I just bought a 2005 Durango Limited with 33k miles. The tires are the original 265/65-R17 Wranglers SR-A Might get another 10k miles out of the tires if not less. Tires I think should of gotten more mileage out of them I think. The person who had the Durango had engine time of 286 hrs on the engine
My problem is I live here in the Boston area and when I hit some good bumps or in a rotary and hit a bump the Durango will kinda slide a bit like the shocks are bad.
Is there a way to check the shocks on the vehicle
Seems like the driver side is the worst for this to happen.
I do have the maximum care coverage until Feb 2012 for this vehicle that covers the shocks and was thinking of taking to the dealer and see if they could tell with out saying I don't need them and charge me $100 for the info.

The Durango was used by his wife and was not used much but I feel the shocks are worn can the shocks we gone with 33k miles?

 

Shocks on these vehicles are terrible. I have read so many posts where the shocks are worn out at your mileage. I have 43k on mine (I just bought it last month) and I ordered new shocks to install this weekend.

 

I replaced mine at 30,000 miles with Bilsteins,
FF

 

THE DURANGO IS GOING TO THE DEALER tHURSDAY LIKE ISAID I HAVE THE MAX CARE COVERAGE AND COVERS THE SHOCKS WITH $0 DEDUCTIBLE.

 

I hope your Dealer isnt Central Dodge. I fought with them about the same thing at 52K. They insisted the shocks where fine if they didnt see any fluid or visual problems. I bought the Bilsteens out of my pocket and found 1 rear shock had no dampening at all the first 4" it moved. I know of another Dodge owner that had the same problem with 2/4 shocks. Its the rear on yours Fight for new ones but the dodge OEM new still are to weak for the Durnago Spend $250 and you will love how the durnago feels with Bilsteens. Central Dodge in Norwood Mass should be stripped of the Dodge line. Worst dealership I have ever dealt with.

 

I think that sucks that they need to see a visual defect. When I hit a moderate bump going around a rotary or a straight road the durango again will chatter/stutter on the road and shake the steering wheel. On a good road the D is fine. I hope they find that I need Shocks.
The service guy said it might not be the shocks and be something else. Sounds like a bull**** answer.
Why would the dealer give 2 hoots they will get paid from the warranty I have.
If I replace the shocks myself and find some bad shocks can I take to the dealer and get the money it cost me to replace the shocks. I would say not.
Why have the maximum care with $0 deductible if something is not visible wrong.
I think I'm gonna regret having the warranty transferred and will speak my mind tomorrow when like you stated there is no visual problem.
Taking the D to Grava Dodge/Chrysler in Medford Ma.

MIKEon22s

What year Durango?

What # Bilsteens front and rear did you get and from where?
Was there any problems installing? I read some where there is one shock that might be a problem.
Also some state that they had to install the rears upside down because the mount would no allow the shock to mount the right way.
Can someone else chime in on the shock install on a 2005 D-Limited

thanks

 

I installed them on my 2004 &2008,

All 2004-2009 Durango take the exact same shock. I got mine at shockwharehouse.com and eshox the next. No problem at all installing them, front are easier and you may or may not have to remove the swaybar link. The rears do go in boot down or upside to most of us. They look funny but that is how they are designed, to have less weight on the moving side ( rear axle ) and less on the stationary side (frame).

Spare comes down and 15 and 18mm wrench and socket.

You could always take the shocks off and test them. At least if they have no dampenign like we have talked about you could demonstrate it to the service manager.

 

Hey, is Lewis bar and grill still open in Norwood? My roommate from college used to live in Norwood and we used to hoist a few buckets and eat Lewis Burgers there. Great place.

 

Guys:

+3 on Bilsteins being THE way to go. I installed a set on my 04 recently at 67K, and to me the difference was immediate.

www.shox .com has them for $269 shipped to the lower 48, and another place I can't recall at the moment had a set of 4 for $245 shipped.

Regarding the Maxcare warranty, you find it to be great piece of mind. The Maxcare policy on our 05 Grand Caravan has returned its purchase price by 150%.

FYI, with the Maxcare policy you also get $35 a day towards any repair or service. If you have errands to do while they change your oil or whatever, ask for them to arrange a rental and the policy covers it.

Don

 

I went to the Dealer this morning and Grava"s policy and probbably most Dealers have a price policy that it will cost $100.00 for the diagonosious if the shocks are not bad and could not find a problem. I said ok.

Took a ride with one of the techs and could not fine any bad/bumpy areas for the D to do its thing. He kept slowing down going over the straight road bumps.

Went back to Grava and he said he could not find anything wrong but would go and talk to the manager. He came back and what ever he said to the manager I don't know but 2 new front shocks will be installed tomorrow under warranty. Better 2 than paying the $100.00 If the new stock shocks do not help than I might order new Blisteins for the D when the cooler weather comes and install myself at the car hobbie shop on Hanscom Air Force base. I can rent a lift for $4.00 an hour and all the tools free. But will bring my own.

One thing is do the rear blisteins really mount upside down like some have mounted here?
Someone here also brought to his mechanic and had them put on the right side up. I'm confused on that part!!!!!

Thanks for the replies and will reply back to let all now if the new shocks will help