I've decied i'm going to buy a ram quad cab and i was wondering if i should get a 5.2 or a 4.7. i'm probably gonna take this out on thee trails a little and tow my boat. i found a 2001 ram with a 5.2 for 4500 and a 2004 ram 4.7 for 6400 is either one a good deal? and which motor is more powerful and has more aftermarket parts? thanks

 

The 4.7 is more powerful. However, IIRC the 5.2 has more aftermarket.

The 4.7 is kinda a b@stard child in the aftermarket industry, the Hemi just kills it.

 

It depends. What color are they?

 

^Yeah, I forgot that completely.

 

Color, # of doors, trim package, tow mirrors, fog lights.....

 

Don't the 4.7s suffer from possible overheat issues?

 

If you neglect them.
My dad has had his 4.7 7 years, has put 70k+ miles on it and the engine has never given him trouble.


The steering rack however, is another story.

 

Yes, they are notorious for head warping/cracking, but usually only when they're allowed to overheat. Hammer can attest to that. My brother's 02 Ram 4x4 QC has the 4.7 and he told me he just flipped 120k and still the original engine and tranny. He bought it brand spanking new at Folsom Dodge, so he's had it and maintained the hell out of it for over 10 years.

 

There you go. The Ram's 318/360 heads can crack and warp, if you let them overheat.

 

I was agreeing wqith your post-just adding some detail and personal observation. Like the 46RE, the 4.7 has some issues that are exacerbated when neglected.