I have a few questions for you guys. I own a Dakota, but I plan on selling it to buy a Durango. My current truck has the 4.7L V8 2WD. I want to stay with Dodge, but I don't have to. I plan on lifting it and making it a DD with some wheeling on the weekend.

Questions:
What size tires can I run with (x) lift?
Is the R/T full time 4WD?
5.9, 5.2, or 4.7?
How is the gas mileage?*
Would you suggest another SUV?
Engine problems?**

* ( I don't really care about this, but I still want to know. )
** ( With the engine you think I should have. )

 

1(a). 31 X 10.5 R15's with OEM height.
1(b). 32 X 10.5 R15's with T/S lift.
1(c). 33 X 12.5 R15"s with a 3 inch body lift and T/S lift with 2" offset rims.

2. The R/T is an AWD and 4WD. The R/T has a better overall stance but with a loss in fuel economy because of AWD.

3. 5.9L

4. R/T lucky to get 12 without and still stayin with the 5.9L up in the 15's. First thing is do you tow?

5. A suggestion for a different SUV, Oh hell no.......IMHO

6. The 5.9L and 5.2L are bulet proof motors and the blocks were produced back in 1962 so you know the motors are good. The 4.7L are a newer motor but with anything, make sure it was taken care of. They all have power but I like the 5.9L the best because you can work on em! 5.2L is the same because it's the same block.

A big issue is the transmissions so ensure that proper maintenance was done and you should be fine. The 2003 is the best because of 4 wheel disk brakes.

 

yup i agree with all of this, except some of the spelling, but as long as you get the point,

and im going to add that the 4.7 has the best transmission

also the R/T was ONLY offered in AWD, but they made an SLT+ w/ the 5.9 and 4wd

 

No I will not be towing. At least I don't plan on it.

What is proper maintenance on the transmission?

 

i got a 4.7 wheeled harder than you can imagine beleive me a 4.7 will not let you down and suggest another truck ahh no ive had 3 ds "two 5.2 and one 4.7'' im gonna keep buying them (the rmv calls me a reckless driver) but i think the 5.9 is more bang for the buck

 

the 5.2/5.9 transmission needs regular fluid/filter changes and band adjustments, the 4.7L trans just needs fluid filter changes, and for normal use they suggested period is different (i think longer) than the older mechanical trans

 

Without towing i would go 4.7L as Sharp is saying. The R/T is a nice option though.

 

Given the opportunity to choose, always pick the 5.9L over the 4.7l heads up.

Other motor combos excluded.

The generally accepted perfect Durango is the 2003 R/T or the 2003 SLT+ with 5.9L

IndyDurango

 

^ Personally my favorite.....LOL ^

 

yup i agree, if you can find either of those you are GOLDEN!!!!