Thinking about getting a D?

Veovius · Dec 8, 2006

Oh, speaking of gears, that's what I wanted to ask. How do you tell which gear set is which? Is there a label or something on the diff?

Silver Ghost · Dec 8, 2006

Veovius said:
Oh, speaking of gears, that's what I wanted to ask. How do you tell which gear set is which? Is there a label or something on the diff?

Look inside the glove compartment. There'll be a sticker inside with some "critical" items listed - gearing should be there. It'll either be 3.55 or 3.92.
or
Of you're working with a dealer, have him/her get you a print-out of the "build sheet" for that particular VIN. It'll list everything that was used to put the D together (both standard and optional.)

Joe

qwassy111 · Dec 8, 2006

What's the advantage with the taller gear say 3.92 to 4.11. Besides the obvious better highway gas mileage and better towing. Might also want to make mention of the # of forward gears. I think I have the 4sp tranny but wasn't there a 5 speed option out there?

tomk · Dec 8, 2006

I believe you have the 545RFE transmission, which is a kind of 5-1/2 speed transmission (I know the '03 4.7L's have the 545, but I forget when it showed up.)

I say "5-1/2 speed" because it has five forward ratios (3.00, 1.67, 1.00, 0.75, 0.67), but it also has an extra "second gear" (1.50) used in kickdown ("passing-gear") situations.

A numerically-higher axle ratio means the engine turns faster and you get more 'push' (torque) but lose top end and (generally) gas mileage. I've always considered "taller" gears to be lower-numerically, but I'm not sure what the correct usage is. I think taller -> 'longer legs' -> longer distance per stride? which is essentially what a lower-numerically ratio does.

FCLT56 · Dec 8, 2006

I ordered my 01 D with the 5.9 and 3.92 gears and it tows great, which is why I wanted the bigger engine. Also has AWD.

FSTDANGO3 · Dec 8, 2006

Tom, in the D the 545RFE showed up late in 2002. It's definitely like a 5.5 speed. Keep in mind that, yes the D got better gas mileage when I had 3:55s but, as Tom stated, now with the 4.11 it runs in a better RPM range for torque. I'm happy with the gears and even with the taller tires it runs higher RPMS
The 4.7 loves to rev!
Steve
DOC Pres

Trenton · Dec 9, 2006

Veovius said:
Holy crap, I sleep for 8 hours and there's 10 replies! You guys don't sleep lol

I'd love to get an '03, but I think they're out of my budget a bit. In Canada, they start at 15k and go up to 23k. That's definitely a little more than I'm willing to spend. Must be that DVD player that's upping the cost :?

Oh, I had a question about the AWD system. I know that in the part time 4WD system, it's normally in RWD, with an option to shift into 4WD in crappy weather. But with the fulltime system, is it normally in RWD with the option to shift into 4wd whenever, or is it always in AWD with the option to shift into low-range or something? I realize the name "fulltime" is kind of a tipoff, but I just want to make sure.

Yo dude, do yourself a big favor and buy a US model!! I just bought my 2000 SLT on eBay and flew to Florida to drive it home. All I paid for it was $4000. Darn good deal! A break down of cost: $4200 canadian for truck, $199 for flight, $300 for fuel, $260 GST, $219 RIV papers, $35 for daytime running lights, $65 for radiator hose because I didn't change the antifreeeze and when I parked at home it was -20, $28 for p/s hose and $85 for provincial inspection. Less than $6000 for a fully loaded 2000 SLT Durango with no rust that looks and runs like new!!

Veovius · Dec 9, 2006

Oh boy?So now I get to sort for engine size, tranny, gears, AWD system, etc?

Buy in the US? Hmm, there was an article in the paper about that the other day. Any other hidden things? Did you do all the work yourself?

Thanks for the info, guys! This is insanely detailed, way more than I'd have thought.

Volphin · Dec 9, 2006

Tough Job

Ya know, whichever you choose you really can't go wrong. These rides are strong and durable over time. I love my D and enjoy it as much today as when I bought it used with 10K on her.

Good luck with your shopping. If you wish, post some likely candidate pics and get some opinions here.

Bill

Silver Ghost · Dec 9, 2006

Veovius said:
Oh boy?So now I get to sort for engine size, tranny, gears, AWD system, etc?

Thanks for the info, guys! This is insanely detailed, way more than I'd have thought.

Unless you're looking at a '98 or '99 or a 2WD '00 (where 5.2L was available), your choices aren't that broad:

Engine:
5.9L comes with 46RE only
4.7L comes with 45FRE or 545FRE (they're really the same tranny with modified electronics.)

Transfer Case
PT4WD
FT4WD (AWD from 2001 forward)

Differential
3.92
3.55
Both can be had with Limited Slip option)

Hope that all makes sense.

Joe

Trenton · Dec 9, 2006

Veovius said:
Oh boy?So now I get to sort for engine size, tranny, gears, AWD system, etc?

Buy in the US? Hmm, there was an article in the paper about that the other day. Any other hidden things? Did you do all the work yourself?

Thanks for the info, guys! This is insanely detailed, way more than I'd have thought.

The only thing I did was, before bidding, I got a CarFax report and took the VIN down to the dealership to check its records and everything was good. It showed I was buying from the second owner and CarFax/dealer mantanance report showed no repairs under warranty so not a lemon. Do check the history if you do buy.

The only thing needed was to hook up the DTRL. Kinda comlicated but really simple and cheap. Dealer wanted $500-600 to do it but it only cost me $30 and took 15 min.

Veovius · Mar 15, 2007

Sorry to dredge this up from the dead, but since it was my thread to begin with?

Is there a page that lists the specifications between the different trim levels, such as SLT and R/T? I tried digging around, but I couldn't find anything. I test drove an '03 4.7/3.92 SLT today, and it was SWEET

But for the price they were asking, I could find an R/T cheaper by a couple grand here in the same town. I'd like to know what the differences are.

Oh, also, I looked at autos.msn.com and it said that on the '03s (I dunno about the other years), the dark blue paint scheme was only offered on the SLTs and lower, but not on the R/Ts??

tomk · Mar 15, 2007

was it an SLT or an SLT+? (you can't tell by the badges)

Veovius · Mar 15, 2007

Um?No idea

What's the difference? No big webpage that lists this whole thing?

FSTDANGO3 · Mar 15, 2007

Here ya go

OK
SLT - cloth seats non heated could have several options like infinity radio, third row, tow pkg etc
SLT+ Leather - heated seats power mirrors heated , powere seats pasenger optional power seat.
RT - some years performance PCM (not 03) 2 tone leather seats , stronger sway bars , Possibly deeper tone exhaust
all other goodies like heated seats,heated and power mirrors 17 x 9 " wheels performance thread tires.
JUst a few things
Steve
DOC Pres

GreenD · Mar 15, 2007

I've found one easy way to see specs is to look at cars.com. Once you find a vehicle, click on specs, then it'll let you choose the engine, trim, etc. and will show the build specs. I don't know if they're 100% accurate but in looking at D's and some other cars it has worked for me.

Was the R/T an '03 as well as the SLT you looked at? After re-reading this thread, it seems to me you have to decide if you want the 5.9 or 4.7 and go from there. I've owned both and as everyone said, you can't go wrong with either. 4.7 = smooth, easy revving, good power as you build rpms, better mileage. 5.9 = smooth, much stronger low end, better towing, more "big V8" feel.

Its only money, buy something already!

Veovius · Mar 15, 2007

Heh, I'm in the middle of moving and getting a new job, soon, we'll see?soon?

The one I test drove was an '03 with SLT badges, had two-tone leather seats with the Dodge symbol on them, heated front seats, 6 way power front seats, power mirrors (don't know about heated), tow package, "anti-spin" diff (Limited slip?)?oh, 4.7L, 3.92 axles?can't think of anything else. Didn't see anything that popped out and said "Infinity Radio". Exhaust tone wasn't too bad, the sales guy actually said that it sounded deeper than normal.

I gotta say one thing. They had an '02 with the cloth seats, and man, do the leather seats look way, way cooler!

FSTDANGO3 · Mar 15, 2007

Look on the door speakers next time
the place where the tweeters are mounted has a small infinity tag
Sounds Like a Nice Ride!
Steve
DOC Pres

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