Dodge Durango

jahman3000

I just bought a 2000 Durango, and I think the rear suspension is a "live" suspension. What does this mean?

ywilson

Take your truck to the dealer and have them look into the intake manifold. I remember other D's like your having oil leaking there. Try www.durangoclub.com. They have info on your problem there.

ywilson

I don't know what is wrong but if a tranny is making strange noises get it to the shop ASAP!! You don't want it to strand you somewhere. Check the fluid levels. You may need to add some fluid.

ywilson

A live suspension is one with leaf springs. Not the independent one that has struts. "Live Sprung" refers to the leaf springs.

ywilson

Just turned 71,000 miles in my 2k D. It turned while we were on vacation in Emerald Isle, NC. No problems with this vehicle. No failures, drives great still! This has been one of the best auto purchases I have made. Yes I do baby her but I am going to keep it for 10 years. I don't get new cars every 2 or 3. It is now time to get rid of the Goodyears. These are the worst tires I have ever had. I am looking to go with some Dunlops or BFgoodrich's. I can't wait for the winter to get some more snow!!!

porknbeans

Congrats on the mileage total. I thought that you were looking at the Yokohama's? What swayed you to the Dunlops and BFG's? BTW, which Dunlops? I'm assuming it's the BFG Comp T/A KO's.

porknbeans

Here is a LITTLE information about the upcoming redesign in 2005. Let's hope that the refinement that they elude to comes true.

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&content_code=09892435

ywilson

I was looking at the Yoko's but I have seen that their longevity leaves a little to be desired. I was looking at the Dunlop... D@MN I can't remember the name. I will have to find that brochure. But anyway, I realized that I am getting tired of "pinstriping" my paint so I am going to give the offroad a break for awhile. I have buffed out more scratches than I care to mention, but a good meaty tire with some good road manners is what I will be buying now. Just a switch in driving styles I guess. I still want the all weather capabilities but with a smoother and quieter tread design.

anonymous02

I am new here.

I am possibly interested in a used Durango. Just wondering what years to avoid or what ones to look for. Also what options (engine, tranny, etc.) to look for or avoid?

Or should I look at something else.

Currently have a 1996 Jetta and a 1997 Wrangler.

Also, how do these compare with something like a Trooper or S10 Blazer?

What might a decent price for a good used one be?

Thanks.

anonymous02

Is there a 4-Lo available in the Durango? A towing package? LSD? What is the rear end maker(Dana?)?

I have a boat, and want to go offroad with this also.

califjohn

When the new 5.7 hemi will go in the Durango? The best info I have found is not until MY2005.I am looking at the Durango or one of the GM triplets for my next SUV and that hemi would be awesome. I noticed zxguru's post on a problem of using 1 qt of oil every 4,000 miles! On some of the other SUV boards owners are complaining about using a qt of oil every 700 miles and report being told "it is within specs"! I try to change my '98 Chev Tahoe's oil (Mobil 1) every 4K whether it needs it or not. Old habits die hard I guess.

drumaize

I was wondering if any other consumers has found that with their 1999 Dodge Durqango that the power locks fail? I sometime have to click the locks two or 3 times to get the doors to unlock? Any advice?

rossdm

I have 60K miles on my '99 D and my A/C went out. Have had it in four times without success - fix lasts a day or two, then it's out again. Have replaced evaporator, dryer, expansion valve and compressor.

Anyone else have A/C problems? Is there something else I should be looking for?

porknbeans

I just had the rear lock on my tailgate go out, but nothing with the locks as a whole. I have already had to replace the batteries in my key fobe once.

I haven't had a problem with my a/c except I wish I had the dual system....alot of glass and area for one unit. I do remember that people were having problems with their systems, but I don't remember specifics. If you have the time I know it was discussed earlier in the forum.

anonymous02

Nobody has any advice for a potential Durango buyer?

porknbeans

Sorry, for not responding. Generally from what I've heard from my mechanic, this board and personal experience is that no model year for the Durango is really better than another. I would suggest that you start scanning the papers, fliers and internet to find one that you like with the options that you desire. Get the Vin number and run a carfax on it. Then go to the "real world trade in values" thread here at Edmunds and the people there will give you a VERY good idea of what to pay and what it is worth.

From my personal experience stay with the smaller V8 (unless you are towing). Get the third row seat with the additional A/C unit. GET ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WITH 4-WHEEL DISCS !!!! Finally, get rid of the OE tires as soon as financially possible.

I really like the utility, looks and size of the Durango. If you remember that it is a truck you also will be happy with the ride and performance. I haven't had the best luck with repairs on my D, but I also know of others who have had absolutely no problems.

I hope this helps. If you need anything more specific just ask or email me.

porknbeans

I took the plunge and put on Yokohama Geolander A/T Plus II's. You can read what I have to say in the Tires, Tires, Tires thread. Suffice it to say great so far. Bring on the rain and snow. BTW, $435 out the door for all 4 tires. I didn't think that was too bad.

anonymous02

I will be towing a small boat, so any of the engines should be fine. I was more thinking of a quality/reliability standpoint.

Don't want 3rd row of seats. I'd rather have the extra space.

Don't want ABS, but 4 disks are nice or do you need the first to get the second?

I Would likely put 32 inch tires on there. (Do you need a lift?)

Not knowing the "real world trade in value", what is a ballpark estimate on maybe a 1999 or 2000 model? $14000? $22000?

porknbeans

If it is a small boat I also think you will be safe with any engine. I would recommend the 4.7 because of better technology, efficiency, excellent reliability with 4450 lbs of towing capacity. I have the 5.9 and consistently get 13-14 mpg. On my 2000 you couldn't get 4 wheel disks without ABS and IMO, mine is under braked with rear drums. The standard size tires on the SLT are 31.5" tires so I don't think you'll need a lifter kit. From Edmunds I think you could find a 2000, 4.7, SLT from a private party for around 19-20k +/-.

For your information, I've heard from my mechanic and personal experience that front ball joints on these vehicles go out frequently. I have 69,000 miles on mine and I've had to replace the upper and lower front ball joints, all 4 shocks, rebuild the rear differential and replace the rear hatch lock.

anonymous02

One of the reasons I was curious about Durango is a mechanic who's done some work for me recommended it for an SUV.

I wonder what kind of MPG the 4.7 gets. How is this motor better? OHC?

I would probably redo the rear diff anyhow, so that's not a worry.

I guess I'd take the drums over the ABS then.

Anything else to know about these? Anyone else care to share?

ywilson

Porknbeans gave some good advice. I have the 4.7 and love the engine. I just flipped 72,000 while in NC and I have had NO problems with it. It is a great truck and reliable.

Porknbeans: glad you like the tires. I was reading somewhere that the Dunlops I wanted had a problem. One person who bought them had the steel belts in them split in half!! That was a mess to say the least. I may be looking at the Yoko's again. I will be placing an order tomorrow so I had better make up my mind quick. >8^)>

Anonymous: There are alot of good D's for sale out there at reasonable prices to boot! Get the 4.7 motor as with any used vehicle, let a qualified mechanic check it out for you. The D is a great truck. The turning radius is great for tight places too. It is "not to big but not too small." Enjoy it.

anonymous02

Why not get the BFG AT KO's? Those are inarguably one of the best SUV tires around with their total compromise of road and offroad, traction and quietness, decent price, and long lasting to boot!

What kind of gas mileage do you get with the 4.7? If it is not more than 3-5 mpg better than the 5.2, why not just get that instead?

What are the differences from year to year and model to model or where would I go to find that?

I want something which doesn't have to be to fancy or rugged, but must have the basic building blocks in place. One can always beef up the springs and shocks and tires and differentials to make a worthwhile offroad machine, right?

What else to look for?

ywilson

Tires: I like the Yoko's.

4.7 Gas Mileage: I get 15 city and 19 hwy. The 5.2 is an old design and it has been proven to be troublesome. It is no longer an option on Durango's. I don't need the 5.9 so I have the 4.7.
You can look on edmunds for the difference information.

anonymous02

I didn't see where they list the differences from each year and model. I am certainly not going to go look up what, 3 or 4 models time 3 or 4 years, and compare like 12-16 different vehicles on options and prices.

Does anyone else think that automakers have too many model lines, and should just have one model with whatever option you want off a checklist?

anonymous02

Thought you'd be interested.

90% of on road usage

Southeastern US usage

Cost and treadlife should be considered

http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=288865

paul174

I'm looking at replacing my 1991 explorer sport 4x4 with a 2003 Durango SLT 4x4. I do a lot of rock crawling in Colorado and am looking for others opinions on how well the Durango is suited for this. I also wonder how well the automatic transmission performs, as I have never had an automatic 4x4 before. Can it crawl at slow speeds like a standard can? I have been very happy with my explorer but want to upsize a little and gain a little more ground clearance for those really rough trails.

ywilson

you need a CJ-5 or Wrangler. To get a D to rock crawl you would first need to replace the front end with a solid axle. You can expect to spend about $10,000 to $15,000 for the mod's you will need. If you need a good all around truck that can handle some offroading (not the Rubicon) and can tow a load and handle adverse weather conditions well then a Durango is for you. It has about 8" of ground clearance and the auto tranny is good. For heavy duty off-roading is for you then you need a manual tranny. D's don't come with that option.

nealleo

I have read that 2004 dodge Durango will look
like the 2002 1500 Ram truck. You can go to
carconnection.com and see spy photo.

lorenhfl

I have a 99 D with 55K miles, no significant problems to date. Recently, the water temp has been going into the red, and the 'check gauges' warning comes on. It never occurs during the first drive of the day. Always occurs after the D has been turned off or idled, when I resume driving. The temp gauge stays in the red for 15-30 seconds, then goes back to normal. The cooling system has been checked and is operating normally - the temperature is not hot. My mechanic says that no error codes have registered in the computer.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem? Thanks (I think)!

marsha7

numerous truck and SUV topics, I have avoided the Dakota and Durango topics because I was under the impression that they both came with rear drums, and I am spoiled by 4 wheel discs...reading Motor Trend, they say both will now come with rear discs, so, here I am...these two vehicles are now on my (ever-expanding, getting to be too long) list of vehicles...gee, when will it ever stop???

BTW, reading some earlier posts, $500 for an attorney consult is ridiculous, I have seen from $125 to $200, but most will give a half hour of time for free if the case even sounds like it has any merit at all...altho, if I was consulting with Enron, Global Crossing or Worldcom, I would demand $500, paid in advance, no checks please, cash only...:):):):):)

Bob

awk0636

The rear door on my durango has never (in my opinion) worked properly. When I lock the doors with the keyless entry the rear door doesn't lock. I have to use the key to lock it. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks

porknbeans

Is it the rear doors or the hatch? It sounds like you are having the same problem that I had. My mechanic originally thought that the motor had gone bad, but after opening the hatch up they found that the wiring was just disconnected. It cost me about $40 for the labor and I haven't had the problem since.

awk0636

It is the hatch, sounds like that is the problem.
Thanks

ywilson

This has been a problem with the Durangos. The best way to repair this is to get some grease from your auto parts store. Remove the inside covering and put the grease on the mechanism. I used a marine grade and have had no trouble with it for over 2 years. A simple fix that is cheap.

porknbeans

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5416

Interesting that it will not look like the concepts that they have been showing lately (although really not that surprising). Impressive interior volume increase without an exterior size change.

ywilson

Porknbeans, I have seen that picture before. I really can't tell what the final product will look like but I am sure it will be a good one. It does kind of look like it is based on the new RAM. I think that will be a plus!

jmarino

I have a 2000 SLT Plus and I am looking at a 2003 R/T Model . I am wondering wha tthe differences are between the two besides the bigger engine and tires ?

anonymous02

on each?

diploid

I photoshopped a Ram on the Amateur Redesign Studio to make it look like an SUV.

I hope the new Durango will look similar to it.

fpgagirl

Hello, I'm hoping someone out there can help me. A few months ago I noticed that when I took my 98 Durango SLT Plus 5.2L up a steep hill, it would feel as tho it was loosing power and buck a bit. With a light foot, giving it some throttle eased it out of it's rodeo ride. Well, it started again on flat ground easing myself onto the freeway. Thought I was going to have to pull over. The truck did throw a code once which was a misfire in #8 cylinder. The other day, once again I thought it was going to die (loud pops the entire time of lack of power could be heard like popcorn kernals in a steal drum) Once I got it onto the freeway it was fine. Today, again, easing onto the freeway, it repeated the lack of power, bucking and popping. It was taken back home and switched for the other car. It's going to the mechanic tonite. It has almost 60K miles on it and it's spark plugs were changed not too long ago and about 100 miles ago the spark plug wires were changed.

Any ideas what is wrong with this thing? Bad sensor, fuel filter/pump, bad injector (system was professionally cleaned within the last 5 to 10K miles)

Thanks a bunch.

mccubs

I have a 2001 D-SLT and was having problems with the fan blower motor continually blowing 45 amp fuses. After having my D at the dealership 7 times, replacement of 3 blower motors, 3 resistors and 1 ignition switch part, the problem was finally found to be a wire in the steering column that was pinched every time the tilt steering wheel was lowered. The wire was rerouted and replaced and no there is no problems. I pass this info along in case anyone else is having this problem.

ywilson

Sounds like it could be your TPS (throttle positioning sensor). It is located on the side of the throttle body. I would have a competent mechanic read the codes and change it.

durango318

Who knows how to find the chat room: My Durango is a Lemon? We are working on a consumer story about the engine sludge.

I personally had the engine replaced under warranty after it blew. Reason: sludge. It's a flaw in the design and we want to blow it wide open - nationally.

I just got my D back from the dealer. 53,000 miles. Deluxe extended warranty.
Front and rear oil seals, new starter, possibly needs a new tranny, you wouldn't believe what else they found.
Please let me know if you had problems with sludge.

I will post an email address soon that you can contact if your engine sludged up and they wouldn't fix it.

Please let me know how to find the other chat room.

anonymous02

Was there water mixed in with oil? Antifreeze?

stever

Here's the link to the "My 2000 Dodge Durango IS A LEMON!" discussion. I'm not sure what you are looking for to "blow it wide open", but please, no soliciting on Town Hall (including email harvesting).

Steve, Host

wildhorseharry

I have a 98 Durango. The paint is now coming off in large areas on the steel part of the front bumper. It started 18 mos ago as symptoms similar to paint chips, but appears the entire subsurface is defective. Spots all over it are now beginnign to come off, anybody else out there experiencing this?

kristim

My 99 Durango (currently at 60K miles) has experienced problems ranging from revving when started, revving when pulling out, check gauges light coming on, a low-pitched type of whiny noise when starting the car in a warm temperature climate and turning on the A/C. This month, my ABS and Brake light came on and won't turn off even though the parking brake is disengaged. Second problem this month is a cracked fan belt (which is the same belt that controls the A/C). After an initial check of the belt, it also needs a water pump. Frustrating history of repairs! Any similar history of problems out there?

ywilson

The revving is more than likely the TPS (throttle positioning sensor). It is located on the driver side of the throttle body. (on the 4.7 at least). If I remember correctly it is a $26.00 part that you can put on yourself easily. The ABS light could be the sensor that is located on top of the rear diff. I think it is the ABS sensor but I will have to look in my service manual. Not to easy to get to but if you are mechanically inclined it would take about 30 mins to fix. Most of the problems with the D's usually relate to sensors going out, that I have seen. When one does it usually get's your attention by causing a number of anomolies. As for the fan belt, that is a maintanance issue that should always be addressed by the owner when the truck is putting on the miles. You have a 99 with 60K on the clock. I have a 2000 with 79K on the clock. Absolutely no probs to report.

ywilson

I don't know why but the paint used on Chryco cars is water based now. It dings easily and scratches easily. i have never heard of the paint coming off like that but my guess would be factory related. I don't know if they would but I would take it back to the dealer and see if they can do anything about it. If they don't then I would find a competant paint shop to do the work. I have a few pin stripes on mine as well. Got them from offroading through the woods. I got tired of the scratches so I don't do that much anymore. I have lot's of pin holes in my front bumper but I wax over them and I get no rust or peeling. You may want to try the wax and get some body color paint from the dealer. I am able to hide alot of the paint damage that way also.

kilbyson

I have shopped local NJ dealers but if I take 60month zero finance option they are holding to MSRP pricing. I realise dealers probably have to kick back some amount to Dodge if this option used but has anyone got better than MSRP?
Thinking of the SXT model pretty basis-MSRP $30235