I bought my 2001 SLT 8 Passenger ( Which I hear is rareish option ) 4x4 4.7L factory tow package rango just over a year ago with 195+ on the clock for 1400 bucks. It's got the typical gate rot and the rockers need some weld ons done this year. Plus side is it's got a new motor and trans in it already.

 

I paid $800 for a 2001 4.7 with 98k replaced the battery and positive cable and power steering pressure hose and now I am looking to spend the rest of my budget on lift wheels,tires, lockers and possibly NOS. just a wish list. 2K is not enough. but its a start. any ideas where I can get lift kit for not too much??

 

Im pretty sure you are limited to a torsion bar lift and a small body lift on these durangos. Not much in the way of aftermarket support for lifts.

 

For the 2001, I believe there is a couple of suspension options:

1. Crank up the Torsion Keys in the Front, and "Add a leaf" in the back.
or
2. Crank up the Torsion Keys in the Front, and new (longer) Shackles in the back.

Also, for 2001 I believe they made a body lift. Possibly 3" or more.

You will not be able to go crazy with Tires. Recommended largest is 33" due to Front Diff strength. I think the 99 and 2000 could handle a 35" though.

Others may be able to elaborate on or clarify this, but this is what I am aware of.

BTW - $800 for something with only 98K is a steal! What shape is the body in?

 

No way to really lift these as they are, at least not without building something custom.

My opinion, best option would be to do a solid axle swap, been thinking about that myself for awhile. The factory diffs are very limited in gearing and wheel options anyway.

 

its a sport the body is damn near perfect there is a ding in the trunk from a grocery cart but no rust. Do I need to get a leveling key for the torsion bars or can I change them as is? is it easy to go solid axle?

 

So $800 for a D with a body with minimal dings - Great find!

Some will say that you do not need to buy new Torsion Keys, just turn the stock keys up. 1 complete turn = 1/4" change in height. There is debate if aftermarket keys are actually "re-indexed".

As for a SAS, easy if you know what you are doing (and have all the needed tools and space) There may be a thread on these forums of someone who might have done this with Step-by-Step info, or you can always try YouTube and see if anything is out there.

Note that the Torsion/Shackle lift gets you between 2-3" of height difference. You gain a little more if you increase your tire size too.

Note any changes you do to the front, you should get an alignment afterwards.

 

Thank you.

 

Paid 1500.00 for mine, from a dealer who was going to take it to auction. Its a 98 SLT 5.2 V8

 

I think I got mine for a fair price... not a steal. but yet not too much... but $2,800 for an 00 R/T. it needs some TLC... but just cosmetic stuff.


I was specifically looking for something with 4x4 and 3rd row, so it fit the bill. I just wish it was any color OTHER than black. 170k, leather is real nice, hood and bumper are both dinged up pretty good... but new tires, new exhaust, and a bunch of routine maintenance records to go along with it. oh. and dog hair. lots of dog hair. ;-)