nvr-enuf

Hello there - I am looking to buy a tow vehicle for my project cars, yes they happen to be fords and only one bowtie.

I am a lover of manual's therefore I pretty much have my decision set on buying a 2003 Dodge 6 speed diesel crew short box, 4X4.

I tried searching the forums and I received bits and pieces of information but was not able to confirm 100% - do all 2003 dodge diesels w/ the manual, I believe all were 6 speeds, came with the HO motor and not the SO motor.

Also - I believe the HO is 305 / 555 and the SO is 235 / ?, what torque does the SO have?

Lastly - MPG, is there a big difference in MPG between the SO and HO?

I have a 2003 Jetta TDI and I know the biggest MPG is my right foot. If I set the cruise on the dodge of a HO and a SO, is there a big difference or not.

Thanks for all you help and responses.

SAS

2003Ram

For 2003, all the six speed manuals are HOs,
the 5 speed manuals are SOs.

HO is 305/555 and the SO is 250/460. The California SO is 235/460.

Mileage is all over the map - truck by truck bases.

Bark

Why go with the short box? The MPG are pretty much the same and heck whats a few extra feet in parking. Empty I get around 21-22 mpg. Towing is always above 11 no matter what (I usally get better when I drive sanely).

Dodgezilla

I test drove both before I bought my 03 and the power difference did not seem that great so I ended up with the SO. One simple plug in fueling box like an XZT or EZ and you are right where the HO is....

CTD03

YEPPERS plug in and right there
love my 03