I have a 99 CTD right now and I'm considering trading it in on a 2003 4x4 CTD with a 6 speed. I pretty much speed all my time on the 12 and 24 valve forums so I really don't know much about the 3 generation trucks. Can anyone tell me what the weak points are on the 03's? Were there a lot issues that needed to be ironed out with the new generation? Is there any reason not to get an 03 and maybe get an 04 instead? Any info would be helpful. Thanks

 

Mine has been fine, except for needing the updated brake booster hose for the 2,000 RPM buzz. I have seen threads on bad ball joints, a drone or vibration at freeway speed, and door seals. There was also something about the alternator bracket that could crack.

Check everything out and if it runs out good and has no ticks or leaks and the suspension and U joints are tight, it's probably OK.

 

I think it's a power steering hose, actually. Had mine done and that's about the only issue. I love mine; way better than my 98.5. Make sure you take it for a test drive to see if it's one with the 70mph wobble.

 

By the looks of things here our 555's do very well with fuel mileage compared to the 600's. Only issue was 1 lift pump, truck has 40000km-25000miles no vibe, solid unit.

 

26,000 miles and so far no problems. 18mpg in town 23mpg highway.thats with a calculator not the overhead although it reads the same.

 

56,000 on mine only problem was lift pump at about 50,000. runs like a clock. 15- 16 in town and 17- 18 on highway.

 

Thanks for the input guys... Are the automatic transmissions any better on the 03 trucks then they were in the previous 2nd gen years? I'm leaning towards a 6 speed but since my wife can't drive a stick I'm leaving the door open to the possibilty of an automatic. (if the auto's have gotten better)

 

np with mine i have 24000 on it.Mine is the 48re the 48 and 47 are in the 2003 so you may want to look at that get the 48 if you can.

 

almost 50,000 miles on mine. no major problems. The 48re is fine also....Edge EZ on level 4 and no slipage.

 

33,000 miles on mine...the only issue that it has been in the shop for is excessive wind noise from the front passenger door...fixed under warranty. I love my truck and would definitely recommend getting a 3rd gen.

 

You're going to want to check the build date. The 48RE came out mid model year.

 

DON'T do it, you don't want one. These things have a bad tendency of putting a big on your face and you can't get it off.
It hurts sooooo bad I can't stand it

 

I've got the 47re and while towing w/ the EZ on level 4 the converter was slipping so hence I have a DTT unit. Problem solved.

 

I don't think so... I think the 48RE came with the HO from the beginning. Then about mid year, they started putting 48REs in ALL the diesels.

So, if you get an '03 HO, you should have the 48RE. Check the engine plate. Personally, I wouldn't have traded my 98.5 for a SO 3rd Gen (305/555 vs 235/460; basically what I had already).

 

A few questions came up for me as I was making my way through some of the posts for the 3rd gen trucks... First off, have there been many problems with the cp-3 pupmps? Since these are pretty much completely different than the vp44s, can you tell me what they cost to replace should the need arise. Also, I see a lot of info about injectors going bad and being replaced. What do these injectors cost to replace? Have any modifications been made to the injectors? I guess I'm concerned about these costs because I want to know what I might be in for when the warranty is gone.