I'm looking at buying a 1999 Durango. The owner says it has the towing package.

While it does have a receiver hitch in the back it doesn't have a transmission cooler. I need the ability to pull 5,000 lbs. Don't all Dodge towing packages include a transmission cooler? Is there a way to tell for certain if the vehicle is equipped to pull 5,000 lbs?

 

yes, the towing package always includes a trans cooler. unless it was sold from a shady dealer. that told the original owner it was the towing package. we had a dealer here in muncy pa. that was taking base model dakotas and putting sport stickers on them, and selling tham as sports.

 

Thanks. Any easy way to tell for certain what a Durango is equiped to pull?

 

Bobwy,

I think by default, if you have a 4.7 v8 with standard gear ratios (3:55 gears) and you have the tow package, you should be able to pull 5000lbs.

I cannot remember off the top of my head but the tranny cooler is usually built in to the radiator. Thus why we always recommend replacing the radiator should you ever replace tranny because of the internal tranny cooler.

I may be wrong, but I think if you had the tow package, it should come with an external factory tranny cooler? I have the tow package but did not pay too much attention to the front of my durango if it has a external tranny cooler, but I would have to say that I do.

 

Bob:

Take the VIN to a dealer. They can tell you in short order whether or not it came off the line with one or not.

The tranny cooler should be down in front of the A/C condenser behind your front bumper cover. That is where it is on my 01 anyway.

If you really like the rig, they are not hard to add.I would not let the absence of one steer me away from it if everything else is in good shape.