I am new to the diesel thing and am in the market for an 03 2500 2wd quadcab Cummins /6speed and have a couple of questions.Are all Cummins in 03 555lb tq and 6 speed??I saw a 5 speed advertised,but thought it might be a typo.Also ,I will be pulling a 7500lbs travel trailer often;will the 3.73's be ok or should I look for the 4.10's??
Right now I am driving an 02 1500 2wd Quadcab w/4.7 auto,and the towing sucks,likewise the mileage.I am sure the diesel will be a great improvement.
Thanks
Brian

 

Wlecome to the site Blueblood.

#1. No
#2. was not a typo...SO engine.
#3. Do not know for sure (don't tow). Many men on the site using that combo with good results. Maybe one of them will chime in here.

Early in 03, you could only get the HO (555) engine with a 6 speed. Later came the new 48re auto trans. Then you could get the HO in auto or stick. If there is a question on output, just pop the hood and check the sticker on the valve cover. It lists the enginge rated output. Unless some con changed the sticker or valve cover ... - JKE

I suffer from CRS. The above engine tranny combos are from a bad memory...

 

depends on what state you live in first, If you live in CA, Maine, Mass, or Vermont, then you are limited to only the 235 HP model. If you live elsewhere then I beleive you could get the 250 HP 5,6, or auto. But Mainly if its an 03 6spd then its probably 555 tq, 305 hp. The best wat to check is on the motor by the valve cover or intake horn and the little sticker should tell you all you need to know.

 

blueblood,
I'm about 21,000# loaded and pull with those gears. No problem.
Mountains no problem. I have a 600 but i can't see where you will have any problems. You have plenty of power to pull that trailer and the truck will like it.

John

 

Mine is a HO 6 speed, 373's, 4x4, and it pulls my somewhat heavier 5th wheel just fine. I do drop into 5th quite a bit, but most often it is because I need to slow down on a narrow, winding road in the forest. 55 is about as slow as you can run in 6th without going below 1600 RPM (which Cummins considers lugging- to be avoided).

When I bought mine, you could get the SO with a 5 speed, 6 speed, or 47RE auto, but if you wanted the HO, then it was the 6 speed (which was fine with me).

If I ONLY used the truck when towing 8000 lbs or more, I would get the 410's. But for me, this is my daily driver, and if you plan to do long road trips through 75 mph zones, then the 373's are the thing to have.

I'd bet the truck you are looking at would make you happy. The Jacob would be a good addition, if you have much for hills where you want to tow.

Jeff

P.S. Welcome!

 

I thought all SO's (nationwide) were rated for 250/460; with the 235 engines last offered in the 2nd gen trucks. Here in MD, when I was looking way back when, the SO's (250hp) only came with the 5 speed or 47RE auto; the HO's were only available with the 6-shooter.

I've got an HO, and don't remember it having an HO sticky on it; I'll have to go look for an HO sticker on the valve cover tomorrow ....

Either engine will suit you just fine. Either gear ratio will work terrific for you too.

 

Thanks for the info guys.I will keep it in mind when I start my shopping.I definately want the 555/6speed.
Thanks again

 

All 03 trucks with a 6-speed manual have the 305HP 555TQ engine. A 3.73 rear will work fine for you.

 

Not in good ol' CA My dads 03 is a 235 hp 5 spd. gotta love those EPA regs in Cali. I love my 325/600 though! Cummins came through with this one.