I just won an auction for a 99 Durango 5.2 4x4 with 115k miles for $700. I got to look at the vehicle and the body and interior are in near mint shape. The auction notes say it runs and drives, idles rough, and smokes. Beside the obvious oil change where should I start with this baby. I've been wanting to pick one up to replace my small SUV for a while, wish me luck!

 

Start with the basics. Tune up, all fluids and filters. Check the brakes, suspension, exhaust. Stick a code reader on it and check for stored codes. Clean the throttlebody, that should keep you busy for a few days...welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your win!

 

Make sure you clean the idle passages while you're cleaning the throttle body.

 

OK Boom got her home and off the trailer and with my first issue, lol. The tow lot gave me a standard metal key with no FOB or Chip in it. The alarm went off right away when i hooked up a battery up. When i try to start her up it runs for a few seconds and quits. I'm pretty sure its the immobilizer since my key doesn't have the chip. What are my options here guys?

 

99s didn't have an immobilizer key, just a regular alarm. There's a way to reset it with the key in the driver's door. There are instructions somewhere in the DIY thread in the main 1st gen forum here.

 

Alright Got her home and off the trailer here is what I know/did so far.

Replaced the battery cable connectors as they where broke
Filled the Power Steering Fluid as it was empty
Added a quart of Oil as the motor was almost bone dry
Added Brake fluid as it was almost dry
Filled the Radiator with 50/50 as it was pretty dry
Replaced the rear tire with a used one for the time being
Reset/Disarmed the Alarm by cycling the driver side door key lock to unlock a few times

Turned the key over and BOOM first crank purrs like a kitten no idle issues to speak of. I didn't touch a thing on the throttle body or any plugs or wires. I turn on the Heater since you know its 30 degrees where I am, and **** its just radiator vapor everywhere. Vapor dies down after a few minutes but I'm assuming the heater core needs replaced.

Since I started her up I figured what the hell lets see if she will make it around the block. And sure enough not a hitch drove around the block a few times no issue. Now I decide to get bold and take it to my dads (a mile or so away) to let him test drive it and get his thoughts as he is more a mechanic then I am. I get there no issue we drive it around a mile or so and the trans starts to slip.

As we pull in the drive to check the fluid its of course bone dry like all the other fluids, so I add a quart and try to limp her back home. I put her in Reverse and its a no go, I try drive and nothing, I was able to put it into 2nd Gear and limp the mile or so to my house.

Monday I'm going to finish changing the the oil, change the trans filter, flush the trans, and filler her up again, maybe adjust the trans bands(?) and cable if i can find a guide, and plug in a ODB II to see what I have.

Is there anything else I should think about, any advice for a new guy here. Not looking forward to replacing a trans but even if I have to it was still a good purchase for what I paid.

 

There should be instructions for the band adjustment on the FSMs which are in the DIY/FAQ thread. Don't remember the torque specs, but you do need and inch pound torque wrench.

 

Honestly, I would reconsider keeping it. You said vital fluids were low and it smokes, so it soundsl like it's led a rough life and possibly has motor damage. Add the PS, tranny slipping and the heater core repair. Not trying to bust your bubble, but the thing is probably worth less than $1,500 and I see you putting a lot more into it.

 

I think you can use a foot pound torque wrench if you do the conversions from inches to feet and have the right kind of wrench. Here is the link to the guide for anyone interested http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=82080

Hands down a couple of "Hardest" repairs for a Durango are the heater core and transmission. The Auction notes said it smokes I haven't seen it do that but we will see after I get new fluids in her. The paper work in the truck said the previous owners bought it in February of 2015 for $5208. They over paid for sure, but if I do the heater core myself its really only a $50 repair, maybe $150 since I'll probably replace the evap while I'm in there. Also if I can do the Trans myself its $400 for the kit and torque converter. After those headaches I (cross my fingers) am in a mechanically sound truck for under $2000.