I just bought my 03 w/136k it an auto. I am new to the game so after reading a bunch on here I have a question:

What extra parts/tools should I carry in the truck with me?

 

nothing needed for the engine, carry a tow bar for the automatic transmission (i may be biased ) add a 2 micron fuel filter

 

I know I need a spare #4 fuel line but tow bar?

 

AAA Membership plus membership. 100 mile radius free towing, or what i use it for, flatbed haul from my home to the mechanic 30 miles away.

 

wow that is low miles for that year of truck.

 

I'd carry an extra fuel filter. I usually carry a set of deep wells, torque wrench and normal tools.

 

I always carry a spare fuel filter and the tools to replace it. You never know when you might get a bad tank of fuel.
I carry a #4 injector line (Now) I'm on my 3rd one! And the tools to replace it too. I also just carry a decent set of tools with wrenches and sockets etc. The set that comes in the folding closable case. Other than that if you do normal and on time maintenance you will be fine. Just make sure your insurance covers towing and you really have nothing to worry about.

One of the main things you can do is read here about other preventative maintenance items like fluid changes, serpentine belt, hoses, etc and replace what you feel you need to right now and you're good to go!!

 

Yeah. On the 03 there was a TSB about the stamped steel alternator mount bracket cracking. Newer part is cast.

There was also an updated power steering hose. The pressure line to the hydroboost now has a constriction and a big weight mid-span that cured vibration in the dash around 2000 rpm. Mine made a kazoo like buzz until that was changed.

Broken doors in the hvac case, and injector problems also seem to be common. The friend who bought my 03 had to put I injectors.

I now run a 2 micron between the factory filter and injection pump.

Lastly the filter mounted lift pump could fail. If a dealership ever replaced it, they would likely have converted it to in-tank lift pump.

On the plus side, the seats were more comfortable, and the 03-04 trucks seem to get better mpg.

 

ATF
Oil
Oil filter
Fuel filter
2mic fuel filter
#4 fuel line
Extra fuel hose
Breaker bar for lug nuts (I'm 105 chick, work smarter not harder)
Ext and socket for lug nuts (to clear the depth of the tire face and edge of rim at hub)
whole bunch of other stuff in the tool box to get me home
# for a tow