Hey guys and gals. I am enjoying this forum. Most likely won't post often, but I read it daily. I was wondering if the 4.7L engine in the 05 Dakota I just bought is aluminum? Or, just how much of it is aluminum. Heads? Block? None I hope, but I wouldn't take any bets.

Thanks

 

Heads are aluminum and have overhead cams,block is cast iron,intake manifold is plastic.

 

Thanks ETXDAk,
Thats what I was afraid of. My next question is, what about longevity for these engines? I guess I'm old school, but I have never believed aluminum holds up well under the heat and stress of a combustion engine. Has anyone ever been known to run one of these engines even close to 200,000 miles? Without any head work?

Thanks

 

Thanks ETXDAk,
Thats what I was afraid of. My next question is, what about longevity for these engines? I guess I'm old school, but I have never believed aluminum holds up well under the heat and stress of a combustion engine. Has anyone ever been known to run one of these engines even close to 200,000 miles? Without any head work?

Thanks

 

I'm not sure how long they'll last but aluminum heads have been around for along time on producton vehicles,they're pretty common now days,the 4.7 V8 first came out in 99 in Jeep Cherokees if I recall correctly,as for engine life of 4.7 you might search the Gen2 Dakota Section or a Jeep forum, there should be some people there with high mileage 4.7s.I have over 32k on mine,no engine problems.Here's a link I posted awhile back 1999 review on the 4.7......http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/Cammer/4_7_v8.html

 

Sorry for the double post! Dang I hate that!
Thanks for links. That is good information. I have mostly drove Fords, but possibly the best pick up I have ever owned was a 1987 Dakota. It was a V6 short bed. I hope this one will be as good.
As for the aluminum parts, I still think "VEGA" ! I guess I need to get over it and realize technology has gotten much better since then.

 

As far as Longetivity, my boss has Durango with the same 4.7 engine. He drives like a maniac and has 250,XXX miles on it. Never gives him any trouble.

 

Now THAT is "good" news.

 

had 160,000 on my 02 when I traded it in. ran as good as the day I drove it off the showroom floor. ALL AMSOIL fluids