Hello everyone,

I am looking into buying a 2000 D R/T 5.9L 4x4 within the next couple of days. I have been trying to do as much research on them as possible to find out any problems. I have read all the posts about the ball joint issue and have decided I can live with that. However, I did a google search and saw quite a few complaints regarding engine sludge requiring a new engine. Anyone familiar with this, is it widespread or not? A lot of the compaints seemed to come from the 4.7L owners, so maybe the 5.9L doesn't have this issue?

Also, if this an issue, is there a way I can clean the sludge out as soon as I buy it just in case? I love the looks of this SUV and definately want one.

Thanks for any info or advice you can give me!

 

Ball joints were an issue yes, now the sludge is more of an urban myth. Its great how everyone on the internet looks for a scapegoat and posts it instead of taking the responsibility for not maintaining their vehicle and blame it on something else. As for the 4.7 sludge issue never happened either. The 4.7 had a condition where as moisture would froth up the oil around the cap and that was about it, had nothing to do with sludge and did/does no harm.

 

If it has sludge on the 5.9, don't buy it. No telling what else may be wrong with the Durango. Usually sludge build up on a 5.9 is commonly caused by poor or lack of proper maintenance.

 

Cool, thanks. I really like this thing and think I'm going to get it tomorrow.

If taken care of, is 200k possible/likely from the 5.9?

I didn't notice any sludge, it was just something I read when I googled "issues with 2000 dodge durango"

The one I'm looking at looks very clean.

 

By the way, great forum. Lots of great info on here.

 

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I call BS dude. Yes there is a problem with the 4.7L. a TB was issued for it. The problem with the cap, but that wasn't all.

I've know to many people with the problem. The thing is starts to sludge up after 3000K and this was both Regular and Fully Synthetic oil. OEM says to replace the oil after 3000k and that is why they can get around the issue. I blame the Oil Return Jackets and also metal composition.

As long as an owner replaced the oil at the 3000k intervals like they are supposed to, then no problems. But even Fully Synthetic oils need to be removed at 3000k and do not last any longer distance like the other motors. Sorry guy's but there is no way I'd own a 4.7L as much as I like the D!