Vehicle Type:
Mid-size SUV (body-on-frame)
Production Years Covered:
2002 model year, all trim levels
Trim Levels:
SLT, SLT Plus, R/T, Sport
Target Audience:
Families and owners needing 7-passenger SUV capability with available V8 towing power
Competitive Set:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Toyota 4Runner
Seating:
Up to 8 passengers with optional third-row seat
Engine Choice:
Choice of 4.7L V8 or 5.9L V8
Towing Capability:
Rated up to approximately 8,700 lb properly equipped
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or shift-on-the-fly 4WD
Advantage:
True body-on-frame construction with class-leading towing and available big-block-class 5.9L V8
Delivery:
Instant digital download after payment completion
Binding:
Digital (PDF document)
Shipping:
None required - no CD or paper manual shipped
Manual Type:
Complete factory-level service, repair and workshop manual
Page Count:
Thousands of pages covering all systems (N/A - exact total not specified for this listing)
Printability:
All pages printable - print only the pages you need for the workshop
Engine:
Complete mechanical repair, rebuild and overhaul procedures for 4.7L and 5.9L V8 engines
Transmission and Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission service, transfer case, driveshaft and differential repair
Suspension and Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering linkage and power steering system service
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc/drum service, ABS diagnostics and repair
Electrical:
Complete wiring schematics, starting, charging, lighting and accessories
Heating and Air Conditioning:
HVAC diagnosis, component replacement and refrigerant service
Body and Interior:
Panel removal, trim, doors, windows, seats and exterior components
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and seat belt service
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step fault-finding and trouble code troubleshooting
Removal and Installation:
Detailed step-by-step removal, disassembly, assembly and installation instructions
Adjustments:
Torque specifications, clearances and alignment data
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams and wiring schematics throughout
Maintenance:
Scheduled service and tune-up procedures
Detail Level:
Factory workshop level - covers every single detail, down to full teardown rebuilds
Specifications:
Complete torque values, tolerances and fluid capacities
Users:
Suitable for professional technicians and DIY owners alike
Part Identification:
Component locations and exploded views for correct part recognition
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values supplied for fasteners throughout the vehicle
Fluid Specifications:
Approved fluid types and capacities for all systems
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
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (with 4.7L V8: 5-45RFE; commonly paired 44RE with 5.9L V8)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed 5-45RFE automatic with 4.7L engine
Manual Transmission:
N/A - no manual transmission offered on this model
Drivetrain:
RWD or part-time 4WD with shift-on-the-fly transfer case
Transfer Case:
New Process gear-driven transfer case (NV231/242 type)
Towing Support:
Transmission cooler and towing packages available
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116 in (2,946 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 193.5 in
Overall Width:
Approximately 71.5 in
Overall Height:
Approximately 72.8 in
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,400-4,900 lb depending on engine and drivetrain
Seating Capacity:
5 to 8 passengers depending on configuration
Fuel Tank:
Approximately 25 gallons
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and front passenger)
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts for outboard seating positions
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with front and rear crumple zones
Brakes:
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available with 4WD and limited-slip rear differential options
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - specific 2002 model year ratings not specified in this listing; consult NHTSA/IIHS archives
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD/cassette options; premium Infinity audio available on higher trims
Optional Audio:
Rear-seat audio controls available on some trims
Convenience and Assistance
Climate Control:
Available automatic temperature control with rear HVAC for third row
Driver Assistance:
N/A - modern ADAS features were not offered in this era
Instrumentation:
Full gauge cluster with trip and vehicle information displays
Oil and Filter:
Change engine oil and filter approximately every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on service conditions
Tire Rotation:
Approximately every 6,000-7,500 miles
Spark Plugs:
Per factory schedule; approximately 30,000 miles (5.9L) / up to 100,000 miles (4.7L platinum plugs)
Coolant:
Replace per factory maintenance schedule (typically 3 years/30,000 miles initially)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (5.9L V8); SAE 5W-30 recommended for 4.7L - verify against manual charts
Automatic Transmission:
Mopar ATF+4 (Type 9606) for both transmissions
Coolant:
Mopar 5-year/100,000-mile HOAT ethylene glycol coolant
Differential and Transfer Case:
Mopar gear lubricant; transfer case fluid per manual specification
Known Issues and Common Wear Items
Ball Joints:
Front ball joints are a common wear item on higher-mileage Durangos
Manifold Gaskets:
Intake/exhaust manifold gasket leaks reported on the 5.9L V8
Transmission Service:
Regular ATF+4 fluid and filter service critical for 44RE/5-45RFE longevity
Brakes:
Front brake pads and rotors wear quickly under towing loads
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of DaimlerChrysler (formerly Chrysler Corporation)
Model Origin:
Durango introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV based on the Dodge Dakota pickup platform
First Generation:
1998-2003; 2002 was a mid-cycle year with minor refinements and continued 4.7L/5.9L V8 lineup
2002 Updates:
Carried the first-generation body-on-frame design with expanded trim and option availability
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA