Hi, I was wondering if I could get anyone's experience with these 2 problems.

I'm looking at 2 Durangos 1 98, 1 99. The first needs a new rear differential, as a guess, do you think I could get it back 200 miles to my house before replacing it, and what should I expect to pay at a shop, 1000-1500? Is this fairly common?

The other has an issue where the oil pressure has dropped and he indicated that it can be common in durangos, is that generally the result of a certain engine issue? Has anyone experienced this? They haven't diagnosed it and might just sell it wholesale.

If anyone has experience with these issues please let me know.

Thanks a lot,

Jamie

 

Hi Moose,
I couldn't tell you about the differential problem but I think I can shed some light on the oil pressure issuse.
I bought a 98 Durango about 3 years ago,shortly after buying it I noticed the oil pressure guage dropping rising while driving. I took it back and showed the dealer what was happing and was told this "normal" for the Durango. Well seven moths later I ended up replacing the engine due to sludge build up.
Good Luck on your choice.
Rob

 

That definitely sheds some light, thanks a lot. If you don't mind me asking, what did it cost to replace the engine? Did it end up locking up on you?

 

It cost $3500 to replace the engine. There was so much sludge build up in the oil pan that it blocked the oil pick up tube and with the tube blocked there was no oil getting to the engine so the main bearings went and then the rods started knocking. The engine didn't lock up but was ruined.

 

Thanks a lot for all the help ghostrider, did the shop happen to say whether it was caught earlier it could have been flushed, or fixed or is it pretty much a death sentence as soon as the gauge starts moving?