I am looking at selling my 01 Ram for a Durango and i want to get some basic info on the suv's since i have not had one. I am just wondering stuff i might look at. I am doing this cause i have a baby on the way and i want a 4wd for towing my 18 ft car hauler for my 3 4wheelers, plus the room inside in the back for hauling my 2 pug's. Anywayz should i look for one with the 4.7 or the 5.2. Do they have the same problems as the rams in the dash cracking, trannys going bad, and vaccum lines going out causing the air to move from the vents to the deafrost side under a load?? also what kinda payload do they have as my 5.2 seems to tow my trailer pretty good with the wheelers i just need something with some room to it. any more info or help would be great. im looking for something between a 2000 and and 2004 model. Also what kinda price range should i look for? i am looking for something like this add on autotrader. thanks again

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Go for the 2003 D with the 5.9L and low gear rear end with the 392 gear ratio. Should find it in the glove box on a tag or on the rear end cover bolts on a little tag that says 3.9 and that tag is small usually on the top left side bolt.

In 1998-1999 the engines were 3.9L, 5.2L, and the 5.9L

In 2000 they pulled the 3.9 V6 and went to 4.7L, 5.2L, and the 5.9L also, in the 2000 and up you have a built in DRB so you can get your codes.

The R/T was brought to light in the 2000 and comes with AWD and more aggresive style as well as engine tune. For towing, I would say go with a regular for because you aren't pushing the T-case. R/T's use more fuel because of this attribute.

In 2000 the R/T was Premium fuel only.

The 4.7L has a towing of about 4500 lbs while the 5.9L goes up to 7300 lbs and the R/T is somewhere around 7100 lbs. 5.2L is around 6500lbs.

All in all, I would go with a 2003 in a 5.9L with good service records and low mileage. Check the trans out and pay for a 120 point inspection when you find the right one. There only like $30 and WELL worth your money. Most shops do them.

2003's also come with 4 wheel disk brakes and are the only year avalible.

 

thats kool i will try and see what i can find.. i didnt know that they still had the 5.2 after 2000 year models. About how much is fuel mileage with the 5.9? cause it will be my work ride as well and i travel about 400 miles one way every 2 weeks lol. thanks

 

Remember the old proverb, "If you have to ask you can't afford it"? That applies with the Durango fuel mileage. Keep a good fuel budget, but other than that, it is a great hauler, good power, comfortable ride, with proper maintenance and upkeep, it is a great vehicle. I can tweak out about 18-20 on the highway, with a/c on and cruising about 70 MPH My 03 SLT has a few extras that I wasn't really in the market for, but worked out pretty good so far. Extra's like Leather 3rd row, rear a/c not needed but did come in handy during the inaugural INDY-Tampa trip. That trip I squeaked about 18 mpg with 4 pax, full bags, and a/c on cruising about 70-75 thru IN, TN, GA and FL Max endurance was about 425 miles.

 

lol i hear ya it doesnt bother me to much on gas milage cause my 01 with the 5.2 is ok and all. I am gonna be looking for a 03 model but i am also gonna look at the others to as well no later then a 2000 model though... my 01 Ram doesnt have any problems caring my trailer and 4 wheelers my main prob. was if i should expect the same problems i have had with my 96 ram i used to own and my 01 that i have now in the ones i stated before. But i really gonna look at the gears to and all. Only 5.9's i been able to find is the r/t models but personally i dont care much for leather as this will be my tow rig for the river and work, but i might have to give into that lol. thanks yall

 

The R/T has the 392 gearing. The other gearing is 352 and is great for fuel mileage but sucks for towing.

I get 15.8 MPG's hwy and 13 in the city last time I calculated if I keep my foot aout of it. As long as I've been here I know I get about the best for my 5.9L with the 392's and I am FULLY Modified. The 4.7L get the better fuel mileage but come in 352 ratio and therefore aren't great for towing.

Anyway you do it, check the trans fluid REALLY good and when you get it take it over and do a fluid (ATF+4 ONLY) change and filter and adjust the bands. Also, install a Transgo Shift Kit while there in there and that should run ya about $300 bones. You REALLY want it if you tow.....IMHO

 

thanks man. i found a 03 Model SLT add says a 5.9 and thats what they email says the dealer sent me. 4wd 72xxx miles. I sent an email asking if they can tell me what the gearing is so i am waiting on that. there asking 9999...

 

Thats a little high IMHO. I know KBB says that's in line but they run high too. $8000-8500 and you are set. Hold out for the R/T.

Does your 2003 have leather seats? Might be a SLT+. The "+" never says on the door, etc.

IndyDurango

 

The ( + ) means leather and a premo sound system.

 

I think i am going to put off and wait for a r/t cause i really do like they way they look and they have pretty much everything i need.