Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
#2516300
07/02/18 11:25 AM
07/02/18 11:25 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618 Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
DusterJeff
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618
Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
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Hello Everyone,I was wondering,To all the Durango owners out there,what are your likes and dislikes about the Durango.I am considering getting into one since some "Ding a Ling" pulled out in front of me and totaled out my 96 Neon ( May it Rest in Peace).I,m looking at Durango years of 2000 to 2006.4 wheel drive vs All wheel drive.Is all wheel drive on all the time or just on demand.The 4.7 V-8 or the Hemi,I don,t want the 5.9 motor thinking the milage would be poor from the 5.9.Servicability,rust issues,maintenance issues,etc. Thanks for your responses. Have a good day.. Jeff
Last edited by DusterJeff; 07/02/18 11:25 AM.
Do Something..Lead..Follow..or get the {Beep} out of the way..
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2516345
07/02/18 01:08 PM
07/02/18 01:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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We have a 2005 hemi with 120K miles on it. Bought it used with 50K miles on it.
It has never broke down, did need a EGR valve at 65-70K miles(set off a code) Got a new gas tank and air bags under recalls that did not cost us anything.
There is now some rust around the rear wheel wells. I recently put a new muffler and tail pipe on it and new tires. It is AWD and 4 wheel drive and we drive it every winter. I used a personal snow plow on it for a few winters. We have had it since about 2007.
I don't like getting in and out of it being a big guy as I hit my head on the windshield pillar if I am not careful. My wife drives it 95% of the time and likes it. It does have a pretty good blind spot too looking over your shoulder. Wife got in a fender bender because of it.
Overall I give it a B...we still have it because it has been reliable. Has a killer Bose stereo in it with leather and tons of power. Uses lot's gas though.
Last edited by Challenger 1; 07/02/18 08:34 PM.
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2516354
07/02/18 01:21 PM
07/02/18 01:21 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,822 Colorado
denfireguy
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,822
Colorado
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I had a 2003, the last year of the body on frame Durango. It was a 4.7L SLT plus that came with all of the options except moon roof. It went 190,000 miles before any major repairs (water pump, plugs, oil and routine maintenance not included). At 190K, front drive shaft CV joint failed. Out of balance condition ovaled the front transfer case bearing mount. Repaired that and ran it for another 30K when I donated it to a local charity after getting my 2014 Ram. In that 220,000 miles, neither the engine or the transmission were ever opened up for any reason. It was AWD and still the best snow vehicle I have ever driven. Faults: AWD keeps the MPG down: 15.5 MPG average for city and highway without much variation between the two. Around here, there are lots of pre 2004 Durangos still on the road. The 2004s came out with the 5.7L Hemi and unibody construction. 2014 introduced the 8 speen transmission.
2014 Ram 1500 Laramie, 73 Cuda Previous mopars: 62 Valiant, 65 Fury III, 68 Fury III, 72 Satellite, 74 Satellite, 89 Acclaim, 98 Caravan, 2003 Durango Only previous Non-Mopar: Schwinn Tornado
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2516498
07/02/18 05:42 PM
07/02/18 05:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419 Kalispell Mt.
HotRodDave
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,419
Kalispell Mt.
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the 2000 - 2003 tow really well handle good pretty reliable 4wd stuff, the 5.2 5.9 trannys need proper care or you will think they are junk, do band adjustments every couple years along with a trans service and learn the difference between a bad gov solenoid/sensor and a bad transmission, lots of people come in here asking me to rebuild their transmission and all they really need is one or both of those, same with band adjustments.
The 4.7 engine needs timing chains typically around 150,000, probably should do lifters and head gaskets all at the same time to save a few bucks on labor. The trans was way less fussy on those.
The 5.7 is the way to go, they get the best MPG the most power and most reliable overall except if you run through a puddle you will hydrolock the engine (supposedly the reason they like to kick a rod out of a perfectly good well maintained engine).
If you just can't get over the butt ugly body the 5.7 came in I would get a 5.2 or 5.9. The 4.7 is slow and not much if any better on gas. The only good thing about the 4.7 is they can be had cheap.
I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2516509
07/02/18 06:09 PM
07/02/18 06:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,543 chicagoland,usa
buildanother
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,543
chicagoland,usa
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Still have my 03 4x4 4.7 with over 190 k mi. Had it for 6 years and since 114k mi. Had upper recall ball joints already on it when I got it, and have replaced them again along with right front hub bearing. Exhaust still quiet at manifolds, cold and hot. Waiting for noise out of them. The thing tows good, runs good, and is sitting at 16.5 mpg avg. It will get 18 or 19 mpg hwy if kept at 70 mph or less. Things like starter, alternator, trans, and water pump are orig. I hope the chains give me warning before they go, but are quiet now. Intermediate steering column I have changed. 91/4 pinion seal last year but bearings are hanging in there. Mine shows no external body rust yet, but I know it's coming.
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: Challenger 1]
#2516601
07/02/18 09:30 PM
07/02/18 09:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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We have a 2005 hemi with 120K miles on it. Bought it used with 50K miles on it.
It has never broke down, did need a EGR valve at 65-70K miles(set off a code) Got a new gas tank and air bags under recalls that did not cost us anything.
There is now some rust around the rear wheel wells. I recently put a new muffler and tail pipe on it and new tires. It is AWD and 4 wheel drive and we drive it every winter. I used a personal snow plow on it for a few winters. We have had it since about 2007.
I don't like getting in and out of it being a big guy as I hit my head on the windshield pillar if I am not careful. My wife drives it 95% of the time and likes it. It does have a pretty good blind spot too looking over your shoulder. Wife got in a fender bender because of it.
Overall I give it a B...we still have it because it has been reliable. Has a killer Bose stereo in it with leather and tons of power. Uses lot's gas though. Couple more things about our durango, when the muffler got a rust hole in it the hemi sounded pretty tough! Some guys would pay good money for that sound! LOL Fresh exhaust system gave the thing a new solid feel. The wife likes it again now that it is quiet again. The exhaust parts were pretty cheap off amazon and I installed it in a hour or 2. It has had a rattle in the front end for like 30K miles. I pretty sure it could use some bushings of some sort. Handling and tire wear has been good so am not worrying about it. I put the goodyear wranglers back on it after the original set lasted 70K miles. Then just recently put 4 new ones on it as the ones that were on it had 50K miles but were 7 years old with about 1/2 tread left. She blew a tire on the interstate in Iowa during trip to Montana in it. So we got 4 new tires when she got home. Used the 10-12 year old spare to get her home. I was sitting on pins and needles until she got home. The moral of my story is the new tires ride so much better than the old hard Goodyears that was on it. Amazing to me that the new tires were so much better riding. I put Firestone destination(economy tire) on it this time since I don't know how much longer we will keep it. Actually this is the only rust so far, on one corner. I took these picture tonight. She keeps it clean.
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: Jim_Lusk]
#2516780
07/03/18 09:20 AM
07/03/18 09:20 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618 Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
DusterJeff
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618
Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
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Much thanks to all that have replied,keep them coming "Gang".The prices in my area are all over the board for Durango,s.Ive seen a lot of "Rust Issues" in them,the lower rockers in the 2004 and above,especially those with running boards.Tailgates and rear fenders seem to be another "Rust Area".Some with "Transmission" issues.....as mentioned could be the transmission itself or the tranny solenoid.I like the idea of being able to haul stuff in them,especially with the fold down seats.MY 96 Neon,I hauled long stuff "Sticking" out the back window going down the road,got some "Looks",especially in the winter months.Sure miss that Neon,I got 42 MPG,s on a good day on the highway with that thing.... .Sits low to the ground too,kind of looking for a vehichle that is easier to get in and out of.I know the mileage is not the best in the Durango,s,but is a tradeoff to be able to haul some stuff and people around once in a while.I don,t travel much on long trips so that is no problem. I do like the looks of the older Durango,s Pree 2004 models.
Do Something..Lead..Follow..or get the {Beep} out of the way..
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2516785
07/03/18 09:54 AM
07/03/18 09:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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Bought a '00 5.9 2wd new. Got 15-16 in town and 22-24 hwy depending on how I drove it. Ran like a scalded cat. Couple of years ago I bought another '00 5.9 4wd w/ a bad engine. Scored a recently rebuilt 5.9 for it. Drove it a short time and had to do the solenoid/sensor deal. Drove it a little longer and trans went completely out. Did a 5 spd. swap instead of rebuilding the auto and absolutely love it. Mileage picked up in-town about 1 mpg BUT I need to do the plenum gasket as it's sucking oil. Maybe the mpg will pick up a little after that. Never have checked it on hwy. but it seems about the same as when it was an auto (15-16). Unless you need/want awd or 4wd I would stick to 2wd for the better mileage. If I had known 4wd was that bad I sure would have. If you want to travel a little craigslist around here has a good selection of what looks like clean ones (especially bad 4.7s). Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2517111
07/03/18 06:18 PM
07/03/18 06:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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Bought a Dakota off craigslist. New flywheel, clutch assy, bearings, and hydraulics. Best thing is I don't have to worry about the automatic anymore. Towed a '95 Dakota home over the weekend on a dolly and was impressed with how well it pulled it. Not that I plan to make that a habit. Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: I_bleed_MOPAR]
#2517119
07/03/18 06:29 PM
07/03/18 06:29 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618 Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
DusterJeff
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 618
Vesper,Wisconsin U.S.A
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Mucho Gracious Tim That is what I suspected...That opens up a whole lot of "Possibilities"..... Did you make a center console or did Dakotas have them in them??? or did you just cut a whole in the floor and use a chrome oval ring and rubber boot???.......The motors have to match too...I don,t know what came in the Dakotas....Cannabalize as many parts as you can...Bell housing,hydraulic clutch set up and pedal assembly..I,m getting Excited now.....
Last edited by DusterJeff; 07/03/18 06:32 PM.
Do Something..Lead..Follow..or get the {Beep} out of the way..
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2517174
07/03/18 09:06 PM
07/03/18 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668 Buford, GA
I_bleed_MOPAR
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,668
Buford, GA
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Actually used my console and the boots from a '99? Dakota that I grabbed at a pull-a-part. There was a tray in my console that I trimmed out and the trim boot clipped right in. Been pestering HotRodDave with questions about PCMs and with his help have decided to just buy a reman for a 2000 1500 with 5.9 and 5 spd. Thanks again, Dave. If you do wind up wanting to do the swap PM me and I'll give you as much info/help as I can. Tim
'71 Charger 383/727 '17 Challenger SXT (Wifeys car )
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Re: Dodge Durango Owmers-Likes and Dislikes
[Re: DusterJeff]
#2517187
07/03/18 10:03 PM
07/03/18 10:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,395 Highland, MI.
Sunroofcuda
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,395
Highland, MI.
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3 of my reps have had these previous generation Durangos. They seem to be very robust vehicles - I'd get one with the Hemi. Things I do not like about them most are the VERY harsh ride, & extensively "plasticy" interiors. I was even looking at getting one of them for my wife, as the prices are pretty good. If I was going to get one, I'd be looking at Aspens - little nicer appointments. Don't settle for a rusty one - look a few hundred miles to the south of WI. for a clean one from the south somewhere.
No Man With A Good Car Needs To Be Justified
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