Hey guys just wanted to say hi to everyone! I'm new to dodge trucks and plan to be buying one to help me cart around things. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some advice on what would be a good choice.

Right now I'm looking at 2 different trucks. First one is a 98 ram with the 5.2 and a 5 speed (has 173k on it and a plow too) the second is a 2000 Dakota (yes I know this is the ram forum but I didn't want to post in two different forums about the same thing) with 135k 4.7 and a 5 speed. Now I've opted for the 5 speed cause everybody I know says they are pretty much bullet proof, but I've been doing some research and a lot of people seem to hate the 4.7 v8 due to sludge and thin walls. Is this really something to be concerned about or is it just a few bad experiences?

Any input would be great thanks guys!

 

What will the purpose of the truck be? Grocery getter daily driver? Hauling?

 

If you're not worried about load capacity or passenger room, the Dak with the 4.7 will do just fine.

My dad has an 02 Ram with the 4.7, it has 121+k miles on it, he's had it since 50k and it was a one owner truck, so it has had no engine work done and it is still running strong.

 

Its going to be used for driving around town, hauling car parts and possibly a few cars to and from my house, and maybe a little bit of off road fun. Oh and driving my girl around, she's always loved trucks. Nothing too serious but I need it to last that's why I'm concerned about the 4.7. Also the guy with the Dakota 4.7 told me it needs ABS and he thinks a fan clutch

 

If it were me, I'd opt for the full size, most guys I know with the smaller trucks wish they'd went with a full size truck instead. Sometimes it's better to have it and not use it then to need it and not have it. It's like that tool in everyone's tool box that you only use once a year.... Plus a 5 speed, wish mine was manual.

 

4.7s are crap. Couple trucks ago I sold my 98 dodge with the 5.2. It was runnin like a top with 338000 on it. Can't beat the 318.

 

I had the 4.7 in my Dakota. Great engine, great truck.

 

Between those choices I would rather have the dakota. If I buy a full size for utility purposes it will have 8 lug nuts per wheel. Dakotas are very heavy duty for their size. That one could probably be worked just as hard as the ram you are looking at.

 

In my opinion, get a Ram 1500 with a 318 and 5 speed manual. That will give you enough power but good fuel economy as well.

 

Except for the good fuel economy part...