How can you tell if a truck is an early '03 vs late '03. From what I've read on here it seems that there are more problems with the early '03 trucks. I haven't had any major problems with mine. Mfg date 12/02. I'm just wondering if there is anything I need to worry about. Mine just turned 90k this last weekend. I plan on keeping this truck till the wheels fall off of it. If the motors still good after that, I think I'll turn it into a generator. A 12v valve would probably be better for that tho.

 

Built in Dec 02- it's an "early" 03. The autos were SO in the early 03's. I see you have the 6 spd, HO. I don't see why there were any more problems than in later 03.

 

I thought that I'd read about more injectors problems on early '03's. Maybe not tho. I read way to much on here. I can't remember everything I read.

 

Injectors problems are showing up due to age and mileage. I highly recommend adding better filtration either with a drop in filter like from Baldwin (5 micron) or external 2 micron setup. Also adding extra lubrication to the fuel will help, example using TCW3 two stroke mixture oil.

Only issue with my early built '03 is the hydroboost line fitting. A known problem.

MikeyB

 

Yeah both my '03's have been really reliable. Only problem I've had is the stupid PDC failing on both trucks. Still haven't had the money to fix the latest one. I'm gonna put inline fuses on my trailer connector before I replace it this time and see if that keeps it from blowing out again. I have noticed it takes a little longer to crank some mornings, but that could be just from colder weather.

 

My only problems are the hydroboost line fitting, the a/c damper doors and 2 bad trannies Oh yeah, and one cruise control vacuum pump(thanks again MikeyB for the help)

 

Nothing serious with my early '03 (door sticker says 10/02). Ball joints, stereo and a leaky power steering box were replaced under warranty at 35k. I have 54k now with no issues. Based on the relatively low number (and minor nature) of TSBs and recalls, I'd say Dodge did real good on the 3rd gens right out of the box.

 

(10-02) 03 - no problems. Craig

 

I haven't checked the build date but I bought mine off the lot in October of '02. The only problem with mine is the heater blend door (not fixed),replaced the alt. bracket. I do have front seats from a new '02. The '03 seats were horrible. My dealer gave me the seats from a new truck on the lot.

Have 84000 miles.

 

Mine is an early 03. The only major problem with stock components I've had is the tranny, and I knew that when I drove it off the lot. Other than that its never let me down, and Im not easy on this pickup at all.

 

Oh, the AC is crap on mine, but I believe they all have the potential for ac problems.

 

Had a few of the TSB's done on mine including the blend door TSB, the dealership replaced #2 injector (they said the cause was leaking injector on the invoice statement) it had a slight knock every once in awhile before it was changed out at around 30K miles and it took three trips to the dealership before they could finally hear it knocking, so far no problems since with 54K miles on the clock now. Build date was 11/02.

Tony

 

Keep an eye on those early stamp steel alternator brackets. They're junk. 11/02. Mine's cracked aswell.