Thinking about buying a Durango and I am looking for advice.
Any of them I should avoid?
What should I look for?
What motor should I get 4.7, 5.2 or 5.9? Not worried about gas mileage. Do all motor options come with the same drive train as in does the 4.7's have weaker axles, transmissions, transfer cases than say the 5.9's or do all of them use the same?
I hear all kinds of horror stories about 1990's Dodge truck transmission problems, is there any point and time where Dodge got their p00 together and upgraded the transmissions as in the late 90's or early 2000's?
I want a first gen body style so a Hemi is not an option.
Anyone know what the RPO codes are for limited slip/locking diff and where are the RPO codes located?
google
I know my grandparents had a 97 or 98 i believe (somewhere in there) they bought it new back then and they used it mainly for when they pulled their 5th wheel during the summer, and they loved it. It was in the shop a few times for trans issues but mostly they liked it. They hated the gas usage but over all i guess good for them. I do know the durango's do have poor crash quality and are known for having problems in the trans on and off though. Been hearing that sense they started making them.
how did they pull a fifth wheel with a durango? just wondered
Quote from: 95-Jeep on September 30, 2011, 12:49:07 PM
how did they pull a fifth wheel with a durango? just wondered
I guess thats what ya call it. It was a pull behind camper thing with 4 wheels and was really nice inside. I dont camp myself so not real up to date on what all those campers are called.
Looked kinda like one of these but slightly bigger. (SORRY DISTURBAN NOT TRYING TO HIJACK YOUR THREAD) ==np
i would suggest the 2000 and up
Quote from: Flat_Black on September 30, 2011, 11:22:14 AM
google
Ummmm yeah I did that and came up with 15 million different results, I even joined a Durango forum.
So far I am leaning towards a 2001 with a 4.7
Quote from: Disturban on September 30, 2011, 05:43:44 PM
Quote from: Flat_Black on September 30, 2011, 11:22:14 AM
google
Ummmm yeah I did that and came up with 15 million different results, I even joined a Durango forum.
So far I am leaning towards a 2001 with a 4.7
then you have not did enough research... look for all the problems the 4.7 has then come back to me.
just a quick google search http://www.ehow.com/about_5571443_dodge-engine-problems.html (http://www.ehow.com/about_5571443_dodge-engine-problems.html)
318/360 has a few problems but now where near the amount of the 4.7. the 318/360 main problem is the intake belly pan gasket, but thats a very easy fix. as for the trannys the problem is HEAT so out with the stock cooler and in with a nice after market.
Quote from: Flat_Black on September 30, 2011, 06:28:46 PM
Quote from: Disturban on September 30, 2011, 05:43:44 PM
Quote from: Flat_Black on September 30, 2011, 11:22:14 AM
google
Ummmm yeah I did that and came up with 15 million different results, I even joined a Durango forum.
So far I am leaning towards a 2001 with a 4.7
then you have not did enough research... look for all the problems the 4.7 has then come back to me.
just a quick google search http://www.ehow.com/about_5571443_dodge-engine-problems.html (http://www.ehow.com/about_5571443_dodge-engine-problems.html)
318/360 has a few problems but now where near the amount of the 4.7. the 318/360 main problem is the intake belly pan gasket, but thats a very easy fix. as for the trannys the problem is HEAT so out with the stock cooler and in with a nice after market.
Hes right. Ive been on and off threw out the day tracking down info for ya man to try and help you out, and it seems like all i see is people having issues with mostly the 4.7 Most with rod knocks and oil pressure problems. Some people do LOVE their 4.7 and have over 200k with them but A LOT i see are troubled after 60 k miles. So id really rethink the 4.7 seems every site or add I find the cons out weight the pro's on that motor.
This is a few things I came up with so far.
autos.msn.com rated the 2001 the best year durango.
The 4.7 came with the 45rfe auto which is solid. The 5.2 and 5.9 had the old 4 speed with the bad reputation.
I have read many threads and sites about the problems with the 4.7, they are mostly due to lack of maintenance, bad PCV valve causing oil sludge problems, and cooling system neglect. Cooling system repair is an easy fix/upgrade and as far as oil sludge a few treatments of Autorx and then good quality oil such as Amsoil SSO and new PCV Valve should cure any oil issues.
well i have a 2002 i bought with 62,000 i now have 138,000 on it i tow mud truck , a camper 26'
and run this all over the state no problems it has a 4.7 with 3:92 gears all wheel drive will have it on the next trail ride also we did 2 wheelbeariings and a power steering pump I love mine plastic bumpers too no rust door bottoms and tail gate bottom are 1st.
good luck
trust me there is nothing wrong with the 46rh any and all chrysler trannys HATE the heat. i have had tomany trucks to count and never once had a trans trouble. after market cooler and good fluid you will never have any trouble. but its your money to do with what you like and your going to buy what you want. good luck with the search
Quote from: Flat_Black on September 30, 2011, 09:44:39 PM
trust me there is nothing wrong with the 46rh any and all chrysler trannys HATE the heat. i have had tomany trucks to count and never once had a trans trouble. after market cooler and good fluid you will never have any trouble. but its your money to do with what you like and your going to buy what you want. good luck with the search
While I agree heat is the number one enemy of any automatic transmission the older Dodges have weak sprag gears and the band has a boss on it that breaks and or bends in the 46rh transmission and when that happens it becomes loose and will slip in 2nd gear.
All these issues was taken care of in the transmissions ( 45rfe ) used behind the 4.7 liter, so I have been told.
I am not knocking your advice, I am open to all suggestions and at this point I am just doing my homework I have not made any finale decisions yet I want to hear what everyone has to say.
Quote from: BIG DOG on September 30, 2011, 09:41:38 PM
well i have a 2002 i bought with 62,000 i now have 138,000 on it i tow mud truck , a camper 26'
and run this all over the state no problems it has a 4.7 with 3:92 gears all wheel drive will have it on the next trail ride also we did 2 wheelbeariings and a power steering pump I love mine plastic bumpers too no rust door bottoms and tail gate bottom are 1st.
good luck
Yeah I seen your Durango and was talking to you about it back then on the new years trail ride, remember back then I was thinking about getting one. Now I am seriously thinking about it, I can just get so much more bang for the buck compared to a suburban of the same price as far as options, mileage and rust goes.
if your worried about the trannys get manual :P thats how i roll, much dislike for automatics :)
Quote from: lilred on September 30, 2011, 11:33:48 PM
if your worried about the trannys get manual :P thats how i roll, much dislike for automatics :)
I love automatics...it is just some are weak by design as is there are weak manuals as well.
Quote from: Disturban on September 30, 2011, 11:48:03 PM
Quote from: lilred on September 30, 2011, 11:33:48 PM
if your worried about the trannys get manual :P thats how i roll, much dislike for automatics :)
I love automatics...it is just some are weak by design as is there are weak manuals as well.
I dont know what you are talking about... ive only put 4 in my truck...... ==roll ;D ==djdj run it! Could go old school.... the old dodge 727 trannys were tough! ;D
yes i remember thats why i posted i have a durango lol 8)
Love my durango. I can go where ever and not worry about it. Clyde says though we need to look into getting a vehicle that gets better gas mileage though. I don't think I am going to find anything compairable though. It has definetly been the best vehicle we have owned. Still looks as good as it did the day we bought it.
(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z81/clydehoover/4-14-10005.jpg) (http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z81/clydehoover/4-14-10005.jpg)
I have a 2003 dodge with a 4.7L. It's a money pit!
i bought my wife a 02 with a 4.7 we love it. 183k miles on it runs and shifts perfect. keep the oil changed with synthetic oil every 2500 miles and youll be fine. ours is just starting to develop a tick on start up when cold think im gonna put a set of valve lash adjusters in it. i know they do have a huge oil sludge issue so i flush the engine with seafoam before every oil change. i also have the 3.92 gears average mpg 14. not great but for the all around happiness of the truck its fine for us.
Quote from: DANGER-RANGER on October 02, 2011, 03:40:54 AM
i bought my wife a 02 with a 4.7 we love it. 183k miles on it runs and shifts perfect. keep the oil changed with synthetic oil every 2500 miles and youll be fine. ours is just starting to develop a tick on start up when cold think im gonna put a set of valve lash adjusters in it. i know they do have a huge oil sludge issue so i flush the engine with seafoam before every oil change. i also have the 3.92 gears average mpg 14. not great but for the all around happiness of the truck its fine for us.
According to the people on the Dodge forums they are not oil sludgers, the problem is the engineers designed a poor PCV system that is plumbed into the filler neck and when the hot oil meets the cold plastic it creates condensation and a milky residue inside the filler neck people mistake for sludge. Seen this on bobistheoilguy also, it is nothing to worry about for the most part, if the residue drips down into the pan the moisture will be evaporated when the vehicle is at operating temp just like any other engine.