I'm looking for a truck for my wife. We've had three 1st gen Durangos, still have one. Now I'm looking at the third gen models. I found a 2013 RWD with the 5.7 V8 with around 200k miles that needs a motor. The truck is under $2K asking price and a couple of hours away. I'm interested in learning more as to my options here.
According to the seller, the engine made a knocking noise and started smoking and then the back was covered in oil. Apparently it doesn't run.
I am planning to look at it this weekend.
As I see it, there are several options, I plan to retain the MDS-
1) Repair the engine. Best case it is a cam/lifter issue and everything else such as rings/bearings are OK. From reading the shop manual, this can be done w/o removing the engine. The parts cost to include a few other "while I'm at it" parts such as a water pump and motor mounts totals around $1,700. I have a shop and a lot of tools, plus I have rebuilt a couple of Chevy LS truck motors. Worst case, there is a hole in the side of the block...
2) Remove the engine and haul it to a shop another 2 hours away. I got a quote of $2k to reman the engine- new rings, gaskets, cam, lifters. He also sells reman 09+ engines outright for $2,500.
3) Find a lower mileage compatible engine. I saw a member here about an hour away has one with 70k miles from a 2016 and is also asking $2k. I'm then stuck with the defective engine.
I'm hoping #1 is the best option since I don't like the idea of pulling the engine.
I thought I'd post this info here so as to gain some advice.
According to the seller, the engine made a knocking noise and started smoking and then the back was covered in oil. Apparently it doesn't run.
I am planning to look at it this weekend.
As I see it, there are several options, I plan to retain the MDS-
1) Repair the engine. Best case it is a cam/lifter issue and everything else such as rings/bearings are OK. From reading the shop manual, this can be done w/o removing the engine. The parts cost to include a few other "while I'm at it" parts such as a water pump and motor mounts totals around $1,700. I have a shop and a lot of tools, plus I have rebuilt a couple of Chevy LS truck motors. Worst case, there is a hole in the side of the block...
2) Remove the engine and haul it to a shop another 2 hours away. I got a quote of $2k to reman the engine- new rings, gaskets, cam, lifters. He also sells reman 09+ engines outright for $2,500.
3) Find a lower mileage compatible engine. I saw a member here about an hour away has one with 70k miles from a 2016 and is also asking $2k. I'm then stuck with the defective engine.
I'm hoping #1 is the best option since I don't like the idea of pulling the engine.
I thought I'd post this info here so as to gain some advice.
