So I have a 2004 SLT with the 5.7L Hemi, currently I am at 105,000 miles and engine is still running great.
Reading the posts on here about avoiding this model (too late for me) and failed engines due to dropped vales is starting to give me an ulcer.

Do I wait silently for my engines demise and hope that it turns out to be a "good one" or do I act preemptively (replace valves? ). I can do basic mechanical work but I am sure this would be outside my expertise, I would be looking for my mechanic to do any work.

What do you folks think?

 

The known problem with the 04's has been a valve spring retainer, they shouldn't be too hard to replace if you have the right tools. Plus they are pretty cheap the only downside is that they are small and hard to handle.

 

Thanks for the info, I will take it up w/ my mechanic to weigh to pros/cons.

 

I know that I'm not the OP but thank you for the info. I currently have a 1st gen Durango with tranny problems so I've been looking at a 04 Durango 5.7 with 89,000 miles for $7995 and I really do want to buy it. Just waiting for the dealer to take it to my mechanic and I hope I get the ok.

 

I have a 2005 limited with the 5.7. Just rolled over 143,000 miles today absolutely no problems other than a couple sensors.

 

do not go near it, Sell it as fast as you can. Its only a matter of time. Ours blew at 90000 almost dead on. The 2 subsequent yard motors, all pulled at near 90,000 did the same thing within 5000 miles. the crate motor we got due to the yard motor guarantee, already has problems to at 10K. I realize that we must be the most unlucky of the unlucky, but there are thousands of people with the same complaint. And if the motor doesn't die first the torque converter will. stay away from a 2004 truck or durango..period...

 

The 2004 is plaqued with recalls.
www.safercar.gov

FF

 

Have the heads done immeadiatly. Mine dropped a valve seat at 117,000 miles the only cure is to have the valve guides staked in they go without warning. Mine went on startup with a cold engine any reasonable company would have recalled this POS engine and fixed them. Chrysler will never get my business again no matter how much I like the product on paper. I have had FIAT,s too and they are no better except that when I bought them they were cheap disposable cars.

 

Our 2006 Hemi destroyed itself at 100,000 miles with regular oil changes. Drove the freeway to the dealership to get some accessories and had no issues. Ran great and no noises. Came out 5-10 mins later and wouldn't start. Dealership pushed into the shop and diagnosed destroyed engine. In went a Jasper with all the mods needed to correct the hemi issues. If I didn't have so much money in this truck I would sell it. JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK!

 

What happened to it?