ok so how would the 4.7 and the 5.2 compare in terms of durablity and power what are the pros and cons i would like a 5.2 but it doesnt come with a 03 so this question would debate weather or not i get the 03.
but with that said i would go with the 4.7 if it could measure up to the 5.2

 

I think you are doing some over-researching and catch on to various issues every car has...or does not have.
A car driven around a construction site will have more flat tires than a car driven on clouds...does not make one better than the other.

I have a 1999 4x4, 5.9 SLT.
I just opened the engine to replace a gasket leak...on this 12 year old vehicle. There was about a thumbnail size of 'sludge'..if ya wanna call it that...after 12 years, a thumbnail size MAYBE.
Now, i can go and show you a LOT of posts complaining about sludge on this years and type of Durango...reality is:

People do not take care of their vehicles and then sit there hiding their lack of care behind complaints. remember, this generation has learned how easy life gets when you claim to be a victim. Look for blame in others and never in you.

If you buy a car, deduct basic tune-up from the price. Go and take a spark-plug tool and a pair of pliers. Look inside the throttle body for oil, check conditions of spark-plugs, check water for oil and the oil for water, chack color of transmission fluid, test drive it...and don't hold back. try to leave the dealer's lot sideways if you have to. Punch the car like it's a rental. Don't have the dealer turn on the radio while you drive...gonna try to mask some engine, suspension or other sounds.

heck shifting, 4x4, heater and A/C. CHEEECK, check, check, check, check. It's your time to find what's hidden. The park it hard, full sudden stop...see if any fluids werre trapped somewhere under the car.

A 1st gen. car, no matter what, needs upkeep. It is easy on the Ds and with a forum like this. A lot of DIY etc. giving good ideas and advise.

Again, don't over-investigate and don't over-pay. The dealer seas the sparkle in your eyes.

And don't tell the dealer what you want...that statement will cost you hundreds of dollars before even finishing the sentence. Once you say that you become a little kid wanting a lollypop, willing to sell grandmother JUST to get the candy (in the eyes of the dealers anyways)

And just offer a lot less and explain all the work the car needs.

 

thanks i know this is a little extensive lol
im looking at getting one and im fixated on it. so all i have to do is discuse it i know you cant predict how a car will function just by reading about it.
thanks for the advice
i think im going with the 03 with the 4.7 4x4 i think thats the best chouse for me

 

I like the 98-99 for Solid Axle Swap, steering box. 2000 went rack and pinion. I don't think they have a suspension lift for them. I used mine as a chase vehicle before lift. Buddies had the 4.7 and towed race car just fine. 318 has torque and gas mileage over 360. Look for factory tow package with 3.92 gears for better power over 3.55s. Never had issues with radiator in mine or the 4.7 towing. Change your oil. Repeat all on sludge. Find one that works for you they are cheap and plentiful here in LV. Don't buy someones problem child. Good luck. Check spare, if its stock goodyear its probably the original size. Mine came with factory 31x10.50x15 option with 3.92 tow package. R/T Shelby is top of the hill.

 

The sluge happens to any car on the road if you dont maintain it. Kinda scary to think about how many people let the oil sit in their car and turn into chocolate fudge.

 

, MORE torque, hope that you typo'ed that. Gas mileage yes but the 360 is a powerhouse, why would the max tow rating be 7300lbs give or take and the 318 only 5200lbs give or take.

I do agree though, try and get one with 3.92's. The economy is not that much better with 3.55's than 3.92's.

Granted both the magnum 360 and 318 were some of the most reliable small blocks ever, right next to the GM none vortech 350.

 

She asked for the best so, 2003 was the best.

Get the 4 disk brakes (only available in 2003 as an option) and the 5.9L for power and towing or the 4.7L for gas mileage. Also available was the R/T version, problem is it is AWD so it eats gas and tires, but other then that my favorite is the 2003 D with 4 disk without the R/T, but the R/T has a hell of a lot better look.

 

I would have to go with everyone else here except...
I would say a 03 with the 3.92 and LSD and the 5.9L w/4x4!
Would be a beast! I would trade my 98 any day for that!

 

Have to agree with hydra and roller

 

Damn entered the post too early meant to also say that those are some pretty sweet models i think i would trade mine in for one of those as well.