Bumping this thread because I have the same problem. Did you ever get yours fixed Chrisbuh?

A few weeks ago I noticed stuttering while I accelerated hard. No check engine light ever came on. Then it started to stutter while accelerating but at low rpms also. Then yesterday it started running like complete garbage. Intermittent misfiring or something, no power, rough idle so I took it to the dealership. They recommended a tune up and they found a code for the oxygen sensor even though I never saw the check engine light come on.

So I am going to pick it up today after work, we will see if it's fixed or not. They test drove it and said it runs excellent. I hope it's fixed.

 

Got my truck back, looks like the oxygen sensor was the problem because it's running perfect now. They also replaced the spark plugs and cleaned the tb but the plugs were only about 30,000 miles old.

 

Was about to suggest that actually, it seems when the 3.7 or 4.7 are misfiring it is because of spark plugs. I changed mine out 3 days ago. it actually stopped the misfiring and hesitation but I also gained power and mpg. I replaced my power steering assembly 3 weeks ago, it was stiff pouring fluid out like crazy and everything. You will need to replace the whole assembly (because you can't get individual parts, most likely will have to buy it through the dealer too). Anyways if you're mechanically inclined like I am, a Haynes manual, a pair of pliers, deep socket ratchet or an adjustable wrench, 2-3 hours and a place to work. You change it yourself, it isn't very hard and it saves you about $300. What most likely has failed is your fluid reservoir and hoses attached to it have cracked from age and abuse. A temporary fix is you can try and reseal it will an adhesive or that spray rubber shiznit you see on that tv commercial.

Stop! Check that spark plug first, I had the same code go off, it wasn't the ignition coil but the spark plug was completely worn out. And yes I had the same exact situation before the codes went off. Trust me a 4 dollar plug is a lot better the a 40 dollar plug and coil. And if it is the spark plug check all of them you may need to replace them all. If you do, the truck will liven up a lot. Also if you look at your 120k service, you are suppose to change the spark plugs, but it is recommended you do it ever 60k

 

I guess my problem was the plugs too then.

 

I had a very similar problem about a year ago. Under a load or hard acceleration the motor would sputter/miss. I ran a can of Seafoam through the vacuum line off the brake booster and it seemed to have fixed. Drove about 50 miles before realizing the problem was no longer there. Not sure what it was, but I'm guess an injector was clogged or something along those lines.

 

Not sure about an '01 but my '00 says 30k to change plugs and looking at them I wouldn't go longer.

It's the same plugs as in both years.

 

Then 30k works too, the plugs I pulled out of my truck from the previous owner had done over well over 60k

I really haven't gone to far into this whole thing. But I knew it was at least every 60k but if it is 30k I am more then happy to be corrected. Rather it be right then wrong