my company has a car that I'm looking to get on a blind auction.

from what i have gathered its a 2001 Durango 4wd 4.7l slt +

it has the infinity audio system and running boards. correct me if I'm wrong.

i have never owned an American V8 so i don't know what to expect. I need a truck and i really like this one.

it has 203k and i have compiled a list of things i would like to do, i will get the correct order after a deeper inspection. here goes my list


acc belt
tensioner
heater hose
lower hose
upper hose
vacuum
front rotor
rear drum
rear shoes
front pads
air filter
battery
plugs
thermostat
wipers
rad cap
rear tire winch
coolant
brake fluid
tires
blower motor connector
coils
water pump


this so far in rough total with no tax or labor is around 1700.

is there a timing belt that needs to be done?
are the coils pretty good? does the ecu complain of failures?

how are the suspension components? what should i be looking for?

i know some of these questions are a bit vague, but i'm not that familiar with these trucks.

i will be doing the work myself, i have most tools and i tinker well. majority of my cars this far have been audis. i do my own timing belts and suspension work.

thanks for you assistance in advanced.
-Pedro

how diff is the belt and water pump to do, is there a tell sign of failure.

 

Well it sounds like your truck is spec'ed up just like mine , well as owning an American V8, you can expect low mpg, good power, and a sound that cannot be beaten. And if you put one in a lighter mid size like our Durangos. You'll be faster then most trucks out there, even Ricers for that manner . Getting back to your topic, if youll do all that work yourself then it sounds like a nice deal!

 

the 4.7 is a solid motor you should be ok in that respect as long as it was maintained (as with any other engine)

there is no timing belt on a v8 engines, only timing chains, which are lifetime parts unless there is some unusual failure no reason to worry about them.

the PCM (ECU is not correct on a dodge) is solid in the later years (00-03) so i wouldnt expect any problems there, coil packs are also a long lasting part, i wouldnt replace them unless you have a problem related to them being bad.

the upper balljoints are a weak spot in the suspension on these trucks so i would check them over and replace with greaseable moog balljoints if they are suspect.

if you have any other questions feel free to ask we will do our best to help you out

 

Some of the stuff you have listed I would consider as being "preventative maintenance." As far as your brakes, rotors and pads are usually the first to start making noise on most vehicles. Its a rarity, unless that Durango has done a lot of towing, that the rear drums and shoes are going to need to be messed with. My mom's 2nd husband still has a 97 Toyota Tacoma that has factory drums and shoes, and that truck has 338,000 miles. They just don't go bad that often, unless it was abused. The upper and lower radiator hoses, I would change just because of how much mileage it has, better to replace than to have one blow out driving on a hot day. Heck if you are gonna do the hoses, might as well do a complete radiator flush, and with the system empty, it will be tons easier to replace the thermostat. You can easily tell if the ball joints were ever replaced by looking to see if they are bolt on, or if they are riveted. If they are riveted, contact the local dodge dealer, see if they will replace them for free..it was a major recall because of premature wear, and they would separate, and the wheel would fall off..literally. Otherwise it sounds like you have covered most of the bases with making sure your future purchase is gonna stay on the road for a while.

 

thanks for all the input. I did read about the ball joint issue. should i get upper and lower moog ball-joints? or just upper?

Are there any concern issues with the rear suspension?

I was reading about shackles to do a small lift, do these pose any concerns or stress on suspension components? Does anything get done to the front suspension along with them to even the truck or is it a rear only mod?

I have included all these items in the case I do need to do them, and if they don't need to be done then at least I planned or checked for them

is there a site or place that offers oem parts at good discount. i know them for audi, not dodge...lol

I haven't been able to find any decent info on wheel bearings, do they go bad often, are they replaceable, is a press needed or is there a special tool to do in place?

I was considering doing the water pump at the same time as hoses and thermostat, and coolant flush, are there any precautions needed?

Is it also a good idea to do coolant temp sensor at this time?

Are there any books that can also assist with my questions? I was able to find in the forum the original service manual, any main differences from that version to the 2001 model year?

I hope these questions don't make me sound too much of a noob, i know about vehicle mechanics, just not the durango. any help appreciated.

thanks

 

at your mileage (200k+) i would not hesitate to simply replace all 4 ball joints uppers and lowers

nope

crank the torsion bar adjusting bolts 8 full turns for 2inches of lift in the front, this will stiffen up the ride some so be warned, also over time this could increase the sag in the rear leaf springs
alot of us use rockauto.com for parts, amazon has some of them, and there are a couple of big dodge dealers which have good online parts stores, im sure someone who has used them can chime in

i would also like to add that, lots of respect for you putting up with VW motors BULL**** on all of their cars (my sisters is a royal PITA and has been eating parts at an alarming rate in the last year or so)


the bearing cannot be replaced on its own in a 4x4 you MUST replace the hub with a new one, make sure you get the right one (with or without ABS depending on how your truck is equipped)


definitely a good idea if you are doing everything else anyway this way you know where you stand, nothing special except to be very careful burping the system on the 4.7, and make sure that you use an OEM style stat w/ the weep hole in it(this is VERY important on this motor)

coolant sensor, only replace if its bad

haynes or chilton manual, althought the 2002 FSM available in the FAQ thread is 99% the same as your truck so i would suggest just using that one and being done with it.

think i covered everything, let me know if i missed something.

 

You can't go wrong with Moog...anything really, good quality parts

If you are thinking about doing a real lift on it, there are some great write ups on what other people did with their rides on here, these guys have given me great ideas

Wheel hubs...national or timken...most auto parts stores have different names on the boxes. Autozone I believe the brand is Timkin, Advance(Checkers) is National..I have used both..no issues going on 3 years on wife's car

Worst cooling system to burp..3100 V6 for GM, there are 2 bleeders..make sure you get all the trapped air out...it will make you very angry

 

my wifes audi is actually our 7th. its a 2001 a6 got it off craigslist, and did the timing belt and complete front suspension on it. our other current one is a 1993 S4, thats mine, has now 256k and i had it since 135k. the key i found with these is to know some one good at them, and i was pretty involved with my past ones and purchased the bentley manuals for them. VWs i hear lots of people complaining about them, never owned one, just audis, even though its the same company, i dont think they get assembled anywhere else except germany. maybe thats the secret.


rockauto.com seems to have good prices. havent found anymore with good prices. need to search.

good info on the hubs.

at this point i'm just waiting for this auction thing to end, that'll be Wednesday, got my fingers crossed.

havent been able to find how much weight does the roof rack hold? anyone know?

is there an owners manual i can download somewhere?

also whats the towing capacity on this truck? how do i know if it had factory tow package?

thanks

 

towing package depends on a lot of factors including engine, rear end gear ratio, 4x4 or 2wd, tire size, tow package or no tow package, wait to get the truck and see how it is specd out and let us know and someone will check their owners manual for you.

the roof rack is rated for 300lbs even distributed across the two rails iirc

gl on the auction

 

this is what the compnine.com page had to say



CodeDescription*K5 Cloth High-Back Bucket Seats133S Zone 33-Philadelphia1AAS U.S. Dealer Retail26G Customer Preferred Package 26G2TGA Customer Preferred Package 2TG3VTA Customer Preferred Discount594S Vehicle Order Tracking631S New Jersey State Code6USS Label - U.S. Specifications931S New Jersey State CodeA29P 4.7L Engine(EVA)/4Spd A/T 45RFE(DG4)ADAS Light GroupADX Special Appearance GroupAGW Tire, Wheel and Wheelflare GroupAJKS Convenience GroupAPAS Monotone PaintASPP SLT Decor GroupBAZS 136 Amp AlternatorBCES 600 Amp Maintenance Free BatteryBCSS Run Down Protection BatteryBGJS Pwr Disc/Drum Rr Anti-Lock BrakesBKAS 11x2 Rear Drum BrakesCADP High Back Bucket SeatsCBPP Cloth Door Trim Panel w/Map PocketCFMP Rear Folding SeatCFP 3rd Row SeatCGWS Next Generation Front Air Bags**CJTS Delete Front Center SeatCKAS Carpets - Floor and Cargo AreaCKTS Cargo Tie Down LoopsCLEP Front & Rear Floor MatsCSRS Passenger Assist HandlesCSWS Driver Assist HandleCUCP Floor ConsoleCURS Rear Compartment Storage TrayDG4 Multi-Speed Auto 45RFE TransmissionDGBS All 4-Speed Automatic TransmissionsDHAP Lock-Up Torque ConverterDHTS Elec,Shift-on-the-Fly,P/Time T/CaseDJDS 205MM Front AxleDMDS 3.55 Axle RatioDRBP Corporate 9.25 LD Rear AxleEAAC All EnginesEVA 4.7L V8 MPI EngineGBBS Tinted Windshield GlassGCBS Front Door Tinted GlassGEGS Deep Tint Sunscreen GlassGFAS Rear Window DefrosterGNES Passenger Side Sun Visor w/MirrorGNTP Rear View Auto Dim MirrorGUW Pwr Htd F/Away,Drvr Auto Dim MirrorsGVBC All Vehicles W/Power MirrorsGXRS Keyless EntryHADS Air Cond'ing w/Dual Zone Temp CntrlHBB Rear Air Conditioning w/HeaterHGAS Hood InsulationJAAS Instrument PanelJAYS Instrument Cluster w/TachJBFS Instrument Panel Black BezelJCBS 120 MPH Primary SpeedometerJHAS Var Intermittent Windshield WipersJHDS Rear Var Intermittent Wiper/WasherJJAS Cigar LighterJJBS Dual Note Electric HornsJJJP 12V Auxiliary Power OutletJJMS Auxiliary 12-Volt Rear Power OutletJPBS Power LocksJPDS Power Windows, Driver One-TouchJPVP Power 8-Way Driver SeatK2GP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLORK5TP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLORLACS Illuminated EntryLAFS Key in Ign/Seat Belt Warning BuzzerLAJS Headlamps On Warning ChimesLALS Low Washer Fluid Warning SignalLAMS Door Ajar Warning LampLANS Decklid/Liftgate Ajar Warning LampLBCP Glove Box LampLBDP Ash Tray LampLCAS Front Courtesy/Map LampsLCDP Map/Dome Reading LampsLDGS Liftgate Flood LampsLMBS Halogen HeadlampsLNJP Fog LampsLPSS CHMSL LampMDAP Front License Plate BracketMFNS Body Color GrilleMGAS Ram's Head BadgeMHAS Black Windshield MoldingsML1P Accent Color Front FasciaML2P Accent Color Rear FasciaMRMP Accent Color Running BoardsMURP Dodge BadgeMUSP 4X4 BadgeMUZP SLT BadgeMWGP Roof RackMWHS Rear Wheelhouse LinersMZJP Durango Bright BadgeNAA Federal EmissionsNBKS EVAP Control SystemNF4S 25 Gallon Fuel TankNHCS Oil Level SensorNHMP Speed ControlPTL Med. Bronze Pearl CoatQTLS Med. Bronze Pearl CoatRAAC All Radio Equipped VehiclesRAZ AM/FM Cassette Compact Disc RadioRCGS 6 SpeakersRDDP Fixed Long Mast AntennaSBAS Power Rack and Pinion SteeringSCDS Luxury Steering WheelSDBS Heavy Duty SuspensionSFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock AbsorbersSGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock AbsorbersSHAS Front Stabilizer BarSHCS Front and Rear Stabilizer BarsSUAP Tilt Steering Column-T5 SandstoneTBBS Full Size Spare TireTBMS Tire Carrier WinchTXVP P265/70R16 OWL All Terrain TiresTZAP Goodyear Brand TiresWD7P 16X8.0 Cast Aluminum WheelsWKBP Matching Spare WheelWLZC All Aluminum WheelsXDXS Scissor Type JackYAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. SpecificationsYGFA 8 Additional Gallons of GasZ5AS GVW/Payload RatingZARP Spring - Left RearZBAP Spring - Left FrontZNRP Spring - Right RearZPAP Spring - Right Front

if it doesnt have the tow package, is it difficult to add?

thanks