Hi guys, My posts run exclusively on the 2nd gen posts, but I need some 3rd gen info.

My buddy is looking at a 2003 3500 CC LB 4x4, Laramie, Cummins, auto trans w/88K miles.

What are the deciding factors re: this model year?

What are the weaknesses for this year?

Thanks, Kurt

 

47RE or 48 RE?

 

Not sure. will find out a.m.

Kurt

 

HO vs SO (305/555 vs 2??/4??)

HVAC door failures; run the doors through their paces to ensure everything working. Mode door to move air from windshield/Dash/floor, Blend door to throttle the amount of heat and Recirc door to block off exterior air for the fan intake in order to recirculate, or block off interior air for the fan intake to bring in fresh only. Replacement of these doors can be anywhere from 1.5 hours to all day depending on which door and wether or not you have to drain/refill refrigerant.

Non-serviceable U-Joints last forever. Forever for some means replacing as soon as 20k miles, for most though, it is around 50-60k miles. Most replace with servicable units.

 

lift pumps are bad and so are wheel bearings but the motors are supposidly the best ones!

 

I would quess that a 3500 has a 48RE, even if SO.. But that would be an important feature. 3500's also had the big axle.

Other than the LP they are about as bullet-proof as any year. In fact the enigne-mounted LP offers an easier upgrade when it fails due to the OE draw-straw (assuming under 450hp goal).

Compare hours to miles to determine usage. 30-35 is normal, 25-30 city driving, under 25 LOTS of idling or VERY low speeds, 35-40 good percentage of hwy, above 40-45 mostly all hwy.

 

Only a few 03's are 305/48RE, only late in the model year. The HO 305 went with the NV5600 and the SO got the 47RE. Lift pump is poor but an easy fix, the rest is about the same as other years. Better mileage, cleaner oil (no extra injection) no cat if you care about it. Doors catch cross winds from the door lip being above the roof line.

I wouldn't trade mine for any other 3rd gen.

Good luck.

 

Thanks, guys. It is a 2500. We drove it yesterday, nice truck, I think he's gonna get it!

Kurt

 

If it is an SO, maybe put $500 into a smarty if he feels he needs the extra power. The 47RE, (assuming it is one) then be gentle or expect to upgrade it.

 

There were some SOs made with 48re transmissions BTW. Not many, but there were some....