Hi Zorro,

I currently own a 2000 Dodge Dakota Club Cab with the 4.7L engine, (click on the link below)let me tell you, this truck moves out of it's way without a problem. I've since added a drop in K&N air filter and a 3" Gibson exhaust system. The best mileage that I received from this truck was 16 city, 21 highway. The reason that I'm thinking about selling it, is because I really don't have a use for a truck and all I really do with it is drive to and from work and tow the bikes with it.

 

Yama,

Thank you for the valuable information. I have to drive both of them. Going from a 4.7L V8 to a 4.0L I6 will be pretty difficult anyway...

Thanks again,

IronBear

 

Comparing to the 4.7 power wise is gona be really hard. That 4.7 is a ohc motor so they make most of their power higher in the rpm range like around
3000 or so. Both the 4.0 and 5.2 are an ohv pushrod design so their power is alot lower in the rev range. The 4.0 takes off really strong i have heard that a 4.0 cheroke is actualy quicker to 30mph then the new ford crowvic cop cars (at least thats what a cop said ??). But you will find that they seem to fall flat at about 4000rpm
where as the 4.7 is pulling like a raped ape. I dont know what years of grands you are looking at but if you are looking at newer ones that the 4.7 was an option in it gets better milage then the 4.0 or the 5.2. The Chevy blazer with the 4.3 seems to get unusualy good milage and offers great power for towing. The Toyota 4Runner with the 3.4L V6 and a dealer installed supercharger
(3000.00 installed i think) is a powerhouse. They are rated for 220 to 240 hp and are getting 20+mpg.

 

I have had a 94 with the 4.o, a 96 and 97 with the 5.2, and the best ever, a 98 with the 5.9. That thing would give my modded mustand 5.0 a run for it's money 0-30 if I got a good start...it really boogies. Sold it though for an all wheel drive mini van (town and country) as I only got about 250 KMs on a tank of gas!! (about 150 miles). By the way, with the seats removed, my Raptor fits in the back of the T&C!!

 

The v-6 should do just fine, I know of a ford explorer 2x4 with a v-6 that can pull a 1300lb horse in a 1500lb trailer without to much trouble except it used the gas allot faster.

 

My parents have owned a total of 6 Jeeps in the last 10 or so years using motor from the 2.8 V-6 to the Current V-8. By far the 4.0 is the best all around motor, it has tons of torque and can pull 2 ATV's without any issues. Also the 4.0 get *MUCH* better gas milage than the V-8. The only problem with the 4.0 liters is the exhaust manifold (Header) cracks every few years and needs to be replaced unless you can deal with a little noise. I was a mechaninc for 8+ years and the 4.0 is one tough and reliable engine.

Mac