๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Durango Year: 1998 Codes Vehicle Platform Code: NS Chassis Type: Body-on-frame ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Initial Launch Year: 1998 Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1998: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner Key Features Body Style: 2-door and 4-door SUV configurations Drivetrain Options: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) Body Construction: Body-on-frame construction for ruggedness and towing capability Towing Capacity Focus: Emphasis on towing and hauling capabilities ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Repair Service Manual Language: English Format: PDF Delivery Method: Instant Download Print Capability: Full Printable Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: V8, V6 engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics Engine Performance: Fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system repair and diagnostics Transmission Manual: Manual transmission repair, overhaul, fluid specifications Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, torque converter service Drivetrain Transfer Case: Four-wheel drive system repair, transfer case service, differentials Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, repair, fluid specifications, ABS system Electrical System Powertrain: Engine Control Module (ECM), powertrain diagnostics Electrical System Chassis: Chassis electrical components, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories Body And Interior: Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, seats Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning: HVAC system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant specifications Exhaust System: Exhaust system inspection, repair, catalytic converter service Wheels And Tires: Tire pressure, rotation, wheel alignment, lug nut torque specifications Procedures Included Disassembly Assembly: Step-by-step procedures for component removal and installation Cleaning Reinstalling: Procedures for cleaning and reassembling components Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements Repair: Detailed repair instructions for all major systems Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides for common issues Specifications: Critical torque values, clearances, and measurements Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits Technical Depth Target Audience: Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Mechanics Knowledge Level: Requires basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical concepts Repair Complexity: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text within PDF Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution for clear text and illustrations Zoom Capability: Zoom IN/OUT functionality Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Physical Paper: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine: 3.9L Magnum V6 Base Engine Power: 175 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate) Base Engine Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate) Optional Engine Optional Engine: 5.2L Magnum V8 Optional Engine Power: 230 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate) Optional Engine Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 42RE 4-speed automatic transmission Optional Optional Transmission Manual: NV3500 5-speed manual transmission (likely for V6 models) Features Transfer Case Options: NV231 (part-time 4WD) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 117.7 inches Length: Approximately 189.4 inches Width: Approximately 73.3 inches Height: Approximately 65.8 inches Weights Curb Weight Range: 4,300 - 4,800 lbs (approximate, depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Around 5,800 - 6,200 lbs (approximate) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: Not explicitly rated for 1998 model year; typically 3 or 4 star for SUVs of this era. NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: Not explicitly rated for 1998 model year; typically 3 or 4 star for SUVs of this era. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette or CD player with optional premium sound systems. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional cruise control system. Connectivity Trailer Tow Package: Optional trailer tow package often included wiring for trailer lights and braking systems. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles or as per tire manufacturer recommendations. Spark Plug Replacement: Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium). Coolant Flush: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Refer to manual: likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for V6 and SAE 10W-30 for V8. Check API service classification. Transmission Fluid Type Automatic: ATF+4 (or equivalent) is generally recommended for Chrysler/Dodge transmissions of this era. Refer to manual for exact specification. Transmission Fluid Type Manual: Refer to manual for GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Refer to manual for specific type and mixture ratio. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake...
Detailed repair instructions for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides for common issues
Specifications:
Critical torque values, clearances, and measurements
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits
Technical Depth
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Mechanics
Knowledge Level:
Requires basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical concepts
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text within PDF
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution for clear text and illustrations
Zoom Capability:
Zoom IN/OUT functionality
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Base Engine:
3.9L Magnum V6
Base Engine Power:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Base Engine Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Optional Engine
Optional Engine:
5.2L Magnum V8
Optional Engine Power:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm (approximate)
Optional Engine Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil packs
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
42RE 4-speed automatic transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission Manual:
NV3500 5-speed manual transmission (likely for V6 models)
Features
Transfer Case Options:
NV231 (part-time 4WD)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 117.7 inches
Length:
Approximately 189.4 inches
Width:
Approximately 73.3 inches
Height:
Approximately 65.8 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
4,300 - 4,800 lbs (approximate, depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Around 5,800 - 6,200 lbs (approximate)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for 1998 model year; typically 3 or 4 star for SUVs of this era.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated for 1998 model year; typically 3 or 4 star for SUVs of this era.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette or CD player with optional premium sound systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Connectivity
Trailer Tow Package:
Optional trailer tow package often included wiring for trailer lights and braking systems.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or as per tire manufacturer recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual: likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for V6 and SAE 10W-30 for V8. Check API service classification.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF+4 (or equivalent) is generally recommended for Chrysler/Dodge transmissions of this era. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Refer to manual for GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Refer to manual for specific type and mixture ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Ignition System Issues:
Spark plug blow-out (common on Magnum engines), coil pack failures.
Transmission Issues:
Slipping, harsh shifting, internal component wear in automatic transmissions.
Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings due to vehicle weight and usage.
Electrical Issues:
Chafed wiring harnesses, faulty power window motors, interior electrical gremlins.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on the V8 engines, leading to ticking noises.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Division:
Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, had a strong reputation for trucks and SUVs.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
1998
Platform Shared With:
Ram pickup truck (body-on-frame construction)
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo, Mexico
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Reviews:
Generally well-received for its truck-like capability and V8 power, though critics noted its truck-like ride and handling compared to more car-based SUVs.