Ok well I just recently picked up a 98 Durango 4x4 for a good price. When I got it, it needed tires and a new batt. Installed the Batt today and Got it running for abit before it died(hasnt been started in awhile). Now it wont restart. The motor is turning over but the starter sounds very strange and my ground cable to the batt was getting extreamly hot. Also after abit a smell like something burning came from under the truck. It also seems like the motor is just barely turning over. Just not fast enough to get it fired up.

How hard are they to change out? Seems like its buried above the front Diff and driveline. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks in Advance

 

It is a MF'r. I still have the imprint of the ratchet in my garage door.... You will need to remove a chassis brace and skid plate (if you have plates) to get it out. The bolts on mine were way past tight. and then you need to line it back up, which was a pain. I think the worst part was the brace I had to take off. Not out of difficulty, but it is so close to fitting....

 

Depends on the motor but mine was a MF"r as well and I never found the ratchet. [:@]

 

Ok so buy an extra rachet...and do it where I cant hit anything...got it lol.

Guess I gotta get it towed to a machanic...ugh

 

If I could save $300 I'd deal with frustration. Get a quote before you have it towed. They should be able to tell you a price to change a starter. Then determine if the "cost to anger ratio" (as I like to call it) is worth it. If I save several hundred bucks, I deal with the problem. If it is a hundred bucks or so, then I deal with the cost. If you have any mechanical abilities at all, you should be fine. Probably better off going in knowing what to expect.

 

Well already talked with one shop...best case....about 200 for parts and labor..add another 100 or more for the towing there and back(its not street legal yet). Worst case...500+ minus the towing if they need to drop alot of crap to get at it.


I'll see about doing it myself. Thing isnt in the best spot though for doing any type of major work atm.

 

What size motor?

 

5.2l

 

for $200 I would let them do it. If I recall, my starter was $140. See if your insurance has towing.

 

Well thats not a guaranteed price....it could get alot more expensive. Still looking at 300 with towing roughly(not street legal..no insurance as it couldnt be driven when I got it) hence not free towing. Glad I only paid 500 bucks for it.


Just gonna break out the tools...lock the gun up and send the ammo to a friends.....

Wish me luck