Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks?

Posted By: Michael Ecks

Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/29/14 05:02 PM

I really need to replace my Jeep Wrangler TJ. I can live with the gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive, but its gotten too uncomfortable with knee problems, has no room for gear on trips, and the weather here is too hot and unpredictable to enjoy taking the top off.

I have been looking for a magnum powered ramcharger, but it is a seemingly rare combination. Then I realized all the Durangos from that era have a magnum engine, overdrive, and 4WD.

I keep seeing what look like good deals on the 1st generation ones, seems a lot of people have taken good care of them. I'm just wondering if they have any major issues before I start seriously checking them out and move to sell the Wrangler. Electrical gremlins? Rust issue areas? I know the Magnum engines are solid, what about the rest of the drivetrain?

Are there different packages besides the R/T, like the rubicon off road package for jeeps with locking axles? I do use my jeeps 4WD often at work, and have gotten stuck once without the lockers.

Advice appreciated. Thanks

Posted By: mcmopars

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/29/14 05:20 PM

i bought a new one in 98,5.9 motor,heavy duty tow package,duel batteries,391 gears ,od.really nice ride.i had zero problems.mine was the slt plus

Posted By: Rob C

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/29/14 05:47 PM

The wife's '98 - 5.9 Durango has 285K. Minor issues. Replaceable parts only.
My '03 Dakota with the LA V6 (318 -2 cylinders), 220K. Ditto as above.

The only thing I do not like is the use of standard metal for the brake lines. Replacement line from the dealer or stupid expensive BUT were upgraded in SOME cases to stainless steel.

The cave eat spots are:

Rear axle
Engine compartment, driver side, around the distribution block
AND as the brake lines leave the anti lock module heading backwards and downwards

These are the problem rust areas. Address this before any driving is done.

IMO, the front end parts (aftermarket) wear out a little quickly.
I go through brakes a little fast as well and IMO though my daily commute (3-5 days a week) is 50 miles one way. NYC rush hour traffic can be a little harsh.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/29/14 07:02 PM

My 99 with 5.9 we bought in 01 with 20k miles now has over 100K.It needed a tank strap and exhaust manifold.My son still drives it every day.Look at the brake lines real close.Ive had to replace frt to rear and both on rear axle when we did why cyls.Mileage isnt great but thats about it.The 99 is loaded with leather full power and rear air.Rocky

Posted By: mopar346

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 03:29 AM

Bought a 98 5.2 4WD new, no issues to speak of, tranny at 216k and our daughter totaled it at 220k, she played a double header the next day. I also have a 2 Dakotas with the same running gear, a 99 that the tranny went out at 285k and a 97 that I bought at 135k had some trans solinode work before I bought it but it has also been trouble free. I am in about the same climate as you and have had no issues with rust or brake lines. Still drive my 97 to PA several times a year, taking it up in July, it has 250k on it. Good riding great driving vehicles but 14 mpg regardless of how you drive, I think the 5.9 is only good for about 12-13 I hear.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 03:58 AM

My 99 on a trip would get about 17.In town me driving I got 12 to 14.the wife used to get maybe 10.She has a lead foot.Rocky

Posted By: Michael Ecks

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 04:01 AM

Quote:

Bought a 98 5.2 4WD new, no issues to speak of, tranny at 216k and our daughter totaled it at 220k, she played a double header the next day. I also have a 2 Dakotas with the same running gear, a 99 that the tranny went out at 285k and a 97 that I bought at 135k had some trans solinode work before I bought it but it has also been trouble free. I am in about the same climate as you and have had no issues with rust or brake lines. Still drive my 97 to PA several times a year, taking it up in July, it has 250k on it. Good riding great driving vehicles but 14 mpg regardless of how you drive, I think the 5.9 is only good for about 12-13 I hear.

I'll avoid the 5.9 then. With the overdrive I expected more than 14mpg, I think even the magnum/overdrive ramchargers got better than that. Are there any tips for improving mileage on these era Durangos Dakotas? Short Headers, muffler swap, is there a MPG difference in the different rear end gear options?

Posted By: mopar346

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 04:12 AM

Through 3 of them, all 4WD with 3.91 and 31 10.50s, 14 with either me or my wife, highway or in town, rarely less rarely more. My son claims he can get 15 but he drives like a Grandma.

Posted By: MoparMarq

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 04:36 AM

'01 R/T here (5.9, 46RE, 3.92 gears). It's not a DD, but I do like driving it. Around town, I can get 14mpg if I am somewhat careful. 16 is fairly easy on the highway, though I do have headers, full 3" system from aftermarket Y-pipe back, Fastman TB, and K&N FIPK. Mine just turned 100K with the only problems being a rear door lock actuator switch failure (causing automatic locking and relocking doors during driving) and driver's side glass regulator failure (bottom cable guide broken). Both easy fixes.

The '01 is AWD all the time, electronically selectable to 4WD high and 4WD low. Also has
rack and pinion steering - someone should correct me, but I thought earlier models had a box. If memory serves, the '00 and back are 2WD all the time, selectable manually with a cabin lever to 4WD, so those years might get slightly better fuel economy. (I did get 19.1 mpg on a Seattle round trip once doing 55mph the whole way - just to prove to my wife it could be done. She averages 20.5mpg in her Toyota Venza.)

Good luck in your quest.

FWIW, the Grand Cherokee is not a bad vehicle. My sister has one - '04 Laredo with the inline 6 4.0 liter. 42RE. 2WD selectable with a cabin lever to 4WD high or lo. She gets around 18mpg or so with a lead foot. Front axle is of course the solid type, so perhaps a little more durable than the IFS on the Durango. Front diff on the D is "Corporate 205mm". On the WJ is a Dana, IIRC.
Not trying to dissuade you from the D, but it's an idea.

Posted By: buildanother

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 04:57 AM

Still have the 03 parttime 4x4 with 4.7 and mpg right now is at 17 with much highway. I believe the 2 wheelers were always rack and pin, and 4x4's got it for 2000 and up.

Posted By: Jim_Lusk

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 07:36 AM

They are NOT all 4wd. Mine is a 2000, 2wd/5.9/3.55 gear. I get 12-ish in town and 17-21 on the highway depending on the speed the cruise is set to (at 65 it gets 21).

Posted By: denfireguy

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 06/30/14 11:54 PM

Quote:

They are NOT all 4wd. Mine is a 2000, 2wd/5.9/3.55 gear. I get 12-ish in town and 17-21 on the highway depending on the speed the cruise is set to (at 65 it gets 21).

As he said, not all. However, in Colorado, 90% plus were ordered that way. My Durango SLT plus gets 15.5 Mpg year round with full time AWD.
188,000 and counting. My daily driver.
Craig

Posted By: screamindriver

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 07/01/14 01:58 AM

I've got a 99 durango 5.2 4WD with 240,000 plus and still going...Was going to trade it in back when it was worth something but now it's around just to see how many miles it will roll up before it's dead...

All the brake and trans lines have been replaced...Some without issue some with an excitement factor on the road...
Had a trans issue under the 32k warranty which didn't come back...
Been through numerous front end wear items...

The wifey learned the hard way about backing down the boatdock too far to unload the speedboat and ended up with a rear replacement..

But that was'nt the truck's fault..

Overall a dependable vehicle if you can keep the rustbelt issues at a minimum...

Posted By: WO23Coronet

Re: Used 1st Generation Durangos, decent trucks? - 07/01/14 05:28 AM

I think any 5.2/5.9 would get a major boost in power and mileage with a good computer tune. The factory tune is horrible