I've got a 2nd Gen Hemi Durango with more than 292K miles on it that I'd take on that run if I had to. It's beginning to get tired though and the gas mileage is starting to slip but it'll still go like a scared rabbit when pushed. Right now, it's gas mileage is only slightly better than the Ram on short runs.

 

 

The only thing I've had trouble with it was the infamous broken valve springs that the early Hemis had. Changed all of them out and haven't had a single problem with it since.

 

Back home from a run to the lake with the camper. Other than the noise from the "severe duty" fan clutch driving me bonkers, it ran really well. I may just start thinking about doing an e-fan conversion if I can find one that'll hold up to the demands of towing.

 

Update...

After taking almost 2 days before the clutch decided to unlock, then locked back up the next day before it even got warm, I decided that this one had to go. Unfortunately cost & reliability questions nixed the idea of an e-fan so I went on the hunt for an OEM fan clutch. Yeah, that didn't go so hot so I just ordered another one from a different source than the last one and am hoping for the best. It's in and sounds pretty good, but I'm letting it cool off from the initial heat cycle (pointing up hill) in hopes I can get any air bubbles out before taking it out on the road.

 

Installed the fan clutch yesterday and (surprise surprise) it acts pretty close to an OEM unit. No more fan roaring with normal driving and it does engage when it gets hot enough. I hope it stays that way for a while.

 

Installed a new power steering pump and a blue top steering gear box. Night and day difference.

 

Blue top?

 

Yeah, they're a new competitor to Redhead.

 

Cheaper?

Looking them up, no. Not cheaper. And also sold out for second gens.

Edit 2: Looking at the actual item, yes, they are. The front page includes the core charge..... 265.00 for the box itself. Direct replacement. Let us know how you like yours.