Yea I am gonna have to go the route of the 5.9 only because I have it. I just drove a dakota with the 4.7 and it feels like I am towing 3K lbs with my D in comparison. I am getting 9.5mpg at the moment...but I am showing off all the time so...I normally get 13mpg in town if I drive like a grandma. And I run 89 just for kicks.(Not saying this help, just makes me feel better)
Best ever I got 16.1mpg on a trip across the state of WA. And I was going 60mph with the cruise on. And I had just changed the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and put a Home CAI in. I also have the 3.92 gears...hurts highway but helps town I think.

 

My family has a 2000 Durango with the 4.7, which was a new engine for that model year. Doesn't it have an electronically controlled tranny as compared to a mechanical (don't know the correct term) in the 5.2 and 5.9? Aren't the 5.2 and 5.9 also quite old designs? We have the 4.7 w/ 3.55 gears (I know, not ideal) but you know what, it's fine. And from what I have read on here, it seems like the tranny in the 4.7 is much more reliable than the tranny in the 5.2/5.9 (don't quote me on that, please) Yes, the 5.9 has more power than the 4.7 but not that much more. Now, I have not driven a 5.9 so I can't comment on that engine but I will say this... if speed/accel and fuel economy are important to you, you should not be shopping for a 1st gen durango.

 

Well the 5.9 and 5.2 are old school, very old school and are very reliable engines. Every engine will have its faults. I just use mine 5.9 for stuff you couldn't with a 4.7. Short answer is both are good. I'm just biased towards the 5.9l.

 

I've had never seen anything good come out of a 4.7 so I will NEVER get one. I love all my 5.9 engines I've had. Did everything I could ask for and all have or had 200,000 plus and still running strong!

 

id say everything that the 5.9 can do so can the 4.7, sure the 5.9 will have a much easier time of hauling, but then the 4.7 burns ALOT less gas doing it. For normal daily driving the 4.7 is the better choice.


you also have likely never seen anything bad come out of a 4.7 either at least not anything accurate(i know that i havnt). sure i would prefer to have the 5.9 for the extra power however the FACT of the matter is that if you are not towing and dont need that extra torque the 4.7 is more than enough engine for you and will last just as well. You are more than welcome to your opinion and to buy whichever you prefer, but that doesnt make the unknown bad.

 

It's not the easiest of calls. The 5.9 was developed in the late 1960s and gas mileage is NOT a strong suite BUT it's a tank and tends to last forever with even marginal care. Problem is, it's mated to a relatively poor transmission.

The 4.7 has a much better, Mercedes designed tranny, but the engine isn't without issues. It doesn't fare will with even a mild over-heat and is prone to head gasket failure and head warping. As I've recently found out with my Grand Cherokee, the pre-'08 4.7s also are notorious for valve seat failures which can result in anything from needing a valve job right up to damaged heads or even block cylinder walls.

Not trying to rain on your parade and both do have many good points. Just pointing out the potential problems...

 

honestly hammer, you are the first person i know with the 4.7 who has dropped a valve seat....

 

My parents 4.7 hauls their 22 foot deck boat with ease, but they also have replaced the motor before 100,000. Ive worked a car dealership before and seen many 4.7s with issues and 5.9s. Everything has problems, just from what I've seen more problems with the 4.7. I've seen bad from both! But like shrp said, the best thing to consider at is what your looking for using the Durango for

 

I think he meant bent valve stem, which can be common with the cams.

Other then that, sounds about right.

 

Regarding the tranny's in the 5.2/5.9 vs the 4.7... how are they different exactly? Does anyone have any knowledge about the differences?