Hey Guys
I have been away for a while but am getting back into it.
I am looking for another ram 1500 but wanting opinions first.
I really like the 5.9 engine but they stopped putting it in the trucks after 02-03 and I like the body style from 02-05.
So my question is should I get a 2wd put a locker and 4;56 gears with a 4.7 or should I get a 5.9 or hemi.
Also debating if I should get a 4wd or 2wd......PLEASE HELP!!!!!

 

You'll find the mileage is about the same 4.7 vs. 5.7 You'll like the extra torque from the Hemi. The 5.9 was a weak-kneed gas hog. If you need a 4x4, get one. If you just want one, get a 4x2. Less maintenance and a pinch better mileage.

You probably don't want a locker -- LSD is a better choice. If you're gonna be on the highway, 4.56s will cost more gas. If you tow a lot and/or drive in town, the 4.56s may be the way.

 

Personally I'd keep it between the 5.9 or 5.7L. You can put programmers on each, just the 02 and 03 (maybe 04 can't remember) you can't adjust the tranny shift points. The perfect year in the 3rd gen to me is the 05 models, lots of support. If I were to go 4x4 and willing to go all they way down to 02, I'd go 01 just for the fact they still have a solid front axle.
I agree though, if you want a 4x4 just for the badges just get a 4x2.

 

This may sound odd and it doesnt make sense to me but my 4x4 rides better than both the 2wd's Ive owned. Although, the fastest of the trucks ive had was my rc/sb 4.7 2wd with 4.56 gears. I guess it depends all on what you want.

 

I was at the coast this weekend and all the 2wd's were getting stuck except for the dodge that was beside me,I started talking to him and he said he had a locker but he had 35's,the truck looked really good.
I've been hearing LSD,is that a limited slip diff??

 

Yes, LSD=Limited Slip Differential. Torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip.

 

I would not do a 4.7 personally but I would get 4wd if I could

 

you live in texas so the only 4x4 you would do is mud or sand type 4 wheelin but up here in minnesota 4x4 is a must.

so its all up to whether you want 4x4 or 4x2.
if you get a 4x4 and never end up using it very often i would recommend at least 1 time a month putting the truck in 4wd and test driving it a little bit.
once you want to use your 4x4 and you pull the switch and nothing happens you want to paly it safe and know it works before you get stuck.
i would also recommend a later model HEMI such as 2005. the 03's had valve spring issues and were the 1st gen hemi.

 

^^ agreed, a 4x4 is a must where i live to, but depends on ur hobbies, do u hunt and stuff like that... i dont know how roads are there but most of our roads are dirt/mudd rivers to get to where we hunt and even fish... i have alot of guys at college wish they had a 4x4 instead of a 4x2 just for the simple fact they want to go off raoding and hit the mudd a little bit... If u think you will be the same way get a 4x4, if not a 4x2 would prob. suit u best....as far as engine, i have the 4.7 and havent had any problems, has good power, i just need to replace the gears to 4:56s and then i shouldnt have any problems with larger tires... but i have heard they have an over heating problem.....BUT i would have gotten the Hemi if they made them in a 6-speed 1500, could not afford a 2500 hemi with a 6 speed, i find automatics boring but thats just me