Target Audience:
Families and buyers needing seven-passenger seating with truck-based towing capability, competing against the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee
Competitive Advantage:
Larger interior and higher tow ratings than most mid-size rivals of the era, with true frame-based construction shared with the Dakota pickup
Key Features:
Available third-row seating, standard V8 power, four-wheel-drive options, and a 7,200 lb maximum tow rating when properly equipped
Engine:
Complete mechanical service, removal, disassembly, rebuild, and reassembly procedures
Fuel and Emissions:
Multi-port fuel injection, throttle body, evaporative emissions, and emission control diagnostics
Ignition and Electrical:
Distributor ignition, charging, starting, wiring diagrams, and connector pinouts
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, adjustment, and overhaul procedures
Transfer Case and Driveline:
Four-wheel-drive transfer case, driveshafts, and differentials
Suspension and Steering:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, and power steering
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, anti-lock brake system (ABS), drums, rotors, and parking brake
Heating and Air Conditioning:
HVAC system service, refrigerant handling, and blower/controls diagnostics
Body:
Panels, doors, tailgate, trim, glass, and body repair procedures
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, and child restraint anchors
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step removal, installation, disassembly, and reassembly with torque specifications
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting tables, fault code identification, and wiring schematics
Specifications:
Factory torque values, fluid capacities, and adjustment specifications throughout
Special Tools:
Identified where required for specific procedures
Parts Information:
Exploded views and component part identification throughout illustrated procedures
Page Count:
N/A - not specified for this listing
Usability:
Searchable and printable PDF for workshop use
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
Primary Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) V8, overhead valve
Optional Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) V8, overhead valve (R/T and optional equipment)
5.2L Power:
Approximately 230 hp at 4,400 rpm
5.9L Power:
Approximately 245 hp at 4,000 rpm
Torque:
5.2L: approximately 290 lb-ft; 5.9L: approximately 335 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded regular gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic overdrive (42RE) with 5.2L V8
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic overdrive (46RE) with 5.9L V8
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive standard; part-time 4-wheel drive available (NV231 or NP242 transfer case)
Features:
Automatic transmission includes electronic governor pressure sensing on later units; towing package availability affected cooling and axle ratios
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.5 in
Length:
Approximately 193.5 in
Width:
Approximately 71.5 in
Height:
Approximately 72.9 in
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,300-4,700 lb depending on drivetrain and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 6,000-6,100 lb
Maximum Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,200 lb when properly equipped
Anti-Lock Brakes:
4-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Traction Control:
Not available; 4WD models offer improved traction on slippery surfaces
Braking:
Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for front and outboard rear seating positions
Child Restraints:
Rear seat tether anchors and LATCH-era lower anchor compatibility; center rear lap belt
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with front and rear crush zones
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA frontal crash test results available for the 1998 Durango; consult NHTSA archives for current published figures
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; optional CD player and premium Infinity speaker system
Other:
Optional power sunroof and rear HVAC vents for third-row comfort
Driver Assistance Features:
None - this era predates modern ADAS; no backup camera, lane assist, or collision warning systems
Convenience:
Cruise control, optional keyless entry, and power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on driving conditions (severe vs normal service)
Air Filter:
Inspect at oil changes; replace approximately every 30,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (original platinum plugs)
Coolant:
Replace approximately every 30,000 miles or 3 years for original ethylene glycol coolant
Transmission Fluid:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles; more frequently under severe/towing service
Transfer Case and Differentials:
Fluid change approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, especially with 4WD use or towing
Engine Oil:
API-rated 10W-30 (5W-30 in cold climates); capacity approximately 5 quarts with filter
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50 with water
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (MS-7176) equivalent automatic transmission fluid
Refrigerant:
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and front suspension bushings wear with mileage on Dakota/Durango front ends
Transmission:
42RE/46RE valve body and governor pressure sensor issues can cause harsh or delayed shifting
Plenum Gasket:
Intake manifold plenum gasket failure is a known issue on the 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8, causing oil consumption and rough idle
Rear Main Seal:
Crankshaft rear main seal leaks are a known concern on these engines
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of the Chrysler Corporation (Chrysler LLC from 1998 merger with Daimler-Benz)
Model Evolution:
The Durango launched in 1998 as a larger, three-row alternative to the Dakota-based SUV niche; the first generation (DN) ran from 1998 through 2003 before the second generation arrived in 2004
Production Location:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, United States
Platform:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota mid-size pickup, sharing frame, powertrains, and front sheetmetal design cues