while I realize that any engine can fail even if it comes from a good "lineup" I have never had a 4.7,
I'm looking at a 06 1/2 ton with a good body and dead engine. looking at replacements, they sure are expensive for sure.... these aint no 318 or 360.... I know nothing about the 4.7s but I remember when they 1st came out they were considered "sludge monsters". also hear horror stories about valve seats falling out. Are these exceptions or rule with these engines?

how much of a PITA to swap to a 5.7? would rather have a 318/360 powered truck but the newest is 17 yo, and living in the rust belt... well, you know what that's like....

They are a decent ride around engine in a Dakota, Durango or Jeep....but I wouldn't want to have to try to tow a car trailer with one. I bought my wife a 4 door Dakota with a blown 4.7 last year, and replaced it with a remanufactured 4.7 from Powertrain Engines. They have the best warranty, and fix all the problems the 4.7's originally had. I'm very pleased with the engine in her truck. It was $2799.00 if I remember correctly. I had to send my old engine back as a core. I pulled the heads off of it and got it unstuck to check the cylinder walls before sending it. It wasn't cracked anywhere, so I didn't have to pay the core fee or shipping. I would buy from them again. Good luck

An engine thats expensive used, is because its in high demand....Yes they break often, the timing chains and rockers are common problem areas. Stay away.

kinda what Ive thought since they 1st came out.... never even really liked the looks of them anyways.... But since the LA's and Magnums aren't likely to be brought back anytime soon, eventually I will have no choice but to buy something with a newer engine...… unless I can magically find a way to move out of the Rust Belt and sustain myself..... to the land of plentiful older rust free trucks.... Especially for an Illinois truck, this thing is in great shape. new tires, new dual exhaust (cat back, what I call "BS duals") but still new. also brand new hitch receiver and brake box.... I don't tow often, and when I do it isn't more than a ton to a ton and 1/2 (popup camper or utility trailer with a garden tractor on it, etc) and the 3.9 in my most recent Dakota is saying "help me" even with that kind of tow loads, haha.... price don't seem bad, and he's willing to deal from there..... I know that timing chains and such are prohibitively costly for these engines, but for a "modern" truck it is what it is....
this would mostly be a daily driver, and occasional Menard's hauler.... I need to get back to something with an 8' bed. And NO 4 door cabs!!!! Sorry.. I hate the looks of those, and have absolutely NO need for it. I'd like to stay with Dodge, since it's all I have ever bought....

If you can get the truck cheap enough to where you won't be too upside down in it by the time you put a new motor in it....go for it! You will need a 4.7 with a 32 tooth tone ring. The 4.7's up to around mid year 2003 had 16 tooth tone rings....just an FYI if you get tempted into a used engine. The 4.7 should be fine with the towing/hauling chores you listed. I wouldn't hesitate to pull a small utility trailer with lawn mowers, or pull our jet ski trailer with 2 skis, or a reasonable size boat/trailer. Link below to where I bought our engine. I was VERY pleased with the whole transaction. Look on there and dig around. I tried Carolina Machine Engine first because they were close. They acted like they were bothered by me calling to ask questions, so I said F em! Jasper didn't impress me much, and the offerings from chain parts stores didn't either. Best of luck to you.

https://www.powertrainproducts.net/

Ok thanks. I read that linked thread, I see. Plastic chain guides, like an intrepid 2.7.
Plastic with a steel chain rubbing on it. Brilliant. I've had my rounds with 2.7s before (though I have never owned one, and will not)
Sounds like much the same rabbit hole on a 4.7 huh?


Wish I could find me a nice D/W truck once again. Given the price for this one, that is the subject of this thread I may take a chance on it, fix it and drive it a bit which will buy me some time to find what I want. Then I can unload it.

If you do the timing chains every 100,000 you should be fine, there are a few other issues butt most shops are scared to do the timing chains because they don't know how. The valve seats are only a common issue if it overheats, same with the head gaskets. The rockers tend to fall off when it sits an extended period of time, there are fixes for that witch only take a few hours to install on a good engine. I don't see a ton of sluged ones, they don't seem to have near the issues as a 2.7.

Well the timing chain setup sure reminds me of a 2.7.
I passed on that one, I've looked at alot of trucks this year from mid 90s til 2018, all Dodge, and I have come to realize that the only thing that would satisfy me is a clean rust free D/W series . Been scouting CL in southern states to see what pops up. Got one in TX and one in Ga that really have me interested.