Hoss,

Very few 2003 and early 2004 CTD equipped trucks had the 10.5'' axle. If I'm not mistaken the configuration had to be a 2500 with the standard output engine mated to an automatic transmission. Obviously with the introduction of the 50 state "600" in 2004.5 no more 10.5'' were installed.

 

This is my first big truck and I looked at all 3 manufacturers for months,
I decided on Dodge because I saw far fewer problems mentioned on sites like this and the ones that did get mentioned were minor like door seals tearing. Nothing like oil leaks and engines dying due to wiring harness issues. I pointed these issues out to my buddy when he ragged on me for buying a Dodge and he called awhile back asking for the link to the Dieselstop forum as his F250 diesel has started shutting off on him when he makes a turn. The Cummins is a tried and true performer and its warranty and the warranty on the Dodge(7-70 in 2004.5) told me they stand behind their product. I am very satisfied with the Dodge Ram's quality and performance and no matter if I'm towing or hauling I have full confidence in it's abilities. Main issues mentioned here have been uncomfortable seats, bad paint, overhead mileage inconsistencies, door seal tear and 70 mph vibration. I have none of these and if what you get at these forums is a concentration of possible problems I'd say chances are you won't either.

 

I just traded in my 04 Power Puke and I couldnt be happier. I went from a 4x4 to a 4x2 but this truck handles like a slot car! Hauls b*TT and seems just as economical and I am only on my third tank of fuel. I am still trying to get an accurate reading on mileage but I have gotten at least 16 mpg.

The one thing I dont understand though is that when I fill up my truck it is next to impossible to top it off. The pump kept clicking off and then I poured 6 more gallons in with a fuel can. My overhead said that I had 548 miles of fuel left for the first 160 miles after my top off. I will see how accurate that is when I am able to top off the next tank.

Joe

 

They are definitely hard to top off...which is unfortunate. I used to have a link for a kit you could buy that really helped with this. Not only could you top it off quickly, but you could get more fuel in the tank as well. Unfortunately I lost the link.

 

Hoss,
Are you referring to the "fuel tank vent kit"? I searched for that here and kept coming up with the name "david kelley".
Here is one thread about it

~Rob

 

When looking into lockers I learned that the Diesels had the 11.5 and the Hemi's 2500 had the 10.5. I know my Diesel 2500 has a 11.5 axle. Gears of course are 3.73 or 4.11.

 

That thread is where I found the link to where Mr. Kelley was selling them...but that link doesn't work anymore so I don't know how to get one.

 

Yours has the 11.5 but for the record there are 2500 diesels out there with the 10.5'' axle. I know this for a fact because I had an '03 diesel with the 10.5'' axle.

 

I believe when the '03 first came out the only trucks that came with the 11.5 axles were the 3500's or the 2500's with the high output engines. I think the 2500's with the SO engine came with a 10.5 axle. I could be wrong, but I definitely recall there being some CTD's that had the 10.5 axle.

 

all diesels have the 11.5 the gasers have the 10.5, the powerwagon has a hybred that has a 10.5r/g but the larger 11.5's axles etc...