alright I'm new here, so I searched for a bit but couldn't really find what I'm looking for, if I missed it I apologize but I have a few questions about towing with my Durango since it's new to me and it's part of the reason I got it in the first place.

I have a 98' 4x4 with a 5.9 and I believe 3.9 gears, the tag is kinda hard to read but I'm pretty sure it says 3.9 on the rear dif.

What I'm wondering is what you guys to to prep your vehicles for the towing season? I will be towing a 2002 Mastercraft Prostar 209 with trailer, so about 5000lbs or so roughly.

I've towed the boat once before and the Durango acted a bit more sluggish then I would have thought with all the Torque the thing makes.

So far I checked the ignition system and it seems relatively recently replaced, along with the Air filter and all. I'm going to get an oil change and a transmission fluid flush and change here soon but was wondering what else I could do to keep the rig healthy while towing and maybe get some more performance with weight on the back.



Thanks for the help and if you need any more information I'll give you what i have. Also if I missed a thread just like this in the search or on the FAQs page, sorry and just point me that way and I'll be good to go.


- Colin

 

mhh i never towed before, but a Differential fluid change wont do harm, also could do the same with the transfercase.

Check cooling systems. And remember to turn O/D off. ull do fine with 5000lbs

they are rated +7000lbs

 

Change out the diff. fluids with synthetic gear oil. Leaving OD off while towing will help like Gzuz says but remember that you should not be doing 70mph with OD off. The tag reads 3.9 so that means you have 3.92 gears which are good for towing with. Basically with your vehicle weighing around 5000+ and you are towing a boat weighing 5000, add them both up and you will see that your engine is working double hard meaning pushing harder than normal on the gas pedal to get it going.

 

I roll 70 trailer in tow with O/D off all the time, never had a problem and 165,000 rounds on the D.

 

Uller God, you never stated if you have the same engine, drivetrain, or gearing as cab509 does. If you have the 3.55 gears, I can see doing 70mph with OD off but not with 3.92's. If you do 70 all the time with trailer in tow, why put unnecessary wear on your engine at that higher rpm when you could just take off OD unless you do a lot of hills.

 

thanks for the information thus far guys.

What gear oil would you recommend. I don't know much about gear oil.

Also would adding a Trans cooler be a good idea? and how hard is it to DIY? I'm more of a DIYer myself to a point.

 

I use Mobil 1 75W-90 Synthetic gear oil but there are cheaper ones in the market. AutoZone carries a variety of gear oils. If I were you, I would check to see if you already have a trans. cooler mounted in front because usually with those gears you have, your Durango might have the towing package on it. You should change the trans. fluid (if you have not done that already) and adjust the bands while you are doing it. There is a sticky here on how to so the band adjustments.

 

Don't flush the transmission!!!!!! NEVER FLUSH A CHRYSLER TRANS!


Get the transmission serviced by a VERY respectable shop. If the shop says flush the trans then RUN! You only want to use ATF+4 fluid, filter, and you want to have the bands adjusted. Don't just lission to the tech, actually say you want to watch the fluid go in with a label on the barrel. Tell them you want the old filter as well.


As for the rest.

Yes go with Fully Synthetic 75W-90 and don't forget the Friction Modifier (5oz+ ) if you have a Limited Slip Trak-Lok differential. I like to use at least 7oz found at Auto Zone for $4.99.

Replace the spark Plugs with Champion Truck Plugs (my favorite) found at NAPA or Champion Copper Plugs.

Well here just read on:

Tune Up
5.2L and 5.9L including Performance (Cap/Rotor and Plugs)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-ignition.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...hange-out.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-plugs-ok.html
(How to read spark plugs)
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ml#post2030778

 

alright, thanks for the warning, can you please inform me a bit as to why not flush a Chrysler trans? I don't really know much about chrysler stuff or American cars to be honest, I'm mostly a German and Euro guy, but i'm interested to learn because I've always had a soft spot for MOPAR.


on that note, anyone know any very respectable shops around Columbus Ohio?

 

They flush the system with fluid NOT approved as they use a cheap fluid called Multi-Vehicle formula. Also it blows seals and does NOTHING for the filter but blow small particals all the way through the system that the filter stopped during it's life and they don't replace the filter. Also you have an adjustment on that 46RE transmission (one in the pan and 1 on the outside.)


Only have the pan dropped and fluid filter and adjustment and ensure they will only input AFT+4! As for shops, I don't know what to tell you but don't go to a cheap shop!