'03 Worth Buying??
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Professional
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 230
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From: Bath, NY
'03 Worth Buying??
The lease on my '06 Ram ends in a few months so I'll be looking for another vehicle. Because of my job I don't get to drive it much so I only have half of the miles I'm allowed so I think I want to buy something. I've always liked the '03 R/T Durango. Didn't they come with 18s and chrome rims? I rarely see any of those. I rarely see any with dual exhaust also. Is there a big difference between the 5.2 and the 5.9 performance wise? Can gears be put in the rear (and front, of course). I'm just curious if they are worth buying and fixing up a little. Thanks.
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,222
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From: Ohio
RE: '03 Worth Buying??
N02D;
If you like the 1st Gen D, the 03 is the way to go as disc rear brakes were added for 03. The R/T is equipped with the 5.9 motor which is a time tested and very modable motor. In addition, the R/T comes with AWD as opposed to part time 4 wd.The R/T's also have 17 inch wheels and the shorter 3.92 axle ratio with limited slip carrier.
When I purchased my 01 SLT on 2003, I wanted the newer tech 4.7 motor, but would have liked to have had the AWD that is standard on the RT.
The solution ended up being to procure a full time NV 244 xfer case, and swap it it.
Now, I have the best of both worlds. The research I did indicated that the AWD typically found its way behind the 5.9 motor, so finding a 4.7 with the AWD seemed near impossible at that time.
FYI, the Gen 1 Durango was based from the then Dakota truck platform, so as long as you don't mind the "truckey" ride of the gen 1, go for it.
If you want a more SUV cushy ride, look at the gen 2 D.
Don
If you like the 1st Gen D, the 03 is the way to go as disc rear brakes were added for 03. The R/T is equipped with the 5.9 motor which is a time tested and very modable motor. In addition, the R/T comes with AWD as opposed to part time 4 wd.The R/T's also have 17 inch wheels and the shorter 3.92 axle ratio with limited slip carrier.
When I purchased my 01 SLT on 2003, I wanted the newer tech 4.7 motor, but would have liked to have had the AWD that is standard on the RT.
The solution ended up being to procure a full time NV 244 xfer case, and swap it it.
Now, I have the best of both worlds. The research I did indicated that the AWD typically found its way behind the 5.9 motor, so finding a 4.7 with the AWD seemed near impossible at that time.
FYI, the Gen 1 Durango was based from the then Dakota truck platform, so as long as you don't mind the "truckey" ride of the gen 1, go for it.
If you want a more SUV cushy ride, look at the gen 2 D.
Don