| From | Message |
SPR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/07/2006
22:12:32
|
 Subject: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi all
Just discovered this board today, and thought I would post about
my truck.
I bought an 05 back at the end of July. It's a Laramie, club cab
with the V6 engine, base automatic and 4x4. Also the optional
bigger (taller) 16" tires
I haven't considered performance in my past purchases of autos.
Usually concerned with basic drivability, family features, etc. I
didn't drive this truck before purchasing, but I did drive a V6
club cab SLT. Figured the performance would be similar, but
then how much can you tell in a 2 mile ride. But I'm very
diappointed in the performance of this truck.
#1 - At speed on the highway, as long as no steep grades, no
problem. Engine will usually run around 2000 rpm at 70 mph.
But encounter any grade, the rpms shoot up to 3000. While
accelerating, it acts like there are no rpms between 2000 and
3000. It either runs at 2000 rpm, or it's 3000 rpms. No middle
ground.
#2 - when backing up a steep grade, the truck runs out of steam
before I reach the top. Almost didn't make it up a paved
driveway, approx 75 feet, but probably close to 35 degrees.
Pedal to the metal, turning 2000 rpm.
#3 - when I put it in 4 wheel, the truck is hard to move if the
front wheels are turned sharply. Usually have to straighten them
out a little to get it moving. Especially difficult when backing up
the steep grade (30 degree, 60 feet) into my backyard. Gravel
driveway. Heck, it won't even spin the wheels on the dirt. Again,
pedal to the metal
My wife's 01 Dodge 3.3 Caravan has more guts than this truck.
Probably should of got the V8, but I'm stuck with this for a little
while.
Is this to be expected of the V6?
I'm wondering if the oversize tires have cut the effective
driveratio down to much for the V6
Any thoughts?
BTW: This thing gets 18 mpg at 70 mph. Even with the constant
revving whenever I come to a grade. Around town, I'm lucky to
get 10 mpg
Thanks in advance for any replies
Steve R.
|
Trevor
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/07/2006
22:47:41
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
#1- It shoots up to 3000rpm because it shifted out of overdrive, need the higher rpm to get up the hill
#2- I can't tell you about that one, my 3.9 would have no problem with that.
#3- It's hard to move in 4 wheel drive because you now have power to your front wheels. Rather than free-wheeling, the front tires now fight to turn.
Hope this helps.
|
OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/07/2006
22:58:08
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Yep. Pretty much all your complaints seem to be related to being in 4 wheel drive.
So many problems .... So little time
|
choochoo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
00:08:26
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I agree with Trevor about the jump in rpm. Even my 4.7 does that, except it has all sorts of balls for power. Have to back off the throttle to avoid getting a ticket.
My tires are 16's too, and I run them at 38 psi. They are rated up to 44, 35 recommended.
Always make sure your 4 wheel drive is used where one wheel can slip. Never on dry pavement.
As for your 05, I just don't the looks of them.
I am so happy to have got a 04 before the ugly looks came out.
Hope you can find out if other sixes are the same, and what to fix. I bought a 4X2 RAM slant six back in 84 brand new and was very disappointed with it. Got rid of it after a few months.
QC 4X4 4.7 5spd auto 21 mpg(US)hwy
|
Um.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
13:50:12
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Two words for you:
V
8
|
SPR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
16:08:20
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
OK, then Clubcab, V6 with automatic, 4x4, and oversize tires
from the factory = slug.
I am running my tires closer to 40 lbs, and I understand it's
kicking out of overdrive when the rpms jump from 2000 tto
3000. But why does it do it on the slightest grade?
The other annoying trait is when I put it into 4 wheel drive (Hi). If
the wheels are turned, it acts like the front & back wheels are
turning against each other. And that's applying throttle. I can't
get the truck to move unless I straighten the wheels out. And if I
turn them again after the truck is moving, it will come to a stop
again. I have an 86 GMC K3500 with 4 wheel drive, and they act
nothing alike. My GMC will move regardless of wheel posistion.
Just trying to find out if this is considered the norm for this
setup before I jump down the service guy's throat.
Wasn't looking for a race truck when I bought it, but this truck is
a pretty pathetic excuse for a truck. I get my adrenaline kicks
from my 78 TA w/455 cu.in. This Dakota i s nice riding truck,
but no power.
Probably should of gotten the V8 as suggested.
Maybe I'll have to try a chip, or look into a supercharger.
|
OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
16:22:04
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Was Just thinking here. My truck is a 99 4x4 5.2L . When it was new mine also jumped a good 1000 RPM when pulling harder, like going over the pass pulling my 14 ft alum boat which is not super heavy. I complained several times to dealer . They finally run a scan on it and discovered I had a glitch in some control box. I don't recall what it was called but it was a 750 dollar item. Warrenty covered it. What it was doing was shifting from 4th (with or without overdrive on) all the way to 2nd and the race was on. Just one more posibility to consider.
So many problems .... So little time
|
daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
16:22:48
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
you could try gears. you've probably got 3.55:1's you could go to 3.92's or better yet, 4.10:1.
and, don't take this the wrong way but, why would you buy a truck that you never even took for a test drive? maybe one of life's little lessons?
|
tuckerldlow
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
16:33:50
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Had similar problems with an '02 SLT, V6.
1) Samo-samo, except I swapped out the stock throttle body for a Fastman. That didn't solve ALL of that problem, but seems to have helped torque a bit so that it doesn't do it on EVERY darned little hill that it comes to. It helped the mileage a bit, too. Throttle response was absolutely helped.
2)Haven't had that problem, but then thinking about it, I don't recall trying to back up a steep incline.
3)Mine's a 2wd, so don't have experience with that.
4)My wife has a '97 Chevy Venture van. Right after I got my truck, we just happened to pull up next to one another at a light. She gunned it, I gunned it, the light turned green, and she absolutely ATE MY LUNCH with that Vortec V6. She jumped out in the lead immediately, and was pulling (pretty far) away when I quit. The Vortec gets a heckuva lot better mileage than I do, too.
I've done the throttle body, put synthetic fluids in, and dropped in a K&N filter. Yesterday, on the road, I was getting 20.8. Around town, I'll get 16-17. You should be able to get another couple-three mpg's by doing what I've done, and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg.
There is other stuff that you can do, but then you start talking about some money.
I try to avoid town driving, when possible. That stop-and-go is murder on the MPG.
|
SPR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
17:26:12
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey OBIO3
That's what I'm looking for. Someone who's had similar
problems and you come up with a control box malfunction.
Thank you, now I can be an informed customer when I go to the
dealer.
And you're right daddio, I should have test driven this particular
truck, but I didn't. All of my past buying experiences (at least 8
new cars) have involved driving a similar vehicle to what I want
and then ordering what I wanted. I seldom accept what's on the
dealer lot. I haven't been disappointed until now, and most of
the time I've been pleasantly surprised by the performance of
these sight unseen purchases.
So, I did drive a clubcab V6 off their lot which should have been
similar to the one I bought. Same approx. weight, same
horsepower, same tranny. But then they only let you drive it over
their laid out 2 mile loop anyways. Don't think I got the truck
over 3000 rpms and 40 mph. I certainly never saw the highway
during the test drive. So I doubt if I would have seen this power
problem in the allowed test drive. The truck I drove seemed
spirited enough.
They certainly weren't going to let me take it home and drive it
off road unless I owned it first. So no way to predict the 4 wheel
drive issue, either.
As to your suggestion of changing the gears, I wondered why
they were offering 3.92's in the catalog. I didn't think anyone
would consider lower gears in this day and age. Maybe the
3.92's should have been required with the taller 16" tires. But
then Dodge has to watch their CAFE score, customer be d*%@ed
|
daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
17:35:16
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
actually SPR, some guys with trucks similar to yours but with the 4.7 v8 have posted mileage GAINS going to 3.92's or 4.11 gears. i've read that at cruising speed it puts the 4.7 in a "sweet spot" as far as operating rpm.
i have an '00 QC 4x2 3.9 w/ 5 spd manual, 15" wheels and 3.55:1 gears. for what i do it fits. i don't tow anything but i do on occasion load the bed up and it's fine. i also live it flat south louisiana.
i would not want a truck like mine with an auto trans. to me,that would be painfully slow. good luck and i hope eventually you do get to really enjoy your Dak.
|
RaZoR1
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
18:02:25
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Your problems with the 4x4 does not sound right. Why don't you go to a different dealer and test drive a truck just like yours. See if you have the same problems with the different truck.
|
Jecht
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
18:34:08
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I have the 4.7 also and mine jumps from 2 to 3 grand when going up a hill. its liek is skips 4th and goes right to third. sometimes I can get it to jump to 4th but not often. as far as your 4x4 system. always found if you turn the wheel really sharp it can bind. are you doing this on dry pavement or on dirt or grass/ if you already said and didnt see it I sorry. but you have a V6 it isnt going to be a powerhouse and has its limitations. we see alot of people come in and ask how to get more power out of a v6. comes down to if you want power jsut go with the V-8 after all the 3.7 and 4.7 almost gets the same MPG. I can do 20 MPG HWY.
all I can say is take it to the dealer and have them look at it.
|
Trevor
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2006
23:05:28
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I don't know about the new dakotas but mine has a O/D off button. Next time you are driving down the highway press that button and see what your rpms do. I bet they will jump to about 3000!
|
choochoo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/09/2006
00:35:46
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Yep, something definately wrong if your 4 wheel drive is binding that way. Are all your tires the same size? I tried smaller ones on the front once on a 4X4 and it bound the axle right up. And as I posted before, don't use 4 wheel on dry pavement. It will bind for sure in a turn and wear out your components.
To back up a steep incline on the grass, try this: Shift into 4 LOW and the lower gearing will make it easier on your engine.
I am sure surprised at the dealer who makes you drive a 2 mile test run. A decent dealer will let you put the vehicle through a basic test like taking it on the hiway. My dealer let me take a truck home for the weekend.
|
choochoo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/09/2006
00:35:46
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
Yep, something definately wrong if your 4 wheel drive is binding that way. Are all your tires the same size? I tried smaller ones on the front once on a 4X4 and it bound the axle right up. And as I posted before, don't use 4 wheel on dry pavement. It will bind for sure in a turn and wear out your components.
To back up a steep incline on the grass, try this: Shift into 4 LOW and the lower gearing will make it easier on your engine.
I am sure surprised at the dealer who makes you drive a 2 mile test run. A decent dealer will let you put the vehicle through a basic test like taking it on the hiway. My dealer let me take a truck home for the weekend.
|
RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/09/2006
06:59:17
|  RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
SPR, I'll never have another auto tranny in any
make truck again. This computer controlled
shifting is for the birds.
My 02 4X4 v8 does the very same out of OD down
shifting thing in any incline as yours is doing.
It's like the engineers don't want any *load*
put on the engine.
Stick shift for me next time. And not sure a
new Dakota will be it either. Just plain butt
ugly for my liking. Front bumper looks like
someone with lower fat lip! lol
|
DakotaCC
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/09/2006
23:31:10
|  RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I have an '01 Club Cab 4x4 w/4.7 auto and 3.92 LSD and 16 " wheels. 47k on the truck now and I'm replacing brakes and rotors (see my other posts) but I can't complain too much as have used this truck at times to tow a backhoe. In normal driving the truck will stay in OD on a pretty good grade, only shifting down when speed shows a noticeable (4-5mph) drop even when I'm towing my M/C trailer. I wish I got your mileage, tho-- I'm making 13.5-14 in town and 17-17.5 highway, and 10-12 pulling ANY kind of trailer. This truck will pull anything you hang behind it, it just won't pass a gas station while towing it!
Your 4WD binding problem sound strange. ALL 4wd units have a funny sort of "catch" that's noticeable when making a sharp turn w/4wd engaged, but shouldn't keep the truck from moving. You may want ot have the truck looked at just to be safe.
|
Spacinjason
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/10/2006
09:39:01
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
When my 4 Hi is engaged, I notice that it kind of wants to bind sometimes when making sharp turns. The truck also does not seem roll as easily when you put it in nuetral (or push in clutch). Seems to be normal though, and have driven quite a bit with 4 Hi engaged. Have 80K on my truck.
I would have the dealership look at the drivetrain though if it is bothering you. Use that factory warranty to it's fullest!
Also, in my opinion, these Dak's are great trucks, but a bit heavy for a V6 (especially in CC and QC configurations). Just my .02 cents.
Spacinjason
'01 QC Sport 4x4
4.7L, 5sp., 3.55 LSD
Magnaflow exhaust
|
Dakota Dave
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2006
18:37:23
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I am new to the site, just checking it out for some ideas.
I have friends with v6 quad and club cabs who complain about power.
I bought a '05QCV8 during the frenzy last fall. Only have 2500 miles on it. My only disappointment is the gas mileage 13.5 in mixed use. That is sad! My 100,000 mile Exploder got 20 all day. People say it's the 8, but I dont buy that. My 55 wagon with a 350/350 and a carb gets 13.
I am amused by the exhaust system, quiet, but that extra muffler near the end looks funny!
Looking to replace/upgrade.......
|
skikir
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2006
23:17:42
| RE: 05 disappointment
IP: Logged
Message:
I've had my 05 for a week or so and I have the same porblem with the RPMs. I'm not a truck person I've got a motorcycle for thrills and an TR6 for cool. But I needed a 4x4 for hunting and around the "farm" so I bought a 87 Jeep Comanche PU w/ 4L I6 manual 5spd. It's quicker and I got an easy 18mpg city and 22 on the hwy. It was fully loaded and in good shape but the only thing I did not like with it was there was absolutely no storage space in the cab so I wanted a club cab and found this new 'O5 v6 4x4 "basic" for $17K out the door with no trade. Frankly I don't get it, after 18 years of R&D and evolution I get a truck that has less go even with a rated 40Hp more and less MPG than and old Jeep with 190K miles! I've straightend out all the bugs in the Jeep and now I'm really kicking myself. Even my wife thinks the Jeep is cooler.
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
