New to dodge.. im a backyard mechanic, can tell you anything about a Saturn or Subaru, and quite a bit about Chevy, but not dodge.. I may be trading my 97 subaru outback for a 99 Durango SLT 2wd. Ive driven the durango quite a bit and am very impressed with the handling of the vehicle around corners at high speeds and the very responsive steering. It also seems to be quick for an SUV. It seems to have a really low 1st gear which i assume is for towing, but yet is pretty fast for a SUV. I was told it has the factory towing package, not sure what that means. Radiator replaced around 15k miles ago as it cracked over 200 miles from its home. Has 160 some thousand miles on it. No rear LSD, if these came with them, i'm not sure... Has the 5.2 318CI. The car belongs to a family member. I know at one point it had problems going into reverse, but that was fixed long ago and hasnt given trouble since, could have been low on fluid i dont know exactly what was done to fix it. It burns some oil, not bad, doesnt smoke. My questions:

How reliable is the Durango?
How strong is the auto trans, how much power can it handle stock? There is a guy near me that builds "racing transmissions" for GM, Ford, Dodge, for around $300-$400. Shift kit, upgraded Torque Converter, etc.. im not sure what all he does to them but he has a good rep around here. Ide rather have a manual so automatics scare me as far as strength and longevity.
Any recalls, things that are known to go wrong with this vehicle?
In a perfect world later down the road ide like to rebuild the 318 so it makes some powa! but the auto trans...

Any other tips, info you can give me is appreciated.

Thanks

 

Well first off welcome to the family! I've owned Dodge since my first vehicle and noe I'm on my 5th. I believe they are the strongest built and easiest to work on. The '99 came with the 5.2 and the 5.9 was optional. The 2wd was also stock and the 4wd was optional. I have a 2000 and it sounds like aside from the engine, you're wanting what I have.

There are no recalls for that specific model year, only for 4wd vehicle and it was the ball joints IIRC. The transmission is only as strong as it was maintained. Make sure they replaced the fluids and changed the filters in the transmission. Most likely you have the 45re transmission.

160k miles isn't too bad but I'd make sure it was maintained before jumpin in. Like I said they are very easy vehicles to work on, but if you don't have to work on it, why bother? LOL Check the tie rod ends as they are infamous for needing replaced, especially at that high mileage and as far as your first impression on the vehicle, I couldn't agree more.

It is the nicest Dodge I've driven as far as steering response goes and turnability. I've taken mine as high as 10 ft in the air and done more jumps than a stunt driver. It is a pretty quick vehicle and the auto transmission as long as it was maintained should keep you happy for a while. Mine has the upgraded shift kit and 47re torque converter as well as upgraded rear band.

You can do a plethora of upgrades to make this vehicle faster or more powerful, and we are the guys to help you out if you ever have questions with wanting to do something. Hopefully you find joy in driving the Durango as much as we do.

Oh and yes, the towing package means it came factory with a 7 pole and in cab brake controller ready. It also means it has the transmission oil cooler IIRC. This vehicle has best in class towing and I promise you wont be dissatisfied!

Check it out, this ad speaks for itself LOL:

 

no, he probably has the 44re transmission, the 45 was not available until 2000 when the 4.7 came out.

however everything else said above is accurate

 

Doh! Yep thank you shrp stupid mistake LOL