AUCTION: 55,000-Mile 1998 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4×4:

I am a huge fan of the first-generation 1998 to 2003 Dodge Durango (DN). I have owned two of them (2000 and 2003 models), and they proved to be some of the toughest, most versatile, and most dependable trucks I have ever driven. 

Making its debut in late 1997, the Durango was labeled as the ‘right-sized SUV’ thanks to its seven-passenger seating capability and ability to fit in most garages. Sharing a lot of its components with the midsized second-generation Dakota (ND) pickup, the Durango proved to be a popular option in the growing SUV market at the time. 

This 1998 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4×4 is a perfect example of a survivor and remained registered to its original owner in California until the selling dealer’s acquisition in July 2022. The truck is finished in Light Driftwood Satin Glow (paint code PFK) that extends to the grille, bumper covers, wheel arch flares, running boards, and side moldings. Equipment includes fog lamps, black window trim, and a Yakima roof box secured to rack crossbars along with power-adjustable mirrors, aftermarket window tint, a hitch receiver, and a rear window defroster. 

Being a 24-year-old vehicle, there are chips in the finish and touched-up paint repairs. But overall, the vehicle looks pretty solid, a far cry from those who lived their lives in the Midwest and Northeast because of the salty winters. Rust is visible on some underside surfaces, and the selling dealer states that rust treatment has been applied.

Still wearing its 15-inch x 8-inch cast-aluminum factory wheels, the tires were upgraded to 235/75R15 Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT rubber in August. Unlike most vehicles today, this Durango doesn’t feature four-wheel disc brakes, but rather a front disc and rear drum setup, all with ABS.

Inside, the Durango SLT Plus is upholstered in Agate cloth upholstery, complemented by color-coordinated door panels and a black dashboard. Most Dodge vehicles featured upholstery on the door panels during the era, something that was popular and that I personally loved. Amenities include front and rear air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with an Infinity speaker system.

Under the hood, is a 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) MAGNUM V8 rated at 230 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. This particular one only has 55,430 miles on the odometer. The seller also has replaced the air conditioning compressor, water pump, and thermostat as well as changed the oil.

The 318 was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, a shift-on-the-fly dual-range transfer case, and a limited-slip rear differential. Equipped with a 3.92 rear axle, this truck is rated to tow 5,700 lbs. 

The Durango is offered at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature, a window sticker, two keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California title.

There are still a number of diehard first-generation Durango fans out there, that are looking for a low-mileage solid vehicle out there. Hopefully, someone will grab this great example.

Source: Bring A Trailer

1998 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4×4 Image Gallery:

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