Me and my wife are looking in to buying a 1998 Dodge Durango with the 5.2L Magnum in it. It's got 97,000 miles and they said they'd go as low as $6000 but they're asking $9000. Now, the thing is, we've got a 99 Intrepid with the 2.7L in it and the thing is a piece of ****. It's in the shop at least once a month and I'm sick of putting money into it. We've been reading up on the Durangos and some of the problems seem a little worse than the Intrepid. We really like this vehicle but my main concern is running into the same problem as the Intrepid. I know that the ball joints and tranny are things to look into on these vehicles but are there ways to tell if any of the main problem causing things on these trucks have been fixed already? The truck is at the Dodge dealership here in town and we want to have someone look at it but we don't know who to take it to. Should we pay the $80 and just have the mechanics at the dealership look it over, and maybe ask if I can go out there and look it over also just so I know they don't make up any bull****?

What are your guys' opinions on our situation. Gas mileage is no biggy, but I was wondering what kind of gas has to be ran in the 5.2L. Can it run good with just regular or does it need premium? The truck is in very good condition. I'd almost say, excellent condition. There's 1 ding on as I could see. There's no scratches, interior is immaculate, motor runs strong and smooth. Let me hear some of your opinions. Thanks in advance.

defaced

 

Well it sounds like a good deal. Take it to a different mechanic other than the dealer. Most dealers will tell you they did everything to it already. Most of them lie. They just want to get you out the door as fast as they can and make as much money as they can. They don’t like to put money into there inventory. Most regular mechanics will do a 125 point inspection for maybe $50. If your looking to buy this then spend the money! Have it checked out by someone else.

 

Hi, an easy way to tell if the balljoints have been replaced is to look underneath the car from the front next to the wheel and look at the upper balljoint, it is easier to see! If the balljoint is bolted to the upper arm, it has been replaced...if it is rivetted to the upper arm, you will be replacing it very soon! lol

 

Hi, an easy way to tell if the balljoints have been replaced is to look underneath the car from the front next to the wheel and look at the upper balljoint, it is easier to see! If the balljoint is bolted to the upper arm, it has been replaced...if it is rivetted to the upper arm, you will be replacing it very soon! lol

 

I guess this would be the case with 2002 Durango SXT 4X4's? I'm looking at a 2002 Durango 4x4 with 4.7L V8 w/38Kmiles for $14000. I did not see a sticker or anything to indicate the upper ball joints had been replaced/repaired. The dealer did not mention anything!
Can you transfer the warranty for drivetrain to 2nd owner?
Thanks

 

Also, looking at silver 2003 SXT 4X4 4 DR cloth w/ 8,000 miles for $15,900. Looks like it has hardly been driven. Very clean inside and out. Odd though, no CD player! Every other Durango 2002 and up I have test driven had a CD player.

How much hassle will it be to get the front upper ball joints replaced and the window shield wiper motor replaced at a Dodge dealership?

I hope somebody will respond today!!

 

Are you buying from a car dealership? I assume you are talking about the FRONT wipers. If so, the wiper motor should be replaced as a condition of sales! Even if it is a non-Dodge dealership - that is a safety hazard and should not even be offered for sale in that condition!

Ball joints should be replaced when you start to notice ANY play in them (some may disagree with that). In our state, some play is allowed during the state inspections. In my humble opinion, if you notice ANY play, replace them. Take the truck to another mechanic that you trust and have them inspect the ball joints - along with the transmission, transfer case, engine, brakes, etc...

That sounds like a good deal - almost too good! Be sure to do carfax, ensure that the title is clear, and have your mechanic check the body & frame for repairs while he is looking at it.

 

If you have the VIN number, you can enter it at Dodge's website to see if the ball joint recall was performed or not. All 4x4's are mandatory recalls to be replaced and all 2x4's are inspected and replaced as needed. This is for 00-03 Durango's/Dakotas.

I think Redrider Bob posted a sticky concerning the ball joint recall for the Durangos/Dakotas for more information.

 

My '99 5.2L says it should run on 87 octane. It complains loudly if I put that in there (lots of spark knock), premium is way too much octane (won't burn even close to efficiently and just leaves carbon everywhere), I run 89. Works pretty good that way, still knocks every now and then when get after it on the highway, or if I'm towing/hauling. Basically expect the engine to give off some spark-knock, but don't get worried about it, and don't put 90+ octane in there to try and cure it. 185 deg t-stat and 1 heat range cooler plugs are about the best that should be done.

 

I've been able to run 87 octane in my '99 5.2L. On very hot days I notice a little reduced performance and occasional pinging. Otherwise, it runs fine.