2002 DODGE DURANGO

[JSJJ388]

Looking at trading my little 94 dakota for a 02 durango. Figured you folks know a fair bit about them. It's a base model 4x4 with the 4.7. Not looking for a tow pig or a buggy. Will just be for hauling the family around and typical light towing ie small boat, lawnmower, utility trailer ect. One big thing is we will be using the 3rd row sesting from time to time,but not everyday. It does have some miles on it ~300k, but is in good shape from what I can tell. Here's what I know, and a few pics.

 

[LBarr2002]

The window motors and door locks will stop working, it will make funny noises, but for the most part the drivetrain is solid. I have a coworker with one that sits for ages and is neglected but he puts a battery charger on it and it just keeps going...

 

[shelby27604]

I am always a bit Leary of people selling cars that still have temp tags on them. I cycle through cars quickly, but my junk always gets tagged, titled, and driven 10k+ miles before I get the itch for something new.
Temp tags always feel like someone is punting a rig after discovering a major flaw. With the noted overheating, I wonder if a head gasket was popped.
Dollars to donuts says all the listed new stuff, the owner prior to the seller did.

 

[untchabl]

I had to replace the head gaskets on my brother's 02 Dakota with the 4.7, I'm the mechanic for the whole family when it's more than basic maintenance. It's not a bad job but it won't be cheap if you take it somewhere to have it fixed. Lots of while you're in there parts that need to be replaced when doing the head gaskets, timing chains, water pump, valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, etc that all add to the cost especially at shop prices.

Some of the 4.7 engines have an issue with dropping the valve seats in the head. Did this repair on a WK Grand Cherokee that my wife used to have. Same work/parts as replacing head gaskets plus more $$ at the machine shop.

It's not a bad engine overall, my biggest concern would be the 300k mile Dodge components wrapped around the engine. And with the guy mentioning the over heating issue, the temp tags, the mileage, etc I'd be leary of it.

In my opinion, I'd look for a GMT800 Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban. I think they hold up better even with higher miles/age than the Mopar options.

 

[JSJJ388]

I am always a bit Leary of people selling cars that still have temp tags on them. I cycle through cars quickly, but my junk always gets tagged, titled, and driven 10k+ miles before I get the itch for something new.
Temp tags always feel like someone is punting a rig after discovering a major flaw. With the noted overheating, I wonder if a head gasket was popped.
Dollars to donuts says all the listed new stuff, the owner prior to the seller did.

It's my brother, and I know where he got it.

I had to replace the head gaskets on my brother's 02 Dakota with the 4.7, I'm the mechanic for the whole family when it's more than basic maintenance. It's not a bad job but it won't be cheap if you take it somewhere to have it fixed. Lots of while you're in there parts that need to be replaced when doing the head gaskets, timing chains, water pump, valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, etc that all add to the cost especially at shop prices.

Some of the 4.7 engines have an issue with dropping the valve seats in the head. Did this repair on a WK Grand Cherokee that my wife used to have. Same work/parts as replacing head gaskets plus more $$ at the machine shop.

It's not a bad engine overall, my biggest concern would be the 300k mile Dodge components wrapped around the engine. And with the guy mentioning the over heating issue, the temp tags, the mileage, etc I'd be leary of it.

In my opinion, I'd look for a GMT800 Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban. I think they hold up better even with higher miles/age than the Mopar options.

See previous comment above about the tag. Thanks for the first hand insights. Doesn't sound like it's a bad engine. He's got a Yukon, but won't let it go. Only reason I'm interested is it would fill a need and it's a straight trade. My dakotoa has 350k on it, stock original.

 

[untchabl]

Since it's your brother that owns it, see if you can borrow it for a couple days to drive and see what you think about it.

 

[JSJJ388]

Since it's your brother that owns it, see if you can borrow it for a couple days to drive and see what you think about it.

Yep, thats the plan. trying to swap tonight if it works out.