I bought my 2002 Durango 4.7 in March. Since March (7 months) I have had to do rebuild the entire brake system (wheel cylinders, rotors, drums, pads, shoes, calipers), new shocks, all 4 ball joints, axle shaft seal, wheel seals, cv joint, heater core, wheel hubs & bearings, and soon the tranny is gonna need rebuilt. I almost threw in the towel here and sold the thing, BUT... I would just turn around and buy ANOTHER Durango... because I DO love my Rango... but my theory on this is that since I have rebuilt everything and invested all the time and money in it, why sell what I have built? I almost have a new Durango.

The previous owner OBVIOUSLY neglected it, I knew very little at the time. I got a crash course in Dodge repair (not the simplest to repair) and I will value what I have more because of all the work involved.

Moral of the story.... LOOK IT OVER VERY WELL BEFORE YOU BUY IT! At this point, I can't stress that enough!

I have 2 names for my Durango right now... Problem Child and Money Pitt.

Thank GOD for Rock Auto!!! I am very sure that I could buy another Durango with the money I saved at Rock Auto versus the chain stores. Just a tip for those who didn't look before they bought their Durango!

 

Huh? Why are you complaining? Sounds pretty standard and smart to me.

I paid $1,600 for my durango and rebuilt the whole front end and rebuilt all the brakes. Given the setup on the durango its known the suspension is the weakest link in the vehicle. Further more parts don't last forever. I wouldn't expect more than 80k miles on suspension parts on the durango.

What makes you think you need a tranny rebuild? Maybe you just need a drain and flush. Or a new TCM (you may qualify for the Jeep TCM mod)

 

Tranny is going to need rebuilt. Fluid is black with clitch fibers in it. Just gettin one from a yard and rebuilding that one ao my durango isn't off the road any longer than it has to be.

Thia thread is also about reaearch. I did very little before I bought mine. I didn't pay $1000 for mine. Had I only paid 1000 maybe I wouldn't care so much. And maybe had I done my researxh, again, I might not care so much. I am not xomplaining, I am sharing my experiences.

 

... with PH.
It's an 11 year old truck with I would guess 100k'ish miles, so that's all pretty regular stuff. Stop whining and enjoy the ride.

 

You still may not need a rebuild. I'd just simply drain/fill/drain/fill and go from there. Unless you experience actual shifting issues not related to TPS sensor or TCM..

Regardless research wouldn't have saved you much. Again the suspension is the weak link in these trucks and either you'll find one with new suspension parts or you'll find one (like yours) that needs some fixing. End of the day, I'd rather take the truck that needs fixing so it's like new

I put total about $4,500 into my durango and it drives/rides like new. No torn leather. Everything works. A pure joy and good to know that it's safe and will last me until I ditch the thing for a new Jeep in 3-5 years

 

[sorry for the hgijack, but...] What did you do? I've been looking for a source of replacement leather for my driver seat bottom.

 

i just bought one with 117 k i love it so muh just cause of the 5.9. i saving for next inspection ecause i know it will need at least 1800 of work. better than my ram i know how exspesive it can get

 

Mine is factory. Prior owner took great care of the interior. I just condition both my vehicles with Lexol leather conditioner.

For replacement you'll just have to go to a respected shop and have them re do your seats.

 

I have a 2000 Durango with 160K miles on it. Just replaced:

Radiator, Shocks, Spark Plugs, Fuel Pump, and EVERY brake component from the ABS to the Wheels (lines, hoses, cylinders, calipers, shoes w/springs, pads) (FYI: replaced with OEM pre-made pre-bent lines from Dodge dealership for cheap considering the odd sizes and flare. Had to have the left front custom made because Dodge Does NOT make it anymore.

all...cough...cough....Original....cough cough. FYI: I bought it with 10 miles on it. LOL

Had the tranny drained/flushed/refilled and its still strong.

It's just maintenance. The best thing to do when looking at Gen I Durangos is pull the panel covering the brake union block behind the left front tire. THAT will give you an idea on how old/bad the brake lines and brake system is. If its rusted....its bad. LOL.

JJ

 

See, now these are the things that would have been beneficial to know prior to purchasing. I have never owned a Dodge before, I drive a mustang, SO, this thread might be important to someone else.

I love my Durango, and NOW, I don't regret anything I have done, just was in a frenzy at not having a heads up (my bad), but I am NOT whining, just trying to help others.