Here's the proof for my noise, exhaust leak. The top bolt on the driver's side. I can't get to it unless I remove the manifold.

 

Yep. Almost always the correct diagnosis on the 4.7s. Glad you found it and can address it. Sure you can't ez-out/drill/etc to get it out without pulling the manifold?

IndyD

 

I have a friend that worked in a muffler shop I'll see what he could do with it.

 

I have the same problem with my 2004 D..but I have four studs that are broken at the head of the stud..

 

Gotta love those 4.7l's

 

Went by the dealer to pick a stud. When I showed him the old stud. all he ask is what year. He said they go through a lot of these studs. I'm sure more than the Durango uses these studs. I wish I had done more homework. But who to say if I had bought a Ford or Chevy this would have happen.

 

Wish you would have done your homework? Pleeze!
You have had it how many years? 2+ according to your posts.
And how many times have you had a problem other than these broken bolts? Just wondering.

IndyD

 

That my point. No one wants to buy any vehical and start having major issues 1 or 2 years of having it. Can any say if they knew the car or truck they are about buy had some known manufacture problems they would still buy it? It Doesn't matter what manufacture it is all of them have problems. But when you start having vehicals from different area of the globe with the same issues exhaust manifold stud breaking, transmission slipping or won't go in gear, TPS need changing. It's not we the buyers fault. I have a 23 year old truck outside that's just starting have some of these problems. And since I bought it the only major issuse I had was the timing chan. So yes I wish I'd done my homework.

 

I guess we have different opinions of a broken manifold bolt being a "major issue" after buying a used SUV.

Chicken Little wasn't my friend either.

IndyD

 

Well the good news is it's fix now. My friend made it look very easy. No head came off, no engine had to be droped. All the good things the other muffler shops sugguested.