2003 HO 6 speed quad cab Dually
01-12-2009, 07:47 PM
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2003 HO 6 speed quad cab Dually - NEED HELP
Looking to see if I can some input. I am looking to purchase this truck with 112000 miles. Can anybody tell me if an 03 HO 6 speed is a good year to buy. Did 2003 have any Problems that I should know about. Please any input bad or good would be appreciated. Thanks
Last edited by 4x4turbo; 01-12-2009 at 07:51 PM. Reason: Pushed wrong one
01-12-2009, 08:19 PM
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Great year to buy. I had an '04 but an auto and loved it. I sold it a week ago to get a 6 speed manual, ideally a 2004.
There wasn't much of a change between the years other then the '04 has rear seat head rests and I've got two kids. It sounds kind of picky I'm sure but...
I think I've heard some people mention that the '03's had a part on them that were prone to cracking but I'm not sure what it is. It didn't sound like it was a major deal to me.
If you like the truck, I would buy it. It's prior '04.5 emissions and 3rd injection cycle. They get better fuel mileage too.
Craig
There wasn't much of a change between the years other then the '04 has rear seat head rests and I've got two kids. It sounds kind of picky I'm sure but...
I think I've heard some people mention that the '03's had a part on them that were prone to cracking but I'm not sure what it is. It didn't sound like it was a major deal to me.
If you like the truck, I would buy it. It's prior '04.5 emissions and 3rd injection cycle. They get better fuel mileage too.
Craig
01-12-2009, 10:09 PM
#3
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The 03's got a bit better mpg's than the later 600.
The part that can crack is the alternator bracket (mine did, see my gallery).
Another issue they are known for is a buzz or vibration in the dash/column and or pedals right at 2,000 RPM. The cure is an updated version of the supply hose between the power steering pump and the brake's hydroboost. The updated hose has a metal crimp fitting in the middle of the span, as well as a large metal weight.
The transmission in that era would be the NV5600. Mine was a bit rough shifting, but I think they have a good reputation. They are no longer in production, and current trucks come with the G56 6 speed.
Anyway, it wouldn't be a bad idea to change the fluid. If you do that, I'd suggest you take one of the PTO block off plates off, so you can reach inside and remove a magnet in the bottom of the case to clean it (also a photo in my gallery).
Folks also recommend overfilling the NV5600 via the upper bolt on the PTO block off plate. Use RTV and thread sealant to put the PTO block off plate back on...
The 03 would also have come with a transfer pump mounted on the filter canister. Some folks seem to get quite a few miles on them, and others don't. If the dealer replaced it, they would have upgraded it to an in-tank pump, as current trucks are equipped. If replaced while not under warranty, going to a frame mounted aftermarket pump and spin-on 2 mircon fuel filter would be a popular thing to do.
The part that can crack is the alternator bracket (mine did, see my gallery).
Another issue they are known for is a buzz or vibration in the dash/column and or pedals right at 2,000 RPM. The cure is an updated version of the supply hose between the power steering pump and the brake's hydroboost. The updated hose has a metal crimp fitting in the middle of the span, as well as a large metal weight.
The transmission in that era would be the NV5600. Mine was a bit rough shifting, but I think they have a good reputation. They are no longer in production, and current trucks come with the G56 6 speed.
Anyway, it wouldn't be a bad idea to change the fluid. If you do that, I'd suggest you take one of the PTO block off plates off, so you can reach inside and remove a magnet in the bottom of the case to clean it (also a photo in my gallery).
Folks also recommend overfilling the NV5600 via the upper bolt on the PTO block off plate. Use RTV and thread sealant to put the PTO block off plate back on...
The 03 would also have come with a transfer pump mounted on the filter canister. Some folks seem to get quite a few miles on them, and others don't. If the dealer replaced it, they would have upgraded it to an in-tank pump, as current trucks are equipped. If replaced while not under warranty, going to a frame mounted aftermarket pump and spin-on 2 mircon fuel filter would be a popular thing to do.
01-13-2009, 12:49 PM
#5
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305 hp, and 555 tq, if I recall correctly.
From when the common rails came out in 03 up until 04.5 there was the HO w/no cat, and the SO, which met CA emmissions.
When I ordered a fairly early 03, an automatic transmission was only available on the SO. A couple months into the year and the 48RE came out, which could be had with either HO or SO.
From when the common rails came out in 03 up until 04.5 there was the HO w/no cat, and the SO, which met CA emmissions.
When I ordered a fairly early 03, an automatic transmission was only available on the SO. A couple months into the year and the 48RE came out, which could be had with either HO or SO.
01-13-2009, 09:30 PM
#6
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I have one.
My beefs are:
-don't like the interior styling and the seats are too hard(leather)
-heated seats don't really heat up much
-tranny shifts rough(6spd)
-4.10s, with the 6spd it tops out on the highway pretty quick and only a small change in road speed requires a tranny shift
Things I like:
-HEAT!!! This is my first diesel that has good heat, actually it has excellent heat
-QUIET! compared to my '01 and old '92 its very quiet
-ROOM! compared to my '01 the back seat area is huge, with two car seats I can still easily carry one adult in the back
-Milage better fuel economy than my previous trucks
-starts well in cold, not as good as my old '92(that thing started no matter how cold), but WAY better than my '01, it didn't like the cold at all.
Weaknesses/things to watch for:
-wiring harness for both back doors rubbed thru so the rear door lock don't work, I heard its a pretty common thing, try all door locks and windows
-'03 engines had a higher than normal tendency to drop valves, however this usually happens earlier in its life or if it was over heated
-loose front ends-why can't Dodge come up with a decent front end design?
-blend doors on heater can stick causing inability to change heat settings or from floor to dash to defrost
My beefs are:
-don't like the interior styling and the seats are too hard(leather)
-heated seats don't really heat up much
-tranny shifts rough(6spd)
-4.10s, with the 6spd it tops out on the highway pretty quick and only a small change in road speed requires a tranny shift
Things I like:
-HEAT!!! This is my first diesel that has good heat, actually it has excellent heat
-QUIET! compared to my '01 and old '92 its very quiet
-ROOM! compared to my '01 the back seat area is huge, with two car seats I can still easily carry one adult in the back
-Milage better fuel economy than my previous trucks
-starts well in cold, not as good as my old '92(that thing started no matter how cold), but WAY better than my '01, it didn't like the cold at all.
Weaknesses/things to watch for:
-wiring harness for both back doors rubbed thru so the rear door lock don't work, I heard its a pretty common thing, try all door locks and windows
-'03 engines had a higher than normal tendency to drop valves, however this usually happens earlier in its life or if it was over heated
-loose front ends-why can't Dodge come up with a decent front end design?
-blend doors on heater can stick causing inability to change heat settings or from floor to dash to defrost
01-14-2009, 06:41 AM
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I have same exact truck with twice as many miles and I am really happy with it. I am looking to sell for a new one, but otherwise it's a great year. Tougher than the 5 previous 2nd gens I had.
And yes, the HO was an option, ONLY the 6 speed had it.
And yes, the HO was an option, ONLY the 6 speed had it.
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