Hey all,

I'm about 6 weeks into owning a 2003 Dakota Quad Cab SLT 4x4. It's got all the bells and whistles on it in including the heavy-duty service/tow package, etc.

I had some time to kill today while our easter ham was in the smoker so I decided to crawl around under the truck and have a look around. I'm obsessive about my vehicles. I get to know them inside and out.

I noticed just behind the rear bumper is a round bar, about 2" in diameter, spanning the width of the frame and mounted via some rubber contraption on each end. If I grab it, I can rotate it about 30 degrees from 0 each direction (forward and aft). Any idea what this is? I looked around in the books I have on the vehicle and couldn't find any information.

Sorry I don't have any pics. Couldn't get a good shot with the camera.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find more information about the capabilities of this fine vehicle, it's installed accessory packages, etc? I've got big plans for this truck. I'd like to know exactly what I'm starting out with aside from the basic information the dealer gave me.

Thanks!

JL

 

its a vibration damper

 

its a sway bar, not a vibration dampener...... vibration dampeners are found on engines, not on the rear of the truck at all unless the engine is mounted back there

 

Sounds like ur descibing the rear swaybar. Improves the handling, helps to keep the body from leaning or swaying on turns. Theres a bigger one in the front.
Ifyou have the tow package like mine, that meansit should have anexternal trans. cooler, probably limited slip rear diff. and at least the 3.55 gears.I assume it has the 4.7 engine, thats 235hp/300 ft.lbs. of torque, its a great package!
As far as capabilities, off road it will go anywhere,blow away any midsize truck performance wise, hauling and towing, not to mention looks.

 

No kidding huh?!

I do have the tow package but don't know if I have the limited slip rear diff. I would guess no... It's quite squirrelly in the snow and it doesn't feel anything like my Durango that I know has the limited slip. It does have the 4.7 engine.

It's a bitchin truck... I've always wanted one like it. (kinda like that scene in Back to The Future where Marty McFly sees that black 4x4 on the back of the flatbed). I'm wincing a little bit with the price of gas lately ($3.40 here in Colorado) but I'm super happy to have the truck and have been sacrificing driving it during the week so I can have fun with it on the weekends (I ride my road bike to work).

My truck is Arctic White... Here's a couple of photos of the truck and engine. I need to get some skid plates for it. I have no idea why the orginal owner didn't get skid plates, but apparently MOPAR doesn't make them anymore so I'm searching high and low in junk yards.

Thanks so much for the info. This newbie appreciates it. Everyone in this forum has been extremely helpful. I'm really looking forward to getting her off-road this summer.

-JL



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looks nice, never seen one with no tinted windows however!

 

thats a sharp looking truck

 

I think we need a picture. Sway bars aren't located behind the rear bumper, and aren't 2" in diameter.

 

no its not a sway bar! the sway bar is on the frame and third member. the thing that the original poster is asking about is found right behind the the rear bumper on quad cab models. and it is a viberation damper. if you don't think i know what i'm talking about unbolt it and go for a nice long ride.

 

gonna chime in here because i believe that 01dakota440 is right... my buddy has a QC also and the damper is in the same place

but i also second JasonA and say get a pic Threads are generally worthless without pics