I am thinking about selling my 1995 regular cab and buying a 2003 crew cab. I have right around 300k miles on it and haven't really had any issues from the 12v or NV4500. I just need something with a bigger cab. I could get a 1998 12v with the quad cab, but the back seat just isn't very big at all and it would be annoying to have to open the front door to get the rear ones to open. That are also hard to find and it seems that I can find a 2003 model for a similar price.

How reliable are the common rail trucks compared to a 12v? The biggest issues seem to be u joints and lift pumps from what I have seen. I know the NV5600 is sold, but I am thinking about an auto if I run across a nice one. The 48r seems to hold up better than the 47r, but it looks like either will need to be modded to hold much than stock power levels, especially while towing. How well do the injectors hold up? I will miss the all mechanical truck, but it will probably be nice to be able to adjust anything with just the push of a button. Any info would be great!

 

I really have had good luck with my 03, Ive replaced one u joint and all ball joints in it (only one was bad but decided to do all of them while I was at it.). I have replaced the FCA on the injection pump but it messed up due to running some bad diesel. I havent had any problem with injectors and run the DS predator and a MP-8 occasionaly. I would recommend the NV5600 if you were going to tow, throw in a good clutch and you have a mid 400 hp good daily driver that can tow easily.

 

I haven't had any problems with my '03 other than the LP, which I replaced at around 40k with a GDP 392 kit, and I had a rail press sensor go out and it was replaced under warantee. I'm still on the original u-joints and ball joints.

 

My '03 hasn't been back to a dealer since I bought it used with 14k miles. I replaced the OEM lift pump with a Walbro before it could fail and added a 2-micron CAT fuel filter.

Mine has the standard output engine and the 48re tranny, which is the combination I wanted for maximum fuel economy and durability. I just drove it on an 800 mile trip and averaged 22mpg, and I couldn't be happier.

 

Love my 305/555 145,000 miles on the ticker, just u joints and I changed the fuel system to support power upgrades...

 

95k on the clock. Never been to the dealer for any major work. Replaced the ball joints at 85k. It's as solid as a rock.

I'm even running on my 5 year old batteries still.

 

With the exception of the P.O.S. stock torque converter (which will be replaced soon), I have been VERY happy with my 2003.

Ball joints were replaced a couple of years ago. It's an expensive fix but common. There's some good write-up's here from guys who've done ball joints themselves. But my left leg was in 8 pieces when mine needed replacing so I chose to have someone else do it.

I average about 17mpg driving to/from work, 20+ driving at 60-65mph.

 

Very happy with my 03. 125K with no major issues.
Replaced the lift pump at 60k, front u joints at 70k and ball joints at 100k.

 

I love my 03. 108,000 miles still on original batteries and stock lift pump. I am probably on borrowed time with the lift pump, but I am getting ready to upgrade. I do have a front left joint starting to make a little noise when using my 4wd but no big deal yet.

 

My LP was fine but I put on the Walbro to get ready for more power. Also a 2 micron fuel filter to save the injector pump and injectors. The first owner totally trashed the rev syncro and gear but DC warranteed and it's fine now. I had a 97 5spd 3.54 and it was great for lighter loads but the 6 sp 4.10 is a HUGE improvement. It tows much more and does it much easier. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again! Craig

 

My 03 with 97,000 miles issues to date.
replaced all ball joints ats 87K ( did inner hub seal while it was apart) I run 315s.
Lift pump at 89,000
U joint at 50K
Lumbar support on set collapsed 6 months ago

 

I love my 03 with 94xxx on the odometer and still stock lift pump and u joints but they really dont have much more room than the second gens in the back seat.