2003 48re standard output motor
 

For anyone who has one of these...how do you like it? I'm considering an early 2003 one ton dually, Laramie, 4x4, but it has the S.O. motor. It also has the 48re tranny. (3.73 gearing)

Just wondering what your opinions are? This one will be used to tow a 9,000 lb. fifth wheel. It is in beautiful shape and only has 40,000 kms.

Are the S.O. motors easier on fuel than the H.O. motors?

Thanks. :)

As you can see by my sig I have 03 Laramie. But I'm running with 4:10 and with a SRW. No problems with the 48RE and I tow about 7 to 8000 lbs trailer. I can't answer the question about easier on fuel. I get 20 mpg empty on flat road.

i have a 03 SO 48re with 3.73 4x4. havent really towed much more then 3000lbs. but empty i am getting on average of 19-20 mpg and even as high as 22 highway. Good truck, keep it below 120kmhr or 2000rpm and she will do good fuel economy

I have SO single rear with the 48re, and pull 9k fifth wheel. It pulled great before the Xillaraider, and pulls even better with it. I got it used and the best mpg I have gotten is 15mpg, but I have a led foot, so I consistently get 3-5mpg less than normal. I got 9 on my '02 4.7L 1500 :) Also I get about the same MPG towing and empty, man I LOVE this truck. Pulling my bikes on a small trailer with the small V8 I got 7mpg, now pulling 9K I get 13mpg. (All hand calculated)

With the dually you wont even feel the 9k lbs trailer (I don’t feel it with the single). I got mine with 60k miles and it is running great. I wanted a manual but I could not pass this truck up. It was almost new even at 60k, and the price was just right.

my 03' SO definately got better mileage than my new 04.5'. I really miss having that truck because of the mileage and also the way a ramifier improved the performance on it. The truck would flat out fly with a fueling box on it.

Just be sure it's the 48RE and not the 47RE and you doing alright.

Pete

Wish I got the Laramie ! I have the same rig you are looking at, and it is a great truck. I am @ 50k, and no visits to the dealer except for scheduled maintenance and oil changes. I also pull a 30' 5th wheel, weighs in at a little over 10k. No problem even without the Quad box. You know it's there of course, but pulls it well. Hills will knock you down a bit, if you don't compensate. I tow regularly in OD on the flats... Last trip up to Meredith NH about 250 miles up hill a for many miles... Got 13.9 mpg hand calculated, and 15.5 on the way home.

I was bummed that I could not buy the HO, as I live in the Peoples Republic of MA, and they are not legal for sale here, but the SO has plenty of guts. Add some goodies (see my sig) and this thing will motivate you in a big way.....

How do I find out which auto tranny I have. Does all the '03 3500 HO engines have the 48re trannies ?

From what I've read, if it's an HO (305/555) then it's a 48RE.

Chip....As far as I know if you have an H.O. you have the 48re. Chrysler wouldn't bolt a 47re to an H.O. because it wouldn't handle the torque.

There is a code in the glove box that tells you what transmission you have. If you search around this forum you will find the information for the code.

Look at wiring behind shift levers on tranny if there are three wires it is a 47re if there are five wires then it is a 48re

look in the glove box at the sticker in there.DG8 is the 48RE.