Model Variant:
Sport Utility (first generation, DN)
Production Years Covered:
2000 (manual covers first-generation Durango 1998-2000)
Body Style:
4-door mid-size SUV
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly, Delaware, USA
Target Audience:
Families and towing users needing a mid-size SUV with full-size truck capability
Platform:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup platform
Seating Capacity:
Up to 8 passengers (with optional third-row seat)
Key Advantage:
Strong towing capacity and available V8 engines uncommon among mid-size SUVs of the era
Engine Options:
4.7L V8 or 5.9L V8
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
Towing:
Tow package rated for heavy trailers with load-leveling suspension option
Engine:
4.7L Power Tech V8 and 5.9L Magnum V8 mechanical and electrical service
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fans, and coolant testing
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, EVAP, and emissions controls
Ignition and Charging:
Coil-on-plug ignition, alternator, starter, and battery systems
Transmission - Automatic:
42RE and 45RFE automatic transmission service and rebuild
Transmission - Manual:
5-speed NV3500 manual transmission service (where equipped)
Transfer Case:
New Process 231 and 242 transfer case service (4WD models)
Drive Axles:
Front and rear differential, CV joints, and axle shafts
Suspension:
Front coil/control arm and rear leaf spring suspension, shocks
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering gearbox and linkage
Brakes:
Disc/drum hydraulics, ABS diagnostics, pads, rotors, and drums
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service and recharge
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, connectors, fuse/relay locations, and troubleshooting
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, seats, glass, and exterior components
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, and safety precautions
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step symptom troubleshooting and OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes
Repair Procedures:
Removal, disassembly, inspection, and installation instructions
Torque Specifications:
Fastener torque values throughout all procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete schematics for electrical system diagnosis
Special Tools:
Special tool listings and substitutions where applicable
Specifications:
Fluid capacities, part wear limits, and adjustment values
Illustrations:
Diagrams and exploded views supporting parts identification
Part Numbers:
Factory part references included where applicable
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:
4-speed 42RE automatic transmission (with 5.9L V8)
Drivetrain:
RWD standard; 4WD with New Process transfer case
Optional:
5-speed 45RFE automatic (with 4.7L V8)
Manual Option:
5-speed NV3500 manual transmission (limited availability, RWD)
4WD Modes:
Part-time 4WD with 2HI, 4HI, 4LO ranges (command-trac style)
Tow/Haul Support:
Transmission cooling provisions with towing package
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.8 inches
Length:
Approximately 193.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 72 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,300-4,700 lbs depending on drivetrain
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 7,500 lbs properly equipped
NHTSA Crash Tests:
N/A - consult NHTSA archives for 2000 model ratings
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes
Traction:
Available limited-slip rear differential
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear three-point belts; adjustable front shoulder anchors
Child Restraints:
Rear LATCH-era child seat tether anchors and integrated child seat option
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; CD player and Infinity premium audio available
Climate:
Manual air conditioning; rear HVAC ducting available
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with optional overhead trip computer
Advanced ADAS:
N/A - not available for this model era
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Air Filter:
Inspect at every oil change; replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (5.9L); 4.7L per schedule
Coolant:
Flush at approximately 3 years / 30,000-36,000 miles
Engine Oil:
API-rated SAE 5W-30 (4.7L); 10W-30 (5.9L) per factory spec
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3/ATF+4 type fluid
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol low-silicate coolant
Transfer Case and Differentials:
Mopar-approved gear oil (per manual capacities chart)
Known Issues / Wear Items
Common Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and U-joints on high-mileage units
Crankcase Ventilation:
Check PCV system for oil consumption concerns
Brake System:
Inspect rotors and drums at regular intervals for wear
Dashboard Cracking:
Known era-specific interior trim issue
Manufacturer:
DaimlerChrysler (Dodge division)
Model Introduction:
Durango launched in 1998 as a 1998 model
Platform Basis:
Based on the Dodge Dakota mid-size pickup platform
2000 Changes:
4.7L V8 joined the lineup alongside the 5.9L V8; new 45RFE transmission option
Generations:
This manual covers the first generation (1998-2003) 2000 model year
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA