I'm pretty excited. I got my cousin's '03 HO quad cab 4x4 auto with only 90K on it. It looks like it rolled off the showroom floor, not even a speck of dust on the engine and the fender wells still look brand new. It has the 48re in it so hopefully I won't have the problems of the 47re. What should I be on the look out for? It is completely stock and will remain that way and he has all maintanence the records...hes like me, a preventative maint. freak. Hopefully I didn't pay too much, but 14K just seemed like too good to pass up. Anyone want a 2nd gen?

 

If it still has the fuel filter mounted lift pump, get a spare from geno's or at least get a raptor 100 or fass HPFP.

 

Check for alternator bracket cracking.

 

They can also develpo a buzz or vibration in the dash/steering wheel/pedals right at 2000 RPM.

The solution was an updated hose from the power steering pump to the brake hydrobooster on the firewall (apparently to reduce transmission of the pump's pulsations).

I also had the cracked alternator bracket on my 03.

 

Got it last night and its cherry. It doesn't have the power that I have right now with my '01 but it'll do anything I want it to so I plan on leaving this one alone...for now. I've found a few issues and was curious if anyone has run into these. First, the passenger mirror won't move right to left. It'll go up and down with the switch but won't go right/left or vise versa with the switch. I've listened to see if I could hear a motor turning or something but theres nothing. It has elec/heated tow mirrors (stock). Second, the window buttons don't work for the passengers. I can roll thiers down with my switch but theirs won't do it...but every now and then if I hit the unlock button just right they'll work. Makes me think its in the unlock button but I haven't torn into it yet to see. So far I likey. The wind noise was a little more than I expected but thats what they made radios, kids and wives for. I got 20.4 mpg's running 70 so I can't complain.

 

Congradulations on your new purchase.

I don't know about the mirror, but if the passenger window problem also effects the back windows, then I'd say it would most likely be in the child safety/window lock switch?

 

The Buttons are one peice on the drivers door and the doorpanel is easy to remove.

 

I had the window problem had to replace the drivers door switch module.
Had the cracked alternator bracket replaced with new design.
Just replaced the injectors, if it gets hard to start (long cranking time) that is usually the problem. Seems to be common for "03" thru "04.5" to eat injectors, my truck is bone stock still ate them.
Replace all universal joints with greasable units at about 45,000 miles.
Other than that at 106,000 miles I can't complain, it has served me quite well since new.

 

Yes, its all the windows except mine (drivers).

I can live with the mirror thing for now but will eventually have it looked at. Do these trucks have an in-tank pump? Just trying to see what knowledge I can carry over from my 2nd gen.

 

Opps I forgot that one the 03 had the filter mounted pump, the replacement was the in tank pump.

 

A little more info after a great weekend with it. The windows are working now so I figure they might've been left down and the switch got wet...I don't know. The pass mirror works fine as long as its in the extended position but when you flip it back, only the up/down works. Probably a pinched wire inside the unit. Are they servicable or do you have to replace the whole thing?

On another note, I did a test pull this weekend with my 30' TT and was very impressed. At first I thought my '01 had more power but I think its just that it comes on a little different because of all my upgrades. The '03 has plenty and was beggin for more. The '03's trans shifts so smooth that it was a real joy to pull with it. Very comfortable to say the least and I think my upcoming 2500 mile trip with the TT will be a good one.

I know these are the same blocks as mine but can I expect the same longevity out of the '03 as the '01 with proper maint?

 

From reading on here, with the 2nd gen trucks low lift pump pressure and failure of the VP44 seems to be one of the more expensive problems you hear about. Monitoring fuel pressure and/or upgrading the lift pump seems to be a good idea with these.

With the 3rd gen common rail, injectors seem to be the high $$$ problem you read about. I'm thinking changing the fuel filter and buying clean fuel are important, and maybe adding an aftermarket 2 micron filter might be a good idea.

As far as the engine actually wearing out, if you keep it serviced I would expect a very long life (as with previous versions of the engine).

JMHO

 

The biggest thing to look out for in my opinion are powerstrokes and duramax in the rearview.

 

SOunds like you got a good deal!
If your truck still has the filter mounted lift pump, stock, under 100k, you may be able to get the updated lift pump under warranty. A buddy got his '03updated this winter under warranty.
Window switch(es) have the same issue in his truck. Sometimes the passengers' switches work, sometimes they don't.

Be glad you bought a 5.9. Just talked to a guy yesterday with an '08. He's on his 14th trip to the shop in less than a year! Constant emissions issues with the dpf and turbo.