I am looking at an '03 with an automatic transmission. I am not familiar with this transmission and know that it is new for the '03. I believe it is a 5 speed. The transmission selection display show P RND21 with an O/D on the shift lever. How good is this transmission. The truck does not seem to accelerate well enough, but neither did the new '03 I drove back in '03.

Any opinions and advice would be appreciated.

Oh ya, I have a 11.5' camper and will be towing a boat behind the camper. I may puchase a 5th wheel to replace the camper. So, tow ability is important.

 

We all need some more info on the truck - - SO or Ho? if its the HO you're good to go (cause it has the 48re) SO has the 47re. Gears?
Auto is a 4spd. overdrive. 03 gets the best mileage of the 3rd gens.
Good luck!

 

I believe it to be a SO, though I am not sure how to confirm that. Is there a way to know for sure? Will the VIN identify that? I have access to the VIN.

 

ditch the auto go 6 speed

 

Sticks are for popsicles!

post the last 6 of the vin.

 

Look at the plate on the engine. ISB250 is th SO and the ISB305 is the HO.

 

Put a box on it and it will accelerate just fine.......

 

I think that if it is a S.O it would still be a good tow vehicle. I had a 99 CTD rated at 215 HP before buying the 03 and never had any complaints with the towing ability. Not sure I would go with a 6 speed again as I did due to probability of lack of parts in the future for the NV 5600 as production has stopped.

 

Model Year 2003 is a sticky year. Depending on configuration this truck could have the standard output/47re transmission. The 47re is the old transmission and is weaker than the 48re. On the other hand it could be a High output/48re transmission. The 48re was not introduced until 1/1/03. Therefore, early 03's built prior to 1/1/03 that had an auto were all SO/47re. However, all trucks built after 1/1/03 regardless of engine output utilize the 48re. As stated, check the engine data plate to determine horsepower.

 

right, I actually have an SO with the newer 48 tranny.