I currently have a 98 club with the 3.9 v6, and I'm looking at a 2000 quadcab that has the 4.7 and auto trans with 128,000 miles. I know the 3.9/5.2 Magnums are bulletproof if you change the oil and keep the plenum gasket in good shape, but I don't know about the 4.7, especially with 128K miles. Can I expect it to go 200K and beyond with good service? What are the issues with the 4.7?

What about gas milage? I'm currently getting around 20mpg combined city/highway with the 3.9 and 5 speed, and I'm hoping the 2 wheel drive 4.7 w/ auto is not going to drop to 15.

What about the auto trans? I thought these were up for failure around 100K depending on if the fluid has always been changed with Mother Mopar juice rather than AutoZone bargain basement trans fluid?

Also, the owner claims it need upper and lower control arms, but I thought these year trucks had problems with the balljoints. If you go too long on bad balljoints can you destroy the control arms?

Thanks for any info.

 

The 4.7L motors are good motors. They are used in the Dakota, Durango, Grand Cherokee, and the Ram. They'll last 200k or better if properly maintenanced. I used to own a Clubcab 4.7L V8 Dakota 2wd, and I got about 15-16 in the city...and on the highway got up to about 18-19 depending on the load. The auto trans on any of the Dakotas & Rams have issues around 150-175k...not 100k. The current kilometers on the vehicle only comes out to about 58,500 miles on the truck in American mileage. That means the vehicle still has about 30-40,000 miles before the tranny should have issues.

Like any vehicle, maintenance is crucial. Using the proper equipment, replacing things when needed, etc etc. If he's sayin lower and upper control arms, I'd have it looked at by a mechanic, but I wouldnt buy it. The ball joints are covered under warranty...and most of the vehicles that had issues with them were the 4x4's.....now thats not to say all the 4x2's were okay....but most the ball joint issues were front wheels on 4x4 Dakotas/Durangos....

 

4.7 has been good to me. I've got a 2000 quad cab manual 4X4 with 180K and haven't had to do any engine work yet. I'm getting about 14-15 mpg though.

 

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thats prof that a 4.7L will last a long time...im up to 196isk now a days.....good mantiance will assure the 4.7L to a long life....just go easy on ue once in a while

im about to drop some good money into the dodge though....a whole new suspension...(ball joints, te rod ends, hubs, bearing, and some other stuff....)

 

ok, who's waking the dead here?

 

yeah god dam why was this dug up

 

new guy... come on now, a thread from 2006?!? look at the date before you reply... jesus...