The Dodge Durango is the only American three-row SUV available with a V8 engine. The 5.7L HEMI and the 6.4L HEMI SRT make it a genuinely capable performance SUV — but HEMI ownership out of warranty means understanding the engine well enough to maintain it correctly. The Dodge Durango factory service manual is the complete reference for doing that.
5.7L HEMI — MDS and Lifter Service
The Multi-Displacement System on the 5.7L HEMI deactivates four cylinders under light load. On high-mileage Durangos — typically 80,000-120,000 miles — the MDS lifters can fail. The failure causes a distinctive tick at startup that clears as oil pressure builds. Left unaddressed, a failed lifter causes cam lobe damage and a much more expensive repair.
The factory manual covers the complete MDS lifter replacement procedure: valley cover removal, lifter extraction, valley gasket torque sequence, and the updated lifter specification. The factory manual also documents the oil type and change interval required to maximize MDS system longevity — 5W-20 is specified, and using heavier oil actually reduces MDS system life.
6.4L HEMI SRT — Performance Documentation
The 392 cubic inch 6.4L HEMI in the Durango SRT and SRT 392 is a high-output performance engine. The factory manual covers the full engine specifications, including the forged crankshaft and connecting rod specs, the cold-air intake system service, and the Bilstein suspension calibration on SRT models.
8-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission
The ZF 8HP70 transmission in the Durango is capable and smooth when properly maintained. The factory-specified fluid is ATF+4, and the drain-and-fill procedure requires removing the transmission oil pan — there is no external drain plug. The factory manual covers the complete procedure including the correct fluid fill quantity and the shift adaptation reset after service.
Towing System — Class IV Capability
The Durango is rated for up to 8,700 pounds towing with the HEMI. The factory manual covers the integrated trailer brake controller wiring, the trailer sway control calibration, and the correct procedure for activating the trailer cooling mode that adjusts transmission shift points and engine cooling fan behavior during towing.
What the Dodge Durango Factory Manual Covers
- 5.7L HEMI — MDS lifter service, oil specification, cam inspection after lifter failure
- 6.4L HEMI SRT — performance engine specs, forged internals documentation
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 procedures
- 8-speed ZF automatic — ATF+4 service, pan removal, adaptation reset
- AWD system — Quadra-Trac and active transfer case procedures
- Integrated trailer brake controller wiring and calibration
- TIPM electrical diagrams and circuit diagnostics
- Bilstein suspension service (SRT models)
- Brake system including performance brake specs on SRT
Get the 2022 Dodge Durango OEM factory service manual here. All years from 2004 forward on the site.