the 4.7 has a better transmission than the 5.9 does its a newer, all electronic transmission vs the old hydraulic chrysler transmission with an added electronic OD, but what is said above is the part that matters(get the 5.9 if you want modability/towing power), rebuilding the trans to be bulletproof is not a huge deal just wait till it goes on you.

 

Just have about $3,500 waiting in your checking account to get it fixed to that bulletproof level. lol

 

i said not a big deal, i NEVER said it would be cheap , but way to scare him away from the 5.9

 

Yeah, definetly leaning toward 4.7 territory, although I was before I started this thread.

Drove one last night, and I was pretty impressed with it's pick-up-and-go (I'm used to my 5.7 hemi). Had a very high pitch squeal off and on at highway speeds. Mechanic said it would need a ball joint and ... I can't remember which pulley clutch was squeeling. Anyway, cheap stuff. Awesome with the white exterior and the black leather interior. Immaculate condition, not a touch of rust. Wasn't too pumped about the dual fake hood scoops or the sun visor with big-rig lights across the top of it, but oh well, I guess it wasn't that bad.

Off to see the black one today. Best part about that one is 40k miles, no hood scoops, and no tricked out sun visor! The guy didn't know if it was actually a 4.7 or 5.9 since he inherited it, but I know what I'm pulling for even though I'd imagine the 5.9 with the old style transmission should last quite a while since the only thing it would be hauling would be 3 kids and their gear. I still think I would go for the fewer miles than the difference in drivetrain on this one. Regular fluid flushes and light use should work just fine.

You guys mention a bunch about 5.9 modability. All I know about is the stinking mileage. What kind of mpg mods are around for it and what kind of results do you see? I don't expect to get near what my truck gets (24 mpg @ 4.54 l/gal @ 60 mph) But close would be nice.

 

the best mod for improving mpgs is a light foot and keeping the engine tuned up/ the transmission adjusted, other than that dont waste your money, it doesnt work, but the 5.9(360) was built as a powerhouse, and it most definetly is, but that is at the cost of efficiency, i think the guys on here with them get 13/15 with them but dont hold me to that as i own a 4.7, (i get 16/17 city and 20 highway )

 

The black one is SLICK as hell. Idles smooth, drives smooth, 4.7l. 40 K miles and already serviced everything. The only crappy part is it needs new tires, but for $13G, I'm pretty pumped to have a pretty much new 03, even if I have to spend a G on tires. Besides, I can write off at least half of the machine (and tires) since the line of work I'm in requires a good off road vehicle, and a spare. Hello new spare. Next I guess is to upgrade the headlights and tail lights to something with a little more flare and call her good. The only problem (according to the wife) is it's not constant awd. But that said, I'll take the mpg gain any day.

I am definetly looking forward to keeping up on the forums here. It would be sacreligious to turn my back on such a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thanks all!

 

glad you found one you are happy with, and you really dont want full time AWD anyway, the part time is sooooo much better IMO, but dont go using the part time on dry roads