, so your claim of YEARS of experience as a mechanic has just flown out the window. Or maybe you are a chemist now? LOL
No disrepect intended towards college students, just this bozo.
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
18:06:44
| RE: Poor Quality
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128k on mine. yea its a 93, but i beat the piss out of it. i dont see a single "quality" issue with mine. i do think the tranny will kick the bucket in the next 20,000 at the most, but its because my truck has pulled a 5th wheel most of its life thats over 2000lbs over the rated maximum! so take that poor quality sh!t and stick it up your azz.
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ck98daksport
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
18:07:19
| RE: Poor Quality
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I have a 98 sport 2wd with 5spd with over 100k on it and not too many problems. Ball joints at 84k, cat at 79k replaced under warranty. Next is a double roller timing set, water pump, hoses, 180 degree t-stat all just being safe and not sorry because of not knowing what the previous owner had or hadn't done to it. It's been a great truck so far and I plan to keep it till it dies or gets totalled in an accident.
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
18:23:30
| RE: Poor Quality
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ill tell you what though. the site zach was talking about has me really concerned with buying a newer chrysler. i bought my 93 because i knew the quality of older chrysler's was better and got worse after 94. i suggest people look at this page and tell me what they think.
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2003flrt
R/T
2/07/2006
18:26:24
| RE: Poor Quality
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Message:
Great engineer/poor consumer/ if it was that bad you must have had your eyes closed when you bought it.
2003 R/T Superchips,cai,tps mod,map mod,iat relocate,Sirius sattelite radio,autolite 3923's
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
18:45:15
| RE: Poor Quality
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i don't really pay attention to anyone ranting or any webpage complaining they got a lemon of a vehicle. as mentioned earlier, all the car manufacturers put out their share of lemons. i've had good and bad experiences with the same manufacturer & even same model cars just different years. it's almost like buying a used car. if you're lucky you won't ever need to use that warranty. my '00 QC has been trouble free for the 3 yrs and 55k miles i've put on it. i wish they were all like that but face it, they're not.
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
2/07/2006
19:21:35
| RE: Poor Quality
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Message:
What
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.
.
.
.
.
.
A Dumb a$$!
Where do I start?
No mud/snow/water???
Zach hasn't seen my home videos has he?
Copy and paste.
MUD:
http://www.paysonarizona.net/Home%20Videos/081504_DakThruWash.mpg
http://www.paysonarizona.net/Home%20Videos/081504_Short_01_Sideways.mpg
WATER:
http://www.paysonarizona.net/Home%20Videos/Mud%20Romp_01_ThroughTheWater.mpg
PAVEMENT:
http://www.paysonarizona.net/Home%20Videos/DakotaVids/110905_456_LSD_Test_02.rm
Etc etc etc Just think of all the stuff that WASN'T captured on film???
I've messed a few things up. But most ppl NEVER drive their trucks like this!
He never said what model he had. But my front axle is NOT connected to my tranny.
The brake caliper DOES come off with a standard driver.
Oil filter isn't that bad if you KNOW what you are doing. I've seen WORSE!
I managed to get two long firing 10" subs behind MY rear QC seats. (again, takes some brains).
And these engines are not BURIED under 20 vacuum hoses or stuck back in the firewall like some of the OTHER makes :)
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Ms Scooter
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2006
20:58:08
| RE: Poor Quality
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Oh, Zach, dear child, you are so silly, 'specially that part about knowing more than DCx. Out of the mouths of babes. You're so *cute*, little one.
Admin Mark, do we have any teddy bear icons? I think he is overtired and maybe needs a nap.
Anybody know if Mattel still makes Big Wheels? He says he's a mechanic, but I haven't seen any Big Wheels around for years, now. Tonka toys, maybe?
After your timeout is up, and your tears are dry, and you've finished your ice cream, maybe you could take your favorite color chalk (blue is a pretty color)and write out what year and model Dak you have, I'm guessing RC (the subs behind the seats problem). Then let us know if your mommy bought it new or used, and if the previous owner took decent care of it or not. My truck is an '03 QC 4WD SLT, stock other than some dress-up trim and an FIPK, and I bought it new w/ 64 miles on the odometer. There, see how easy that was, you can do it, too.
I think anybody who has a Dakota can enjoy mud, rocks, sand, snow, grass, pavement or any general driving of the vehicle. I do, w/ and w/out a horse or utility trailer behind it. I've had my Dakota for three years and at 96,046 (oddly, the exact mileage that is on the odometer right now) nothing has happened other than wear items and a fan blower resister. I did have to change front brake pads at 80,000 miles, and this weekend, I'm going to replace the rotors, as I have just this week gotten some vibration. I don't need any special tools, and you should stop grabbing your mommy's butter knife to fix things with, you could get hurt. I think 96k on original rotors is pretty good, don't you Junior? So does my dealer.
BTW, I changed the pads myself, and I will be changing the rotors myself, also. Pads took all of 1.5 hours, I'm a first timer, and a gal at that. As far as the OEM jack, I never use those anyway, learned that 20 years ago (they're meant for the vehicle, not your house trailer). I do my own oil changes now, because my dealer moved, and it's not that big of a deal. I also found that little drain plug and changed rear diff fluid. (Small fingers, little guy?) My truck holds an incline just fine, 'course I drive speed limit, we've survived quite well on original balljoints, if you're used to paying $16/qt, I've got a whole case in my garage I'll sacrifice to you for $15.95/quart just because you're so riled up, just get written permission from mommy first.
For me, I can personally attest to the best overall combination of quality, design, looks, performance and reliablity as I have ever seen in a vehicle of any kind. GET ONE WHILE YOU STILL CAN.
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