I recently acquired a 2001 Durango 4x4 5.9 V8. I initially purchased it to part it out for my 98 Dakota it was cheap because it had some front end damage. It had everything I needed to get my old pickup back in tip top shape so I bought it. Well now that I got it home its really nice. Almost too nice and a shame to part out. So I guess my question is should I follow through with my plan or should I put a front clip on the Durango. My Dakota needs the A arms Front differential axles CV joints etc.... along with a few other odds and ends and was planning on putting the 16 inch rims over on the Dakota. I'm just at a loss not sure what to do

 

I'd not part it out unless the main body tub or frame was full of rust. Everything else is just repairable bolt-ons.

 

I agree with Don, you can always find one in worse shape that can't be saved to use for parts. And depending on how much you paid for it you'll end up with a very nice and cheap Durango out of it. If you really didn't want it after you fixed it I'm sure you could sell it as and make money out of the whole ordeal too.

 

Yeah I'm really leaning twords fixing it now. I'm only 800 bucks into it. The frame rail is bent on the passenger side but its in front of the a arm so its just cosmetic. The Durango is still in alignment no dog tracking pulling to one side or anything like that. I know a guy that straightens frames and hes cheap so that's not an issue. As far as corrosion underneath its average for the Midwest id say no better or worse than my pickup.

 

No point in trashing a good durango.

They can look good and drive fantastic as long as you maintain them. Mine is a prime example of such.. Drives nearly as nice as my new fusion.

 

+3? I agree, why part out a good durango?

 

Nice D. You call that last photo off-road though? Roads that smooth around here have a Starbucks on them.

 

Yeah I did a little research digging through the glovebox etc and I found out the previous owner drove it professionally back and fourth to Chicago hauling packages so its probably 99% highway miles. Unlike my truck which is 50 to 60% hard abused miles. I think I'll just keep driving my truck for work patch up the important issues and call it good for awhile and go ahead and put a front clip on the Durango for my go places with people and look good truck

 

Thanks.

And I wouldn’t call it so much off-road but it’s deff a rough road. Most the trip was 5mph because of all the rocks in the road (as shown in this picture).

Total trip was 140 miles. About 40 of them were highway/paved. Total duration just under 7 hours.. Great views tho!

 

Ya Dakotas and durangos are tough trucks I've taken my truck places it shouldn't go and pulled way way too heavy of loads with it. The only major issue is the front end wearing out and the rear brakes having issues. I've pulled 10,000lb loads over 200 miles with no issues. I love these things. I think I'll like the Durango just the same as my truck of 9 years