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Dodge Durango

1712 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2010 at 2:18 PM

You are in the Dodge Durango Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Durango, SUV

Messages Page 70 of 172

#691 of 1712 Have brake/engine problems been fixed? by pat_n

Apr 16, 2002 (11:01 pm)

We are looking for an SUV to be a combination family hauler and tow vehicle, towing 5500+ pounds several times a year, including over mountain passes.
 
I have been looking seriously at Durangos, but am extremely alarmed at reports of "sludge buildup" engine failures and brakes/ABS so bad they cause rear-end crashes.
 
My question- were either of these problems fixed for the 2001 model year? I am interested in a 2001 R/T, but have all but eliminated Durangos from our search due to the problem reports, particularly the brakes. I will not put my family in a dangerous vehicle.
 
Looking for 2001/2002 owners who have had experience with either of these problems, or other serious issues.
 
Also, we need this vehicle to go for 150K miles or more. Is that realistic given Dodge's current quality standards?
 
Thanks for your time-

#692 of 1712 pat_n by ywilson

Apr 17, 2002 (9:20 am)

I have a 2000 that just turned 57,000 miles this weekend. I have had no problems with it. 4.7 motor, strong tranny. I use it as a daily driver as well as a vacation vehicle(long miles) and enjoy it totally. I looked at other SUV's and knew that this one was for me. You should go to www.durangoclub.com and check out that web site also. I have my truck all synthed out so I have much less a worry about fluid and longevity issues. I am shooting to get 300,000 or more out of it. I keep my vehicles forever it seems and I am pretty sure this truck will go the distance. The sludge is in the 5.2 liter motors. Something with the oil galleries. Get the 4.7 or if alot of towing go with the 5.9 motor. Use synthetics and you can't go wrong. My brakes are fine. I just changed the front pads and the rotors are great. Rears are good also. As far as rear endings go, PEOPLE FOLLOW TO CLOSELY. I have noticed this alot lately.
 
porknbeans:
They did remove the ability to lube the chassis in the 2000 models. There is no way to do a lube on bushings any more. The squeak is not bad. I only notice it on speed bumps and similar things. I just spray on some lube and it lasts for a couple of weeks then goes away. I called the dealer and bushings are covered under warranty. Mine will be changed next week.

#693 of 1712 Would like to buy a Durango by flaqui

Apr 17, 2002 (11:06 am)

I am looking into buying a Durango this year. But can someone explain to me what is the difference between the Sport model and the XLT. As well as do all of the models contain seating for 7 passengers. Also how many miles can you usually drive with a full tank of gas?

#694 of 1712 flaqui by porknbeans

Apr 17, 2002 (11:18 am)

I have a 2000 with the 5.9 liter. I get slightly over 13 mpg in mixed city/hwy. On the interstate at speeds of 70-75 using cruise control I will get 14mpg. If I have a tail wind maybe I'll get 15mpg I did get 17mpg (once) and I've also gone down as far as 10mpg (once). I'm looking for a gas station every 300 miles +/-. From what I've heard the 4.7 liter is better on gas and gives almost the exact same performance. I've also heard that it is a smoother engine using technology that is more up to date.
 
The third row seat is an option and is not standard. Hope this helps.

#695 of 1712 falqui by ywilson

Apr 18, 2002 (8:07 am)

I have gone a total of 428 miles on 1 tank of gas. 4.7litre motor. That was going on a road trip. There is no XLT Durango. The SLT is the one I have I don't like alot of useless bell and whistles. To me it is just more stuff to go wrong that will cost a arm and a leg to fix later. This is a good package but no leather and fancy radio. The top is the SLT+. All the bells and whistles. The other that I would have bought that is new for the D is the SXT. I saw one on the dealers lot and had a close-up. Nice 2-tone paint. Good interior but it uses a different type of cloth seat. There is no 3rd seat standard either. It is on option. It is a good looking vehicle though.

#696 of 1712 OffRoading In Your Durango's by ywilson

Apr 23, 2002 (6:33 am)

Who has done offroading in your trucks? I have done some in the good weather and in snow and I have to say the truck performed great!!! Anyone else with some offroad or foul weather driving experiences?

#697 of 1712 A little help by mcarlson2

Apr 24, 2002 (6:11 am)

My 2000 Durango has 21,000 miles on it and I have noticed an oil leak. I'm not sure where it is from but was wondering if there was an issue with the 2000 Durango that I should be worried about. I also have noticed a high pitch coming from the engine when driving and assumed it was a belt but once again, wondering if anyone has any advice. The vehicle is going in to the dealer tomorrow to find out what's wrong with it- but I'm not completely convinced that the dealer will be completely honest with me. Thanks in advance.

#698 of 1712 mcarlson2 by ywilson

Apr 24, 2002 (6:16 am)

What engine do you have? If you have an oil leak it is neccessary to know where it is coming from. I have a 2000 with the 4.7. I have never had any oil leaks or other leaks for that matter. I have not heard of any except with the 5.2 engines. It is a gasket for the intake manifold. I think that this is on a TSB if I am correct.

#700 of 1712 ywilson by mcarlson2

Apr 24, 2002 (6:49 am)

The engine is a 4.7. One other thing regarding the oil was when I brought the vehicle in for an oil change I found out that I had contaminated oil- in that there was a foam substance in the oil. I think this is from water in the oil and the fact that the vehicle is driven a very short distance each day as the commute to work is less than 2 miles and the engine never gets completely warmed up. Unfortunately, this vehicle is very new to me as we bought it last month and I've been driving our other vehicle as my commute is quite a bit longer so I don't know how long there has been an oil leak or even where the leak is from as I haven’t had time to really take a look. I guess you could say I really don’t know much about the Durango/Dodge as I haven’t really had any time to do anything to it except wash the outside and my previous vehicle was an F-250 so the two don't compare. Fortunately / Unfortunately for me, tax season is over so now I have a huge list of things to do but since the Durango is still under warranty I figured I would see what the "experts" say.

Messages Page 70 of 172

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