"mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
09/01/2013 at 13:13 • Filed to: None
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"mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
09/01/2013 at 13:13 • Filed to: None | 2
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Nor will there ever be, any car or truck anywhere with a worse factory panel gap or fit and finish than a gen1 Durango rear bumper.
Don't get me wrong, I love this truck. But every time I am behind one it makes me want to punch an engineer.
Tom McParland
> mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/01/2013 at 13:21 |
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90's Big 3 Auto-Exec- "We need to build more SUVs, we can't keep them on the lots!"
Engineer- "Do we have to worry about fit and finish?"
Auto-Exec- LOL
. .
> mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/01/2013 at 14:04 |
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(flamesuit on)
doodon2whls
> mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/01/2013 at 15:39 |
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(Sigh). I have to admit, I am embarassed for my former employer... I even worked for a stint in the assembly plant in which the Durango was built. There is an explanation for the gap, although I am sure you won't find it acceptable.
The Durango is a bonafide body-on-frame trucklet. For whatever reason, the rear fascia was fastened to the frame side. The tolerance stackup and relative motion between the body and the frame is significant, so the fascia gap required to accommodate these is therefore significant to avoid contact.
Only the last three model years (2007-2009) of the Durango would have this gap eliminated in an engineering change that mounted the rear fascia to the body concurrent with the arrival of the Aspen SUV (and refreshed Durango styling).