Help me pick a new water pump -> 2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L

[GemStater]

Working on my 2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L.

Previously owned by my father, in 2017 or about 40k miles ago, he had a local mom and pop shop install a water pump. Currently I'm replacing the radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, and belt tensioner. Thinking who knows what brand or quality of the pump was used? It would be really easy to replace it now. I know most people will say pay the money for the Genuine Mopar part but I wonder if any of the available brands are actually the Mopar supplier? I'd rather not overpay for a box with the "M" logo on it. Is this possible. Of the brands at RockAuto, make me a suggestion. Also, some people say the original Mopar used a plastic impeller. Any pros or cons? Metal or plastic impeller? ->

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If you don't want to spend the money on the Mopar, get the GMB with the metal impeller.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Been using GMB with the metal impeller for years now. No problems with them. GMB originated in Japan, but now also manufacture water pumps in Korea, Thailand, China. They claim parts for older vehicles are still made in Japan. Put one in my 03' Solara and 06' Camry 5 years ago,,, and they were made in Japan.

 

[D60]

I'd try GMB if you're not doing Mopar. Absolutely, positively not AC Delco whatever you do!

Note the Masterpro at O'Reilly is almost surely GMB if you want local B&M accessibility and LT warranty support (but likely a somewhat higher price).

Looks like $65 but it's the plastic version (no idea if it really matters)

edit: looks like one year warranty as O'Reilly considers Masterpro their "lower" line (I think they're wrong in the case of water pumps)

 

[GemStater]

Three for three GMB. Already seems like a clear winner...

 

[RBT]

Going to tell you what you mentioned above: get the original pump from Chrysler. Your time is worth more than the cost differential.

Years ago, on my BMWs, i would use the same strategy of trying to save by finding the OEM from a good aftermarket supplier. Problem is that I learned the aftermarket is rife with counterfeit parts and the OEM in the aftermarket may not make the part to the same spec, or you may even be getting a second. Only way to find out is to take the plunge and I had too many unpleasant plunges to play the game anymore. Unless the price difference is ludicrous, I get the original parts now particularly for a labor intensive job. Sounds like you have the cooling system apart. You are already saving a fortune by doing it yourself. Now respect your own time and use the original parts. Good luck.

 

[GemStater]

Going to tell you what you mentioned above: get the original pump from Chrysler. Your time is worth more than the cost differential.

Years ago, on my BMWs, i would use the same strategy of trying to save by finding the OEM from a good aftermarket supplier. Problem is that I learned the aftermarket is rife with counterfeit parts and the OEM in the aftermarket may not make the part to the same spec, or you may even be getting a second. Only way to find out is to take the plunge and I had too many unpleasant plunges to play the game anymore. Unless the price difference is ludicrous, I get the original parts now particularly for a labor intensive job. Sounds like you have the cooling system apart. You are already saving a fortune by doing it yourself. Now respect your own time and use the original parts. Good luck.

You make a good point. After all, it would appear, and I'm assuming, the factory original lasted 17-years and 134k miles before it was changed and I think it was problem free when replaced although potentially making some "noise" as the service invoice states. At any rate, likely a good track record for the OEM Original part.

I still wonder who the OEM supplier for Mopar actually is? I don't have the original so unfortunately I can't look for clues.

So the real OEM is the best option for sure but I wonder is it worth three times the cost when compared to a trusted aftermarket brand?

The job isn't too in depth. Not a big deal if I end up having to do it a second time. The GMB is on order.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Going to tell you what you mentioned above: get the original pump from Chrysler. Your time is worth more than the cost differential.

Years ago, on my BMWs, i would use the same strategy of trying to save by finding the OEM from a good aftermarket supplier. Problem is that I learned the aftermarket is rife with counterfeit parts and the OEM in the aftermarket may not make the part to the same spec, or you may even be getting a second. Only way to find out is to take the plunge and I had too many unpleasant plunges to play the game anymore. Unless the price difference is ludicrous, I get the original parts now particularly for a labor intensive job. Sounds like you have the cooling system apart. You are already saving a fortune by doing it yourself. Now respect your own time and use the original parts. Good luck.

GMB manufactures OEM water pumps for Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, Stellantis / Chysler. Volkswagon, & Lincoln. Vehicle manufactures contract out a lot of parts, and just stick em in an OEM box, then mark up the price....... BMW was not mentioned on my research. Take it for what it's worth. Just my $0.02 cents.

 

[gman2304]

I used a Melling on my Chevy 5.3 several years ago. I was very impressed with the quality of the machining and mine came with the thermostat. Still running quiet when I sold the truck.

 

[Kira]

GMB with metal impellor via RA = ~$39.
3 x GMB via Mopar = ~$117 and you don't know if you're getting a metal impellor.

 

[tblt44]

I put a GMB on a silverado it lasted 150k + till truck was sold.
Go with a metal impeller on what ever brand you choose
Edit
I see you are getting G.M.B. it should serve you well

 

[D60]

Is the OEM really OEM for a long defunct application? Or have they farmed it out to a lower tier manufacturer and just toss it in a Mopar box?

According to the interwebs the 4.7 was primarily '99-09?

 

[Capt W]

The OE pump on my 2007 Caravan was GMB. Replaced it with a GMB.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

You guys are making me feel bad that I put a cheap Gates pump on my dad's beater minivan, which turned into a job I never want to do again.

 

[RBT]

GMB manufactures OEM water pumps for Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, Stellantis / Chysler. Volkswagon, & Lincoln. Vehicle manufactures contract out a lot of parts, and just stick em in an OEM box, then mark up the price....... BMW was not mentioned on my research. Take it for what it's worth. Just my $0.02 cents.

Yes this is true but it doesn’t mean it is the same part. Could be a second, could be to a different spec, could be a counterfeit (particularly on eBay). BMW is no different. Years ago it was a much better bet that you could save money and get the same quality as original equipment, but now, not so much. If you don’t believe me look at some of the posts on this forum from professional mechanics. It stinks but it is what it is as they say/. Have a good day.

 

[GemStater]

Is the OEM really OEM for a long defunct application? Or have they farmed it out to a lower tier manufacturer and just toss it in a Mopar box?

According to the interwebs the 4.7 was primarily '99-09?

Starting in the 1999 JEEP Grand Cherokee, the 4.7L V8 was used up 2013 in RAM trucks. Also don't forget the 3.7L V6 was the same family of engine used in such vehicles as the JEEP Liberty.

I follow a 2002 Dakota guy over in the Dodge forum. It's got, no joke, 313k plus miles on it. So there are a lot of these engines out there and they can last a long time when properly cared for.

 

[Auto tech]

Of the options listed Gates or Mopar