Truck is in mint condition, but the last owner has only had it for 9 months. Needs to get rid of it due to long commute. Asking $4000...I offered $3250.

My question is: Do I need to worry about the tranny? How do I know if it's about to go?

Thanks

 

As long as it has been taken care of all its life, theres trucks can be close to bullet proof. I know of people out there with close to 400k on there trucks and still running strong...

As far as knowing if the tranny is about to go... Take it for a drive, note how it shifts (up and down) and if there smooth or hard shifts... Check the fluid make sure its clean.

Also, ask the seller if he has any service records on the truck.... might not be a bad idea to even run the VIN with carfax and see what comes up.

 

@OldSchool...Thanks. Will do

 

the transmission behind the 4.7 is the same one used behind the hemi when it first came out (not sure about now) so it is very reliable in these trucks with the little 4.7 in front of it.

 

In terms of price that seems awfully steep. I just bought a very clean '01 4.7 4wd w/ 144k for a little under that price. I know regional markets will vary, but still.

 

I have an '03 Durango with the 4.7 and 188K. Look for these issues:
- oil leak, consumption (plenum gasket)
- Exhaust manifolds crack and leak
- EVAP lines dry up and throw CEL codes
- Front brakes warp and shimmy
- Power steering lines rust and leak (need replacement, DIY)

I still have the OEM exhaust on it (although it's due) and for the most part the truck runs and drives great. No tranny problems even after towing trailers and plowing snow for the life of the truck. Hope this helps.

MFG

 

I think you can do a little better on price too, but look for the above mentioned.

I rolled over 187K today in mine. Bought it for $2K with 181K.

 

the plenum issue was on the 5.2 and 5.9l engines in these trucks, if you actually had a plenum gasket go bad on a 4.7 you are the FIRST that i have ever heard of.

the 4.7 and the 45rfe transmission is a pretty good combination as far as reliability goes. as far as price, it depends on what you are willing to spend, IMO a truck w/ 200k miles on it already is NOT worth $3k, maybe 2k if its in good shape, but that is alot of miles and is about the time that many parts will be wearing out.

now if there are reciepts for alot of the moving parts being replaced recently thats a different story, but i have a feeling thats not the case