zavetsky wrote:
>I am looking at buying a used (15k miles or so) 2003-2003 Durango...
>
>I have seen nightmare stories on the web about sludge/seizures in the
>engines taht arent covered by warranty, but that problem seems to span
>many years and several other makes of cars as well.....I own a 92
>Dakopta and have had no problems in 120k miles sludge wise.
>
>The 4.7 is the engine I want....
>
>ANyone have a story or expereince to share??
>
>
The Dakota/Durango have the same drive line. The 4.7L has a 5 speed
auto, with two 2nd gears. Kind of weird, but they had to do that
because the engine has a very spiked narrow power band and it's
difficult to get it to perform correctly. There have been some reported
problems with this new transmission, requiring frequent and expensive
rebuilds. The 5 speed was available as an option, but I've never seen
one. The 4.7L has had some problems with oil sludge build up in the
rocker covers and oil fill pipe area. I've not seen anywhere that this
is a functional problem.
The 5.9L has a different transmission. Dodge is not known for
excellent transmission. But it's been my experience that if you take
care of them they last a long time. Mine has over 40K on it and it
shifts just fine. The 5.9L, IMO, is a much better engine than the
4.7L. It produces pretty much the same peak hp. But it produces more
torque over a broader range - more area under the curve. And that's
really what you want for a street truck. If you drive two otherwise
identical vehicles with the two engines, you'll feel the difference
immediately. If you plan on towing or climbing hills, get the 5.9.
My truck is my daily driver in the winter, and my long distance
car. I have a 3.92 LSD rear, and Michelin tires. It runs and drives
great. I do routine maint only. Has been to the dealer twice - once
for a computer reflash, and once to check seat belt bolt; both factory
recalls. I don't have a problem with disc brake warping, oil sludge,
ball joints, or anything else. I get about 13mpg around town, 15mpg on
the highway (85mph), and 18mpg on the two lane black tops. It tows a
light trailer like it's not even there. High mountain passes are pretty
much effortless. The ride is excellent. Handling is better than any
truck I've ever owned. Fire trails, mud, and snow are non-issues.
In short, I couldn't be happier with this truck.
--
..boB
97 H-D FXDWG - Turbocharged!!
01 Dakota Quad Sport, 5.9/Auto/4x4
83 GMC Jimmy (beater)
66 427SC Cobra Replica - Project
66 Mustang coupe - Daily Driver
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
