We were talking about cars & trucks as we were coming home from a friends wedding and I asked her if she knew what kind of car she wanted in a few years? Well guess what guys................................She wants a Dodge Ram pickup just like dads!!
So since she was born in 2002 I thought I would start looking for a 2002 1500 for her.

Now my question is this, in 2002 did all 1500's have the 4.7 instead of the 5.2 or 5.9? If I want one of the older engines I need to get a 2500 or 3500?
I already know it is going to have sucky fuel mileage any way I go and I'm not going to find a Cummins for a good price.
So should I just get her a 2001 instead? What is everyone's take on the 4.7? I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with one in it and the engine has pep but I worry about all the head gasket issues.

 

the 4.7 is pretty stout! ours is an 03, with 192,500 miles and counting! the only crappy thing is the placement of the crank sensor. its above the starter, inside a machined hole, that likes to rust!

i personally wouldnt get a 1500, not a fan of the ifs...

good luck!

 

Yay ifs is no go. By friends 05 1500 4x4 wheel just fell off going down the highway.....

Get an 01! Tried and true old workhorse! And you already know howt to fix all the problems

I have heard the 4.7s have a prbkem with breaking exhuast studs. but I could be mistaken.

I THINK some of the early third gens could still get a 5.9.

 

Had a friend that had an 05 4.7 and at 90k blew a head gasket. I'd vote 01. K.

Edit 1: Wildman, Listen to CSDavies26 on an 01 off road edition. Easy to spot on the fly with those rims and front tow hooks (also marked as such on tailgate). Many 2nd & 3rd owners don't even know or list them as ORE. Not to mention KBB could care less.

 

they do have stud problems, but i have yet to have one on mine. also have valve stem seals drop into the valves, and destroy the piston.

4.7s also are prone to overheating supposedly, again, never had this issue, and probly never will. my cooling fan is run off the power steering pump.

again, only blow head gaskets when they overheat. its a hit and miss sort of thing. if the motor was well taken care of it will last til 300k if not more.

4.7s are also 3k mile oil change motor. if you go over it will start to tick in the valve train.

 

You could get a 2002 with a 5.9 magnum but not a 5.2. So either a 4.7 or a 5.9 were available.

 

You know she wants a Hemi!

 

I think you could find a 02 5.9L

kudos big guy!

 

The 4.7s are a decent motor IF they are well taken care of when it comes to fluid changes and tune ups and such. They are more of a "high maintenance" engine...

There are still some 02 1500 trucks floating around that have the 5.9l in them...although they are becoming rather hard to find in decent shape. I'd vote either the 1500 with the 5.9 or find a nice 02 2500 with the 5.9....if you do decide to go with an 01 then find an off road edition...they're still out there!