2wd Durango Thoughts?

[Flakbadger]

Good luck. I agree with PaleMalenesian, you'd be much better off starting with a vehicle built for the utility you want it for rather than a swollen SUV... But, to each their own I suppose.

[UltArc]

I love these models. I think there is a lot you can do, but everyone is right...its a pig.

I liked the 1998-2002, before they got weird and gigantic. WAI, grille block, underbody, skinnier&taller tires will do a lot for you.

[d.clair.robinson]

thanks for the help guys!

its the 5.2

yeah i know i can't expect a miracle, it is a pig. However, it seems to have space of many larger SUVs squeezed into an overall smaller body, which is why i'm optimistic about aero mods. (reason we didnt get a minivan... i dunno, maybe stupid decision :/ but we got it now, so i'll see if i can get 18-20 before i go and dump the thing.)

[t vago]

If I was the OP, I'd look into getting a taller differential, as well as doing a WAI.

The OP might want to retrofit an electric fan, and chuck his engine fan. I'm using a Jeep Grand Cherokee fan with much success on my 4.7L Quad Cab Dakota.

[d.clair.robinson]

oh yeah, and we do almost all highway driving (we're in rural wyoming, so its like 1 hour at 55-65mph to just about anywhere)

[justme1969]

Did you see the other dodge forum posts? you should have no probblem getting 22mpg if ya read what we have already done.
If you plan to tow haul good luck most big savers are defunct in that manner.
First if it needs tires already then just for the feel of it put largest used rubbers that fit on rear.
Second drive it like you have left your wallet full of cash on the top.
This should get you 16-18+ mpg alone.
The front air dam you plan is too short, need 6+ inches. {8-10 probbably}
Again read whats already been accomplished by others b4, there are several 20+ mpg dakota and durango in archives.
Last dont expect miracles with any dodge magnum or hemi engine these are all grunt engines lowering rpm will help but wont cure it. perhaps there is a cam that will allow timing adjustment and unknown by me fuel savings.

[CAPTAIN CHAOS]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

What does this offer that a 20 mpg minivan doesn't?

The ability to tow a trailer bigger than a little red wagon and the ability to drive somewhere without a paper bag over your head.

SUV's tend to offer better flexability than a minvan but for purely people hauling uses; the van wins.

To the op:
Good luck. The 5.2 is a great engine that will run till there's no more fuel left in the world to feed it but it's not the most thrifty engine ever made. My dad used to have a 2wd Dakota with the 5.2 and a manual (fun truck!) and it would get 22-23mpg on the road with the 3.73 gears that were in it. I'd imagine careful driving with the Durango could net you 20-21 without mods.

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN CHAOS

The ability to tow a trailer bigger than a little red wagon and the ability to drive somewhere without a paper bag over your head.

SUV's tend to offer better flexability than a minvan but for purely people hauling uses; the van wins.

Meh, If you picked an SUV because someone might see you in a minivan and demand that you hand in your man card, you've already lost the right to it.

[CAPTAIN CHAOS]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

Meh, If you picked an SUV because someone might see you in a minivan and demand that you hand in your man card, you've already lost the right to it.

It seems we need a "tongue in cheek" icon here.

My biggest gripe is that I get no enjoyment of any sort from driving a minivan. They are EASILY the best option for what they do (people hauling) but they are soul-sucking machines that turn driving into something to be dreaded instead of enjoyed.

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN CHAOS

It seems we need a "tongue in cheek" icon here.

My biggest gripe is that I get no enjoyment of any sort from driving a minivan. They are EASILY the best option for what they do (people hauling) but they are soul-sucking machines that turn driving into something to be dreaded instead of enjoyed.

That I agree with, it is a very rare minivan that I have enjoyed driving. We rented a dodge caravan not to long ago. My mother was in town, as were my little sis and her kid so we had 6 of us and we decided that we did not want to take two cars everywhere. If I ever need a van, it won't be one of those.