2003 Ram – 4.7 w/ 90k miles or 5.7 w/114k miles?
#1
2003 Ram – 4.7 w/ 90k miles or 5.7 w/114k miles?
I’ve been looking at 02-04 Rams for a while. I’ve found two in nice condition in my price range. Both are quad cabs, have clean carfaxs and are in comparable condition.
#1 has a 5.7 Hemi w/ 114k miles. I’m a bit concerned about the amount of miles, but not bad for an 03. I really like the added HP with the Hemi.
#2 has a 4.7 w/ 90k miles – 24k less than #1 and is about the same price. I like the lower miles of #2.
The MPG is not a lot different between the two and not an issue for me.
Any advise/thoughts? Thanks!
#1 has a 5.7 Hemi w/ 114k miles. I’m a bit concerned about the amount of miles, but not bad for an 03. I really like the added HP with the Hemi.
#2 has a 4.7 w/ 90k miles – 24k less than #1 and is about the same price. I like the lower miles of #2.
The MPG is not a lot different between the two and not an issue for me.
Any advise/thoughts? Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South Georgia/East Florida
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
19 Posts
The added HP would be nice, especially since it's gonna get about the same fuel economy as the 4.7.
A LOT of people who bought 4.7s wish they bought a Hemi, NOBODY who has a Hemi wishes he bought the 4.7.
BUT, the '03 is the bastard of the Hemi trucks (sorry '03 owners, but you know it's true).
The '03 (and some VERY early '04s) suffer from weak valve springs and a pretty un-tunable PCM.
I'd keep looking for a Hemi, but see if you can find an '04 or '05 in your budget.
A LOT of people who bought 4.7s wish they bought a Hemi, NOBODY who has a Hemi wishes he bought the 4.7.
BUT, the '03 is the bastard of the Hemi trucks (sorry '03 owners, but you know it's true).
The '03 (and some VERY early '04s) suffer from weak valve springs and a pretty un-tunable PCM.
I'd keep looking for a Hemi, but see if you can find an '04 or '05 in your budget.
#3
#4
Thanks for the replies guys.
I didn't realize the 03 Hemi's had issues. Are they big issues? Replacing the valve spring is over my head mechanically - any idea how much they cost to fix?
The Asking price is *8,200. Do I need to budget in potential repairs for a Hemi and/or the tranny at 114k miles? 11k miles makes me a little nervous.
I didn't realize the 03 Hemi's had issues. Are they big issues? Replacing the valve spring is over my head mechanically - any idea how much they cost to fix?
The Asking price is *8,200. Do I need to budget in potential repairs for a Hemi and/or the tranny at 114k miles? 11k miles makes me a little nervous.
Last edited by chp5; 08-28-2011 at 01:25 PM.
#5
#6
#7
The added HP would be nice, especially since it's gonna get about the same fuel economy as the 4.7.
A LOT of people who bought 4.7s wish they bought a Hemi, NOBODY who has a Hemi wishes he bought the 4.7.
BUT, the '03 is the bastard of the Hemi trucks (sorry '03 owners, but you know it's true).
The '03 (and some VERY early '04s) suffer from weak valve springs and a pretty un-tunable PCM.
I'd keep looking for a Hemi, but see if you can find an '04 or '05 in your budget.
A LOT of people who bought 4.7s wish they bought a Hemi, NOBODY who has a Hemi wishes he bought the 4.7.
BUT, the '03 is the bastard of the Hemi trucks (sorry '03 owners, but you know it's true).
The '03 (and some VERY early '04s) suffer from weak valve springs and a pretty un-tunable PCM.
I'd keep looking for a Hemi, but see if you can find an '04 or '05 in your budget.
Trending Topics
#9
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South Georgia/East Florida
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
19 Posts
If modding isn't really an option, then the PCM isn't really an issue.
As far as the springs go, do a search in the technical section. It's not real uncommon for a valve spring to snap and drop the piston. NOT A CHEAP REPAIR and if the damage caused is extensive, you could be looking at a $4000 bill!
That said, I've seen an '03 Hemi snap a spring at 40k miles and I've seen an '03 personally with 155k miles on it with the original springs and the compression was like the day the thing rolled off the lot.
Also be aware that if either is equipped with factory LSD that it is a ticking time bomb as well (again, do a search).
Not trying to scare you, these are the only two real issues that are common and I think you'd be hard pressed to find any brand with only a couple of issues, especially in an eight year old vehicle.
Just trying to make you aware of what potentially could happen...
As far as the springs go, do a search in the technical section. It's not real uncommon for a valve spring to snap and drop the piston. NOT A CHEAP REPAIR and if the damage caused is extensive, you could be looking at a $4000 bill!
That said, I've seen an '03 Hemi snap a spring at 40k miles and I've seen an '03 personally with 155k miles on it with the original springs and the compression was like the day the thing rolled off the lot.
Also be aware that if either is equipped with factory LSD that it is a ticking time bomb as well (again, do a search).
Not trying to scare you, these are the only two real issues that are common and I think you'd be hard pressed to find any brand with only a couple of issues, especially in an eight year old vehicle.
Just trying to make you aware of what potentially could happen...
#10