‘Dodge Forum’ Member’s Durango Gets Huge New Lease on Life
Durango was down for the count when the rear differential failed, but a new owner is fixing her up.
If you are looking for a Dodge SUV to take off-roading, the first generation Durango is arguably the best of the modern options. The problem is that these vehicles are all at least 17 years old, so if you find one for sale, the odds are good that it is going to need at least a little work. The odds are better that it will need a bunch of work, especially if the vehicle isn’t drivable when you find it.
That was the issue facing Dodge Forum member WormsDurango when he purchased his 1998 Dodge SUV. It was in great physical condition, but a problem with the rear brakes – or so he was told – prevented it from being driven. Unfortunately, the problem was much worse than a brake issue, but fortunately, he was able to fix the problem pretty easily with some junkyard parts.
Project Durango Introduction
When the OP first posted about his new-to-him 1998 Dodge Durango, he began by offering the following information about the project.
I have Purchased a 98 Durango with a 5.2 318 4×4 SLT. I am starting this Thread to Keep track of what I do and get input from all you great peeps. I have not yet gotten her home as she will only move in the forward motion. reverse works but the rear axle prevents her from Moving. I know this cause the rear Drive live is not installed at the time. Saturday 12/28 when I was gonna take her home the weather was Horrible. Snow winds and Icy roads made me decide that I am not gonna attempt to get her home. This coming Saturday 01/04 Should how ever be a different Story as of now the weather looks to be decent to get her home. I will have to get her on the trailer and get her home. I already have an axle lined up to replace old axle. It is from a 2000 Durango.
Plans –
2 to 3 inch lift – 3″ Keys and Add a leaf
Possible 1.5 inch Body lift
33×12.50 / 15 Tires
Lockers (maybe)
Trim a little on front and rear bumpers.
Hit the trails.Fixes –
Drivers Window – won’t go up
Passenger rear window – won’t go up or down
Minor Details.
The OP also included a pair of pictures of the first generation SUV in its “before” state, including a shot of the vehicle and a look at the engine bay. As you can see, it could use a bath, but the exterior is in the good shape and the engine bay appears to be free of any random debris. Based on the initial information, the only real problems are the broken differential and the problematic windows.
A short while later, the OP posted pictures of the Durango on his car trailer both at the point of pickup and once he got it home.
Busted Differential
The biggest issue facing the new owner of this first-generation Durango is the fact that it wouldn’t back up. The previous owner thought that the brakes locked up and broke the differential, but in reality, the odds are much better than the unloved differential locked up and exploded internally. As a result, the vehicle wouldn’t move under its own power, nor was it very easy to get onto the trailer.
I already have a rear axle to replace this one. I was told they were driving down the road at about 45 mph and then all the brakes locked up on her or that is what it felt like to her. So I will be looking at the brakes. Also saw that the wrong size tires are on her. She has 235/75R15’s on her. I will how ever be putting some 32’s on her that I have on my other rig. Just got to get them changed out. Here is what they look like.
Forum administrator HeyYou was quick to point out what likely happened.
Quite likely what they though was brakes locking up, was the result of the diff grenading, not the cause. Brakes are likely fine, but, since you are changing the rear end anyway, new brakes all around wouldn’t really be such a bad idea.
As you might imagine, unloading the Durango wasn’t easy with a broken differential.
Well I got her off the trailer. Took almost all day but I got her off. Had to tear apart the rear Diff to get her to move. The rear carrier was messed up pretty bad. Did not have Spanner to get Carrier out so I took innards out and put back in the Side gears and the axles with C-Clips installed and the Hammer handle holding them in. I should have taken a picture of that. Now she is waiting for another weekend or two to put in the new to us Rear Diff. I did notice how ever that there was no spring in between the Spider gears for the LS axle. She had the clutch packs and what have you but no spring to push out ward on the spider gears. Is that normal for the 9.25 axle? The replacement axle is an open diff so I will be getting a Lunch box locker and install it. Here she is at home and off the trailer.
The next update from the OP showed the differential with the cover off, with the pinion seemingly jammed between the case and the carrier. That issue was resolved by removing the entire housing and installing a junkyard differential that the OP bought for $100.
Hitting the Street
The latest update includes a look at the 1998 Durango with its new tires, which he was happy to report do not rub.
My Son is about 5 Foot. The Tires are from my Explorer There is no rubbing. The size is 32/11.5r15. There is no rubbing at all. She drives just fine and according to Google Maps Her Speedo is dead on. The Tires are Nangkang Mud Stars. Great out in the Rocks. Also Previous owner has not lifted the D. I will when I get a chance see if I can get more lift out of the T-Bars. She does drive great and love having her on the road. Now to get the heater working better.
I drove her 130 miles already thru rain and snow and she was wonderful.
The OP has more plans for this 1998 Durango once the weather warms up, but in the meantime, he has scored himself a great deal on a strong running, four-wheel-drive Dodge SUV.
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