Target Audience:
Families and towing users needing a mid-size SUV with truck-based capability
Segment:
Body-on-frame mid-size SUV, derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup
Positioning:
Rugged, towing-focused alternative to car-based crossover SUVs
Main Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Key Advantage:
Higher towing capacity than most rivals; available third-row seating in a truck-based SUV
Powertrain Advantage:
Available V8 engines including the 5.7L HEMI, uncommon among comparable mid-size SUVs
Seating:
Up to 8 passengers with optional third-row seat
Towing:
Tow packages rated up to approximately 8,700 lb when properly equipped
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel/four-wheel drive
Engine:
All engines including 3.9L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.2L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 and 5.9L V8
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmissions, clutch, transfer case
Driveline:
Axles, driveshaft, differentials, four-wheel drive system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, discs and drums, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting, charging, lighting, gauges, accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
Body:
Exterior panels, doors, interior trim, seats, glass, mirrors
Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
Maintenance:
Scheduled service, fluid changes, tune-ups, inspections
Diagnostics:
Fault code reading, troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step teardown, repair and reassembly procedures
Engine Work:
Cylinder head, timing chain/belt, oil pan and complete engine removal and overhaul
Electrical Repair:
Component testing, connector pinouts, circuit tracing
Body Work:
Panel replacement, alignment adjustments, trim removal
Torque Specs:
Factory tightening torque values throughout
Wiring Diagrams:
Full schematics included
Specifications:
Complete factory specification tables
Illustrations:
Diagrams and exploded views for component identification
Part References:
Component identification to support parts ordering
Fluid Capacities:
Approved fluid types and fill quantities
Interchange:
N/A - not a parts catalog
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
4.7L SOHC V8 (1999-2004 generation)
Engine Options Range:
3.9L V6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8 (1998-2003); 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8 (2004-2009); 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 (2007-2010 second generation)
5.2L V8 Output:
Approximately 230 hp / 290 lb-ft
5.9L V8 Output:
Approximately 245 hp / 335 lb-ft
5.7L HEMI Output:
Approximately 335-345 hp / 370-375 lb-ft
3.7L V6 Output:
Approximately 210 hp / 235 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 25 gallons
Recommended Fuel:
Regular unleaded; mid-grade recommended for HEMI under heavy load
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RE / 44RE) on early models
Later Models:
5-speed automatic (545RFE) with 5.7L HEMI from 2004
Optional Transmission:
45RFE / 545RFE multi-speed automatic depending on engine and year
Manual Transmission:
N/A - no manual gearbox offered in the Durango
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac / full-time 4WD cases (NV231, NV242 or NV245 depending on year)
Tow/Haul:
Tow/haul mode on 545RFE-equipped models
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116 inches (first generation)
Length:
Approximately 193-200 inches depending on year
Width:
Approximately 71-76 inches depending on year
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,200-4,900 lb depending on engine and drivetrain
GVWR:
Approximately 6,000-6,500 lb
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Generally 4-star frontal ratings for most years; confirm exact rating per model year
Side Impact Ratings:
N/A - varied by model year and test generation
ABS:
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes standard or widely available
Traction Control:
Available on later models
Brake Assist:
Available on later second-generation models
Airbags:
Dual front airbags; front side airbags available on later models
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts in outboard positions
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with crumple zones
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD; premium Infinity audio available on upper trims
Later Systems:
Available navigation and touchscreen radios on 2007+ models
Driver Assistance:
N/A - era-appropriate; no modern ADAS suites such as lane keep or adaptive cruise
Parking Aid:
Rear park assist available on later models
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Air Filter:
Inspect at oil changes; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (4.7L); up to 100,000 miles on HEMI with copper/platinum plugs per schedule
Coolant:
Replace per scheduled interval, typically 100,000 miles then every 50,000
Engine Oil:
API-rated SAE 5W-30 for most engines; 5W-20 for HEMI per Mopar specification
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) for automatic transmissions
Coolant:
Mopar HOAT ethylene glycol coolant
Transfer Case:
Mopar ATF+4 per factory specification
4.7L Timing:
Timing chain guide wear and sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected
Ball Joints:
Front ball joint and control arm bushing wear common at higher mileage
Transmission:
42RE/44RE valve body and governor pressure sensor issues on early models
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures causing loss of temperature control
Hemi Exhaust Manifolds:
Exhaust manifold bolt breakage on 5.7L HEMI engines
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Platform Basis:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota mid-size pickup platform
First Generation Launch:
Introduced for the 1998 model year as a mid-size SUV
Generation 2 (2004-2009):
Larger, more refined redesign with HEMI V8 option
Final Years (2009-2010):
Hybrid variant (2009) before discontinuation; nameplate revived in 2011
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware (first generation); Jefferson North Assembly, Detroit, Michigan (second generation)
