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SC 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2005
05:30:47
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 Subject: " quad doors" first model year?
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I have a very tired super cab Ranger that I am going to replace. I am looking at Dakotas because I need more room for my 2 kids in the back than a Ranger extended cab has. Can you fit an 8 and 6 year old in the back easily? What was the first model year for the opening rear doors on a extended cab Dakota. What does Dodge call there extended cab? I am sure I will have many more stupid questions, but I know nothing about Dodge. All 5 trucks I have owened were all Rangers, but they are now too small and I dont want a full size either.
Thanks,
SC 4x4
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modain
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2005
08:07:40
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Regular Cab = two doors and nothing more.
Club Cab = two doors and a small bench seating area behind the front seats. Starting with the 2005 model year there are rear hinged half-doors for the back.
Quad Cab = four full sized doors and a full sized back seat, introduced in the 2000 model year.
If your kids have outgrown the rear seats of your Ranger I'm sure they won't be long for the Dakota Club Cab either. Go for a QC and you won't have to worry about what to do when they get bigger.
The Club Cab and Quad Cab share the same 131" wheelbase. You will go from a 6'4" bed to a 5'3" bed with the QC. That's something to consider when deciding what route to take.
Oh, and my suggestion is to get a QC with the 4.7l V8 engine. You'll have much more power than a 3.9l V6 and the gas mileage will be the same and most likely better. A 3.7l V6 (on 2004 and 2005) is pretty close to the V8's power, but it's still a little short.
Hope this helps.
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ZZ
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2005
19:56:19
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2000 was the first model year for the Quad Cab.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2005
22:16:29
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Get a Quad cab, 4.7, LSD rear end, with the manual tranny.
You're going to be amazed at the reserve power and torque you have at your control. Not to mention the descent amount of room in the cab!
TT
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SC 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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2/27/2005
05:06:16
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Thanks for the info so far. I did not realize Dodge did not have the opening rear doors on the extended cabs/clubcabs. I will have to look for a quad cab then. What are some of the known issues with 2000-2003 model quad cabs? How dependable are the v6 and the v8. Since I am buying used I will probally not have a motor choice.
Thanks,
SC 4x4
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martinphantom
Dodge Dakota
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2/27/2005
09:52:20
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My experiences with my 2000 quad cab 4x4 with 4.7 and 3.55 gears-are warped rotors-ball joints(recalled and fixed free)-sway bar bushings squeaking-and poor fuel economy(14mpg)-----my wife drives a 2000 club cab 4x4 with 4.7 and 3.55 gears-it's much quicker(weighs about 800 pounds less) and gets about 16 mpg. I think theres plenty of room for kids----but getting in and out of the back seat for an adult--sucks(we don't have access door). I've tried to get my wife to swap with me but she won't part with hers. I like hers cause it's fast-and has posi trac(limited slip differential--LSD)----oh and they both have excellent stereo systems. We've had the club cab for 2 years and the quad for a year. Good luck.
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modain
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2005
13:17:40
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SC 4x4 - My last three tanks on my 2002 4x2 QC have been 18MPG. This is a bit up from the 17.5ish MPG I was used to getting. My driving habits haven't changed, but my dirty air filter was.
I love the results I have gotten so far from my truck and am well pleased with its performance. The only problem to this point has been the ball joints replaced under warranty at 35K miles.
My brakes are not an issue as others have complained about. My opinion being that since my truck is not an automatic I extensively use the engine to provide braking and this saves the wear and heat buildup on my brake rotors. So much that my mechanic accuses me of never using my brakes.
I have the 4.7 V8, 5-speed manual transmission, and the 3.92 rear end with LSD. I agree with TexasTodd's summation. If you don't mind shifting yourself it's the best way to go.
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