My goal is to end up with a QC factory loaded with accessories generating 400HP+ @ the motor and w/a manual tranny. I want to be able to install an air ride to adjust for load and to slam. Need advice on:

• Year: Is one of these years more accommodating than another?
• Engine: I'm assuming from reading the various posts that a rebuild of the 4.7L is the way to go. Hopefully performance parts are more available than older posts indicate. Any comments on swapping in a Gen 2 5.9?
  
  I contacted www.krcperformance.com about 4 years ago and asked about Nitrous. They said that Nitrous is a lot cheaper than SC but were concerned about the 4.7L being durable enough to handle either.
• Tranny: Don't know were to start; I assume the factory setup isn't durable enough. I won't find a loaded factory unit w/ a stick shift anyway.
• Suspension: Is Air Ride a good choice?
• Drive Train: 2WD or 4WD or does it make any difference which? I would prefer a 4WD.

I previously tried to find a 2000 thru 2003 Gen 2 with a 5.9L and low miles in the colors I wanted (either one of the blues or burgandy) but they are very scarce. Thought about swaping a 5.9L into a Gen 2 but thought I might as well consider going to a Gen 3 with power upgrades to the 4.7L. I don't like the looks of the '08 - '10.

If you ask why I want to do this-------because I can. I just want a cool looking, sleeper daily driver that I can hammer and move quickly. From a cost standpoint I just want the best value whether it's a gen 2 or 3.

 

I'm not an expert and I don't know what your willing to spend cause i'm sure it's definitely possible to get a 4.7 to put out 400hp at the wheel but your best bet for getting 400hp is going to be with the 5.9. The 4.7 doesn't really have great aftermarket support but you could take a look at airram. com. That's going to be your best bet for 4.7 parts i think.

 

If you want to put out 400+ with a 4.7 take a look at what Blown287 has been doing, you definitely won't be buying an off the shelf kit that's made specifically for our trucks. Our aftermarket support is pretty bad, you're going to have to do a lot of custom work for the suspension, it can be done (and I think it has been, don't remember what magazine I saw it in) but it probably won't be cheap. If you're looking for something with most of the stuff to do this available already you will have better luck with a 2nd gen.

 

BigOwl, you don't like the inverted grill look on the new trucks? I think its mean like it is taking a bite out of something!

 

Its possible, but alot of work. For the Tranny, Sharadon Performance makes tranny valve bodies. Also so consider gears, I have 4.10s in mine.

If you build the block, www.airram.com has forged pistons, scats etc. www.krcperformance.com is going to be testing some new billet cam shafts that are expected to deliver some good numbers. They also have rear mounted turbo kits, etc. There are 4.7L guys on the jeep forums boring .040 over making 4.8L .

If you are looking into big mods, think about tuners that are capable of custom tuning. Diable sport Predator and SCT can receive custom tunes.

Good luck with the build and keep us informed.

 

My thoughts.... Did dodge ever mate the HO motor and the manual tranny? If so, I would look for that configuration in an '06 or '07 and then do exactly what blown has done with the SC and Alchohol. Turbo kit is good too. Add solid lash adjusters. The HO has beefier build characteristics, and I think would be a great motor to boost.

 

I don't know if you know this about the 09 models, but they do have much better engine performance than the 05's, 06's, etc. What don't you like about the newer ones?

 

5.9's nor HO 4.7's were offered with manual trans in Dakotas. But anything is possible with enough green! The '08 Ram was available with an HO 4.7 and six-speed; I drove a stripper regular cab that was a BLAST! I'm talking sideways in second gear!