Any reason NOT to get a '03?
11-07-2009, 06:12 PM
#1
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Any reason NOT to get a '03?
I just sold my old 24 valve and am looking to move to a third gen. I found a pretty good deal on a '03 but was wondering if there were any problems with them since they are the first year of the generation, new engine, new axles, new interior, and all the stuff that hadn't been sorted out yet. I konw there are a few interior differences but were there any mechanical differences that I should know about? Any help is appreciated.
11-07-2009, 06:45 PM
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The exterior is a little rough but the interior is great and it only has 120,000 miles on it. It's exactly like your only it's tan. '03 2500 QC SLT HO 6spd diesel 3.73 gear 4x4
11-07-2009, 09:21 PM
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I have loved teh **** out of mine so far. 109K and really not too many problems. I change fuel filters every 3000 miles, change the oil every 7500 miles, bout every 6 months. run amsoil in the tranny, t-case, and differentials.
11-08-2009, 12:09 AM
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I bought mine new and now have 78k on it. Other than the little problems they all have I have been happy. Looking under the hood of the 09 I have decided to keep mine much longer. Seems they are getting much more complicated.
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11-08-2009, 02:52 AM
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Smaller exhaust pipe, lift pump needs upgrading to intank, and no PTO high idle option. That's the only negative things I can think of, otherwise a very good year. Has several benefits over the later third gens but you didn't ask for that.
The lift pump is the biggie. Increased fuel filtration is a must as well, but all the third gens have this problem.
The lift pump is the biggie. Increased fuel filtration is a must as well, but all the third gens have this problem.
11-08-2009, 10:22 AM
#10
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My early '04 is the same as the '03 and I love it. 180,000 miles and counting. Engine runs better than new with a Smarty, and I've had a programmer on it for 170,000 miles. Still does not use a quart of oil between 10,000 mile changes.
Get a Glacier Diesel Walbro fuel pump kit, expect to change the ball joints, Ujoints, install the '08 steering linkage at some point and you're set. Add a Smarty and you'll really be happy. Not only more power, but better mileage, and other features like high idle and odometer adjustment.
The '03s are relatively simple and get great mileage. It's easy to crank up the power and they have no cat.
Get a Glacier Diesel Walbro fuel pump kit, expect to change the ball joints, Ujoints, install the '08 steering linkage at some point and you're set. Add a Smarty and you'll really be happy. Not only more power, but better mileage, and other features like high idle and odometer adjustment.
The '03s are relatively simple and get great mileage. It's easy to crank up the power and they have no cat.
11-08-2009, 10:36 AM
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Jump on it. I wouldn't hesitate to get another 03. 110k on mine and I haven't had a single issue leaving me stranded.
I personally feel the 03's are one of the better years. Yea we may not have the most HP/TQ ratings but the motors of that year are super durable and our mileage is fantastic.
I just wanted to correct a few people above, the 03's do have the ability to have high idle enabled, it will enable it's self at a certain temp on start up. And the CA Emission SO's did come equipped w/ cats. Never heard of a HO coming w/ a cat though.
I personally feel the 03's are one of the better years. Yea we may not have the most HP/TQ ratings but the motors of that year are super durable and our mileage is fantastic.
I just wanted to correct a few people above, the 03's do have the ability to have high idle enabled, it will enable it's self at a certain temp on start up. And the CA Emission SO's did come equipped w/ cats. Never heard of a HO coming w/ a cat though.
11-08-2009, 10:37 AM
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[QUOTE=pullin hard;2623476]03 HO is the best year i think, i liked my 03 alot.
I agree, better piston design, better fuel mileage (or so I hear). Wish I would have found a cream puff 03 instead of the new 06 I bought. Hopefully it won't burn a piston. Time will tell.
I agree, better piston design, better fuel mileage (or so I hear). Wish I would have found a cream puff 03 instead of the new 06 I bought. Hopefully it won't burn a piston. Time will tell.
11-08-2009, 11:03 AM
#13
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yeah i m glad i got an 03 HO i couldnt be happier with mine other than the darn hub bearings were gone. i got a lift pump coming so that would be the first thing i would do for sure.
11-08-2009, 11:17 AM
#14
Its the PTO high idle controlled by the cruise control, thats mentioned above...
and from what i have been reading the '03-'04 can be made to have this feature...
11-08-2009, 11:29 AM
#15
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Yeah, PTO feature can be enabled.
I liked my 03 a lot. If I would have bought a dually back then, I'd still be happily driving it. 03-04 generally got the best MPG of the 3rd gens from what I've seen.
Mine had the cracked alternator bracket there was a TSB on, and also got the updated pressure hose from the PS pump to the hydrobooster (new line has a weight and a crimp mid-span to prevent pump pusles from getting tranmitted to the firewall/pedals/dash in a buzz right at 2000 RPM).
Otherwise, make sure it starts and runs well and check all the normal stuff (special attention to front end, and to HVAC working on all settings).
I liked my 03 a lot. If I would have bought a dually back then, I'd still be happily driving it. 03-04 generally got the best MPG of the 3rd gens from what I've seen.
Mine had the cracked alternator bracket there was a TSB on, and also got the updated pressure hose from the PS pump to the hydrobooster (new line has a weight and a crimp mid-span to prevent pump pusles from getting tranmitted to the firewall/pedals/dash in a buzz right at 2000 RPM).
Otherwise, make sure it starts and runs well and check all the normal stuff (special attention to front end, and to HVAC working on all settings).