OK, this is my first dodge I have ever owned and I was lerking around under the truck today(naturally so) and I looked up and saw that the case around the starter is busted-actually cracked and sticking out.

It is an 03 3500 4dr SB 2wd with 62k miles. I need some HELP. How did this happen and what is the fix for the problem. I know the tranny is gonna have to come back.

Also since im gonna have it out, what should be done to the tranny to make it bullet proof(figure of speach)

I know the Ford Diezels like the back of my hand but am brand new to the 3rd gen cummins thing and now am very disipointed. I really like the truck but have never heard of this happening to a trans. before. It is not abuse in no way either, just driven like a car.

Thanks Justin

 

It should be covered by warranty but I'm not 100%. Talk to the dealer and maybe get if fixed for just the deductable.

 

OK, I just figured out that I have the SO engine whichis 250hp.

My next question is along with my first post Q?'s is what tranny do I have.

I looked at the glove box and it is coded DHB or DH8 I cant tell which one but it is one of those two.

Does this mean that it is a 48RE or a 47RE.


Thanks Justin


Oh and case is still busted It hasnt fixed itself yet.

I just bought the truck used 900miles ago. Not sure what is covered under warranty or not.

 

the trans. is a 48re and I think the warranty is transferable. Best way to check is to call a dealer.

 

Thanks for the fast replys.

Iwas in question on the trannycause the build date is 10/02 and I was digging in the search and I found conflicting info on how to tell such as 48RE's didnt come in till after jan 1, 03 and then I found info saying that if its a DH8 then it is but if you think its a 48RE Ill go with it as I have no clue anyway so........48RE it is(busted that is)

Oh and the truck has never towed a fithwheel or goose. Only what hte reciever hitch will allow.

 

The starter is bolted to the adapter plate that mates the engine to the trans. Is it the adapter that is broken?

 

No its the actuall bell housing on the front part of the tranny where it bubbles out for the bendix gear to engage.


Justin

 

Can anyone help me figure out why this happened.

My conclusion is the flex plate is broken and when the starter struck it right, the bendix gear hit the housing and busted it.

Has ANYONE ever heard of this happening????????

Dodge says that the warranty is not transferable on the powertrain, otherwise it is supposed to be good to 70k and I have 60K

 

I've never heard of a case busting unless something very bad happened. If the flex plate is broken then you'd have a horrible noise/grinding/vibration/cruddy running truck. This sounds like one of those freak things that happens. You say you bought it used. Do you know how the other owner treated it? If you can, have the original owner take the truck in and let them fix it under warranty and then let him give it back or you go and pick it up. That's how I'd get around it.

 

Cant really say how the owner treated it, but the truck is VERY square and it has never had a fith wheel or ball hitch in it. No dents, interior is like NEW, and so on--so my guess was it was treated nicely.





ON A FLIP NOTE..............What aftermarket trans could or should I put in it, in other words whats the vote for a good durable tranny that will withstand the 450hp range.

 

DTT or Goerend.

 

Any chance you could get a picture of this posted?

 

I went to Dodge's website and read the 2003 warranty. It says on the main page that the warranty IS transferrable but when I downloaded the actual PDF warranty I couldn't find the word "transferrable" anywhere.

Then I read my 2004 warranty and it states that the warranty is transferrable and must be transferred within 30 days of purchase for the 2nd owner to have benefits. It costs $150 to transfer.

Does your truck still start normally and run normally?

 

Im working on the image now----I will get it posted tommorow cause I need you guys opinions on this situation.

Dealers sas that the tranny is out of warrranty anyways at 60k.....is this right for a standard warranty on the tranny.

 

No. It is warranted until 70K.

Does your truck start and run normally?