Jeep Commander Forum banner

Pre 2008 vs post 2008 4.7l engine in a Commander?

8K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  BBCBIRD 
#1 ·
I'm researching buying a used Commander and I've ruled out the 3.7l for my needs. I'm down to deciding on a 4.7l made up till 2007... or the revised 4.7l, starting in 2008.

I read that the 4.7l up till 2007 was rated at 237HP and 290 ft-lbs torque. It's better then the V6 (210HP and 235 ft-lbs torque)...especially in the torque dept.

But in 2008... the 4.7l engine was greatly improved to 305HP and 334 ft-lbs torque, a nice jump and a little closer to that of the 2005-2008 5.7 Hemi. I read that even the gas mileage improved in the 2008 revision, over the older engines.

The pre 2008 Commanders with a 4.7l are pretty plentiful but I'm not sure if its worth holding out for a 2008 or newer 4.7l. Has anyone here driven both of the 4.7l engines? Could you feel a differentce between the two engines with your driving habits?
 
#2 ·
I had a 2007 4.7L and now have a 2006 5.7L I can tell you its a huge noticeable difference in performance. I think the HP difference between my two motors is about the same your talking about. So I would recommend holding out if you want performance. I can tell you the 2007 4.7L motor is bullet proof. Not sure what your intentions are for the XK but consider the 5.7L QD2.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the reply. I'm looking for a daily driver that I can do a little work to and get into light trail riding, drive wooded trails for deep-camp...that kinda thing. Nothing extreme right now, but I'm considering moving to the higher elevations in Colorado, where there's lots and lots of snow and dirt roads, so a good 4x4 would be very practical. I would consider my self as entry level into the whole off road 4x4 thing. I just dont want to regret my purchase and wish I spent a little more...unfortunately my budget is under 14k so that limits me to around a 2006 Commander with about 70-80k already on the odometer. I can grab a 4.7L for about 10k and a 5.7L for between 13 and 14k.

I read the early 4.7l had 237HP w/ 290 ft-lbs torque and they bumped it to 305HP w/ 334 ft-lbs. That's pretty impressive considering its the same displacement.

The 2005-2008 Hemi 5.7L put out 330HP w/ 375 ft-lbs torque. In 2009-2010 the revision pushed the Hemi to 375HP w/ 389 ft-lbs torque. I wish I could afford a 2009 and later Hemi but trying to find one under 80k for under 14k is next to impossible.
 
#4 ·
Well I've gone through some pretty nasty stuff with the QT2 so that should serve you just fine. I put my 2007 4.7L through hell and back and it never let me down. It had more then enough power for off road use. Don't focus to much on mileage. When I was shopping for my second XK I ended up buying one a little older and with a few more miles then I was originally looking for because it was clean and a good price. The money I saved I put a new leather interior in it.
 
#5 ·
I have a 2000 Dodge Durango 4wd with the early 4.7l (owned for 12 years) as well as a 2010 Commander QTII with the 5.7L. I have driven a number of Dodge/Jeep 4WD vehicles with the newer 4.7L, although not a Commander. The newer 4.7L has many improvements over the early 4.7L, has more power and does get a little better miles per gallon. But my Durango with the early 4.7L has plenty of power, and the engine has been rock-solid dependable. I know I am comparing apples to oranges a bit, but I guessing in the real world you will notice a huge difference to justify busting your budget to get the newer 4.7L, all other things being equal. Also, there are a couple of bolt on mods for the old 4.7L (intake and exhaust) that will get you a few horsepower.
 
#7 ·
I appreciate the replies and your experience with the 4.7l engines. I was leaning in that direction ...but ended up finding a Commander with a 5.7l anyway.

It turns out I found a loaded up 2007 Commander Limited, with the QDII and a 5.7l Hemi. It has almost 96k on the odometer, (higher then I thought I would go) but after the haggling was over, I got it out the door for just about $13k, with all the fees and taxes included. I'll be bringing it home later this coming week.

Since it has a Quadra Drive II, I need to learn more about the QDII over the QTII. I was under the impression the QDII was limited slip 2WD, unless you place it into 4WD ...but I'm understanding its more of an AWD with a 4 low option. I have a Chevy Suburban and it has a 2wd, 4 high, Auto, and 4 low switch. So this is new to me.
 
#8 ·
It has electronic limited slip axles and is always in AWD. When you put it in 4 Low and the computer detects slip it will lock the axles. Versus the QT2 using brakes to force power to the other wheel. It really is hands down the best system to have. The only system for off road that maybe is better is selectable lockers but the computer does a really good job knowing when to lock and unlock the axles. I would recommend doing all the drive line fluids when you get your Jeep.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Thanks for the simplified explanation on the QDII. I thought it was along the lines of a AWD, but everything I found on it so far, left me a little unclear on exactly how it works in "layman terms".

I asked the dealership's used sales manager if they changed the drive train fluids as part of their 120 point check. He said they check them but don't change them and said it included the trans, transfer and differentials as well.

I agree about changing all the fluids, if they haven't been done. The cars carfax report was pretty through, so I think if it was done, the report would have shown scheduled maintenance. It did show the September 2014 ignition switch recall for the switch shutting off. I was told it wasn't done, because Jeep still doesn't have a solution to the problem...and they printed me a copy of the bulletin. Kinda odd ...a recall without a solution. I'm sure I'll find an existing thread on that issue if I search the forums.

At what mileage interval would those transfer and differential fluids normally been changed? I'll have to see if I can find a scheduled maintenance list on the site and make sure I get it all up to date as I can afford to over the next few months.
 
#11 ·
I'm sure your right, I'm guessing none of them were actually done.

I'm thinking about doing the fluid changes myself, only right now its about 10 degrees outside and I don't have the ability to pull into my garage. I'm hoping to save a few hundred bucks and do the work myself, it can be too difficult.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top