I currently have an 01 1500 and im doing some research on the 02+ models and didnt know that the 02-03 models still used the 5.9l magnum and the HEMI started in 04. A few questions:

1. Are the trannies better in the 02-05 models then in my 01?
2. Is the 4.7l even worth looking at?
3. Is the 5.9l good enough for the 02-05 or should I def look for HEMI?

I used to have an 05 2500 CUMMINS and im still looking for the right DIESEL deal but for now seeing what I can get, just need some input on the 02+ models, TIA

 

The Hemi is a better engine, but they do have their own set of potential problems (like any engine). Avoid the 2003 model year units. Its often referred to as the "black sheep" of model years, or something similar. Tuners won't work for 2003s usually, and you get a lot of transition issues since it was the first model year the Hemi was offered. 2004-2005 are what some 3rd gen guys argue are the best 3rd gen model years if you want the Hemi without MDS. (2006 was the first model year that the Rams got MDS for their Hemis.)

The transmissions with the 5.7L Hemi, the 545RE I believe (or something close to that), are more reliable then the 46RE with our 5.9L V8s. Not bulletproof by any means, but definitely more reliable. The 2002-2003 5.9L V8s still have the 46RE tranny, the same one our 2001s (and earlier models) do. The 4.7L V8s have the same 545RE that the Hemis do.

The 4.7L is worth looking at when compared to a 5.9L if you never plan on doing serious work with it, but the Hemi is better than both. The 4.7L may get 1 MPG better, but if you work it, it will get the same or worse mileage than the Hemi or 5.9L V8.

My wife's Durango (a 2006) has the 4.7L V8. I have tuned both my 5.9L Ram and her 4.7L with SCT Programmers. The Durango weighs just a fraction less than the Ram (approximately 250-500 pounds difference). Carrying a load or towing, the 5.9L is better, but when empty, they are about equal in power. Those are not official dyno results, just my results from driving both.

 

I do lots of pulling, about 7k lbs a few times a month, so it seems like I should prob stay away from 4.7 especially when pulling through the mountains. So it seems like either 02-03 5.9l or 04-05 HEMI

 

The Cummins would obviously out pull either, but they are a lot more money as well.

 

I have owned rams with both engines (02 4.7 and 07 hemi) and put both throught their paces... The 4.7's power is on par with the ol 5.9 but the power deffinately comes on after 2200ish rpm. It is a very solid engine provided you keep up with the oil changes and NEVER over heat it!!! The 545rfe holds up to the 4.7 just fine and once again, its all about keeping up with the fluids changes and making sure she doesnt get too hot. IMO the 545rfe is light years ahead of the 46/47re tranny's as far as shifting and knowing what gear to be in at the right time. 4.7 fuel ecomomy is slightly better than the 5.9.

The Hemi is also a great engine and has gobs of high end power and surprisingly good low end torque for towing. Very solid motor, only thing is they like to eat away at valve seals and rockers if ran low on oil for any length of time. I have seen some tranny's slip like its goin out of style on hemis but i attribute that to lack of maintenance/abuse. It consistantly gets 1-2 more MPGs than the 4.7 and makes waaaay more power.

Cant go wrong with either engine but keep in mind you wont be impressing any lightly modded diesels with the 4.7

 

If your were looking at a newer truck as an upgrade I wouldnt even look at the 4.7, if your happy with the power of your motor now, the 3rd gen with a 5.9 wont be much different.

I would keep to a 04-05 to keep away from the bastard years, from the transition

 

are the 02-03 nothing but problems then? I would get the 5.9 btw, NOT 4.7

 

If you are going to be regularly towing 7k pounds like you say i'd definitely go for the hemi. The 3rd gens are much more refined than our 2nd gens. The 545 tranny is significantly more reliable than our 46RE, and the hemi pulls significantly better than our 5.9L. It is especially noticeable when accelerating at higher speeds, say maneuvering or merging onto the highway. The hemi has much more power in the higher rpms. Overall quality of the truck is better too. I have a 2000 5.9L, have three family members including my dads that i've driven on many occasions with the hemi, they really are quite a few notches better than the 2nd gens.

The 4.7L is a nice engine. Only have experience in one in a durango, not a ram, but they are good motors. They pull good for what they are, but if you are making the upgrade anyway, and planning on pulling pretty heavy loads, go with the hemi. Both the 4.7 and 5.7 hemi are very reliable engines. The only issue that really comes to mind for the 4.7 is exhaust manifold leaks, but that isn't a hard fix. My parents have an 04 with 150k or so on it and that is literally the only real repair it has required and they tow with it fairly regularly and have since they got it in 06.

 

Its not so much that they have that many more problems it comes down to when something breaks and you have to fix it, is it going to be a one year part thats going to cost twice as much or do you have special order the part and wait for it to come in. I know there is some pretty substancial differences between 03-04 trucks as far as the computer goes and getting parts for the 03 is a pain

 

Don't some of them have a problem with the rocker arm studs pulling out?