Long story short I'm trying to get rid of the megacab. I haven't realy been happy with it since I bought it and I want to go back to a manual. Plus with driving 35,000 miles a year and diesel at 3.30+/gal I need to cut cost and cutting my payment in half would help. So, what I'm wondering is there anything to watch for on the 03. I know all the basic stuff. IIRC wasnt there two differant axle's in 03.

 

Yes, back then a 10.5" axle was installed only on 2500's with the SO Cummins /autos. 3500's and all HO Cummins equipped trucks has the 11.5".

MikeyB

 

On 03's look at door seals, check the alternator bracket for cracks, and there was also an updated pressure supply hose from the power steering pump to the brake booster. The updated hose has a crimp in the middle and a weight on it, to cure vibration/buzz in pedals or wheel at 2000 rpm.

 

I see you want a 6 so this may not mean much but the 305/555 HO was only available with a 6 in 03. All autos were SO and got the lesser 47RE with a few 48RE's late in production.
According to DTR poll, 50% of 03 lift pumps have failed. Look for after market or in tank conversion. There should be a sticker on the rad support for dealer installed in-tank.
Some complain about seat comfort but the leather, powered seats are great.
Mine had a noisy rear end but 90-140 fixed that.
Drivers side door seal leaks air but that may not be an 03 only thing.

I happened to notice that the service manual in the dealers shop for the 03 was relatively clean and all the others were filthy, if that means anything.

Cya

 

my 03 has been great to me no problems.it has 60000 miles now . it has a 48re trans 11.5 axle the truck is a 03 2500 4x4. i towed my house boat 3510 myacht from missoula to lake powell ut 65 mph great truck luv it

 

According to the current poll on 03 LPs only 7.8% have failed. Over 52% are still working. My early 03 (10-02) is terrific - none of the usual early 03 problems. I change lube whenever the 5600 gets to shifting badly and it's fine again. Craig

 

Good thing I found this thread. I'm also looking at an 03' 2500 Laramie quad cab 4x4 auto. How does a guy go about telling if the 47RE or 48RE is in the truck? Does it have to do with a certain build date range? I'm pretty excited about it, looks very sharp and sounds good too, straight piped hehe, doesn't sound like my 12V though.

Also how much does it take to build a 47RE fairly stout? Torque converter and a shift kit?

Sorry to hijack the thread

 

You can include the dealer upgrades in the fail column since they won't replace a good LP.

A search will find the 48RE info. There doesn't seem to be many of them so it was probably a supply thing when the 47's ran out. You probably have to check the tranny tag to be sure.

Cya

 

Thanks for the info fellas. I'm not to worried about the LP. That will be one of the first things to go.

Does any one know if the 5spds were SO or HO? There were a few 5spds in 03. I've looked at a couple already on the net and asking a sales person to look for the HP tag is short of asking for a miracle.

 

All 5spds were SOs

 

Also, at the beginning of the 03 year the HO was only available with the 6 speed, but the 48RE was released in the middle of the 03 model year, so there are 03 HO autos....

If the data plate says 305hp it is the HO, and if it has the auto it should be the 48RE.

 

Take VIN # to dealer's Parts Dept. and ask for "Build Sheet". It will tell everything ordered from factory on your truck. Should be free.

RJ

 

I love mine, it's been very reliable (in shop once for TSBs, once for ball joints & stereo) and gets great MPG's. Best vehicle I've ever owned. BTW, don't worry too much about the 47RE. If you're leaving the truck stock, or even thinking mild power upgrades it should be fine. All 48REs and 47REs will have to be rebuilt someday anyway.

Here's an informal poll I put together:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t=47re+bad+rap

roughly 10% had problems after warranty.

 

Also, look to see if the a/c defrost/panel/floor selector works well. Lots (including mine) had the actuator arm strip and is inconsistant at best. And its a $500-$600 repair to fix a $10 part. Usually gets stuck in dash panel only posistion. A real pain in the butt during winter when you need defrost or your feat are cold and don't want hot air blowing in your face.

 

check for rust bubbles on the rear fenders