I know the obvious stuff, but what makes an R/T different from a loaded up SLT w/360??

 

what do you all ready know? 5.9, AWD. check this out http://www.440magnum-network.com/inf...urangort.shtml maybe it can answer the rest of your questions

 

Off the top of my head (please check to verify) the older body styles (I'm not ever sure you can get an R/T in 2004,yet) the R/T has a proformance suspension, exact same 360 as all others equiped with 360, two tone leather seats, 2x4 4x4 and AWD, special floor mats. I think that's the most of it. I'll ask my friend's dad (master machanic for local Dodge dealer) if he can get me some info. and I will post.

 

Do the R/T's sit lower than an SLT w/31" tire package, or is the gap between tire and fender an inch bigger???

 

Yes, the R/T has a lowered suspention than the regular. That's part of the R/T suspention package. It has beefyer anti-roll bars, stiffer shocks, and better brakes (i think). I'll see if I can get you an exact list of the R/T upgrades, but it might take a few days.

 

One big thing I forgot to mention is the electronic 4 wheel drive system.

The R/T has a switch on the dash (actually a turn ****) that allows on the fly switching from 2x4, 4x4, and AWD modes. The 360 ci does have 5 extra horse power over the regular 360, but doesn't have any extra torque (250hp and 335 lbs of torque = R/T --- 245 hp and 335 lbs of torque for the regular 360).

It also has an upgraded exhaust. And a different rear differential gear ratio. (3.92=R/T 3.55=regular)

And the tires on the R/T package are 275/60/R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP street radials (30.0 inch diameter). In comparison the tire on my SLT plus are 255/65/R16 Goodyear Eagle LS (29.1 inches in diameter, but the R/Ts are wider 275 to 255 or almost 1" wider)

Hope some of this helps you out.

 

I do not recall the R/T having part time AWD capabilites. IF this is so, I would not be sucking gas at 10-11 MPG's in town! haha. I think R/T's only come with FULL TIME AWD only. Your dial **** will only give you AWD low, Neutral, AWD, AWD high modes. I also discussed with the dealer about the part time 4x4 package for R/T's at the time of my purchase for a R/T and they don't exist. The Full time AWD setup was taken from the Jeep lineup if I remember reading it right when the R/T Durango was introduced in 2000.

 

The AWD modes I was speaking of were for a 2002 model which offers 2x4, 4x4, and AWD modes (at least the one I was looking at here in Texas). I haven't done any research on older models or models made for other states (which I don't know if there would be a difference). Let me do some checking of my facts and I'll post links if I find anything on the subject.

 

Texas? haha, I am from Texas and the dealer says no such package exist for Durango R/T models. As they stated, they only come with "FULL TIME" AWD only. Here is a insert from a person that reviewed the 2002 model. Dealer says basically the R/T model just comes with nearly every accessory and features offered for the durango. Another reason for the big price sticker!

"Available as a full-time, all-wheel drive model, the Durango’s Achilles heel is fuel economy. Car based SUVs such as the Honda CRV with its smaller engine, will get much better gas mileage, but suffer reduced power. If you’re looking to cut your fuel bill, don’t look to the Durango. Although actual fuel economy was not tracked, the needle seems to fall from "F" to "E" quite rapidly. Is it possible the Durango suffers from an undersized gas tank? Yes, but the bottom line is, you’ll be visiting the local Chevron station a bit more frequently."

NOTE: "Full-tme, all-wheel drive model"

Just to be sure, I called my service manager at Bankston Dodge and asked him about the Durango R/T to see if it ever came with a part time AWD, and he said no. At least not from factory. Not unless the owner modified it themselves.

 

I appologize, I must have been confused. I will double check the facts and take your word for it that I was wrong. Sorry, if any confusion from my mistake.