Drove a new Ram today and thought a place like this might be a good way to get some info on these trucks. I don't want to offend, but i have always been a ford person, but dodge has really caught my eye. I drove a chevy, dodge, and a ford today. All comparible, being a single cab, shortbed v8. I hated the chevy, worst truck i have ever driven. The ford stx was an awesome driver and wouldn't think twice, but the price. Then i found the Ram sxt, w/ a 4.7,auto, cd and the basics. For only $15.4k, it is beating the ford in my choice. My question is, being new to dodges, are these newer engines, and transmissions proven yet. Any complaints or problems? I felt the truck had all the power i needed,and had a good ride. Only problem is i only have two colors of choice at that price, red or gold. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

I made the switch from GMC to Dodge. Like you, I drove all three, and only the Dodge tripped my trigger. Red is my favorite color by far. The 4.7 is a good engine. Of course, I opted for the Hemi, but there's nothing wrong with the 4.7.

As far as transmissions go, the new automatics that Dodge is putting in the new Rams, seem to be much improved over previous designs. By the way, I had many problems with GM transmissions over the years.

Fuel economy seems to be one of the biggest complaints about the Dodges. Right now, I'm getting 13.5 to 14 in town and 16.5 to 18 on the highway, depending on road conditions. I've got no complaints whatsoever. I have added a few exterior mods to mine, and also got rid of the crappy stock shocks for some Bilsteins. That was a big improvement.

Just make sure you get to know the service department guys and gals. I take a couple dozen donuts or a homemade coffee cake in every once in awhile. They always take good care of me that way.

 

I agree, chevy tranny's are crap. My experience w/ them has been that the engines are great, but the trans. and accessories like the alternator, water pump, and stuff like that goes out every 30k miles.

I have been raised in one of those"always buy a ford" families to say the least. Thats why I want to check these out first, b/c if i make a trip all the way home, i've got to show my dad that there may be another truck on this planet. Sounds ridiculous, but maybe someone here has the same situation , vise versa possibly. Well, if there are any 4.7 owners here i'd like to hear your opinions. But in the next week or two, if the Ford is still $3k higher, I will probably go for a dodge. Thanks!

 

I own two 4.7's, a 2001 Durango and a 2003 Ram 1500. my 01 has 46,000 miles on it and have never had a problem. I just bought the 03 Ram it only has 2000 miles on it now. the Durango is the reason that I bought the Ram with the 4.7 in it. It has good power and a pretty big power band. I tow a trailer with two quads around alaska (up and down mountains) and have not ever wanted more power from either of my 4.7 powered trucks. I am not sure how long the 4.7 has been available (I think about 6 years) but it is a proven engine and has not had many bugs. Good luck on your choice.

 

I've got a 4.7 and now have a little over 6,000 miles and no problems what-so-ever.

 

I Love my 4.7 Dodge. I've had it for 3 months and no problems.

 

Not to butt in, but this thread brings a smile to my face thus far...

And I have worked at many dealerships... bringing in food, and treats... BIG TIME BROWNIE POINTS!! Seriously, discounts, special treatment and more if you do it often enough... LOL!

~Amanda

 

I can't speak for the 4.7 engine but I am driving my 3rd Dodge truck and have not had any trouble with any of them. I had a 97 Dakota, club cab, traded it for an 02 Dakota, quad cab, and just recently traded it for an 04 1500 Ram, quad cab with the Hemi engine. Mechanically, they have all been excellent, and I have towed my travel trailer with all of them.

I could be wrong, but I thought the 4.7 first became available in the 02 models. Both of my previous trucks had the 5.9.

 

Well, being young, and going to college, working full time, and being basically married w/ all the bills and everything else, I am looking to buy a truck and have it long after payoff. Trucks were made to be driven into the ground and I would like to do so being the only owner so i know the vehicle. I feel comfortable w/ this ram b/c it is not a first year of the new style, unlike the ford, and it drives just like i want it to. Also, being new to a brand new truck, can you cut the y-pipe after the cats and run dual exhaust and still have a valid warranty, or do you have to live w/ the y? Just wondering b/c I have always had to have loud exhaust on my trucks, thanks!

 

The 4.7 has been around since 1999 in the grand cherokee. Its a very good engine, they are designed to get about 200000 without any major component failure. I own one in a 02 quad, and I'm going to get another in a couple of weeks when I trade it for an 04. I may be just a little biased because I work at the 4.7 plant, he he. You should be fine with the exhust as long as you keep converters on it.
Joe