Maybe you guys can help me with my decision....

Right now I have a 2001 Off-Road Sport Quad cab with the 5.9L and I'm pretty happy with it. I really like the 4.10 limited slip axles for towing and the also the 17" wheels with the extra 2" factory lift. The truck isloaded with leather and every package and option available. What I don't care for is the older style quad cab doors and the extremely rough ride the Off-Road package has.

Yesterday, I found a 2002 Ram QC at a local dealer for a decent price and he's offering me a trade and $3000 difference. It has 40K less miles than mine and is also loaded with all the options including 20" wheels. The truck rides a lot smoother than mine and I like everything about it BUT being a '02 model it still has the 360 and not a Hemi.

So I'm wondering, is there really a HUGE difference in the power and capabilities between the 5.9 and 5.7? Or should I wait another year or two when the price of used Hemi's become more reasonable?

 

I would personally hold off for a newer model if you can. I had the Magnum engine in my first Ram truck and was very happy with it. I don't really notice any difference in the Hemi motor.

 

There is a large difference in the 5.9L Magnum and the 5.7L Hemi. If you do any kind of towing, the 5.9L is the least economical engine Dodge has (or had) available. Wait and get a 5.7... If you dont mind me asking, what are they asking for the 2002?

 

$13,499 with 81K miles

 

Yeah I am not sure what exactly your budget it, but you can get a hemi for maybe $3k more with about 20k miles on it around here...

 

yeah nota bad price but theres better deals to be had. the 5.9 had 245hp/300trq the hemi has 345hp and i think, not sure though 390trq. so along with 100 more horses you also get better gas mileage also. i personally know people with hemis that get 22+ mpg regularly. i know 2 people with the 5.9 in a 3rd gen and too many to count that have a 5.9 in a 2nd gen and get horrible horrible gas mileage. if the price of an 03 or something with a hemi is too high for you then you could always go with the 4.7 in an 02 or even something newer. the 4.7 is only 10 horses behind the 5.9 and while the torque is lacking some, you will get much better gas mileage.

 

For the simple fact that the 3rd Gens weigh more than the 2nd Gens... I'd either keep the 2001 or go for a 3rd Gen w/ Hemi.

 

i have a 2002 with the 5.9 its def got some ***** for a big heavy quadcab 4x4...i love it and it is the def the best truck i've owned...while i've never actually driven a HEMI quad cab 4x4, its not as big of a difference as people make it sound...the mileage is not as bad (depending on the driver of course) i know these forums are for opinions so im just defending my good ole 360<<<she's a workhorse and i have 0 complaints

 

ok it wont let me post a link to another dodge forum...its at so type in dodge talk where the stars are to read the thread about gas mileage in a HEMI http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90989

 

Thanks guys for a great on-going discussion. As it stands right now, I still haven't traded the "01 off. Maybe I'm getting old, but I appreciate that the basic engine platform of the 360 has proven itself for Mopar for over 40 years!

I've been looking at the specs on both engines and while there is nearly 100 hp difference between them, there is actually only 30 ft-lbs difference in torque. I don't know if that's enough difference to justify spending several thousand more $$ on a Hemi equipped truck?