Durango Project

[TRXRacing]

I have not started yet other than a list of what I would do if money were no object. The vehicle is a fully loaded 1999 Dodge Durango with 245,000 miles. It is a daily driver but is starting to go south (as am I). It just needs a refresh. If Overhaulin' stole it, this is the list:

Fastman 360/Eddy heads/cam for 320hp rear wheel

Martin Saine 46re and 2400 stall converter

passenger side exit true dual exhaust/headers/flowmaster 40 and electric cut outs

18x8.5 Ultra 247 Thunder wheels

285/60/18 Toyo Opencountry A/T's

T/S lift with add-a-leafs

4.10 gears and rear locker

fix windshield/tint front windows

fix power windows

replace interior trim/carpet

Bilsteins

Moog front end (bj's, draglink, pitman, tie rod ends)

AP Racing brakes

Front hitch with tow hooks, driving lights, and Warn winch

Dodge Dakota quad cab truck bed trailer/shell with eezi-awn tent and lifting arm to get me in

Mastercraft suspension seats and a lift to get me in

rear lift for electric wheelchair

auxillury fuel tank and tailgate mounted spare

RAM laptop mount and camera mount

new stereo with a single 8" sub

dual isolated optimas plus inverter to charge wheelchair

cb radio

Lenovo thinkpad with mobile internet/tv card/gps and XM weather

satellite phone

rear view camera

fresh coat of Chili Pepper Red

Cowl hood

replace weather stripping

extra gauges

dog cage

fridge sink/water supply/expedition toilet in the trailer/stove

small generator

 

[Bella PSD]

I think your going to need a roof rack too!

Louie

 

[TRXRacing]

With 5 people and 1 95lb yellow lab I may want an eezi-awn for the top of the Durango, too. I'll probably sleep inside the trailer rather than up top..I'm not a very good ladder climber.

 

[86cj]

I have had a certain respect for the Durango after I was up at the dunes and witnessed one put to shame all sorts of vehicles (hillclimbs and drags). It seemed stock with the 31" tires, flowmaster duals and 4 people having a blast. I don't know if I was more impressed with how well it did or the shear beating the thing took repeatedly..... I say it's a good platform to use.....

 

[TRXRacing]

It has no trouble yanking our '98 2wd Cummins Ram 2500 out of ditches. I'm not fond of the second generation Durango. They should have built a new Ramcharger in 1500/2500/3500 versions and kept the Durango midsized imo.

Being 2wd and quad cab/long bed would limit me to well maintained dirt roads..otherwise I'd use the Ram. The Cummins motor is awesome. If I 'm unable to get the D done in time all the Ram needs is an injection pump. That's plan B.

 

[Wanderlusty]

not fond of the second generation Durango. They should have built a new Ramcharger in 1500/2500/3500 versions and kept the Durango midsized imo.

Seems like EVERY manufacturer is just going bigger and bigger, their compacts are now as big as full sizes used to be, their mid-size bigger than old full size and their full sizes are just huge and their 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are just getting GINORMOUS.

I can't say I particularly care for the trend either...I just don't think it is the responsible thing to do....on many levels.

 

[TRXRacing]

Well I'm having second thoughts...with around 9-10mpg loaded up so that's about 240 miles per tank. Let's say gas is around $2.75 I'm out $70. The preliminary route is 7300 miles rondtrip. That's 31 tanks or $2200.

The Ram gets 15mpg loaded or 550 miles per tank. Assuming $2.75 again, $95 per tank. 14 tanks at around $1350.

Durango
Pro: smaller, off-road worthy, smoother ride
Con: less room, less economical, not as reliable

Either one is capable of easy 100mph cruising...a Banks Powerpack and BD trans/converter would add to the fun.

 

[TRXRacing]

Well I got 31X10.50 BF Goodrich Mud Terrains for $625 installed today. A bit noisy on the road but in the little 4Hi action just now a railroad tie by the garden broke after getting climbed. Guess it was rotten. Oops

I'm impatiently waiting for mud.

 

[CLynn85]

Congrats, the BFG's are great tires and they really give the truck an agressive look. I'm sure you'll love how they do off the main tracks.

 

[TRXRacing]

The M/T's are doing good on dirt but throw a lot of rocks...I think mudflaps will help eliminate that. Also ordered PPH ceramic coated mid length headers and y-pipe. Hopefully they'll ship by mid-June. :wavey: at my $$$

 

[Grim Reaper]

I really liked the BFG muds for off road. My only complaint was they would keep you on your toes in the rain. Trying a set of KO's now since its my DD and so far I am VERY happy. They are awesome on the street. Do respectable on the trail and ok in the mud. With the e-locker in my truck I have been able to make everything so far.

Got nearly 50k on a set of muds so no complaint there.

Does that truck really get that low of MPG loaded?

 

[TRXRacing]

With a bit of a leadfoot it is...but I'm just saying worst case, 9mpg. Better to be prepared. I don't want to be out of money in Montana and no way home. :exclaim: