Have a 2001 Durango slt 4.7l v8. Have always noted that when starting up the oil pressure needle rises to the high hash mark and it takes a good 15 minutes, especially in the cold weather to bring it down to the low hash mark. Does this happen to other Durangos, and what causes it?

 

It's normal. During cold weather, the oil is kinda sluggish but warms up in due time. Do you notice when driving the needle rises to near the high hash mark and when in stop, it comes down? Normal action. I'd be worried if the needle stayed at the low end all the time or on the high end. HTH.

 

yup +1 on this

 

You can always switch to Fully Synthetic as it is more like water at very cold temps and it's better on the engine.