I've own a several Dakotas but never a Durango.Been looking into buying a used one ('01-'03).The r/t's have really caught my attention, but after a little homework I realizedthe 5.9 also comesin the slt version. Myquestion is what is thedifferances between the two and is onebetter than the other?

 

The biggest difference between the SLT and RT is the transfer case. The SLT uses the NV233 which is a part time 4wd (2wd, 4hi, N, 4Lo) while the RT onlyhas the NV244 which is an AWD case. (AWD, 4hi, N, 4lo)

Other things are obviously RT badging, 17inch rims, and i thiknsome had special RT heads (not sure on the years though)

 

Is the power output differant between the two?

 

About 5 hp better on the R/T if I remember correctly (mild PCM tune). I am happy I ended up with the SLT rather than the R/T just from the way I use mine but it all boils down to what look you're going for. I am more of a lift it and throw bigger tires on it kind of guy, whereas others might want to keep it at stock height or god forbid lower it and have larger rims. The stock R/T rides slightly lower and as stated has the 17's. Good luck on finding a decent set of tires for a good price with the rimsize though...

 

Check out this post:

https://dodgeforum.com/m_952165/tm.htm

 

i think the rear end in ther/t uses a different gear ratio than the slt also.

 

I am not sure if RT have stock 3.92 rear end, or an option that most people opted for, but i know a lot of them came with it. However a 3.92 was also an available option for SLT. It may have only been an option within the tow package group.

The shorter less confusing version of what i just said. Both had the same rear end.