Model Variant:
Sport Utility Vehicle (first-generation, DN platform)
Production Years Covered:
1998 (first model year of the Durango)
Platform:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup (DN chassis)
Target Audience:
Families and buyers needing full-size SUV capability in a mid-size footprint; towing, hauling, and 7-passenger seating
Segment:
Mid-size SUV (body-on-frame)
Key Advantage:
Longer wheelbase Dakota base gave third-row seating and strong towing ability rivals in the segment lacked
Engine:
Standard 5.2L Magnum V8 with optional 5.9L Magnum V8
Seating:
Up to 8 passengers with three rows
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or shift-on-the-fly 4WD
Towing:
Heavy-duty towing capacity with available tow package
Manual Type:
Factory service and workshop manual (OEM)
Coverage Areas:
Complete vehicle: engine, driveline, chassis, electrical, body, and HVAC systems
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital (PDF document)
Compatibility:
Viewable on PC, Mac, tablet, and smartphone with any PDF reader
Engine:
5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 — disassembly, assembly, inspection, tolerances
Fuel and Emissions:
Multi-point fuel injection, throttle body, EVAP, emission controls
Ignition:
Distributor, coil, spark control, diagnostics
Cooling and Lubrication:
Radiator, water pump, oil pump, thermostats
Automatic Transmission:
46RE/44RE transaxle-free RWD automatic — teardown, adjustment, testing
Transfer Case and 4WD:
NP231 / NP242 transfer case service and linkage adjustment
Front and Rear Axles:
Dana 30/44 differentials, bearings, seals
Suspension:
Front torsion-bar independent suspension, rear leaf springs
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering, linkage
Brakes:
ABS system, front disc, rear drum, hydraulic circuits
HVAC:
Heater, A/C system, refrigerant service procedures
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, lighting, instruments
Body and Interior:
Panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, wipers
Restraints:
Airbag system and seat belts with safety precautions
Diagnostic Procedures:
Fault-code (DTC) retrieval, troubleshooting charts, DRB scan tool procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly with torque specifications
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail: specifications tables, special tool references, exploded diagrams
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete schematics for all electrical circuits
Parts Information:
Part numbers, fastener specifications, and fluid capacities throughout
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
Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, OHV, 16 valves
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Ignition:
Electronic ignition with distributor
Cooling:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized radiator system
Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8 on select trims (e.g., R/T)
Performance:
Approximately 245 hp (5.2L) / 245-250 hp (5.9L); torque roughly 335-345 lb-ft depending on engine
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (46RE / 44RE family)
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission offered; heavier-duty automatic with tow packages
Features:
Overdrive fourth gear, electronic governor pressure control on RE units
Driveline Options:
2WD or part-time 4WD with NP231/NP242 shift-on-the-fly transfer case
Airbags:
Driver and front-passenger airbags
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with front and rear crush zones
Restraints:
Three-point front seat belts; adjustable rear head restraints
Brakes:
Four-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not specified in this manual; consult NHTSA archives for 1998 ratings
Oil and Filter:
Change every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Tune-Up:
Spark plugs, cap, rotor, and wires at scheduled intervals per maintenance chart in manual
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect and service per severe/normal schedule in manual
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 per temperature chart (API-rated gasoline engine oil)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mixture (50/50)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (ATF+2 compatible with service); use Mopar-specified fluid only
Transfer Case / Axles:
Mopar-specified gear lubricant; refer to capacities in manual
Known Issues / Common Wear
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and front suspension bushings on high-mileage trucks
Transmission:
RE-series units are sensitive to non-ATF+ fluids and governor pressure sensor wear
Plenum Gasket:
5.2L/5.9L Magnum intake plenum gasket failure can cause oil consumption and rough idle
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a brand of the Chrysler Corporation
Model Evolution:
First model year of the Durango, developed from the Dakota pickup to slot between mid-size and full-size SUVs; production continued through three generations
Production Location:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA
