Andy, here are some articles that I came across when I was trying to
decide if I wanted to take a chance with the 4.7. It has been in the
Jeep Grand Cherokee for, I think two years now, maybe three. I have not
yet heard of any major problems. Since, I've been reading DML posting,
(Nov. '99) the biggest issue about them that has come up is sludge in the
oil file tube. The opinions seem to really very on if this is really an
issue to be concerned about or not. In short, it seem the way the filer
tube is constructed it allow condensation to form and gather in the
filler tube. Some say all vehicles have this same problem, but it is
just more noticeable since you can see down into the tube on the 4.7.
The issue is will this amount of water mix with the oil and cause
problems. DC is aware of the issue, but they don't seem to think it is a
problem. Some DMLer do. Some have tried insulating the tube or other
methods to decrease the amount of water that gathers in the tube. I have
not read any post lately about the success of such attempts.
I ended up getting my '00 with the 4.7 last week. I wanted the hp for my
use, but did not need the 5.9. Everything I have read says the 4.7 will
get better mpg than the 5.2. That remains to be seen over time. I was
also really looking at the Tundra, but that truck is totally new and
priced way too high. Plus, as far as I know there is not a TML. Happy
reading.
A good technical article is at:
http://dodgeram.com/technical/crammer/4_7_v8.html (a little to technical
for me, but still good) also,
http://www.motorage.com/cgi-win/csearch.exe (a Motor Age review) and
http://www.caranddriver.com/NewArticle/0,1633,518_2_17,00.html (a Car and
Driver review of the Jeep).
http://www.wardsauto.com/best10/99info/engine_intro.htm (the 4.7 made
Ward's 10 Best Engines of 1999 list. There's not a whole lot of
information given about the engines.)
http://www.alldata.com/pro/recallsbulletins/ (should give you the
technical service bulletins for the Dakotas including the sludge issue)
Good luck,
Todd
t_abernathy7@juno.com
PS. if you buy a Dodge join the Farm Bureau for $30 and get a $500
discount from DC.
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