Looking for some opinions on the topic only. I am NOT looking for "you should get 3.92's, 4.10's" ect.

I have my choices down to three new trucks right now. Two are 4.7L's with 3.55's and one Hemi with 3.21's. Here is some info on how I will be using the truck.

Daily Driver (80% in town driving, 20% highway)

I am an old fart, and don't have any desire to stop light race

Towing once a month (for now 2500 lbs pop up camper)

Planned towing in future ( 3500 lb to 5000 lb camper)


I live in south texas, roads here are 90% flat, and what we consider "mountains", alot of you guys would call it a "hill".

The Hemi I am looking at costs $3k more than the 4.7L's.

TIA

 

My advise...HEMI HEMI HEMI HEMI HEMI HEMI HEMI HEMI

 

Well, a 3.55 has about 10% more torque than a 3.21 diff, but the Hemi produces about 35% more torque/HP than a 4.7, so you'll have more towing power with the Hemi.

I'd get the Hemi, more available power when you need it, same if not better mileage, better resale value.

We went from a 4.7L 02 Ram QC to a Hemi 09 Ram QC and our mpg went from 12-13 to 15-17.

 

Thanks for you reply. I thought the Hemi would have been better for towing also, but in this case the QC 4.7L with 3.55's is rated to tow 6300 lbs, and the QC Hemi with 3.21's is only rated to tow 5800 lbs. That is why I am having a hard time deciding.

 

The 4.7 got a nice HP upgrade in 07 and does not feel underpowered when compared to the Hemi. With the lower rear end, it will feel even closer. I had an 02 4.7 QC and liked the engine with the exception of a lack of torque at highway speed. It will tow trailers fine, but will drop out of OD quite often unless you lock it out. My 09 Hemi does the same thing much to my disapointment due to the extra gears in the tranny. Drive them both and choose which one you want. The resale of the hemi will no way come close to the extra $3K in cost. The hemi alone does not cost that much more, must be a bit of apples to oranges on the equipment on the trucks. If the 4.7 had 3.92 LSD, that would be the way to go IMO.

 

The towing numbers are not too far off from each other, the tow ratings are under estimated anyway. Unless what you're towing is 6300 lbs, I would get the Hemi.I've never had a 4.7, only have had my current Hemi, so I can't speak from a comparison point of view.

 

Do not let the tow numbers deceive you - the Hemi will work a LOT less pulling the same load. You can get the 4.7 and risk wanting that extra oomph on the grades but you will never want for power with the Hemi. Further, it is highly unlikely you will get the Hemi and spend any time regretting having too much power..........just my .02 which is probably overpriced at that.

 

Not sure if it is still going on but here in California over the last couple weeks I have seen Dodge offering the Hemi as a free upgrade. Might be worth it to look into it and send me a check later!

 

It's a lot easier/cheaper to re-gear than it is to swap motors in a new truck.

 

Sounds like you'd be fine with the 4.7. And yes, the towing #'s are way underestimated, the 5.7 with 3.21's can easily tow 6k+, but either option you wouldn't struggle to pull that weight.

I was really impressed with the 4.7 when I test drove it but at the time the hemi was a no-cost option so why not?