Still thinking about a newer truck 2012- 2013. The 4.7s are a lot more plentifull and cheaper the 5.7s are 100 more hp but same mpg ( require mid grade gas) . I wont be pulling any heavy loads and thought about a v6 ( 25 mpg) but they are harder to find and too expensive IMO. Is the 4.7 a piece of crap or just cheaper because of the performance difference ? Ive seen a lot of the older trucks for sale with 4.7s that had to be replaced around 90 to 100 K.

 

Well everyone is going to have their own opinion but my preference is the 5.7. Others will chime in but I believe the 4.7 has (or used to have) a problem with sludge build-up if not properly maintained. That may not be an issue anymore and its probably a great engine but you will have less giddy-up and you probably won't save much in terms of fuel. I don't tow or haul much either and a 4.7 is probably plenty for what I do but you can't go wrong with the hemi. It is a solid engine and gets decent fuel mileage. I don't see too many non-hemis out east - it seems the dealers mostly stock the 5.7. I wouldn't even consider a V6 even if it got 30 mpg. A V6 gas engine is too small for a full size truck period.

Good luck on your purchase!

 

Thanks Glen , the 5.7 does seem to have a much better track record ( almost as good as the 5.9 the best gas truck engine ever built IMO) but the 4.7s are everywhere ( better selection ) and theyre way cheaper.

 

Get what you can afford and be happy with your choice. My 2014 hemi truck runs just fine on 87 octane, as well as my 06 hemi truck that I just sold after I got the new one. It had 114,000 miles mostly on 87 as well. The manual states 89 recommended but 87 acceptable. Dodge also told 3rd gen hemi owners to change plugs every 30,000 miles and mine ran double that and still looked good. Now the 4th generation recommends plugs at 100,000 miles...go figure

 

My 2 cents...forget the 4.7...they might be cheaper...but there known for blown head gaskets...both mine went...now one of the valve guides went...so trying to find head at a decent price is nearly impossible...at least where I live.
I just recently bought a 2014 with a hemi and we're talking night and day.
The 4.7=235hp Hemi=395hp...160 hp is to say the least a lot.
Mine is rated 19 city 29 hiway which I know is marketing hype.
Mileage wise we're talking 1-2mpg diff but when you need the power you have the power.
After owning both I would never ever go back to a 4.7L

 

Is there anything bad about the 5.7 ? Guess I was hoping someone would say - get the 4.7 its just as good ,whats a hundred HP anyway, and at 3to 4 grand cheaper go for it. But back to the real world , Im going to look at a 2013 today with the 5.7 ,15K miles . Im always skeptical about a vehicle that new , why would somebody get rid of it so soon. Anyway , if I get it Ill post some pics this evening.

 

Of the two hemis I've owned, other than them not being gas mileage champions, they are definitely great engines, with plenty of power. I've never owned a 4.7 so I have no knowledge about them. Get the dealer to give you the names of the previous owner to get information on the 13 before you buy it, for peace of mind. If he wont do that......WALK

 

I had an older 2002 4.7L so not sure how reliable to newer ones are but
my 2002 had to have the heads swapped after head gaskets blew and warped
the heads. $3500 and a new set of heads later it was okay.
Sold that truck and bought a 2011 HEMI 4x4 and will never look back.
HEMI for the win ! (I don't know where your shopping but around here a
similarly equipped truck with a 5.7L is about a $1400 premium over a 4.7L
WELL WORTH IT

 

I would rather have a HEMI.

 

Could have been a leased vehicle.




Personally after having a 2001 4.7L and a 2014 5.7L, I would never take the 4.7L back. You get 100 more horsepower from the new 4.7, and 160HP more from the old 4.7, all while getting better mileage! Why wouldn't you get the Hemi?