I can't say when you need to do the timing chain work, but I can speak to your concern about the 4.7L. I have owned 2 Dodge Dakotas with the 4.7. Both were very dependable, and produced ample power. My first Dakota, I was really looking for a 5.2 or a 5.9. I was surprised with how well the engine performed.

 

The 4.7 has a HO version

I am at 215k and still original chain

 

My 2002 JGC Overland had the 4.7 HO V8 motor. I loved that truck and had 0 issues for the 14 years I owned it! Lots of power, decent gas mileage, and that is why I went with the V8 Hemi in my 2014 JGC Overland! :thumbsup:

 

my '02 4.7HO was rock solid, purred like a kitten, after 197k...I ran it hard but treated it to proper fills of Amsoil from birth and gave it to my son 'til he shipped off to college...never had a lick of trouble from the engine just 2 water pumps....now the dual zone climate control and those em effing blend and recirc doors/actuators and aftermarket heat cores, well, good riddance!

regarding the timing chain, it never popped up on my radar as a wise preventative so I let that dog sleep...she had a minor driver side/bank only tick (not the hemi tick) that never progressed so I also let that dog sleep. I really did run that motor hard but I pampered it with all proper maintenance....rear elsd started shedding metal from a fast leak I nor my son noticed quick enough and she got nailed with golf ball sized hail that I took the $6k insurance money and pocketed so i sold her for $3k to someone who needed a mule...

 

269.000 km on my 4.7 and i only had to change the valve stem seals and one waterpump. Very dependable engine.

 

sorry, but IMHO, that data set does not warrant a "The hemi now is nothing but failures...." F.U.D. comment or opinion even though we are all entitled to our own opinions. Top tier gas, regular injector cleaining and high quality engine oil generally are your best approach to the "hemi tick"....solid motor!

 

I purchased my '04 Columbia Edition with the 4.7HO right at 78k miles and it currently shows 141,xxx. Other than changing plugs at 85k miles, power steering pump, and the regular stuff like oil changes, brakes, and suspension rebuild it has been a great ride. Before it I owned a 2006 Ram QC 4x4 with the 4.7. After an exhaust upgrade, cold air intake, and a Super Chips turner I used that truck to tow a 1968 Plymouth Fury from Phoenix, AZ to eastern Nebraska. While it was not the fastest on the 6% grades that 4.7 held its own. I use synthetic oil and Napa Gold filters on both of these vehicles.

 

I own one of each, guess I am screwed LOL

IMHO, reliability comes down to maintenance, for engines its oil and filter changes and maintenance of the coolant, hoses and serp belt so dont over heat.

I see many WJ's still on the road in my area, so cant be that bad!

 

I've had 2 GC's with the 4.7L... both were rock solid.

 

Before I found my WK, I test drove a clean but electrically challenged 2002 GC with the 4.7 and the engine was the best part of the package on that particular sample. Nice and throaty and scoots off the line nice.

 

I have had two of the 4.7, neither has had any serious issues. Kept the first, a 1999, for about 80K miles. Still have the 04 HO and it is at 135k. Did blow a head gasket at around 128,000 and while in there found the timing chain was showing some serious wear. Got lucky, if you can call a blow head gasket lucky. But it is repaired and running fantastic. Love them both.

Also have a 2012 5.7 hemi and it has been great for the 30k that is has on it.

No complaints here

 

Well, it's certainly reassuring seeing so many NOT have issues with them

 

I have a 2011 Ram quad cab 4X4 with the 5.7 Hemi. Never had any issues with it.

 

I had a 99 4.7 laredo QD. I had it 10 years no issues. Sold it to my brother he had it 7 years no issues with the motor. But you have to stay up on the maintenance. I was first owner though and kept up on the maintenance. It was a nice motor.


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