Sadly, I am of those who remembers what a REAL hemi is. A big chunk of cast iron usually built in Chryslers marine plant, spitting out 425 horsepower through 426 cubic inches. It filled the engine compartment of a '68 roadrunner, and didn't need an aftermarket exhaust to be heard or felt.It was a pain to keep tuned, but when you got it there look out. However, towing or fuel mileage was certainly not it's forte'. But then there were those off beats, like the '69 Satellite station wagon...
I never owned one, but then I never needed to. The big blockand small block "magnum motors" I built and ran did the job for a whole lot less money.
Todays hemi is a marketing coup built tosway thosewho remembered those days of yore, and were able to purchase the motor of thier dreams in a yuppie four door cruiser that would satisfy the wife as well. While powerful in a half ton chassis, it's not enough in its 5.7 form for a 3/4 ton. And lets be honest, unless you get a 3/4 ton (read powerwagon)you get the IFS in the 4x4, which tends to be breakprone off road. That's first hand observation, not opinion.
And like back then, I don't need a hemi. Maybe a biodiesel cummins, but not a hemi.

 

That's an interesting side of the story. What are some things you like about the magnum, and what are the pros and cons of it in your opinion?

 

Another dumb *** move on dodge's part. Why would ever put independent suspension on a 4x4??? 4x4's NEED SOLID AXELS. **** I wouldn't even care if it had leaf springs in the front...

 

First off, I want to say I'm not bashing or badmouthing hemi owners. IF you changed brands to buy one,BLESS YA! It keeps support for my truck alive...kinda.I have expressed an opinion about the marketing of said vehicle, and if you don't like being labeled a yuppie, well...gotta call it like I see it. I know a couple of folks who wheel hemi powered trucks HARD. One has destroyed his IFS at least once. I can't recall how many CV shafts have snapped.

I'm sure if you asked me that question, but I believe I can answer. The magnum motor, as far as PCM controlled vehicles is simple motor to modify.Aftermarket pieces exist, provided you're willing to dig a bit (which I explained in another thread), and the motor responds well to simple enhancements. Higher power exists for those with good credit, with the 408 stroker and even 426 stroker providing mud slinging axle twisting power.
Most of these mods can be done for less than the same mods on the hemi. Adding the MDS system to the hemi did little for its economy, but probably makes modding more challenging. Like the 426 hemi of yore, the initial purchase is expensive, as is themaintenance,and the mods keep pace.

When you're bouncing off football and basket ball sized rocks, or mounting a two foot ledge, a flexy suspension,finess and traction are better than horsepower for the average 4x4 user. 345 hp doesnt get you overit any quicker.
When I towed my overloaded double axle U-Haul from Phoenix to Tulsa with a bed full of tools and the rear seat crammed to the roof, I didn't need 345 hp. Agood tranny, yes, 4:10 gears, yes.But not the hemi. Ok, I wished for a cummins with a five speed once or twice...

 

But you've got to give dodge credit; The fact that they carried solid front axle in a half ton all the way to 2001. I think they held out the longest of all the auto companies to follow the IFS trend.