Looking for a Durango with the 5.9l motor. Going to take it offroad. I was told they have a 3.92 rear axle and a 244 transfer case and a 9.25 axle?

Which years are the better years?

Also, is the 5.2 or 5.9 better? Which had the better trans?

 

5.2 and 5.9 are both good engines, the generally accepted to be the best year truck to buy is a 2003, not only because its the newest but because it got a few upgrades most importantly 4 wheel disc brakes.

also not all 5.9s had the 3.92 rear end gears, and not all 5.9s came with the 9.25 rear end, you will have to check and make sure that the ones you look at have them befor eyou buy bc they were options, not standard.

 

Great info.

What is the standard power train on the 5.2 and the 5.9?

 

The 5.2 and 5.9 are basically the same engines, there is a thread right now that addresses quite a few of your questions. Read the 4.7 vs 5.9 thread here. there are posts on it from today so it will be on this first page. The 98-00 Durango had a manual shift lever for 4wd which IMHO is the best way to go. Not a whole lot can go wrong with the linkage. The 00-03 Durango had a push button/switch whatever to control the t-case gear selection. These pop up on the forum from time to time being inop. As sharp said the 03 has 4 wheel disc brake which is the main factor for buying an 03. I like the interior much better in the 00-03 durango. It has much more modern styling vs the 98-00 interior.

 

I did skim through there and didnt see all the answers I was looking for.

When did they go from 5.2 to 4.7?

Also, what is the standard axle (don't say it's the D35?), and gear ratio?

 

1998-1999 are the only years I have seen a suspention lift, not just pork chops and body lifts. Only years to have steering boxes. Makes for easier solid axle swap if you call it easy. 2000-2003 are updated interiors and more fly by wire instraments. I like my 1998 for the 231HD, well supported 4x4 upgrades like 241 planatery and slip yoke eliminators. Not AWD. 318 strong and gets lil better gas milage than 360. 9.25 with tow package and 3.92 gears. Any year will do. Mine also has one year only Chestnut Pearl.

 

Great info!

So, the front ends are IFS or solid axles?

How big of a lift and a SYE is required? Just looking to put 32-33" tires on it.

Glove box code for tow package or a way to 100% confirm beside hitch?

 

All front end are IFS. To fit a 32" tire you need a torsion/shackle lift. Very easy to do and about $100 at most. To fit 33" tires you need a body lift also.

 

Thanks.

I wonder why Cherokee got a sold axle and Durango didn't.

I know the Chevy IFS isn't good offroad. I have see many broke down personally. Dodge better?

 

What is the transmission in these? Same as the GC? Or better?