[thom71gt]

I currently have a 98 D with 171,000 miles. Loaded with the 5.9Ltr V-8

I'm looking for a newer one now, 2001 - 2003 and it seems that a majority of them have the smaller v-8. I've had a private seller tell me that he's two Durangos and the one with the smaller V-8 is quicker and gets better gas mileage and puts out the same HP. He says that I'd be happier with the smaller V-8.

Now, right now, that just sounds like a sales pitch, so I thought Id get it all from you. For those who know. How do you like the smaller v-8? Is it quick, have the same HP output? Better gas mileage?

If so, then I'd consider the smaller one. Also, how much does it tow?

Thanks in advance guys/gals.

Thom

 

[shadango]

By "smaller motor" I guess you mean the 4.7.

When I was shopping for my 03 D, I drove several 4.7s and several 5.9s?I went with the 5.9 for the extra torque (you can feel the difference?)

Neither is a hot rod in stock form, but both are very respectable?they both seem about the same as far as every day quickness?

I believe the HP is the same or close for both?the torque is different though?the 5.9 has more. And you need torque for towing and 4x4 situations?

You really have to drive both.

Keep in mind that the axle ratio nmakes a big difference in feel, so make sure when you drive one of each you compare the same ratios. I have the 3.9s?

 

[werweiss]

I have the 4.7 and in the quarter mile time they're exactly the same, the 5.9 does have a little more hp and definitely more torque which will get you off the line quicker but the 4.7 catches up quickly in the 1/4 mile. gas mileage is basically about the same, both terrible. hope this helps.

 

[thom71gt]

Thanks

Thanks all. I guess I'll just have to drive them. I found that the 4.7 puts out just 10 less HP than the 5.9, but it's running 800rmp faster when it does. Also the 5.9 has about 45ftlbs more of torque and at lower rpms.

I'll just see what I can find

 

[rapidrob]

He's talking about a 98 D. Was the 4.7 motor even available in the 98 models? I'm not sure - but I don't think it was. So the sales guy must be referring to the 5.2. If he's, the 5.2 = less power/torque than the 5.9, and from what I have heard over the years, uses about the same amount of gas as the 5.9.

 

[steveomatic]

Actually, he HAS a 98 and is looking at 01-03's. The 4.7 wasn't available in 98's, but replaced the 5.2 in 01's and up?

I'd get a buddy to test drive a 5.9 and you test drive a 4.7 and you could drag! That would be a fun game and help you make your decision?

 

[Nevil the Devil]

I have the 4.7. I sometimes wonder if I had to do it over if I'd pick the 5.9.

But. the 4.7, if driven correctly, is a quick off the mark drive. I feel the killer is the 5 speed auto (OD on.) If you drive this with OD off (not default) when driving around town. off highway) it's a nimble smooth drive. Otherwise. the OD kicks in too fast. and the revs will bog down as it feels over-geared. put too much foot into it and it'll drop 2 gears and rev to 5k.

Personally. I'm used to more bottom end from v8s. but if driven with the right gears it's a powerful ride. Now I'm used to it, I'll keep the 4.7. I kinda like the overhead cam, revvy feel I get from this motor.

 

[tomk]

my '99 was a 5.9L, my '03 is a 4.7L. overall, I like the 4.7L better in day-to-day use. it's quite peppy, and in the hilly terrain around here the transmission is much better-behaved.

 

[Nevil the Devil]

my '99 was a 5.9L, my '03 is a 4.7L. overall, I like the 4.7L better in day-to-day use. it's quite peppy, and in the hilly terrain around here the transmission is much better-behaved.

I agree. in the mountains if driven properly it's quite well behaved. I'dn't want to tow a trailer and be loaded up too much tho.

 

[GreenD]

The day I bought my '01 D with 4.7 I test drove several other SUV's, and had owned 4 Grand Cherokees in a row, the 2nd to last one had I believe the same 5.2 as in the earlier D's. That 5.2 was an absolute dog, badly matched to the transmission, slow to downshift, just a poor setup.

What sold the D was the engine to a large extent. The 4.7 really surprised me, enough low end but quick revving when you step into it, the acceleration on a stock engine is impressive. The overdrive gives nice low rpm on the highway so fairly quiet as well.

I haven't driven a 5.9, hear great things about them, but unless I needed more tow capacity I'd buy another 4.7 with no hesitation.