Check to see if the seat frame is rusted out due to a leaky windshield flooding the interior.

 

Hey Kevin

I have a 02 SLT Quad cab with a 4.7. While it is not a hemi it does have the power to tow no problem and leaves a little rubber now and again I have a 4x4 and have had minor problems (rear window leak, defective tire) which were handled by the dealer. It has around 41,000 miles on it and still runs good.

The big negative is even with the smaller v8 mileage is awful 12-14 highway.

 

I am looking to buy a used pick up and like the looks of the Dodges. The one I am looking at tomorrow is a 2004 Ram SLT 4 door with a 4.7 liter motor.
I know everybody wants a hemi but how are the 4.7s? Any problem areas with these trucks? Pro/cons? Its not a 4WD.
Thanks!

we had an 02. absolutely loved the truck. ran great, lot of interior room and there are spots everywhere, to store stuff. if we ever get another truck, it'll be another dodge. our experience was very positive. whether we were towing, or just blasting around town. no rattles, no squeks, towed my elky on a trailer, like it wasn't there. i know they have a bad rep. but i haven't heard many positive things about any trucks. they all have quirks....

 

You will have a hard time when it is time get rid of it. everyone wants a hemi. I say this because a guy I work with tried to sell his 03 with a 5.9 after a DWI and could not get rid of it. Finally sold it to a dealer for a big loss.

 

That is true! Spend a little more now might pay off in the long run.

 

Not too many of the hemis around and those that are around are pricey.

 

I have an 04 SLT QC, but it's a Hemi. As far as the quality of the truck, it definatley is top-notch. I bought it new, but with 9000 miles on it (Owner's car). Had a problem with a clip for the window switch, dealer fixed it no problem. Havn't had any problem with it yet. What size rim and gear are you getting? I have heard the 20" rims with the `~3.5 (?) can be pretty sluggish.

I drove the 4.7 when I was looking at the trucks, and it is pretty peppy. It was raining and I broke the wheels loose, so it isn't anemic. But with that said, it isn't the Hemi.

All in all, I have not had any problems with my truck. Good quality, and the support I get with it are top notch.

Good Luck,
Chris

 

The sad thing is, you'll get BETTER gas mileage with the Hemi.
My father has a quad cab 4x4 Ram with the Hemi, knocks down 16-18 mpg.
I just bought a new 06 quad cab 4x4 Dakota with the 4.7 HO motor and am luckly if I get 12 mpg with a smaller truck and smaller engine:sad:

The 4.7 is good running engine but it sure is thristy...Eric

 

Dodge has 0% apr for 60 months, would probably make payment cheaper for a new one. The cloth interior in the new ones kind of sucks- it is hard and scratchy, wish they had the velvor style. Maybe the cloth will break in.

 

I checked out the truck today and I really like it. The owner is a friend of mine and I remember when he bought the truck new. It has 13,000 miles on it and seemed to be just as quick and comfortable as my 2001 Silverado. He has been averaging 18mpg around here.
I am off to the Dodge dealer this afternoon to see what they may have on the lot.