New to the forum, looking to replace my '96 4x4 with a newer truck, but unsure of best direction to go and could use some advice. Given my driving requirements, what engine package would you all recommend that would get the best mileage, since I've heard MDS may be better than the small block in certain driving situations?

I drive 40 miles a day to work each way, mostly hwy speeds 60-70mph, completely flat, no hills. Maybe 15% is city, once i get off the turnpike.
The only time I use a trailer is for two trips in the fall to drive to IL for some deer hunts, and then I only haul an ATV and some tree stands and coolers, so trailer power is not a real need.
I probably use 4 wheel drive once or twice a year when driving thru some deep sugarsand in FL, but that's about it. I don't think I need it anymore, especailly if it has a great impact on mpg....but it's always nice to have it at your ready.

I am looking at some used 2005/2006 trucks and really are struggling with which package to go after.

 

id say def go with the hemi. the mds really helps on the highway plus youll have the extra power. wait and hear from some of the guys that have 4.7ls and hear wat they have to say. but in my opinion id get the hemi

 

I would look for a leftover 07 hemi with MDS that way you at least get the lifetime powertrain

 

Go with the Hemi, especially if you're looking for a quab cab, the 4.7 is just anemoic. I (mistakenly) thought the smaller engine would get better fuel economy than the hemi. Wish I had gotten a Hemi.

 

Even with the hemi the truck still feels sluggish. It's not at all slow but from the commercials and all they hype i heard, i just figured it be a little faster.

 

if my trade in wasnt so ****ty 3 years ago, i would have defantely gone with the hemi. instead i have the 4.7 ltr , but 315 hp stock is better than 235 . thats how i look at it . i can only do mods to my 4.7 that may try and catch up with the hemi's hp. damnit. seems like they love making the aftermarket parts for the hemi, and for the 4.7 , they try and make them hard to find it almost seems. but in the end, i would say 5.7 hemi is the better choice.

 

GET A HEMI!

 

Definitely the Hemi for what you are gonna use it for.

 

That is a NO BRAINER-----seriously!!

I drive 42 miles to work each day-----the mpg between the two is virtually the same.

Get the bigger engine--you'll be glad you did especially when its time to PASS---------[sm=gears.gif]-------See Ya!!!!!

 

The MDS starts in the 06's. Ifthat's something your looking for then the05's they won't have it.

I say go for the hemi. My 05 hemi is getting better mileage than my 98 Ram with the 5.2L did, as long as I don't drive it like I stole it.