Well guys i'm thinking on trading in my 2000 and moving up to a 2003. My truck has 150k on it and it seems like its been a money pit over the last couple of months, not to mention I can't keep front pads on it since I got it 2yrs ago. So I have been thinking about trading it in towards a 2003 since that is in my price range.. But I don't know a lot about the engines or any issuse sthat are common with these trucks & what I should look out for when getting an 03. Also which transmission is better? Auto or Manual as I know the autos were bad in my 2000...

 

I'm not sure I can help much by saying what to look out for, but I've had my '03 since the fall of '02 and have had no serious problems. The only thing i've had replaced was the tie rod on the front end. I've got 95,000 miles and everything is great so far.

 

There's nothing wrong with an '03, they're great trucks. Just check the engine id tag to check if it's an SO or an HO. Nothing wrong per se with the SO & 47RE auto tranny combo, but they book for slightly less and most would agree that they're not cut out for super-heavy towing or drag racing.
Of course some bombing of the engine & tranny/TC will fix that.

Also check the ball joints, if there is play the repairs should be negotiated into the price.

P.S. Many think the '03s get better mileage than later years, something to think about these days.

 

Bought mine with 90+K on it, see sig. Been a happy 10+K so far.

 

I have an 03 SO(Standard Output), purchased it w/ 50k on the clock I now have 70k on it. The ONLY thing I had to do was purchase a new fuel actuator valve(cost me like $40). It's been problem free and runs like a scolded dog. With my lift kit & bigger tires I average 17-18mpg consistently w/ a 100hp Predator Module & AFE Intake.

 

I love my '03. Bought it with 92000 on it and have put 12,000 on it now. Runs great, no problems so far. I get 18-19 mpg consistently, even before the TS Ramifier. Id highly recommend one if you are thinking about it. Looks great, drives great, runs great. Good truck overall. I agree with trying to find a HO, or at least make sure you dont pay for an HO if its a SO. I just like having the 48RE and more power, especially if you plan to BOMB or tow alot. Id say go for it.

M Sandt

 

Don't mean to threadjack here but I just have one quick question.

All 03 SO's are equipped w/ the 47re? I was under the impression I had a 48re for quite some time now.

 

It depends on the build date. When the HO engine was released with the 48RE in January of '03, DC decided to use up their remaining stock of 47RE trannys on the standard output trucks. When they ran out, the SO's got the 48RE as well. The switch happened sometime in February or early March. My truck is a late March build and has the 48RE.

 

ENGCOGOD,

I recently done the very thing you are considering.

I traded my 01 in on an 03, and I am happy right now.

If you decide to bomb the 03, then you will still have to worry about the lift pump. From my reading and what people have been telling me is that you can drain the fuel rail when you get to a certain performance stage.

Test drive the truck and check for a vibration in the 60-75 range. If there is one, ask the dealer selling it to find out what it is, and maybe negotiate that fix into the price or let them fix it.

I am still on the fence as to what I want to do with mine right now. I know I am going to Goerend the tranny with a VB and TC. But from there I dunno. I want power, but not at the sake of killing an injector, which it appears is a problem when fuel rail pressure is increased...

There are more things as far as performance, but I think I have went past what you wanted.