So last week when the extreme cold weather hit CT, my Durango started having a noticeable vibration between 60-70mph on the highway, along with the creeks and pops from my suspension and leaf springs when getting into a frozen car. The vibration wasn't enough to shake the truck or pull to one side when I let go of the steering wheel, but it was enough to make me notice it. It seemed like it was coming from the front passenger side, and seeing that I haven't had any problems at all with it, I took it to Kelly's Tire in Putnam. Kelly's Tire is an old "mom and pop" garage in town that's been open for many decades and the family has used since I can remember.
In talking with Dennis Kelly, and describing the vibration as best I could, he suggested starting with the less invasive treatment with getting the front tires balanced seeing that that's where I said the vibration was coming from. After having the work done, the vibration was less noticeable over the next few days, but increasingly got worse over the course of the week. Well, this past morning I took it in to get the rear tires balanced, after I had noticed there were no tire weights on the right rear tire a few days ago. Thinking I would be good to go, I waited till the drive to work tonight to take it on the highway again, and again, the vibration is less noticeable, but still there!
The engine and transmission is purring like a kitten, and I haven't had any problems at all with it since I purchased it some two and 1/2 years ago. I'm at a loss, and can only guess that either there's something wrong with my suspension, or my rear end is starting to let go. My dispatch partner Travis, also has a Durango, although it's a few years older than mine, there is a difference between them. His Durango is 2WD with a 4WD switch, while my Durango is constantly in All Wheel Drive with a 4WD selector switch. Maybe there is something minor wrong with my vehicle but I'm thinking the worse, and started debating whether or not I should look into getting a new vehicle. Don't get me wrong, I love my Durango with it's third row seating and all it's options (minus a sunroof), but I can't help but worry about getting stuck with it until it's depreciated in value to where I lose money.
I've made all payments consistently on time, over the past year and a half and I'm wondering if I would be able to get financed for a new truck at a decent price. Considering the way the economy is, and with the auto maker's bail out, I would think it's a buyer's market, and maybe they'd be willing to work something out. The only problem is that I want a new Dodge Ram, and back in 2002 when Hayleigh was born, my ex-wife and I had a combined payment for our vehicles over $1,000. I had a brand new Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4, and we managed to get rid of her sports car, but we tried to keep my Jeep, and due to her pregnancy I was the only one working at the time. We couldn't afford everything, so I voluntarily repossessed my car, which was financed through Diamlyer-Chrysler, who is the main Dodge finance company. I'm not sure if they will be able to work anything out for me, and I'm thinking I may be denied, but I figure it's worth a shot. Wish me luck, I'm gonna go shopping on-line right now, dreaming and drooling...LOL
1 comment:
Well, Boukie, the way I look at it is you'll never know until you ask and even if you can't get financing through the manufacturer, there may be some banks out there that are more than willing to work with you at getting you a payment you can afford.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Post a Comment