Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Target Audience:
Families, recreational users, those needing towing capability and off-road prowess
Primary Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Body Styles:
2-door (early models) and 4-door configurations
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD)
Towing Capacity:
Strong towing capability, a key selling point for the Durango
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical), ignition system (mechanical aspects)
Engine Control:
Engine Control Module (ECM) diagnostics, fuel injection system, ignition timing control, emissions control systems (OBD-II)
Transmission Automatic:
42RE, 44RE, 45RFE transmissions: overhaul, diagnosis, torque converter, valve body, clutches, bands, seals
Drivetrain:
Front axle (4WD), rear axle, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, transfer case (NV231HD, NV242HD)
Suspension:
Front independent suspension, rear solid axle, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, linkages, alignment
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (Vented), rear disc brakes (Solid), anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnosis and components, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, power distribution, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, controls, refrigerant system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, glass, exterior trim, bumpers
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system, evaporative emissions system (EVAP), diagnosis and testing
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems, torque specifications for all fasteners, seal and gasket replacement
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing engine components, transmission, suspension parts, body panels, interior trim
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component location charts
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, tire pressures, alignment angles, electrical resistance values
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
References for using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment
Engine Options:
4.7L Magnum V8 (P-code), 5.2L Magnum V8 (Y-code), 5.9L Magnum V8 (Z-code) (though 5.9L was more prominent in later 1st gen models/early 2nd gen)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V8 engines
Horsepower 5.2L V8:
Approximately 230 hp @ 4,800 RPM
Torque 5.2L V8:
Approximately 300 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
Horsepower 4.7L V8:
Approximately 235 hp @ 4,800 RPM
Torque 4.7L V8:
Approximately 300 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Chrysler spec MS-7170 or equivalent) and distilled water
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116.7 inches
Length:
Approximately 193.4 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 67.3 inches
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 passengers (with optional third-row seating)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 46.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 18.0 cu ft (when equipped)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,400 - 4,800 lbs depending on configuration
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 7,000 lbs (with appropriate towing package)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
4 Stars (1998-2000 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
4 Stars (1998-2000 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system (TCS) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Change every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on towing/severe use) using ATF+4/ATF+3.
Coolant Flush:
Flush and replace coolant every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Capacity 5.2L:
Approximately 5 quarts (with filter) of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
Approximately 6 quarts (with filter) of SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (per SAE J1703/J1704 standards).
Transmission Issues:
Intermittent shifting problems, torque converter shudder, valve body issues in some automatic transmissions.
Ignition System:
Rotor and cap wear, coil pack failures can occur.
Front Suspension:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, and control arm bushing wear are common due to vehicle weight and use.
Radiator And Cooling:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, and cooling fan issues can be encountered.
