Hey guys, i am thinking about buying a dodge durango (1st gen). Do any of you have any advice as to what year, engine size, ect, of what i should get. I am going to get the SLT with 3rd row seating and Leather seats, but thas all i am decided on. Also what are common problems with these SUV's? Also what are some basic mods that you would puton? Thanks guys for the help.[/align]

 

both the 5.2 and 5.9L engines are pretty much bullet proof. 2001-2003 D's had a newer interior style, and i believe only 2003 came with rear disk brakes. I have the 4.7 L and enjoy it, however I've never driven one with the other engines in it. If you're gonna be towing look for one with a tow package. Came with tranny cooler, power steering cooler, and some with 3.92 rear end.

Biggest issue is the tranny. make sure to get some service records for them. They are real hit or miss, i have 250 000km without any issues, but Mean Green only had 30 000mi when his OD blew up.

 

Actually 35k miles and it was 3rd gear. At 45k miles it was OD twice. [:@]

AAMCO did a crappy rebuild that's why it went the 2nd time. If it goes again I'll be happy to figure out a way to cram a nv4500 into this thing.

 

Get the SLT Plus. You want the 5.9L all the way. Thee 5.2L is good as well (it is the same block) but the 5.9L has bigger more heavy duty trans and transfer case. I would go for the R/T model but it does have AWD and most require 91 octane and you are turning both axels. It the SLT plus you can switch to 2WD that will save you fuel. Both are good. If it was me I would go for the SLT Plus. It has the leather seats and Infinity sound system. Also get one with the OEM tow package. They have better cooling options. Check the rear Dif and make sure it has the 392 gear ratio. And lastly, get a 2000 and up because they can dino there own codes on the odometer.