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3rd Gen Ram Tech2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
"He got the smaller engine to save a little on the gas mileage ..." In that case, you could get a motor from a Civic ...
Nevertheless, it's amazing how many people equate a smaller engine with better fuel economy without ever thinking how much harder that engine has to work to move the mass of a truck.
I've found over the years that the 3.7 in a RCSB 4x2 gets about the same gas mileage as a 4.7 in a QCSB 4x2 which gets about the same gas mileage as a NON-MDS Hemi in a QCSB 4x4. With the MDS Hemi getting about 2 mpg better.
So yeah, a 3.7 in a stripped down, no room in the cab 4x2 gets about the same economy as a roughly 150 HP higher Hemi, pulling the extra weight of a larger cab and 4 wheel drive...
On a side note - I had a regular cab, manual transmission, no power nuthin', only option A/C Furd Ranger in the late '90s that my job gave me for a work truck. Maintained regularly by the company at the dealership with a 1.3 liter 4 banger in it. It saw about 9 mpg around town and if I kept it under 60 on the highway it might could nip 14 mpg. Underpowered is actually worse than overpowered...
I THINK I'm JUST GONNA LOOK FOR THE HEMI THEN TO SLAP IN THIS POS - MIGHT AS WELL BY THE WAY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT... FINE WITH ME, AND I'M SURE IT'LL BE FINE WITH HIM...
I THINK I'm JUST GONNA LOOK FOR THE HEMI THEN TO SLAP IN THIS POS - MIGHT AS WELL BY THE WAY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT... FINE WITH ME, AND I'M SURE IT'LL BE FINE WITH HIM...
Be prepared to spend approximately $10,000 - $15,000 in parts and labor.....
This is a very expensive job... might as well look to replace the truck...
I THINK I'm JUST GONNA LOOK FOR THE HEMI THEN TO SLAP IN THIS POS - MIGHT AS WELL BY THE WAY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT... FINE WITH ME, AND I'M SURE IT'LL BE FINE WITH HIM...
If it runs good and the 3.7 services your needs (no towing or heavy hauling) then you might as well stay where you are at. Dropping in a Hemi engine will cost more than just trading in what you have on a similar year Hemi truck.
I see strong running 2003 & 2004 4x2 Hemi trucks around here all the time with 100k-150k on 'em for $5000-7000...