Hey everyone, I have sold my 2004 Hemi Truck and I am in the SEARCH for a reliable Durango. I have found a few, driven a few and I am not decided on which one yet. I am fond of the R/T edition but the one I drove was having some serious front axle problems. I want the 5.9 version, but have found a few mint condition 5.2 versions. Not interested in the 4.7.

Any ideas on what warning signs I should be looking for? I am about to drive 2hrs from my house to go test drive a good condition 2001 R/T with 132,000 miles (actually 212,000 kms) so hopefully this one has been taken care of and still has some life in it.

here is a pic:

 

The R/T is a good one but stay away from the 2000 with 91 octane requirement as it is a little pricey on fuel. The ones in particular are only built in the early 2000's and they have the 91 octane signs in the instrument cluster and on the fuel door. All the others are great.

Make sure you get at least a 2000 or better with 2003 the best year. Ensure the ball joints recall are done (the upper ball joints should be bolted on and not riveted) and that the tires show no signs of abnormal ware.

Also make sure the owner has maintenance records on the truck including transmission fluid changes. Lastly if you think you have found the one you want take it to a shop and have a 128 point inspection or better done to it. WELL worth the extra $60 bucks or so!

 

Why arent you intrested in the 4.7, theres really from what I can tell isnt much an diffrence formance wise between the 5.2 and the 4.7, plus the 4.7 has alumi heads. Im just saying. good luck on the search.

 

Uhhh... 5.2Ls stopped in very early 2000.

Uhhh... ALL R/Ts shipped with 5.9Ls

Uhhh... of you are looking at a 2001 R/T with a 5.2L... it isn't a 2001 and it isn't a R/T

I have ZERO issues with your reluctance to get a 4.7l.

Want the prefect Gen1? If so, you want a 2003 R/T for a dozen different reasons.

IndyDurango

 

isnt the 02-03 r/t 5.9 durangs rated at slightly less hp/tq then older r/t's?

 

Basically the same. You are not going to feel the 5Hp missing from the difference in tune and premium fuel requirements.

Again, want the best advise, chose the 2003 R/T.

IndyD

 

i agree with indy, the best year/trim to get is the 03 R/T however i see no reason to rule out the 4.7, its a good engine, it doesnt make the same power as the 5.9, but it does make almost the same numbers as the 5.2 and does so with less fuel, if you dont care about fuel economy go for a 5.9, however if you do, then i would go with a 4.7, its a great engine and makes enough power for these trucks (as long as you dont plan to tow too much with it)

 

Wait!! Ok, lets get things straight here, I was asking for advice on the R/T, OR whether or not I should be look at OTHER models!

In my searches, I have found the 4.7, 5.2, 5.9 and 5.9RT and it looks like I may have found a 5.2 in best condition and price.

Thanks for the advice hydrashocker, its always nice to be aware of Known Operational issues when shopping around.

I havent seen any 2003 RTs in my searches!

 

the r/t has a 5.9 in it, there was no 5.7 offered in the gen 1 trucks PERIOD, the 5.2 is a fine engine, the R/T is what i would be looking for personally, sorry to get off topic, but hydra pretty much nailed everything you need to look for with these trucks except the liftgates rusting from the bottom up.