Durango about to go boom?

[TPringle]

Hi all! I have a 99 Durango 4X4, 360 auto with about 150k. Last time I drove it, it began to shimmy and just didnt act quite right. It felt like either a flat tire, or a siezed u-joint in the front end (had this on my 92 W250 4x4 once - even replaced tires thinking this was the problem). I was less than a mile home, so I took it easy the rest of the way & parked it, figuring to investigate the problem later. While at the local salvage yard, the conversation turned to transfer case problems, and they advised me that I may be about to fail a transfer case (along with transmission and drive shafts) in a catastrophic way! Any truth to this? If so, any way to check for problems & possible failure? BEFORE I have a disaster?



Thanks!

 

[Matt400]

I would check the upper ball joints 1st. They are known for failure and even complete separation. The 2000's + were recalled for this trouble. Too bad for the 99 owners.

 

[HOBrian]

Is your transfer case the 242HD meaing:

2HI

4FT

4HI

N

4LO



If so I had the same problem with my 98 Dakota, it was replaced under warr. 75k powertrain. I had 74,800



Double check the ball joints with the dealer mine were replace, but have been TSB not recall.

 

[TPringle]

No, my x-fer case has 2H, 4H, N, 4L only. I will check the ball joints. I had replaced the uppers just recently. The lowers had already been replaced & seemed ok. I seldom use 4x, but ocassionaly engage it to keep things loosened up & throw some oil around inside things (something I do on the 92 TDI).