Noob with questions
All Star
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: MINNEAPOLIS, MN
If you do purchase and have to get Ball Joints. High recommendation from several members of this and the D.O.C. Forum is for Moog Greasable Ball Joints this allows you to put the LUBE back in Oil/Lube Filter changes and keep fresh grease in there. Just make sure that the install place adds the grease fitting if you don't do it yourself.
FYI Mine were $500 at Sears for upper about $200 extra for Lowers....This includes 6 month/6k mile warranty and alignment. Since alignment is required it makes sense to do all four ball joints at the same time and alignment once.
FYI Mine were $500 at Sears for upper about $200 extra for Lowers....This includes 6 month/6k mile warranty and alignment. Since alignment is required it makes sense to do all four ball joints at the same time and alignment once.
Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I have a 98 5.2L Durango. My ball joints were also "defective" but I just bought the cheapest set on ebay for $24 for the uppers and $32 for the lowers....probably not recommended though but they work for me, so don't let a price of $700 for ball joints scare you away. Other than that it's always the other usual little things that go bad and need replacing but no major deisgn flaws besides the ball joints are noted on these trucks, they are basically built like tanks...and weigh about the same too.
You'll also notice that the switch from the 2000 to 2001 models have the interior completely redone so be sure to check those both out to find the one you like. If you do decide you like the 01-03 more, try to find an 03 for sure because that's when dodge added on a bunch of goodies to the D mostly 4 wheel disc brakes. In the 2000+ model years they switched from a recirrulating ball steering box to a rack and pinon type which you will like better. And if you're looking at buying an 04+ model...well don't they look horrible, like minivans on steriods.
There's isn't too much of a big difference in power and hp between the 5.2L and 5.9L engines, gas mileage is very close too. Can't say anything about the 4.7L as I never touched one but they are a much newer engine.
Overall you'll be surprised with the comfort and ride quality of the D. All year models are a good choice so it all comes down to what's avalible to you. I'll never sell mine that's for sure, it is THE BEST car I ever owned. But like everyone else said the gas prices are going to be hard on your wallet.
You'll also notice that the switch from the 2000 to 2001 models have the interior completely redone so be sure to check those both out to find the one you like. If you do decide you like the 01-03 more, try to find an 03 for sure because that's when dodge added on a bunch of goodies to the D mostly 4 wheel disc brakes. In the 2000+ model years they switched from a recirrulating ball steering box to a rack and pinon type which you will like better. And if you're looking at buying an 04+ model...well don't they look horrible, like minivans on steriods.
There's isn't too much of a big difference in power and hp between the 5.2L and 5.9L engines, gas mileage is very close too. Can't say anything about the 4.7L as I never touched one but they are a much newer engine.
Overall you'll be surprised with the comfort and ride quality of the D. All year models are a good choice so it all comes down to what's avalible to you. I'll never sell mine that's for sure, it is THE BEST car I ever owned. But like everyone else said the gas prices are going to be hard on your wallet.