Target Audience:
DIY owners and professional technicians servicing the first-generation Durango, including owners of a truck-based SUV used for towing and family duty
Competitive Analysis:
The Durango offered a larger available V8 (5.9L) and third-row seating compared with the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee of the era
Key Features:
Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, towing capability up to roughly 6,000 lb, and a choice of two Magnum V8 engines
Coverage Areas:
Complete vehicle: engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, body, HVAC
Page Count:
N/A - large multi-chapter factory manual, exact page count not specified
Manual Type:
Factory service/repair manual (digital reproduction)
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital (PDF document)
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, tablet, and smartphone PDF readers
Engine:
5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 - complete overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling
Fuel and Emissions:
Multi-point fuel injection, throttle body, evaporative and emission controls
Ignition:
Distributor-based ignition system, coil, plugs, timing procedures
Automatic Transmission:
44RE / 46RE four-speed automatic - removal, overhaul, valve body, adjustments
Transfer Case:
NP231 and NP242 shift-on-the-fly 4WD units
Axles and Driveline:
Front and rear differential service, CV/U-joint replacement, driveshaft balance
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc front/drum rear service, ABS diagnostics
Suspension:
Front coil/control arm and rear leaf spring service, shock replacement
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering gear, pump service, alignment specifications
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, power accessories, instrument cluster
HVAC:
Heater, A/C components, refrigerant charging, blend door service
Body:
Panels, bumpers, doors, tailgate, glass, trim, and interior removal
Diagnostics:
Fault code (DTC) retrieval and troubleshooting flowcharts, On-Board Diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly, inspection, and reassembly instructions
Specifications:
Torque specs, clearances, fluid capacities, and adjustment values throughout
Special Tools:
Required special tool listings for each procedure
Level:
Factory-level detail, written for professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
Illustrations:
Exploded views, wiring diagrams, and photographs/schematics
Parts Information:
Part identification, torque values, and inspection limits for wear components
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
Base Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Configuration:
90-degree V8, OHV, 16 valves
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
5.2L Output:
Approximately 230 hp @ 4,400 rpm, 300 lb-ft torque @ 3,200 rpm
5.9L Output:
Approximately 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm, 335 lb-ft torque @ 3,200 rpm
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.1:1 (5.2L), 8.9:1 (5.9L)
Firing Order:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Standard Transmission:
44RE four-speed automatic transmission (with 5.2L)
Optional Transmission:
46RE four-speed automatic transmission (with 5.9L)
Features:
Overdrive fourth gear, electronic-governed shifting, available shift-on-the-fly 4WD
Manual Transmission:
N/A - no manual transmission offered on the 2000 Durango
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.8 in (2,889 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 193.5 in (4,915 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,300-4,700 lb depending on drivetrain and trim
Seating Capacity:
Up to 7 passengers with optional third-row seat
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 5,750-6,000 lb when properly equipped
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - era-appropriate ratings; consult NHTSA archives for 2000 model results
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, driver and passenger
Anti-lock Brakes:
Four-wheel ABS (standard on most trims)
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts front and outboard rear positions
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH not yet standard; tether anchors for child seats
Daytime Running Lights:
N/A - not standard equipment on US models
Infotainment and Assistance
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; optional CD player and premium Infinity sound system
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with electronic odometer
Driver Assistance:
N/A - no modern ADAS features; four-wheel ABS was the primary electronic aid
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC; optional rear heater/air conditioning for third-row comfort
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on driving conditions
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect regularly; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid:
Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles under severe service
Coolant:
Replace approximately every 3 years / 30,000-36,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API rated gasoline engine oil
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (ATF+4 compatible) automatic transmission fluid
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze, 50/50 mix
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear lubricant
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and front control arm bushings are frequent wear points
Known Issues:
Crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold gasket failures are reported on Magnum V8 engines
Known Issues:
Dash crack and HVAC blend door actuator failures are common interior/HVAC complaints
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of DaimlerChrysler (formerly Chrysler Corporation)
Model Evolution:
Introduced in 1998 as a larger, Dakota-based SUV derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup; the 2000 model year was part of the first generation, with minor trim and feature updates
Production Location:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA
