I had to get rid of my 06 2500 QC 4x4 Auto recently to take care of some bills. The Dakota I'm driving just isn't cutting it. Mind you, I've had a couple of other CTD's, so I'm not a newbie... I've never owned older than an 04.5.

Here's the deal: I found an 03 QC 2wd, stick truck locally and am going to take a look at it. 83k on it, one owner from what I understand. Any big issues with the pre 325/600 trucks? The only drawback is the 4wd, but the big plus to me is the 5sp. Is the fuel economy going to be better than the 06 truck I used to have? I don't believe it's an H.O.

Thanks much

 

I had a new 03 and really liked it. I'd still be driving it if I would have ordered it dually.

Anyway, the 555 HO gets better MPG than the 600. Known issues were an alternator bracket that could crack. There was also an update to the pressure line between the power steering pump and the hydrobooster. The newer line has a crimped metal fitting and a big weight mid-run. This cures a vibration or buzz in the pedals/steering wheel at 2000 RPM.

Other than that, check the usual stuff, especially the HVAC on all settings.

 

With it being the 555 engine or possibly even the CA smog engine it will get better mileage than the 600. With it also being a 2wd instead of a 4x4 will also net in better mileage.
As far as the trans goes. The 03 manual has a .73 final gear where your old 48RE has a .67 final drive ratio. All things being equal if both trucks had 3.73 axle ratio's the auto would net better mileage due to the taller final gear.
But the smaller 03 engine and 2wd will easily offset the gearing issue (and then some, maybe).

 

'03 and early '04s are known to drop valve seats if you get them hot. Something to remember if you are towing heavy with a chip.

 

I have 75,00 on mine and only routine maintenance has been needed. I am about to replace the oil seal near the front diff, slight drip. From all the reading I have done on here the common issues I see are fuel pump, HVAC door when going back and forth on the recirc, ball joints, U joints, bearings. I keep a Genos garage replacement fuel pump ($180) under the seat.

 

If it's a 5-speed then it's an SO which will probably give you the best mileage of any 3rd gen CTD out there since it's also a 2wd. It will be a big power difference but any type of fueling box will make up for that.

 

I have been real happy with my 03. Things that have irked me are:

1. The dash cracked.
2. The steering.

The only thing that I have done due to failure is to replace #3 injector and the water pump. I did swap out the fuel pump with the Geno OEM replacement as a precaution though.

My project this spring is to replace steering components and find a fix for the dash.

I have 90K on it.

 

Well, I picked it up. Only issues are the dash is cracked, and it may need an alternator - sounds like the bearings squeaking when hot. I put almost 100 miles on it already, and it kicks my old 06's butt in fuel mileage - A LOT!

 

CSXT,

Run a couple of tanks thru it then hand calculate your fuel. I would like to see what your numbers come out too. I often day dream about buying a two wheel drive and set it up as a commuter truck. I put on over 20k a year in commuting and it's great to daydream about a truck that could maybe get 23 to 25mpg if set up with the right mods. As my truck currently sits with my programmer turned up I average 16.5 mpg in every day stop and go driving. I can get 20 mpg if I'm on a road trip and I keep the cruise on. Actually I have bested almost 22 mpg but it was all at 55 to 60 mph. But that's hard to do since my right shoe is made of lead.

keep us posted. Very curious on that MPG you'll get. How about pictures of the new truck too.

 

I'll take some pictures soon and get them posted. The squeaking looks to be a belt/tensioner issue. I put another belt on it (a not-so-good one apparently), and it got WAY worse. Time for a Mopar belt & tensioner... I gotta save up and fill the tank a couple of times to hand calc the mileage. The lie-o-meter hovers around 23.8 to 24mpg after a long highway run at 69-70mph with the cruise on. I'm beginning to like this truck a lot, and will be interested to see how it does tomorrow in this next round of snow we're expected to get in the Northeast.

No matter what I do, I always go back to a CTD truck!

 

I've averaged 22.5 mpg for all miles in my 305/555 '04.0 the past 22,000 miles.

Highway is never less than 24 (loaded or empty, rain or shine) at 1,725-rpm & 58 mph. Highs of 27.

In town has been above 20 this past year (and never below 18).

Terrain, climate and duty will make a difference, but a 2WD with the man trans has impressive long-term, low-cost possibility with the right attitude.

Single repair has been u-joints at 150k.

I'm hardly alone with these numbers. And no mods needed to achieve them: keep the top speed low and the average mph high. Never stop and never idle.

Good luck

.

 

Less issues with the pre-common-rail engines, for sure.