I'm thinking about trading up to a 2003. What do I have to look for in this year?
This is what it is....

2003 Black 3500 Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel 4 door short box 4X4. Leather seats ,6spd standard , new brakes ,new injectors, 90% tread on 35'' tires , 3'' lift , 4'' stainless exhaust Hi flow air intake and full loaded. Nice truck and in great shape 147,000km

 

Sounds like a great truck. If you are happy with the price, buy it.

The only really common failure are the lift pumps on the 03-04.5 trucks. The stock lift pumps are mounted on the back of the fuel filter canister. If the truck ever had it replaced by the dealer, it will now be "in tank" like all the 05 and newer trucks (better stock design). Or you can just go ahead and upgrade it to a FASS, Walbro etc...which you will need to do anyway if you are planning to "bomb" it.

Bottom line, I wouldn't let the lift pump bother you. But it is a common failure on that year truck.

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A couple of small items I have read about is the alternator bracket cracking and the wiring harness crossing the high pressure air conditioning line shorting out.

 

What limitedslip said above and you may want to look into getting the Vent mode for the fuel tank done.

 

Ball joints are a very common problem.

 

WOW, I didn't know the wire thing was common. I just pulled my engine last week and found this very problem.

 

Alright thanks guys I'll be sure to ask about the pump and check the wires. Where exactly do you look for this short? I was planning on modding anyway so I will have to upgrade it.