I'm thinking about getting a Ram 1500 four door 4wd 20 inch wheels. I noticed that there is a variety of engines to choose from. Anyone have any comments or inputs about the engines and transmissions? I also saw someone advertise a five speed automatic, any truth to that?

 

The V-8s are the only way to go in a truck as big as the Ram. That being said, I prefer the Hemi, just because I believe that a truck should come with the most powerful engine available. The 4.7L V-8 is a good motor, but the difference between the Hemi and 4.7L is a night and day difference, the Hemi is that much more powerful. The Hemi in the 1500 is mated only to a 5-spd. auto, where as the 4.7L can be mated to either a 6-spd. Manual or 5-spd auto.

The only real question is what you are going to use the truck for, if you're going to be hauling a lot of gear then the Hemi is better, if you're not then the 4.7L will be fine.

 

it all depends on what youre looking for in this truck. do you want lots of towing and "ummph" or can you settle with just moderate power? they get about the same gas mileage also. my father got a hemi ram and tested a 4.7 before he got it. he said he couldnt stand it, there was a lack of power. it all depends on what YOU want and how much you are willing to spend.

 

Just for the record, I've NEVER seen or heard anyone with the hemi say, "I wish I'd gotten a 4.7 or a 6 cylinder engine." On the other hand, I've heard many bemoan NOT getting the hemi or the Cummins diesel. The truck is heavy, with the aerodynamics of a brick; it needs all the power it can get, as does any full-sized truck.

Also, another consideration regarding the 4.7 and the automatic, a search here will probably find a number of complaints about the auto with the smaller V-8 hunting for the right gear when under the slightest load or when the road grade changes, and apparently not much.

As for gas mileage, a full-sized truck with any engine is the wrong animal. None are good, by most evaluations. However, the difference between the two V-8s is not great, if that's an issue.

All the best, and welcome aboard.

 

id go with the hemi personally. youll probly regret it later if you dont. you can get good deals right now too with the model year end clearance.

 

When I ordered my truck, I thought about the 4.7 because I was concerned about gas mileage...but the day I walked into the dealership I ordered it with the Hemi. I test drove both engines and I absolutely loved the Hemi. I figured what the hell it was only a mile or so per gal difference.[&:] Mine has the 5 speed auto not to mention it's fully loaded ( Laramie ) 4x4. I haven't regretted it. It's paid for, so I just look at the gas nothing more than a car payment[8D]

 

Personally, I just bought my 02 Ram and I'm loving it. I wouldn't have even considered an 02 with the 5.9 (360). It was too much of a gas hog, and wasn't as powerful as its size would suggest. I also was trading in my SRT4 which I owed a lot of money on and was basically upside down when trading in, so I worked a great deal on my 4.7 and couldn't be happier. Sure I would love the power of the HEMI and want one some day, but from most of what I read, the gas mileage was very bad. I personally use my truck mostly for commuting to work during the week- I travel 8 miles both ways to work and the truck sits from 10-7 everyday. But on the weekends I really need that bed and 4x4 to work for me. I do a lot of hauling of wood, moderate off roading, and some towing in the winter months for my sleds. The truck does everything without any issues, it does like the upper RPM's when towing, but I've never found it lacking power on a daily basis. I constantly get 20mpg to 22mpg on the highway, but I keep a constant 65mph and try to use cruise all the time. I don't drive around town much so I can't say how much I get there. If I could've afforded the HEMI at the time I'd consider it if it could pull off a constant 18-19mpg on the highway. With the new 06's they have the MDS which I believe will definitely get the Rams HEMI much better gas mileage. I still keep resisting test driving a HEMI for the fact that I'd trade my truck in.

 

GET THE HEMI!!!!!!

I got mine with the 4.7 hoping for better mileage but my mileage sucks as bad as the Hemi! The 4.7 is a good strong little motor but it's definitly not the HEMI.

 

deffinitly get the hemi's, i saw alot of problem with the 4.7's(altho in jeeps) with rear main seals seeping. Adn as for the "5" speed auto, from what i was told at work back a couple months ago, it's actually a 4 speed with 2 2nd gears for different passing gears i guess. but dont quote me on any of this. best of luck

 

I have the 4.7 in my 05. I'm sure the larger engine has way more pep to it but I have been really happy with the 4.7. Works fine for hauling hay and a trailer and will eat up a F-150 all day long. I will say though at 6k miles the best combined MPG we have got out of it is about 18mpg. It just all depends on what you like. I'm not a person who likes to race - about 65mph and I'm happy - nor do I need to extra power for heavy (over 5000 lbs) hauling but there is still enough get up and go to pass cars on the road easily. With a 7/70 warranty, I'm good for awhile. Throw a 18" glasspack on the stock exhaust and for about $60 it has a really nice rumble without losing torque. Sounds as good as my friends "Thunder Road" Hemi imo but don't tell him that!

I'm also partial to the 17" wheels instead of the 20" wheels. IMO they have a better ride.