I've been looking for a Ram at a good price. I've seen a few 2002 4.7L with frozen engines. Common sense, if you take care of it, it'll last. But it was strange that I found 3 or 4 Rams around all 02 all 4.7L that had the same problem, frozen engine. I understand 02 is the first year of the 3rd gen Ram and I believe the first 2-3 years of any new gen vehicle usually isn't the best. My question is...Was there a problem with the 4.7L's in 02 or is it a coincidence? Also, is it the same 4.7L as the Durango or are they build different? Thanks!

 

I'm new to Dodge's so take my $0.02 with a grain of salt. My understanding on the 4.7L is the timing belt. It's typical to fail because people don't want to spend the money to replace them when needed. They end up with a major problem when it fails. I could be completely wrong, but when I was shopping around, that's what I was told. Therefore, I got the 5.7L.

 

The 4.7 liter doesnt have a timing belt, rather the 2 chains. I venture to say the biggest cause of early demises of the 4.7 liter was the head gaskets closely followed by the oil pickup tube clogging from a sludged up engine.

 

The 4.7 does have chains. Mine has always been good to me for 10 years had to have heads redone this year. You take care of it and maintain it it should last a long time. Just don't overheat the 4.7. Also when buying used u never know if it was maintained properly. Mine was 2 years old when I bought it now has 147000 miles. Very happy with it. Small problems here and there but so does every vehicle.


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