Hey all,

About three weeks ago, I picked up an 2002 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 5.9L 245HP V8 engine with 247, 000 KM's on it (about 153 000 miles). I got it from auction for $200 before fees.

It has a salvage title and I'm still not 100% sure what's wrong with it outside of the obvious physical damage and the swelled battery. I know just enough about mechanical stuff to be dangerous, but that won't stop me!



Here's what I know is wrong with it for sure as of this moment:

1. Left Fender is toast
2. Left Headlight is toast (Removed since that picture was taken)
3. Window has a gnarly crack all the way across and will have to be replaced before it gets a salvage inspection
4. Hood is banged to complete **** and the grill isn't there anymore
5. The parking brake release and the wire it attaches to have broken apart. I can still release the parking brake
6. Corrosion on the positive battery terminal (Waiting for it to become warmer so I can let it soak in water/baking soda
7. The wire to what I think is an alarm hood pin is severed. (You can see it in the first picture right by the big red terminal cover. Let me know if I'm wrong about it)
8. The battery is swelling and completely done. I have it out of the Durango. I'm going to get a new battery eventually.

What I'm looking for is some suggestions on what I should do with it in the way of mods or small things that'll make it more fun to own.

Not sure if I'm ever going to daily drive it because of the mileage on it and I already have a 2007 Mazda 3 that's in incredible shape. I may end up giving it to my younger brother and letting him deal with the salvage inspection and all. I may end up just dicking around with it and having a good time. Let me know what you think I should do!

Thanks all!

PS. Sorry about the size of the image. Is there a good way to shrink it down? First time using a forum that's not Reddit

 

Looks like you've got a bit of work to do before you get to the mods. The mileage is actually low, btw. I'm at over 280K miles and still running good. I would throw a battery in it and see how it drives, if you can find a place do without getting a ticket. If the drive-train is good, I'd find a u-pull-it for all the body parts and whatever else it might need. Get the basics ironed out.

 

LOL......get it fixed and running before thinking about modding already.....

 

I'm definitely getting junk yard body parts for this. I don't really want to spend $150 on a few fender alone when the car cost $200.

My plan is to slap in a battery and drive it around the block or something. My Grandpa suggested I use some of his old license plates, but the stickers expired back in 1986 hahahaha

 

It runs.....I think. The tow truck driver gave it a boost and I drove it off of the truck. Let's just hope it starts again

 

The swelled battery is a pretty good sign that it is toast. I doubt it will hold a charge. If you have one you can just slap in there for a quick test drive, that would work.