Hi all,

I really haven't spent much time in the 3rd Gen Forum as I am a 2'nd Gen 24 Valve guy but........

After changing jobs recently, I am forced to buy a new truck.

I am supposed to have a WHITE truck 5 years old or less. (I am territory manager for a equipment company) so I have casually been looking at replacing the '99 CTD with another.

I happened across a 2004 Single wheel 3500, long box, 4x4 auto, SLT (power drivers seat, power locks/ windows, air, cruise, tilt, remote locks, heated mirrors and rear defroster, CD radio, quad cab)

It is a fleet truck, has aprox 120,000 Miles, seems to be in reasonable condition, I'd call it average or average+ for it's year and mileage, it has recent tires, a new lift pump and supposed front end service done recently (I'm going to talk with the fleet manager tommorow regarding the maintenance schedule etc)

The right side of the box has been repaired somewhat (I can find a few traces of overspray) they told me it had been dammaged at a job site) has clear title.

I have always been a manual transmission fan and have never owned a truck with an auto but this one seems to be priced VERY well and I am considering it, anything in particular to watch out for on these trucks??
I think I will make it a condition of sale that I get a shop of my choice to inspect it if I decide to purchase, I see no mods done besides a straight exhaust.

Advice??

 

P.S, using my scan tool I found the truck to have the following codes,

0541
P0514
2607
0483

These all seem to be related to the Battery temp sensor and the intake heater??

Since it's been -30 here I think those could be related to the weather, the truck has the original battereis from the factory in it.

 

You don't need a scan tool for 3rd gens. You depress the trip meter and cycle the key 3 times and it will post any codes that have been thrown.
Joe

 

Yep I know, did that trick first, got the same results. SOmetimes there are codes scored that don't show up unless you have a scanner though.

So what is the biggest thing to watch for with these?? I'm trying to decide if I'm interested or not, the biggest drawback for me is the auto, I really want a 6 speed. The price is very tempting though.

Are they all electric shift 4wd anymore?? This one is. It had a new lift pump installed recently.

 

no on the trip meter.

holding the odometer and turning on the key gives you dash codes.

the key on and off 3 times is for the engine ecm. 2 different procedures for 2 different sets of components.

the electric shift was an option. my 04.5 i ordered with the manual tcase handle.

which auto is it? unless i am completely nuts(VERY possible) you could get the 47 or 48re around that time frame. someone help me if i am out in the bleachers.

 

e switch for 4wd is optional (I have the lever). The 48re is light years ahead of earlier models. There are very few problems reported with trucks in stock form. I regularly pull 16,000-18,000 #s with no problems the autos actually have a higher tow ratings than the stick(I don't know why). They also are geared higher in OD and in many cases get better mpg's. and are a bit faster. With that said If I was going to pull in excess of 16-18 a lot I might opt for the stick.
Joe

 

I Know about the key trick, I did it. Then double checked with my scanner and got the same codes. I beleieve all the 47RE were used up in 2003 but I could be wrong. SO the 48RE has been pretty reliable?? Probably 60-75% of the miles on this truck will be empty... Sales vehicle, some hauling in the 15000# range, I would prefer a stick but they seem hard to come by used.

 

just take a real good look at the tranny fluid. the 48's have been much better. you will probably be just fine with it, stock.

 

Regarding your question about which automatic. Look at the driver's side of the valve cover for an engine info sticker. If it's a 305 hp/555torque, it's an HO so has the 48RE. You said it was an '04. If built after 1/1/04, the it's an 04.5 and has the 325hp/600torque. Those are, naturally, also the 48RE. No 47s after early '04 in the SO engine.

The 48RE trans is very good. The problems are ususally encountered when the trucks are modded for increased hp/torque. Stock trucks are usually fine. If you buy it, make sure you service the trans at recommended intervals and do use ATF+4. Walmart has their house brand for about $1 a quart cheaper than name brands. Valvoine also has +4 out now.

 

A good friend of mine just bought an 03 HO 3500 SRW 4X4 auto (48re) with 127K on it. I took a ride in it last week and was surprised at how tight the truck felt. No problems with the auto, shifts fine. It also has a new lift pump, and he talked the dealer into replacing the U-joints also.

 

Yes I did look at the engine data tag, shows 305 HP.

I also got a Car Fax report and it came back clean.

I may make an offer but I am 500 miles away right now on a busiess trip, I just can't get my head around the auto part of it. In general I was impressed with the truck and thought it was a good buy.

If I make an offer I think I will stipulate to have a shop of my coice check it out. I am very famillar with the second gens and have done all the work on mine but not as familliar with the 3rd gen yet.

Besides another oppinion can never hurt.

I would appreciate any more advice people have.

 

I tow a lot with my 04 and love it. haven't had any problems with my auto...
great, now I just jinxed myself.
88K on the ticker and many of those miles are HEAVY loaded.
tom