90's Durango - Mechanic told friend to scrap

Probably not a Magnum but may be a 4.7. Those are a overhead cam engine and are usually a interference engine meaning when the timing chain or belt goes south, the valves hit the pistons and do a lot of damage. The vehicle is old enough it will cost a bundle to fix. Yes, probably time to retire it.
Didn't the Magnums run in the Durangos though '03? '99 was the first year for the 4.7, so if it's a '98 it's definetly a Magnum.