Post by
Q45Viper »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/q45viper-u6953.html
Mon Nov 17, 2003 3:19 pm
Be aware that NHTSA has opened an investigation into the failure of upper ball joints in the Durango/Dakota at relatively low mileage. 65 instances of complete ball joint failure resulting in separation of the suspension/wheel from the car. So far no action from DC to recall or NHTSA to force a recall. I own a 2001 Durango RT, bought new, just had the ball joints inspected at 40,000 miles, almost gone. Obviously I will have to replace at my cost for safety even though I have the 7YR/100,000MI warranty. Having said that, these are great trucks, I have 40,000 on this one with not one problem other than the ball joints. It will tow close to 8,000 lbs, has a third seat and does 0-60 in under 8.0 seconds, and the RT comes with an exhaust that sounds amazing. I shopped the QX extensively along with everything else, I could not justify the premium cost of the QX over the Durango plus the 2000 extra tow lbs and the third seat in the Durango. You should be able to get a loaded brand new Durango DIRT cheap right now, there are HUGE incentives to move them. I got mine at this time of year COMPLETELY loaded for under 30k. The deals are supposed to be MUCH better right now. And the really amazing news is the NEW Durango is supposed to have a radical drop in price. If anybody wants a hookup to one of the largest dealers in the country who discounts heavily and ships nationally I can set you up. The sludge issue has been talked about a lot, but those using synthetic oil and changing regularly have not had problems even at high miles.