Ok, so im a ford guy, 5.0s mostly but my wife wants a durango. Ive checked out this site, read some threads, and have a few questions. As i look for performance parts i notice not a lot of stuff for the 4.7, which leads me to my question, is there a big difference in performance between the 4.7, 5.2, and 5.9. It looks like the 5.9 is the most popular. The online stats say the gas is only a 3 to 5 mpg difference. Also im looking for grill inserts, i didnt really like the teeth looking ones but i cant even find those online, just plain lookin ones. Do they make hoods for durangos? Also as far as underdrive pulleys, on my 5.0 it was more beneficial to swap just the crank pulley, is that the same with D's, or is it just the whole set that they sell. If you do use the set of pulleys does it mess with your power steering, or charging? ok sorry for all the ?s, but once we get one i wanna slap a few things together quick like. ohhh yeah one last thing, i dont want full time awd so which model is that, thanks, you dont have to takle all the questions, just leave me a opinion,

aaron

 

Engine-wise, the 5.9 makes the most torque. The 4.7's are a little more mild-mannered but still balsy, and the 5.2's are horribly detuned. Availability of bolt-on stuff is similar, but the 360 will have the best options for serious mods (pistons, cams, stroker kits, heads, etc.)

Real-world fuel economy is about a wash (vehicle weight being the primary factor, no matter who makes it).

IMO, underdrive pulleys are a waste.

IIRC, none of the 1st gen Durango's have full time T-cases (except the 400 HP Shelby model, which is rare).

There are bolt-on centrifugul superchargers for the Durango's.

If it were me shopping, definitely SLT model with the 360.

 

360 all the way, as stated all the aftermarket is in the 5.2 or 5.9. As for the AWD it was also available in the r/t.

They do make hoods for the D, if you can't find one for the D do a search on the Dakota. Everything will bolt up exactly the same.

 

there are parts out there for the 4.7... headers, TB, cams, intake, heads, CAI's etc. www.krcperformance.com www.socaldakota.com are a couple of places to look... also there is the HO 4.7 which has a built up lower end. http://www.wjjeeps.com/ho_engine.htm

 

86:

Sounds like you should indeed be looking for a nicely equipped SLT, or SLT+

Re the AWD, the R/T package came standard with the 5.9 motor and AWD. AWD was an option on the SLT and SLT + models with either the 4.7 or 5.9 motor. If your concern is economy, there is little if any difference between part time and full time 4x4.

Motorwise, if you are not going to tow anything real heavy, and would like a few more mpg, the 4.7 is a very capable and solid motor.

The 98-00 models had a manual transfer case controlled by a floor mounted lever. 01-03 used a dash mounted switch. I have an 01, and prefer the switch as well as the updated interior the 01-03 models have.

Don

 

I have a 00 r/t and a 03 slt. I prefer the r/t with the awd. with the original dash design the newer dash reminds me of the grand cherokee we used to own. along with the 5.9 just a personal preferences. they both good trucksboth costing around the same in repairs and maintence.

 

I test drove all engine models and LOVE my 00 SLT with the 5.9. In my opinion the 4.7 and 5.2 are way underpowered for the weight of the truck felt like they were working way to hard. If I had it to do all over again I would buy another in a heartbeat. If you drive others and then the 5.9 you will be impressed with the factory power I smoke rice burners regularly . Right now I'm needing tranny work bummer. Enjoy your new truck when you get it.

 

I have the 03 SLT+ with the 4.7 and AWD. I was quite surprised at the power of the 4.7. I had an 04 Ram 3/4 with the 5.7 Hemi and thought the D wouldn't have near the power. It's got plenty.

 

One good thing about the 00 R/T, it has a solid front axle instead of CV axles that areon the 01-03 models.

 

I'm gonna have to see a picture of that, as Durango's were/are IFS from the get go.