Hey guys I'm trying to get some some input before I buy my first Durango...

Previously I've owned 2nd Gen 4Runners but since their engine is too weak to pull the weight of my recently-purchased boat, so I've been looking at Durangos. Mostly due to the 300ft/lb stock V8 and relatively small body dimensions.
I'm looking at a 1998 SLT (apparently this is the only model for 98?) with about 100k.
I guess I'm just looking for any input as far as what goes bad on these, what should be replaced around 100k and what to look out for, I figure you guys know as good as anyone.

Thanks in advance,
Jordan

 

Is that 100km or 100miles?

 

Make sure that the maintenance on the transmission is up-to-date. Durangos are notorious for bad trannys. And get the front end looked at. At 65,000 miI had to replaceball joints all around, the ones on the passenger side werevery close to completely failing. Check the maintenance records, and if there are things that haven't been done that should have been, do them ASAP.

 

100,000 deerang. I would say try and find one with the 3.93 gears since you will be using it to tow. That and check all your fluids. If there aren't any maintenance records then make them change all of the fluids top to bottom. Also check the upper bal joints. They go out through all of the years but DC only did a recall for 00-03 models. That will save you some coin if they are bad. If they are make them replace with moog greasable ball joints as OEM will go out on you again. Other than that get your own mechanic to check it out to make sure it is mechanically sound. The engines in these things are bulletproof but I would go over the tranny with a fine tooth comb.

 

100,000 miles.

Thanks ganz and Mean Green. I assume this wont have any issues towing my 3500 lb boat all over the place?
How much are these moog ball joints? I do most work myself.

 

You beat me to it ganz [8D]. No there wouldn't be any issues you could use the 3.55's with that as well but if you found one with 3.93's it would be a lot better for towing.

 

Ok thanks a ton. One more question - how can I identify the 3.93 gears as opposed to the 3.55, is it stamped on the diff?

 

yea i was just wondering if he was from around here or south of the border like the rest of you guys. difference of 60,000km between 100,000km and 100,000 miles.

It'll say the rearend gearing inside the glove box.

 

The Moogs run around 70 bucks each. My 98 has the heavy-duty tow package which includes the 3.92 gears and transmission and power steering coolers as well as a wired hitch.

 

Like deerang said it's in the glovebox. If that is missing there is also a metal tag on the diff cover that will eiter say 3.5 or 3.9 you want 3.9.