Hey Gang,
I am looking at buying an 03 Ram 2500 or maybe 3500. Is there anything I need to look for or want in the truck? Your advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks
Grampaw

 

the only thing i wish i had was a anti slip rear end.I love this truck test drove a 6 speed first **** near bought it and drove it again too much shifting for me in town. I like the auto but i see alot of guys like the stick so each is own.

 

make sure you get the HO. the 2003`s also came with the SO. I believe the HO will retain its value a little better.

 

dodgedude361 funny tou should say that I bought mine used salesman told me mine was a SO bit it was a HO

 

The HO would be the better way to go because all of the HO auto's had the 48re and only the latter part of the year did the SO's have them, early part of the year had the 47re's or could just the the 6shooter

 

i have the 03 48re... i need a chip

 

Mine is an '03 which I bought used with 26k miles on it not long ago. How can I tell if I have the HO or the SO as well as finding out if I have a 48re or 47re transmission?
(It is an automatic).

Thanks,

 

look on the drivers side of the valve cover if it says 305 advertised HP its a HO 250 is SO and 235 is a cali motor. the transmission look inside the glove box DG8 is the 48

 

If you have the HO (305HP on the valve cover) with an auto trannie, and it hasn't been "modified" by previous owner or garage, it should have came from the factory with the DG8 label (48RE) inside the glovebox. According to my service manual only automatic SO's had the 47RE.
Also unless you're planning to haul (not tow) 3000#'s the 2500 is rated to tow the same weight when equipped with SRW according to the 2003 sales brochure. My wife and I test drove both (2500/3500) with SRW and thought the 3500 was bone jarring stiff and the 2500 was only kidney jarring stiff. Also drive it at 2100-2200 RPM's to see if it has any drivetrain vibs. Mine doesn't have any, but some guys on here say theirs does.
Nat
PS: Factory fog lites are worth their extra cost and if the truck doesn't already have rear fender liners, I would install a set.

 

I ordered my 03 on the first day the computer opened up to allow orders. At that time the HO was only available with the 6 speed. If you wanted auto, it meant SO. I don't know what month that changed. It was interesting, you could only order the HO with six speed, but they charged you extra for the 6 speed. Now that makes a lot of sense.

 

So Bob, would you opt now for the auto instead?
Nat

 

It changed Dec. 20th. I was signing the papers on my truck when my salesman comes in and says that Dodge had just put up on their site that you could get the H.O. with an auto. Wasn't too upset at the time and am still very happy with the truck. Would have opted for the auto though.
Scott