So things finally settled down and it's time for me to buy another D to replace my first one, which was a 98. This time I can choose from basically any year/trim I want and it seems the combinations are endless. The must haves are the 4.7L for getting the best possible MPGs and that's all I care about, so either an 00 or 01+. I don't think I'll ever be seeing a V6 3.9L D in my life so 98 and 99 are out, and there is no way I'll ever put up with recirrculating ball steering boxes again, those are for work trucks not a luxury SUVs, R&P is soooo much nicer, I test drove an 00 D and there was zero play in the wheel. The 00 I test drove was fully loaded and 10x better than my old D in comfort. Never had any experience with the newer 01+ models, all I know is 01 got completely redone inside, 02 added side airbags and 03 added 4 wheel disc brakes. Bottom line just wondering what will give me the most goodies and the most comfortable ride for my passengers and I since we do a ton of long road trips.

 

the ideal option for most of us would be a 2003 R/T bc we all want the 5.9 (except you that is) if it were me i would find one w/ the 545 which is actually a 5 speed auto trans, it was put into some VERY late model 2002 trucks, and the 2003, that said if it were me id look for an 03 with the big front brakes/discs in the rear(i think they were a combined option, but not 100%) so that i had the 5spd trans for better mpgs and the bigger brakes for better stopping, thats my .02

 

Sounds like 03 is what I'll be locked on then. The R/T is a perfect trim level but I will never need a 5.9 just to cruise down the highway. I know the 4.7L were put in front of 5 speed trans and have the same bolt pattern as the HEMI engine, but if I recell correctly were was like a 454 and a 545 version or something, either way I should be in the clear of getting the 545 with an 03 model.

With the interior change on the 01+ models I noticed the radio is placed higher, anyone have any experience installing a stereo with a flip up screen in there? In my older 98 it would just clear the top overhang of the dash bezel and work fine. I never seen one in a newer model year though, in my stratus I have one of those stereos installed too and the screen clears everything, but the HVAC controls are mounted above the stereo and the cutout for the controls is larger than the stereo cutout in the bezel, that might be something I'd have to do in the D (swap the locations) if everything is all the same size. Just planning ahead.

 

2003 SLT+ with the 4.7l and 3.92 rear end (since you don't want the 5.9L which would have been the R/T as properly mentioned above.)

OR...

A 2011 Gen3 with the v6. The new v6 is better than the 4.7l v8. The entry level Express is FAR from an entry level vehlcle and can be had brand new for under $29,000.

IndyDurango

 

I was checking out the 2011 Ds but It would be years untill I could afford one and one thing that bugs me about it is the 40/60 second row seats, I don't know why they didn't do 40/20/40 like the first gens which is much more functional. The HEMI V8 in those have MDS which is an awesome yet very simple feature (minus the eletronic controls behind it) I wonder if they will ever come out with aftermarket solenoid controled valves for older engines, then you won't need a starter anymore and can impliment MDS.

Anyways seems like the SLT+ is the highest trim level with the 4.7L still so that's deffinetly what I'll be keeping an eye out for. My best bet (actually cheapest bet) is getting one with a blown engine or tranny for under $1200 and replacing it with a junkyard pull.