[MXZ1983]

Hey guys. Found this forum and it looks like its the place to go.

I am purchasing a truck in the next month or so, and have been doing A LOT of research, but wanted to ask a few questions myself. I am between chev and Dodge, but all the Chevy's in my price range have about 175K on them. Dodge's only have about 115K or so.

Ok, on with the questions.
I'm looking into an 02/03/04 ish ram Quad cab 4x4

1) how is the 4.7 in that large of a truck. I realize my old silverado only had 210 horse and this has 240ish, but honestly how is it?

2) I have heard from "some" people that the 4.7 is total junk. Also heard that head gaskets are terrible on them. What is your input on this with a truck with just over 100K on it.

3) The 02 had the 5.9 instead of the Hemi, but they guzzle gas pretty well correct?

4) The 03 with a hemi, any problems or issues to know of?

5) finally, things to look for when I go looking at the Ram's. With a chev, its listening for the rearend to clunk or click showing that the rearend is soon to go out, and asking if the fuel pump has been done cuz chevy's only last about 100k on a fuel pump. What are things in particular to look for in this truck? certain things and what not? Thanks guys.

 

[bigdaddyII]

In a 4.7 ask about the head gaskets, especially in the 05 and down models. Pay attention to the radiator fluid, if it looks funky pass on the vehicle. The 4.7 is a great engine but does not tolerate heat or lack of maintenance at all.....period. Check the steering rack for signs of a leak, these are known to blow out seals. If the truck has a limited slip diff, ask about fluid changes on that and check the pumpkin for signs that it has ben taken care of, fresh rtv etc. There is a way, way to common problem with the factory LSD. Clips were used to install the clutch packs and break off after a while the unit is in service causing all types of problems in the diff. The 03 and 04 Hemis were known to drop valves. The 360 is the same solid engine it is known to be, just drinks gas like it is also known to do. I have an 02 4.7 with almost 170,000 miles and it runs like a champ, I do however suspect that it has had the head gaskets done a short time before I bought it.
That's about all I can think of right now, scroll down and check ot the section titled "3rd gen forums", lots of good info there and will give you a better idea of what problems other members are experiencing. Oh, and welcome! We are glad to have you.

 

[MXZ1983]

thanks for the reply and honest answers. Appreciate the knowledge.

 

[APSTRAM]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[MXZ1983]

Thanks APstram. Any info to add to the previous posts?

 

[huntergreen]

i have an 04 4.7 in wifes grand cherokee, 150000 miles and runs fine. they are know to have sludge problems, but i have changed the oil every 5000 miles with mobil one and sludge has not been an issue. i have changed the radiator fluid every 2 years and am still running original head gaskets. i guess these engines do not tolerate any lack of maintenance. had an el camino way back in the seventies. that rear end clunk was there when i bought it and there when i junked it. never an issue. for me the bottom line is, if you are looking at a high mileage truck, it is the maintenance record that is what you want to see and consider, more so than the brand. even with a properly cared for vehicle with high mileage, there are no guarentees.