Platinum_Racing Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 As a couple of you may know, I've recently been in the market for a good, rust free used car. I think I've found one... I was either looking for a good AWD Subaru, hopefully one with a good timing belt and good head gaskets, or a good 4WD SUV or quad cab pickup. After checking every lot within a 20 mile radius, I decided to widen my search. I went to Manchester NH and checked out a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It wasn't bad, but it needed a power steering pump and a fuse or two. I decided not to get the Jeep. After more searching I looked into Durango's. The first one I checked out was a 1998 5.2L. It had a bit of rust and some dings, so I kept looking. I finally found one.. It's perfect... 2002 Dodge Durango SLT 4WD 108K miles. Alloy rims, power windows, power locks, power seats, heated seats, leather interior, dual air bags, faux wood grain interior, cold AC, dual zone climate control with separate rear climate control, 3rd row seat, more storage space than I know what to do with, 6,500lb towing capacity, rear DVD, 6 or 8 speakers (I forgot to count but I noticed at least 6), and rust free. $5,500. It just rolled into the lot and I managed to catch the salesmen off guard, getting him to give me a price before he knew what the dealership payed for it. I know this because it wasn't on the normal lot and when I told him my $5,000 price limit and asked him how much for this truck he stumbled with his words and blurted out $5,500. I went home and checked on KBB and in this condition with that mileage the BB value is $9,950. The car test drove very nice, but it did stall once right after start up, so I'll have to look into it a little more. I'm economically stable right now, but I can't afford the truck outright. I also don't have very much credit, not that it isn't good credit, I just don't qualify with the little credit that I have. I've never financed anything and I've never had a credit card. My house was left to me by my father and it's all payed off, I just have to worry about the insurance, the taxes, and the utilities, so I never really got a chance to build my credit score. We talked about it and if I get a well qualified co-signee I can get 6% interest for 48 months. I plan on taking this offer and paying it off in much less than 48 months. I hate to admit this, but I am thinking about asking my mother to co-sign, since she has a very good job, she lives by herself, she has impeccable credit, and she's always good when it comes to helping me out with things like that. (Call my what you want, but at least I live on my own and not in her basement... ) The thing that gets me is that after model year 2000 Dodge stopped using the Magnum 5.2L V8 (318) and started using the PowerTech 4.7 V8. The R/T version used the 5.9 Magnum (360). The Magnum engine was only in the R/T, while the 4.7 was in everything else. The 4.7 PowerTech says right on the engine, PowerTech 4.7. This truck does not have any PowerTech logos on the engine, instead it says Dodge Magnum V8. I am confused, since this would be a Durango SLT with some other motor in it, either the 5.2 Magnum or the 5.9 Magnum, but it can't be the 4.7. Since the truck is a 2002 SLT, the only engine it should have is the PowerTech 4.7. The rest of the truck is debadged except for SLT on the rear pillar and Dodge Durango on the back. Any ideas on what I'm dealing with here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John M Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Dodge labeled all their v8 vehicles "Magnum", even though the actual 4.7 engine family was called PowerTech. Even when the Hemi came out it was badged as the "Magnum Hemi" for a few years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_PowerTech_engine It'll take a little more research but I believe that Durango may have the 4AT that can be converted to a 5AT by a reflash of the transmission computer. I know it's been done on Cherokees. A co-signer is a great way to build credit of your own. The 4.7 engine will run forever but be sure the tranny is checked out by someone who knows Dodges. It's their only weakness. Having said that, my 03 Ram (4x4, Hemi) has ~ 67k miles with no issues at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum_Racing Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 Yeah, I am aware of the transmission problems in automatic Dodge vehicles. That would be sweet if I could reflash the tranny and turn the car into a 5 speed. Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLegacy99 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 My uncle had a late 90s Durango. Can't say that it was a reliable vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTTuner Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 The transmission in question is the 545RFE. It is dubbed as a "multi speed" automatic. Earlier versions were called the 45RFE. They are both 5 speed autos but the 45RFE had two second gear ratios, one for kickdown, one for normal upshifts. They made a couple of hardware changes inside the valvebody that allowed it to become a true 5 speed, thus came the 545RFE. The 545RFE is the same trans used behind the 5.7L Hemi pickups. It is an excellent transmission, damn near bullet proof as long as the fluid is clean and changed. This series of transmissions had/have the lowest warranty cost of any trans in the corporate history. Believe me or not, Chrysler has excellent transmissions and engines now. I would not hesitate to buy any Chrysler product in terms of reliability or durability with engines and transmissions. As for the 4.7L engine, that too is a great engine. I have seen some high mileage 4.7's break camshaft caps in the heads, but those are very far and few between. So, if I were buying the said vehicle in question here is what I would look at; Ball joints, uppers and lowers. Transfer case oil leaks which lead to failure. Rear end pinion seal leaks and loose pinion bearing. Rotted brake and fuel lines. Note that if the battery is low it will stall when you start because the IAC motor looses it's learned memory if batt voltage crops to around 10.5 volts while cranking. If it's an original battery, have them replace it. Also, if you PM me with the VIN number I can run a complete warranty history on the vehicle and let you know if it was a "problem" child. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 ^^^ Wasn't there a recall on those ball joints a few years back? My old man has an 02 Dakota (again, 4.7, auto) and I think I can recall him getting a letter about a ball joint recall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05bikemobile Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 The transmission in question is the 545RFE. It is dubbed as a "multi speed" automatic. Earlier versions were called the 45RFE. They are both 5 speed autos but the 45RFE had two second gear ratios, one for kickdown, one for normal upshifts. They made a couple of hardware changes inside the valvebody that allowed it to become a true 5 speed, thus came the 545RFE. Note that if the battery is low it will stall when you start because the IAC motor looses it's learned memory if batt voltage crops to around 10.5 volts while cranking. If it's an original battery, have them replace it. I had a 2002 dakota quad cab for 30k miles. Same engine/trans. GREAT truck. Not perfect but I would buy one again. sold it to get the wife a new cherokee. Again with the newer 300hp 4.7 and 545rfe. Sidenote: The 45RFE is mechanically IDENTICAL to the 545rfe. I had my TCM reflashed by a membeer on dodgetalk.com in my 2002 to "unlock" the 5th gear. It added 2-3 mpg to my highway mileage. Simple swap. You can use a Jeep TCM from 2001 I believe also. Jeep got the 5 speed in 2001 before dodge did in 2003. Same transmission. Visit www.dodgetalk.com it is a searchable public forum for 545RFE info. Some of the bad stuff: The brakes suck - plain and simple. Warped rotors, not big enough. See if it has 2 wheel or 4 wheel ABS brakes. The 2 wheel is scary. My truck had stalling issues when I bought it due to the low battery also. Not a big deal. The 4.7 is robust as long as it has been treated right. Check for sludge in the oil fill cap. Make sure it has the OEM spec champion plugs in it. I have a brand new Serp belt hanging in my garage. you can have it. I miss that truck sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum_Racing Posted December 3, 2009 Author Share Posted December 3, 2009 I noticed that the 4.7 has a timing chain, and the newer 318 motors look like they might have a belt. the 360 still uses a single camshaft with OHV's. The chain on the 4.7 is good news if I decide to go for this truck. I also noticed the Powertech has virtually identical power ratings as the older 318, and it was on the Wards list of 10 best engines of 1999. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I don't think the 318 has ever had a belt. And my dad has fought brake gremlins, too. Needed pads and rotors first, then a caliper when 1 locked up shortly thereafter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05bikemobile Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 The 4.7 is OHC. Chain driven overhead cams. The 318 may have an edge over the 4.7 on torque but the 4.7 is more efficient and has better mid range power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTTuner Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 ^^^ Wasn't there a recall on those ball joints a few years back? My old man has an 02 Dakota (again, 4.7, auto) and I think I can recall him getting a letter about a ball joint recall. THere was a massive recall on upper ball joints. It only pertained to one certain plant where the chassis was flipped upside down during the manufacture process and this compromised the integrity of the boot seal. This was BS because the balljoints were failing in all the vehicles. PM me the VIN and I'll check it out for you !!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxx Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I had one of these cars. Exact same year & everything. I gave it to my nephew & he still has it. It's had some minor repairs done to it but on the whole it was a great car. It's got like 120k miles on it at this point. "Barack Obama, mothaf#%@a! Barack Obama! I'm the president...of hittin' the ass!" -this is not a political view it's merely a quote from a hilarious tv show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 PM me the VIN and I'll check it out for you !!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the heads up but I can remember him scheduling that and getting the work performed years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryandigi Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 had a 98 durango with the 360...ball joints and new rear axle...oh and a cracked head all under a 100k miles and all fixed under warranty. Fun truck though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05bikemobile Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I would guess that if it is still on the road that the balljoints were already fixed. BUT get them checked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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