April 2001

John Stone
(aka HudonHawk)

I had promised myself that when I was finally able to purchase a new car, I would not settle for anything less then exactly what I wanted. The base criteria were a 4x4 SUV and a V-8. These items alone limited my choices so I started researching the available models. I was enamored with the Durango in the fall of 1999 after seeing one at the Texas State Fair. By the spring of 2000 I was hooked. The D had everything I wanted in the SUV for a good price.

I found the DOC in April of 2000 while researching opinions on the reliability of this truck. I joined the club in July of 2000. This was over a month before I placed my order. I knew it was only a matter of time before I got my D and was very impressed with the quantity and quality of the information available in this club.

Keeping the promise to myself, I refused to take any vehicle that the dealer had on the lot. It took all of 15 minutes to convince the sales rep that he would have to order my truck. I put the order together for a 2001 in August of 2000 and took delivery in October. She is named “Delilah” because my wife accused me of taking a mistress when I bought her and I thought it was a fitting name for a temptress. Here are her stats:

4.7L Magnum V8, FT4WD transfer case, 3.92 Limited-Slip, Tow Package with oversized mirrors, Skid Plates, 16x8" Wheels with 265/70R16 Goodyear Wrangler RTS tires, Overhead Convenience Group, AM/FM/Cassette/CD with Infinity Speakers, Third Row Seat, Rear AC.

As for modifications, I currently have the following:

Intense Performance Z-tube Intake, Westin Step Bars, Ram's Head tail light covers, Ram's Head Receiver cover, and one heck of a shine thanks to Finish First Polish.

Mods planned for the near future:

Manik Grill Guard, Flo Pro Performance Muffler, Custom PCM flash after the muffler goes on, 3" rancho lift (if they ever come out with the kit for 2000-2001) and 265/75R16 BFG AT tires.

Now, A little about myself. I attended Texas Tech University where I studied Computer Science and Electronics Technology. I met my wife at Tech and we were married on September 30, 1995 at the Texas Renaissance Festival. We have no children and we both work in the computer industry. I am the Network Architect for a small telecommunications company in Dallas, TX. I hold a Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSE, IBM PSE, along with several HP and Compaq certifications. I spend my days planning and implementing network changes and upgrades.

Now 6 months and 12,000 miles later I have to say that Delilah has been a dream. I want to thank all the members of the DOC for their support (even before I had a D) and advice. It is a pleasure being a member.

John Stone

Editor's Note: John and his D were nominated for DOTM in recognition of the article he wrote for the 1st Quarter 2001 issue of the D-Zine.

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