Model Variant:
First generation (DN), mid-size SUV, 4-door
Production Years Covered:
1998 model year, first year of production
Target Audience:
Families and buyers needing full-size SUV capability in a mid-size package; towing and hauling focused
Segment:
Mid-size body-on-frame sport utility vehicle
Key Advantage:
Larger interior and stronger towing capacity than mid-size rivals such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee
Platform Advantage:
Derived from the Dakota pickup, giving truck-grade frame strength and component availability
Engine:
Standard 5.2L Magnum V8 with optional 5.9L Magnum V8
Seating:
Available three-row seating for up to eight passengers
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive
Manual Type:
Factory-style service and repair manual for technicians and DIY owners
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital (PDF document)
Coverage:
Engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, HVAC, body and interior
Engine:
5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8: mechanical, cylinder head, lubrication and cooling
Fuel and Emissions:
Multi-point fuel injection, throttle body, evaporative and emission controls
Ignition:
Distributor-type ignition system, spark timing and diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, hydraulics, clutch packs and valve body
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD transfer case, shift mechanism and chain drive
Axles and Driveline:
Front and rear differential, driveshafts, U-joints and wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front coil and control arm setup, rear leaf springs, shock absorbers
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering gear and pump service
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum, ABS components, master cylinder and bleeding
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, lighting, gauges and power accessories
Heating and Air Conditioning:
HVAC box, blower, compressor, refrigerant charging and controls
Body and Frame:
Body panels, doors, tailgate, bumpers and frame references
Restraints:
Seat belts and airbag system service precautions
Diagnostics:
Fault-code retrieval, symptom charts and electrical troubleshooting
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal, disassembly, inspection, reassembly and installation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities and adjustment values
Special Tools:
Lists of required special tools and substitute methods
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tables and fluid change procedures
Depth:
Full teardown-level detail comparable to dealership service literature
Illustrations:
Diagrams, exploded views and wiring schematics
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 Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8, OHV, 16 valves
Optional Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8, OHV, 16 valves
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded gasoline
5.2L Output:
Approximately 230 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque
5.9L Output:
Approximately 245 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A - automatic was the only transmission offered
Features:
Overdrive fourth gear; column or floor shifter depending on configuration
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly transfer case
Transfer Case:
Chain-driven part-time transfer case with 2WD, 4HI and 4LO ranges
Wheelbase:
Approximately 111.0 in (2,819 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 193.5 in (4,915 mm)
Body Style:
4-door SUV, body-on-frame
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,300-4,700 lb depending on drivetrain and equipment
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 6,000-7,000 lb properly equipped
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front belts; rear lap/shoulder belts
Structure:
Steel ladder frame with crumple zones
Brakes:
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Traction:
Part-time 4WD with low range for poor-traction conditions
Crash Test Information:
N/A - specific government or IIHS ratings not stated in the manual
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; optional CD player and premium Infinity sound system
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with warning indicators and optional trip features
Power Accessories:
Available power windows, door locks and mirrors
Climate:
Air conditioning with rear HVAC ducting available
Driver Assistance:
N/A - driver assistance systems were not offered in this era
Oil and Filter:
Engine oil and filter change every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Scheduled Service:
Maintenance tables for normal and severe duty cycles included in the manual
Engine Oil:
API-rated SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 per factory recommendation
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mixture per factory specification
Automatic Transmission:
Mopar ATF+3 (or ATF+4) type automatic transmission fluid
Differential and Transfer Case:
Mopar-approved gear lubricant per factory specifications
Known Issues:
Ball joints, tie rod ends and U-joints are common wear points on Dakota-platform trucks
Other Watch Items:
Rear leaf spring bushings, brake hardware and cooling system hoses with age
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation
Platform Origin:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota mid-size pickup introduced in 1987
First Generation:
1998 marked the Durango launch as a 4-door SUV based on the Dakota chassis
Body Style:
Five-passenger standard with available third-row seat, a segment first for mid-size SUVs
Production Location:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA
