Noob here. I searched for close to two hours before logging in and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. Please help.

I currently drive a 97 Ram 1500, extended cab, 2WD, SLT model, with the 5.2L Magnum V8. I own a sign company and use it daily for work. Rarely off road and it's never been stuck. I tow a man lift around about once a month. Anyway, I love the truck, but at over 150k miles I can't risk owning it much longer since reliable transportation is essential to my business. I will also be lightly modding my next truck to be somewhat of a "company image" vehicle.

A few months back my wife and I bought a 2006 Jeep GC, 2WD, with the 4.7L Magnum in it. I really enjoy driving her Jeep. Peppy.

Here in Texas I can find 2003-2005 Quad Cab Rams with the 4.7 for close to $10k. Visually there doesn't seem to be a difference from the Hemi to a truck with the 4.7 (besides the tiny emblem on the fender).

I guess my bottom line question is, would I regret not shelling out the extra cash for the Hemi? Is the 3rd gen 4.7L a drop-off from the 2nd gen 5.2L? It's obviously bigger, but how would the driving experience compare to our Jeep?

I would really appreciate any feedback particular from those of you who have drivin a 4.7L and a Hemi or currently own a 4.7L and are thrilled with it/disappointed with it.

Thanks everyone!

 

i would get a hemi unless you are looking at the 08 4.7s where are u in tx? around my area they are usually 10-15

 

I have driven both and i prefer the hemi... I bought my truck to build for performance. The 4.7L is a strong motor and gets decent gas mileage. From what you say you do I think the 4.7 would be fine... the nice thing about that too is they offer manual and auto in the 1500, were if you get a hemi you can only get auto. I would suggest taking both for a test drive, maybe push em both alittle bit and see what you think.

 

You know what, I have an 04 4.7, and i have been towing about once a month lately, and i dont see any problems with it. Your not going to get the power like HEMI, obviously, but i love my truck.

Towing a manlift once a month, even once a week will be no big deal. Assuming its not a 120 ft genie lift, lol. Mine has plenty of power for what i need it for, and i use my truck to tote and pull some heavy loads. Just try to make sure you get a 4.7 with 17" wheels, that makes a huge difference.

good luck

 

You peaked my interest. Why be sure to get the 17's? Less rotating mass?

 

it has a higher weight rating for some reason.

i have a 4.7, it drives nice, and i like it. but seeing as i'm a young buck, if i could of got a 5.7 hemi i would no questions asked. you may also look into regearing with 4.56s rather than 3.55s or 3.92s, you'll get better bottom end torque for startups with a heavy load.

 

Well how much of a price gap is it between the 4.7 you are looking into and the 5.7 Hemi? Personally (I know I may be leaning to one side more than the other on this) I would go for the Hemi. More power and I have heard alot of people say the mileage is about the same if not better than the 4.7. Drive them both and see which is more to your liking.

 

i mean.....there is a lot less to worry about with the 4.7 motor. that motor has been around sense world war two days. and though i would LOVE to have the extra 100 hp. i just always find more things i like about my little 4.7 and it is supposed to be one of the most reliable v8 engines in the world.
but if you can find a good deal on a 5.7 i would go for it if you think you want the exta high end oomff!

 

Hemi. you ll be wishing you got one in a few months. i drove a 5.9 laramie and hated it. way to weak. spend the extra money, you ll be glad you did

 

a 4.7 has more power than a 5.9... dont quote me, but i think they are either the same or 4.7 has a little more.

lol. you will be happy with either. Dodge claims that if you have the 20" wheels, you loose 1000 lbs of your towing capacity. Rotating mass could sum it up. its a heavier wheels, more to turn.

You dont have to worry about regearing and all that stuff. Try to find one with the 3.92 gearing, if you can, and tow mirrors if a HUGE plus. If the one you want doesnt have em, tell them to dd them on for 100 bucks, versus 300 down the road.

I want to regear now, because i pull a pretty heavy trailer, and i want the pep. But even the guys with the HEMI's are regearing too. Dont think that just becuase you buy a 4.7, your going to have to regear.

With the 4.7, your getting a smaller motor, smaller price tag, and probably a little more peace of mind about reliability. If you start to like the dodge scene, then you can start modding, and be one of the few people around here with a small motor hot-rod. good luck...