Target Audience:
Families and buyers needing 7-passenger seating with truck-based towing capability
Competitive Segment:
Mid-size body-on-frame SUVs
Key Advantage:
Available V8 engines and strong towing capacity in a slightly smaller package than full-size competitors
Seating:
Optional third-row seating, uncommon among direct rivals of the era
Powertrain:
Choice of 4.7L, 5.2L, and 5.9L V8 engines
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive or shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive
Systems Covered:
Engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, HVAC, body and interior
Manual Type:
Factory service and repair manual
Page Count:
Comprehensive multi-section factory documentation
Technical Depth:
Written for professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital (PDF document)
Engine:
4.7L, 5.2L, and 5.9L V8 engine repair, removal, and rebuild procedures
Fuel & Emissions:
Multi-port fuel injection, fuel delivery, and emissions control systems
Cooling & Lubrication:
Radiator, water pump, thermostats, and lubrication circuits
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, diagnosis, and overhaul
Transfer Case & Axles:
4WD transfer case operation, front and rear differential service
Driveshaft:
U-joint and driveshaft inspection and replacement
Brakes:
Anti-lock brakes (ABS), disc front, drum rear, and parking brake
Suspension:
Front coil, rear leaf spring, and shock absorber service
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering gear and pump
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, lighting, and body electronics
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components
Restraints:
Airbag (SRS) and seat belt systems
Body & Interior:
Doors, liftgate, glass, trim, and exterior panels
Wheels & Tires:
Specifications, balancing, and alignment procedures
Diagnostics:
Fault code (DTC) retrieval, troubleshooting charts, and on-board diagnostic procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly, inspection, and reassembly instructions
Torque Specifications:
Complete fastener torque tables throughout
Special Tools:
Factory special tool listings where required
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with specifications, exploded views, and schematics
Skill Level:
Suitable for professional shops and advanced home mechanics
Parts Data:
OEM part references and specification tables within procedures
Fluid Capacities:
Fluid types and fill capacities for all systems
Adjustments:
Belt tension, valve lash, alignment, and brake specifications
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:
4.7L (287 cu in) SOHC V8
Optional Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) OHV V8
Top Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) OHV V8
4.7L Output:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4,800 rpm, 295 lb-ft torque
5.9L Output:
Approx. 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm, 335 lb-ft torque
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded regular gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 25 gallons
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA frontal ratings available for this era; consult NHTSA archives for exact scores
N/A Note:
N/A - exact star ratings vary by test; not specified in the service manual
Brakes:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Traction:
Available limited-slip rear differential
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear 3-point belts; center lap belt on some rows
Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with crumple zones
Oil & Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on driving conditions
Spark Plugs:
Per factory schedule, approx. 30,000 miles (platinum plugs longer)
Coolant:
Flush per factory interval, typically 30,000-60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid:
Service approx. every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (4.7L) / 10W-30 (5.2L, 5.9L) API-rated; refer to manual tables
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based Mopar antifreeze
ATF:
Mopar ATF+4 (type 7176) for automatic transmissions
Known Issues / Common Wear
Ball Joints:
Front ball joints are a common wear item
Intake Manifold:
5.2L / 5.9L plenum gasket wear is a known issue
Transmission:
46RE valve body and governor pressure sensor issues on high-mileage units
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of DaimlerChrysler (formerly Chrysler Corporation)
Platform:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup (first generation)
Introduction:
Durango launched in 1998 as a mid-size SUV based on the Dakota
This Generation:
First generation, produced 1998-2003
Assembly Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA
