Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission went out at 65000, costing $2300 to replace (I was unemployed at the time too). A Chrysler a-500 transmission was installed with complete pump assembly, torque converter (which had pieces of metal rattling around inside of it) value body, a complete rebuild. This vehicle never towed anything and always maintained. Notified Dodge of this problem and they replied, sorry but not under warranty so nothing they would do about it. Even asked if they would reimburse for the parts only and they just said sorry. Spoke to several mechanics and they were very knowledgable about the problems with Dodge transmissions. Will be checking the ball-joints out now after the latest reports.
Four wheel drive fails to disengage when going from 4th wheel full time to 2nd wheel drive, drive train torque converter problem.