One thing to purchase right away is the short shifter. The tranny loosens up with about 12 to 18k on it. Mine is at 22 and shifts really well. Reverse is a bit sometimes but that is because I don't push the clutch in all the way, as I don't use it to upshift. I would never have an automatic, even if they gave me a lifetime warranty on repairs. Real trucks have a clutch... 8) Go for it, only on this ride once...... ;D

 

my truck is a automatic.......its as much as a TRUCK as yours........ shifting sucks why not have an auto...just my opinion

 

Jack,

In all seriousness, the six is easy to get used to. I love rowing the box. When I first bought it, I hunted with the shifter also. Only took a day or two.

Each truck is different. I drove 6 trucks at the same dealer with all the same options. 2 ran "funny", 2 had body damage repaired at some point, both were on the pass fender. That left 2 trucks Blue and the Graphite(I think)...anyway, I got the blue and love it. ;D This is the reason that I will not order. my $0.02

John

 

I ordered one. I'm just going to take it on a nice long test drive before I sign the papers. If there is ANYTHING that I think is funky, they'll have to look at it before I sign.

JMHO.

 

good point...just make sure the deposit is refundable.

John

 

I ordered and my dealer didn't require me to put a down payment and told me that if I didn't like the vehicle that came in for any reason, I can refuse. Now that's a deal. Plus they order me a '04 Ram with the protection group when the internet based system wouldn't allow it, got me my VON and when I checked yesturday with DCX customer service, it was in BX status. I can't belive it got past BG knowing that the protection group is suppose to put it on hold.

 

[quote author=cumminsho2500 link=board=20;threadid=19373;start=15#msg183976 date=1063389891]
my truck is a automatic.......its as much as a TRUCK as yours........ shifting sucks why not have an auto...just my opinion
[/quote]

old ladys drive automatics....... ;D ;D ;D

 

[quote author=spots link=board=20;threadid=19373;start=15#msg184071 date=1063407387]

[/quote]

old ladys drive automatics....... ;D ;D ;D
Some of these "old lady " automatic drivers have "Ban member" buttons :

 

[quote author=Lary Ellis (Top) link=board=20;threadid=19373;start=15#msg184083 date=1063411674]
[quote author=spots link=board=20;threadid=19373;start=15#msg184071 date=1063407387]

[/quote]

old ladys drive automatics....... ;D ;D ;D
Some of these "old lady " automatic drivers have "Ban member" buttons :
[/quote]

;D ;D ;D ;D

 

This here ole lady got an automatic before finding this wonderful forum and learning he'd be spending $4,000 sometime in the near future to make it road worthy.

Still happy I got the automatic.
Knee didn't like all that clutch pushing.

I'll put in a bid for Jack's tranny if he decides to get the '04 ;D
Slightly used, unbombed original 47RE in exchange as well.


phox

 

I'll give him $300 for his PLUS shipping.

 

Jack,

The dealer I buy from down here in Greenville SC has a good selection of 03's in stock. All HO's, most are 6 speeds. 4x4, 2wd, long and short beds.

If your interested drop me an email at, mymaur3@bellsouth.net
I'll send you a contact name.

Don't feel bad about the shifting problems. The 6 sp seems a good tranny, but the shift pattern is a challenge. Takes a lot of getting used to and it also goes better with break in time.

Let me know if I can help you. Raliegh is about a 4 hour drive from here.

Gary

 

Search dealer reputation....Just a warning...I searched the G-ville lot and they had nothing when I was shopping...must have gotten a few in. That is "BIG-O" Dodge I think...got mine at Ed Murdock Super Store...they had quite a few 15 - 20 when I bought...not sure now...

I won't refer anyone to any dealer...go at your own risk

FWIW

John