So I am looking to purchase a durango. Looking at 02/03 SLT's with the 4.7's.

The mileage is right around 100, 110, or some even as low as 80K on them.

What are things to watch out for with these units?
Someone told me that these things are prone to terrible rust. I live in WI. I found one that is extremely clean, and am thinking of going to look at it, but is this thing going to rust out in a year on me?

How is the reliability on this style/chassis? Are they pretty stout vehicles?
Please, any input you have.
I am considering other vehicles, but want some feedback on these from people that have them.

Thank you!

 

If it's already a decade old and still clean and rust free...why would you think it'll rust out after a year of you owning it? As long as you keep it clean and maintained it'll keep on lasting. My Durango has sat outside since the day I owned it and sure it has some rust in hard to reach places but it is manageable and hardly a big issue.

Mine has been very stout since owning it new in '97. I've never been stuck...and I've tried. I maintain it properly and it's always been great for me mechanically.

I prefer the older ones that still had the 360 but the 4.7L might get much better mileage.

 

+1 on the above....

I would also like to add that my 98 is pushing 170,000 with the OEM drivetrain... i know of another 98 with a little over 350,000 miles on it..

 

Just look at all the basic things you would on any car/truck. These are reliable and well built, and all the engine and transmissions that they used in these were very good. I personally wanted one with the 4.7 for the MPGs, and it does OK for its size, better than I would have with the 360 for sure. I'd say you might as well look for one with the 5 speed transmission already utilized, for even better highway mileage. (the 02s with the 5 speed enabled already have a PCM with 4 plugs on it and the PCM is located on the passenger side bat the back of the air cleaner box IIRC, if there is a separate TCM down in front of the air cleaner intake, its a 4 speed.). 2003s also had the option of 4 wheel disk brakes, which is something to think about too. I personally think you're looking at 2 very good years for these trucks, and if you get one you won't be disappointed.

 

Great point about the 2003 having rear discs. I modified my rear drum axle with rear disc parts from a 2003. The difference was fantastic.

The biggest suggestion I have for you is find one that has been maintained and possibly garaged. Maintenance is KEY. Like anything, treat it right and take care of it's needs and they'll last a long time. My 1998 Ram has 230K miles. While my 1998 Durango has roughly half that, it gets regular maintenance and I try to take good care of anything that breaks or wears out.

I always LOVED the size of the Durango. Wasn't quite a full size offering, which I liked, yet bigger than some of the small trucks and SUVs on the market at the time. The Gen1 Durango I think had the best sizing for it's purpose, and with the large engines and Full / Part time transfer cases they are very capable off road and all weather trucks.

 

Hello,

As a (former) North Iowan and new 1st Gen. Durango owner, here's what I can share:

If WI is anything like IA, they put down chemicals to prevent icy roads, but when the temp drops low enough the switch to salt and gravel.

If WI does the same thing, you'll have rust. It may be minor, it may be worse. Get a flashlight, get under the thing and look. Then look some more.

One thing to bear in mind-rust doesn't just eat the body, it eats at everything-ball joints, U joints, leaf springs, coil springs, upper and lower control arm bushings, etc.

It just tears **** up, period.

Look under every nook and cranny for rust. Especially check the rocker panels as well as the rear fenders and fender wells. Do yourself a favor and check the tail light assemblies as well. You may be shocked at what you see.

As for the general motor stuff, at the bare minimum do a compression test for all cylinders as well as testing the head gasket-alarm bells at these areas can save you lots of money and frustration.

Best,

Heekma

 

I know the 4.7L has valve seat problems (I have seen two personally drop valve seats and ruin the motor.) I personally like the 5.2 and 5.9 motors.

 

you have seen two neglected/abused engines drop valve seats, that does not mean the engine itself has valve seat problems please dont make blanket statements that are inaccurate.

 

Agreed. I personally think the 4.7L is a very good platform. Strong, long lasting, and fuel efficient. People that don't maintain their engines experience failures and then lump their engine into a category of being prone to failure. It's BS to assume that.

 

I love my 4.7, they are known to be good engines actually, been reliable in everything Chrysler put them in.