Need advice on buying a Dodge Durango

[sixpack_sid]

I'm looking to buy a 2000 Dodge Durango that needs a tranny. Does anyone have any advice on this vehicle? It has a 4.7 engine. I'm not very familiar with these. Are there any known problems? I know Dodge has trans problems-I had an Avenger awhile back and a Caravan, both needed trans. replaced.
Thanks!
Sid

[bull]

I've got a 2003 Durango with a 4.7 and I really like it. I've heard of trans problems with them (as well as many other Chrysler products from that era) but from what I understand if you get a good rebuild from a reputable shop it shouldn't be an issue again. As for the 4.7, I've been very happy with that engine and I've never had any transmission issues (knock on wood) so although there have been complaints I don't have any except you're going to pay at the pump. I've never heard anyone brag about the fuel economy of their Durango.

I'm a member of dakota-durango.com and there's some good info there if you have any questions. Also, member 4forty has or had a 2000 Durango so you might talk to him.

[69 OUR/TEA]

I bought a 2000 Durango R/T new(still have),I had 2 recalls on mine,1 for the ball joints that alledgedly could fall apart,and 2, the clock spring in the steering wheel.Neither of which I brought back and had them fix as there was nothing wrong with either on my truck as I  don't care for other peoples hands on my vehicles unless it is totally necessary.I have the 5.9 so I can't say anything about the 4.7,and have had no problems at all with mine,probably because it only has 15K orig miles.
As far as gas mileage,could'nt tell ya there as I usually only put in about $50.00 and 100-200 miles year.LOL

[69bronzeT5]

I have a '98 SLT. It's a good truck, they are definitley a pig on gas though because of the heavyness of them. I don't have any experience with the 4.7's because mine has a 5.9L. So far the trans has been great, it shifts awesome and has no problems?

[sixpack_sid]

Thanks for the replies! I definitely want to buy a Durango, but the 2000 I looked at needed more work than I was willing to put into it. I will still look around. Thanks again!

[694spdRT]

I have been looking for a nice Ramcharger but now I am considering buying a 2001 Durango with a 4.7 from a friend for a knock around family hauler with a 3rd row. It only has 90K on it and still looks pretty good. It needs tires and some front end work but he mentioned 2K would probably buy it.   Claims he gets 18mpg going on trips with it. Another co-worker has a Dakota 4.7 and gets similar mileage. For some reason 360 magnums are pretty lousy on mileage no matter what they are in.

I like my '05 Grand Cherokee a lot but it is a little small and with my 2 year old in a car seat 4 people are very crowded. Mileage with the Hemi is a little better at around 20 on the highway.

[bull]

I have been looking for a nice Ramcharger but now I am considering buying a 2001 Durango with a 4.7 from a friend for a knock around family hauler with a 3rd row. It only has 90K on it and still looks pretty good. It needs tires and some front end work but he mentioned 2K would probably buy it.   Claims he gets 18mpg going on trips with it. Another co-worker has a Dakota 4.7 and gets similar mileage. For some reason 360 magnums are pretty lousy on mileage no matter what they are in.

I like my '05 Grand Cherokee a lot but it is a little small and with my 2 year old in a car seat 4 people are very crowded. Mileage with the Hemi is a little better at around 20 on the highway.

I've done as well as 18-19 on the freeway with my 4.7 Durango so he's probably telling the truth. Mine is also the 8 passenger setup due to the buddy seat up front so it's 3/3/2. Most are 2/3/2 because of the fixed console. I also looked at Cherokees but they are too small inside. I tried riding in the back seat during a test drive just to see if I could and I couldn't wait to get out. Too tight in the front seat too IMO but the Durango is roomy.

[TeeWJay426]

I have a '98 that we bought new, but it also has the 5.9. It's been a pretty decent vahicle all around, but like others stated, the 5.9 is a gas hog. Can't help much with advice on the 4.7. I did have to put a tranny in mine, but that was at over 150K miles- it's now up to nearly 188K!

[sixpack_sid]

I've got a 2003 Durango with a 4.7 and I really like it. I've heard of trans problems with them (as well as many other Chrysler products from that era) but from what I understand if you get a good rebuild from a reputable shop it shouldn't be an issue again. As for the 4.7, I've been very happy with that engine and I've never had any transmission issues (knock on wood) so although there have been complaints I don't have any except you're going to pay at the pump. I've never heard anyone brag about the fuel economy of their Durango.

I'm a member of dakota-durango.com and there's some good info there if you have any questions. Also, member 4forty has or had a 2000 Durango so you might talk to him.

I just bought a 2000 Durango 4.7, but is has an engine knock. Sounds like it's coming from the lower end, but I'm not sure. I drove it 70 miles on the highway and it didn't overheat, and drove fine. Does anyone know of a common problem with the motors, or what I could look for that could be causing the problem? Is it difficult to rebuild the 4.7 engine.?

Thanks

[SRT-440]

I had a 2000 Durango with a 5.9 (2wd)...and loved it. I actually raced it for fun a few times at our little 1/8th mile strip..it did ok..best of 9.45 et (remember not a quarter mile..LOL). I had a few bolt on mods and a Trans-go shift kit that made mine move pretty good. Yes it was a gas hog.
I had to run 91+ octane or it would "ping" "knock" and did that since it was brand new. Put a cooler thermostat in like 180 instead of the 195 and it seems to help a tad.
I wished I still had mine!!! 

[sixpack_sid]

Ok, so I bought a used 4.7 engine from a junkyard. Anyone know how much it would cost to have a garage install it in PA area?