Hey, I have an '03 Ram 1500. I have been batteling it overheating for the last week and have tried numerous attempts at fixing it, but with no luck. Is this a common occurrence with 4.7's?

get it into a garage soon i did all of that stuff and had mine blow up they said it was a weak cyl wall

Have you checked the water pump? I know this would be strange and rare but it has happened before that the impeller has either rotted away or fallen off. Would drastically reduce circulation with would cause both problems you describe.

Sounds like a waterpump to me as well and not all that uncommon. I have had friends just recently , a 2007 with 145k miles and a 2005 with 120k miles had to replace waterpumps. The 2007 had a drip coming from the weep hole in the pump. that is a tell tale sign. the other just failed without any hints. Good luck. Oh the 07 did the job himself just over $350. The 05 took it to the dealer and cost $780 with employee discount.

You did not mention the thermostat. That should be prime suspect since you say no heat in the cabin. Replace it today. If you have time replace the water pp as well. That should fix it. Best of luck.

My 02 Dakota ended up being a head gasket after changing all parts mentioned, including a new radiator and water pump.