Hello all! I just purchased a 2002 Durango and found this forum.
Thought it will be a good idea to join so I can search and discuss all about this positives and negatives of this awesome machine.

My Durango:

2002 Bright White SLT+ PT-4x4, 4.7L, 130,000 miles
Running Boards, Wheel Flares and bumpers are a light grey
Leather w/ Heated Seats


I am the third owner. It was built for FLEET and then owned and driven by a middle aged woman. I found multiple garage receipts in the glove box along with the original window sticker. So, at least i know of a few parts that have been changed out. The place where I purchased it changed the oil and put new front shocks on it. Has newer tires, even though they’re not my choice (Goodyear Tracker 2).

It test drove very nice in both RW-drive and 4W-drive. Shifts very smoothly either taking it easy or with the pedal on the floor board....lol. I was worried about the transmission at first with how much towing/hauling was done with it but then noticed that it doesn’t even have a hitch!....lol

I purchased it for $3k and thought I got a good deal but yet knowing that there are a few things that needed to be done to it. The rear heat vents just blow out cool air when set to high heat but the front vents work just fine and the infinity speakers sounded like ripped paper bags blowing in the wind.

The dealer said he just changed the oil a couple weeks before I bought it but after checking the dip stick, it looked as if it hasn't been changed for thousands of miles. The day after I bought it I brought it in to a local dealer and had the oil changed. After a couple hundred miles I checked the dip stick and the oil seems to be fine.

A few days later when I had some time I started poking around in the engine. The engine bay is very dusty/dirty and I will be cleaning that up to look for leaks and just to make it look more appealing.

Then I took the oil fill cap off and on the bottom was oil build up. I took a rag and wiped off the dark slime, then took my flat edge and scraped off the rest that turned into a reddish powder?..... There was also another plug looking thing inside that was full of sludge. Are these signs of a sludged up engine?...... The Durango has been driving fine and after a thousand miles, I'm changing the oil and filter and putting in Mobile 1 full synthetic and also a Mobile 1 filter.

I also had the check engine light come on and the code was for a evac and a misfire on cylinder 2. I added some Lucas fuel treatment to the gas to start things off. Next step will be to change the plugs and maybe the coils.

I’m hoping it will be a good dependable vehicle for me and my daughter with only having to do the normal upkeep on it.
I’m open to any and all suggestions so please don’t be shy!.....well maybe not all suggestions…..

 

Go through the Do it yourself sticky on the top of the page. Tons of good info there that will answer most questions you could have.

 

Run!!

Actually you got a good dead. Misfire is probably just worn plugs.

If you turn the key from off-on-off-on-off-on it will actually read you the check engine codes on the dash.

Also I wouldn't worry about sludge. That topic is more snake oil than anything.

Anywho also check out the front end. May need replacing. It's the weakest point on these trucks. To give an idea I can take a sharp on ramp and get up to 70mph which flows me onto the highway so I never have to let off the gas. My new fusion however will start to slide around 60 mph.

Your durango isn't fully loaded as it appears you don't have the "heavy duty" tow package which adds some additional features but its no big deal.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, these trucks to handle pretty damn good.

And the sludge is a bunch of BS like pubic... err public said.

 

Thanks! There is a lot of good info in there. Time to do some reading!....lol

 

Yeah, I feel I got a good deal as well and couldn't pass it up going into the winter season.

Thank you for the tip on turning the key 3x to view the codes on the dash......what a great feature!

Since I don't have the tow package, what all am I missing and other than adding a hitch, what else should I do for towing?

 

Trailer wiring, gearing and tranny cooler

 

Congrats on the purchase but, allow me to be the first to point out ( you may already know) Bright White is gonna be a BITCH to keep looking clean....

 

No doubt!....lol. I do know because my other vehicle is white as well....and is just a coincidence.

 

Glad you understood.. I meant deal not dead

Like stated, gearing, tranny cooler, trailer wiring and trailer brakes adaptor.
I think there is also an added suspension setup as well but I can’t remember.

I assume you’ll just be towing at random and nothing too drastic so you should be fine with the UHaul tow package. These trucks aren’t meant for towing to begin with. Don’t let anyone fool you otherwise. Just because you can put propane in your tires to get down the road doesn’t mean it’s the best or safest setup!! Okay for time to time just not the best choice if you tow a camper or boat often..

I tow quite a bit with me 2012 Ram 2500.. around 4-5k lbs. and it’s a world of difference with power, brakes, frame.