I had a 2002 dakota 4.7 four door quad cab 4x4 I loved it. Now I have the chance to get 2004 dodge ram 4x4 4.7v8 quad cab. I test drove a 2wd one and it seemed stiff compared to my old dakota. Am I imagining this or is that true?

 

It could be many things making it seem more stiff, different shocks, stabilizer bar, etc. Were there any worn parts on your dakota making it feel less then the ram?

 

not that I know of. I did have master craft mud tires on the dakota

 

3rd gen rams do ride more like a truck than dakota, i can confirm this. My brother has an 01 dakota club cab, rides pretty smooth for a truck. My 06 QC 1500 rides like a truck.

 

fldodge4x4,

Different vehicles are going to drive differently. If you have the option try test driving a similar Ram to the one you are looking to purchase. In addition to what Senomar mentioned, it could be many factors, does the 04 Ram have any after market parts?

If you'd like me check if there are any recalls on the Ram PM me the VIN# and I can look into that for you or you can visit:
www.dodge.ca
Select “Vehicle Brand”
Select “Owners” in the lower left hand corner
Select “Vehicle Recall Inquiry”
Select a brand and “View …Recall Notices”
Select “Get Recall Information”
Enter last 8 characters of the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the
space provide and Select “GO”.
“Here are your results”. It will list the vehicle with the complete VIN, a verbal description of the vehicle and recall, if any apply.

 

No bout a doubt it, baby trucks handle more like cars, bigger trucks handle more like trucks. Although there isn't the gap there used to be.

When full size trucks had two live axles and leafs front and rear they were REAL trucks and handled as such. Things like coils, independent front suspension and rack and pinions make today's full size trucks feel like driving a Caddy to us old codgers who had "REAL" trucks back in the day.

Of course you give up some capacity/strength for the drive-ability of today. Personally, I think the 4th Gen Rams handle like sports cars with their front & rear coil springs, but I don't like the spongy feel and lack of control when towing heavy weight...

 

Don't get a 4.7, get a hemi you'll be much happier