Durango info wanted

[CtownChris]

Looking to buy a used Durango to tow.
Have a 93 Ford E150 Conversion van now. Tired of it.
No background with Durangos so looking for advise while I start searching.
What to look for and stay away from etc.
Pros and Cons.
Sure the mileage will suck but I'm use to that in my E150.
I want an all MOPAR garage

71 Road Runner
2000 Stratus
2004 Sebring

Thanks for any info.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

What year durango??What are you towing and what does it weigh??:edgy:

 

[CtownChris]

21' Proline boat. Boat/motor/trailer 5000#.

 

[69 Runner]

Get one with the trailer package and a Hemi

 

[roadrunnerman]

i'm sure you'll want to get the 4x4.i talked my sister into getting a durango and she fell in love with it after the ferd and chuvy dealers wouldn't give her a deal on trading her aerostar van.but the dodge dealer in chattanooga,tn did.The only thing she had a complaint on was how much it cost to fill up at the gas station.i don't think she got the hemi but she was still happy overall with the durango.Just go into the dealer and tell them what you want and what you are going to do with it,but don't let them talk you into buying something you're not going to be happy with down the road.

 

[69 Runner]

You wanting a NEW one? If so you should easily be able to score one for invoice...which should save you a bunch. The new 4.7 has more power than it used to, but the Hemi should have MDS on it

 

[CtownChris]

USED only option for this retire.

 

[69 Runner]

Sister had one of the "smaller" ones with a 5.9 I think. Ran the damn thing 40,000+ miles between oil changes. couldn't kill it. Was thirsty though

 

[Meep-Meep]

I can comment on Durangos since I bought my tow package equipped 4x4 new in 02 and still have it :grin:

I'll start by saying after 145 K miles I still love the thing. It runs great and has ample power for towing, even with the 4.7 and 3.55 gears. I tow a Tahiti jet boat a few times a year and my 6900 GVW car trailer hangs off the back bumper when the need arises. I have towed B bodies, an F250, a 63 Pontiac Tempest and it's parts over the mountain from Oregon in July in 90 deg temp. Going up hill I was in second gear with the OD off, A/C on and the engine was sitting at 4500 RPM for several miles. The temp gauge was just past the middle.

My only beef is the brakes. Simply put they are embarrassing. It eats front pads and rotors every 30 K miles or so but the good news is the rotors are $20.00 each. My old Porsche 911 had bigger rotors. The 03's went with much bigger front brakes and added rear disks so I'd say that was a way to admit they screwed up.

All I have ever done to my truck is replace the aforementioned front brakes, third set of tires, 4 O2 sensors, plugs twice, exhaust manifold gaskets, headlight and tail lamp bulbs, first battery just a few months ago, rear hatch release and the lumbar support in the drivers seat. I have an issue with the sure grip unit but I'm just letting it ride until I get time to rebuild the rear end. Figure by the time I get time it will need bearings anyway.