5.2 318, 4x4

reliability issues? common problems? will it pull an open car trailer with a 3-4000# car on it?

7/14/2012 11:28:48 AM

The Durango was marketed as a sturdy truck-based SUV designed to hold up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,950 lb (4,060 kg) when properly equipped. The 4.7 L PowerTech V8 replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine for 2000 however the 5.2 was still available in the early 2000 models. In that same year a special AWD performance version called the R/T was released with a 5.9 L Magnum V8. In 1999 and 2000, a limited edition Shelby S.P.360 version was offered that featured a supercharged version of the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine. Output is 360 hp (270 kW; 360 PS) and 412 lb·ft (559 N·m) of torque. Exterior modifications include unique wheels, tires, suspension, and bumpers. It came standard with Viper blue paint with two racing stripes down the center of the truck. It boasted a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The top speed was 142 mph (229 km/h).

1998: First model year for Durango, available only in 4WD.

1999: The Durango was made available with 2WD. A 3.9L Magnum V6 engine was available, however few were sold. Minor changes were made for the 2nd year, two new paint colors and notable options available including 6 × 9 in (150 × 230 mm) heated rear view mirrors and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. Leather seats became standard on SLT Plus models, and body-color wheel flares became standard on SLT Plus and 4WD Models.

2000: The new 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine replaced the 5.2 L Magnum V8 as the standard engine for 4WD models. The 3.9L Magnum V6 engine was no longer available, leaving only V8s for the rest of the production run. The high performance Durango R/T came equipped with a performance tuned 5.9 L Magnum V8 and AWD.

Hope this helps.

7/14/2012 3:22:31 PM

it'll pull the load without too much problem, but you'll want trailer brakes. A transmission cooler is also a good idea to add if it'll be a common haul. The front shocks don't last terribly long, even Bilsteins. We have a 99 Dakota w/ the 5.2 and it hauls my boat (just over 4k lbs loaded) fairly well, but I haven't put trailer brakes on yet and stopping is interesting at times. The motor in ours is tired, 180k on the clock, and has a leaking rear main, but it still gets the job done hauling shit around, towing the boats, driving on the beach, etc. We're shopping for a newer Dakota w/ the 4.7 or finding someone to drop a reman in, but then we'll have a bunch of money into an older truck that may need other major work in another year or two.

7/14/2012 4:31:15 PM

I had a 98 durango SLT 5.2 318 4x4 with towing package. That thing was awesome. Next to my Jeep, its my #2 favorite vehicle that I've owned.

I kept up on regular maintenance, and never had any issues with it.

It will pull that weight no problem.

[Edited on July 14, 2012 at 5:16 PM. Reason : holla!]

7/14/2012 5:15:01 PM

Transmission cooler is essential for dodge trucks/ durangos from that generation. The transmissions were very finicky and had a higher than normal failure rate IMHO. A cooler's marginal cost is negligible against a trans rebuild. The 5.2 and 5.9 were pretty solid engines and with 4x4 gearing will help tow a load around your size on flat or mildly hilly areas. If i had a choice I'd wait for a 5.9 to come along, almost no real price difference and gas mileage would both be horrible enough to not see a difference more than a mpg.

[Edited on July 14, 2012 at 10:55 PM. Reason : 4 spd autos to be specific]

7/14/2012 10:55:04 PM

you'll get more power and same or better MPG with a tahoe/suburban/chevy pickup. i wouldn't choose a 318 durango to pull that kind of load with any regularity.

ball joints are a common problem, but not a deal breaker. the transmissions don't like a lot of towing.

7/15/2012 7:11:40 PM

Go look in the junkyard and you will find your answer.

7/16/2012 7:39:42 AM

Great looking trucks and the venerable 318 is pretty sturdy. But everything else has the potential for issues. My cousin has one (not sure if it's an '00, '01, or '02 so it could the the 5.2 or the 4.7) and he's had a lot of problems with it. He's been wanting to sell it for a while now but it keeps breaking and eating his would-be down payment

7/16/2012 11:57:13 AM