I have been reading about a lot of the problems people with the 2003 trucks have been having and I wondered if it wouldn't be better to just get one of the older trucks (pre-24 valve) and restore it so that there is no computer control or fuel pump problems to contend with...has anyone done this?<br><br>Of course that would probably present its own set of problems also. Are you guys who have the 2003 trucks mostly satisfied with your trucks? Are the 48RE auto transmissions a viable alternative to the 6spd manual? I was looking at some new trucks the other day at a local dealer (would only buy one at Mark Roberts Motors in OK though because of their pricing) and it looked like the back three injectors would be inaccessible. But I drove one and it sure was nice, as far as I got to drive it. <br><br>I am also really concerned about the EGR that is supposed to be on the 2004 models. I don't think that is a good idea at all. The variable turbo may or may not be a good idea.<br><br>Trying to get some good feedback on this issue. I had a '99 QC 4wd SB with the 6spd manual and that was the best truck I ever owned. I was going to get a used 2002 because I am not too sure about how good the common-rail fuel injection scheme works. On the other hand the VP44 fuel pumps aren't all that great either but I had no problems with mine. <br><br>One thing is for sure: no matter which model year I go with, anything will be better than a ford or chevy.

 

I've had my '03 for almost two weeks now and all I can say is ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D<br><br>This is by far the best truck I've owned. There are a couple of options I wish I had ordered but that is 20-20 hind site. I still love this truck.<br><br>Haven't had a chance to pull with it yet so I can't comment on that part. Computer is saying 19.6MPG, hand ciphring is 17.2 (I think I filled it more this time then the time before).<br><br>I say - GO FOR IT.<br><br>

 

What problems? ??? ??? ??? Had mine about five months and the only problem I have had with it is I don't have enough miles on it yet. I love it. Are you sure you were not reading one of the other brand forums? The problems reported on this forum have been few and very isolated, nothing like I see on the other two brands. <br><br>TickledBob

 

[quote author=FiverBob link=board=20;threadid=12311;start=0#116460 date=1047780055]<br>What problems? ??? ??? ??? Had mine about five months and the only problem I have had with it is I don't have enough miles on it yet. I love it. Are you sure you were not reading one of the other brand forums? The problems reported on this forum have been few and very isolated, nothing like I see on the other two brands. <br><br>TickledBob<br>[/quote]<br><br>Ditto...<br><br>tickled pink

 

Thanks for the replies. I am convinced! I think it will be a 1-ton with dual rear wheels and the 6 spd manual / HO. <br><br>Getting recommendations from guys who have them is good enough for me. I still feel more comfortable getting the manual trans than an unproven auto for now. I hope the 48RE proves to be a reliable tranny. <br><br>I think there are two kinds of trucks: Dodge with the Cummins and then everything else...plus I really hate the body styles on the ford and chevy. It's like they stayed up late trying to figure out how to screw up those truck's styling.

 

Best truck I have owned. Fit and finish are great, driveability is as good as gasser. It is so quiet my wife is happy. Tows our fiver like a dream. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Go for the HO six speed. You will not regret it.<br><br>Casey

 

My 12 valve pullls way harder then my 03. I have spent about the smae amount of money on up grades. THe 03 rides and handles better. There is something to be said about no computer. With that being said, my 12 valve is for sale.<br><br>jt

 

But I drove one and it sure was nice. <br><br><br>I think you answered your own question.<br><br>Super great truck that is a pleasure to drive.

 

[quote author=FiverBob link=board=20;threadid=12311;start=0#116460 date=1047780055]<br>What problems? ??? ??? ??? Had mine about five months and the only problem I have had with it is I don't have enough miles on it yet. I love it. Are you sure you were not reading one of the other brand forums? The problems reported on this forum have been few and very isolated, nothing like I see on the other two brands. <br><br>TickledBob<br>[/quote]<br><br>Now LowmilesBob I told you that I would be happy to swap trucks to increse your mileage for you. Lemme see 5 months, 20 weeks should equal about 20k, mebbe 18. Heck, won't even charge you for them!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[quote author=spots link=board=20;threadid=12311;start=0#116644 date=1047838366]<br>Now LowmilesBob I told you that I would be happy to swap trucks to increse your mileage for you. Lemme see 5 months, 20 weeks should equal about 20k, mebbe 18. Heck, won't even charge you for them!!!!!!!!!!!! <br>[/quote]<br><br>Hey, Hey, get yo cottonpickin hands offen my Ghost. &gt; &gt;<br><br>I will try to put some miles on hauling the boat down your way for Tarpon. Have a little more time before I can pull up stakes for a good long trip with the fiver. :'( :'( But soon, baby, soon. Short ones until then. <br><br>ItchinToGoBob

 

I have owned many cars and trucks (this 03 is my 182nd vehicle) and this is by far the best diesel I have ever owned....got rid of my 97 ext cab 4x4 PSD for this truck and havent looked back except for one thing...ok two things...my 97 was paid for and this Dually is 2wd :'(...this is the best dodge ever built...fit and finish is way better than my 97 ford and is almost like my 98MBZ (gee i wonder why??)...oh by the way...do you guys see the resemblence of the headlamps??...the 02-03 lights look like the 300d MBZ of the late 70's and early 80's...<br>Cameron

 

Hey I like my truck but it ain't no Benz..........

 

Spots.....though I agree with you to a point..Benz aint done much good since the middle 90's....their products now are more main stream (sans the &quot;S&quot; class)...their V-6's are NOWHERE NEAR the caliber of their inline motors and diesels of past...I have a ton of issues with my 98 E430...maybe Chrysler has taken the German approach of &quot;engineering&quot; a car and MBZ is taking the American approach of building a car!!.....maybe I should say...If Benz were to build a truck....this is it..close!!!....now if D/C can get their act together on an automatic trans....hummm...ok..Im dreamin now!!!
Cameron

 

point taken on the Benz. But an auto truck?????????????????? ICK.....<br>BTW best build quality I ever owned was an Acura. (NSX)<br>Next in line was Honda S2000<br>Third is this truck.<br>Hard to pull a trailer with the other two