Hello - I'm looking to upgrade to a 2500 CTD. A dealer has an O3' SO auto trans which I think is 215HP/505TQ(?) I like the truck but have a few questions.

1) Seems like I would need to at a perf chip to really get the towing power I need (6,000 - 8,000 pounds). Do you agree?

2) I think I'll test drive a 2004.5 and see how much more powerful it feels than the 03' SO. Seems that a chip in the 03' would make nearly as strong as a stock 600. Is this a safe assumption and are there any reliability drawbacks by adding a chip?

3) MPG is a significant factor for me. I see lots of debate on that but welcome any actual experiences of owners that have owned both engines that I'm looking at.

Thanks guys!

 

I don't think its 215h.p.More like 255 I think.Same h.p.as older H.O.s were.I also don't think towing 6 to 8 k is much weight.Heck WE were towing with 160h.p.versions just a FEW short years ago.I also think a performance box and exhaust etc.will put you near or above the 305/555 with out much problem if the truck is a GREAT BUY! Is it a NEW truck.If so try to steal it from them and go for it.Is it a 48re trans or 47re???What gear etc.

 

I'll get more info, HP/TQ, gear ratio, trans. It seemed smooth, strong & quiet to me at all speeds incl 80 mph or more & the ovhd console was showing some good numbers while cruising empty. They're open today so I'm going to stop by to drive the O3' again and a 600.

It has 17" whls so I think a 4.10 rear would be overkill, right? I doubt I'd tow anything over 10k pounds ever...

Great forum. Thanks!

 

If it is a non-CA SO, then it is 250hp and 460lb-ft. Tranny on SO is 47RE. The rear end could, and probably is 3.73. 17" wheels are on all 03 & newer. Ram HDs. You will have plenty of power for 6-8k, but adding an Edge EZ will give you comprable or better performance than the HO (it adds upt 70 rwhp & 220 lb-ft). So if you can steal this truck, by all means go for it. As a bonus, no cat as there is on the 600s. Good luck!

Nick

 

If I'm not mistaken EARLY etc.03 S.O.s were 47res.But there was a production chage before 03 ended and the ONLY auto was a 48re and the production of 47s had totatly ended.Check to see WHAT trans is in it.

 

Guys - here is more info. Hopefully some of it is useful to others.

Mfg 6/03, 250hp/460tq, 3.73 rear, 17" whls. Sounds like a pretty potent towing combo (whl size & rear end) especially with an Edge EZ. ** I'd love more input on whether that mod would necessiate guages to watch over the engine/drive train**

Where is the trans ID'd at? I could only find codes in glovebox of DGA / DG8 / DHA & the sales guys on Sundays duty aren't too sharp & didn't know.

I did identical ten mile loops in the 03' SO & the 04.5 600. I was very careful about the driving style & sure enough the 600 was 2-3mpg lower than the 03'. It had a bit more grunt (only at low RPMs, top end seemed the same).

Diesels, especially used, are hard to find here so I think they'll be tough on the price. The MPG difference is a big factor...I'll put lots of miles on it.

THANKS!

 

if it has the 47re, which i doubt i does, an edge ez might be to much. my brother has a 2nd gen,so, 47re with a VA box, and when towing and pushing the peddle....the tranny slips

 

The Parts or Service guys IF sales can't find the info can pull up a build sheet by the vin number.That will have ALL info such as keyless entry/trans/gearing etc.Get them to print a copy and go over truck and see if all that is listed is the same.

 

Just remember that if the truck is still under warranty and you add the fueling box you may end up voiding it. I have a similar truck to what you are looking at except it has 4:10 gears. I towed a 30 trailer this weekend that was probably weighing in at 11-12000 lb and I had no problems moving it 120 miles. I am running the Edge EZ and it makes a big difference in power especially now that I have the 315s on. With these tires I essentially have a 3:73 rear now. I got about 11 mpg towing although the overhead readout showed 14 mpg. If you add the box, the overhead computer will no longer be accurate.....

 

If you get a good deal on it go for it. I have the Ca version '03, stock, and I pull 10-11k through the mountains. On the steepest grades, I have to go to 2nd gear, and run about 45 mph. If I was pulling only 8k, it would never come out of drive.

The truck being manufactured 6/03, it has the 48re, not the 47. Butj for your own peace of mind, make the dealer verify that. On the outside chance it has the 47re, I would not buy it.

For a box upgrade, I'm leaning toward a VA box, but I haven't decided yet.

Check my signature.