I purchased a new '02 CTD in early 2002 and ended up trading it for a Duramax as the noise (music to some of you) was just too unbearable. After driving the Duramax and having numerous problems with both the engine and the Allison tranny, I'm now driving a new '03 CTD. WOW! What an improvement over the '02 and a real joy to drive. This time I went with the HO &amp; 48RE (the last one had the HO &amp; 6 Speed), and absolutely love it. Quad cab, 4x4, 48RE, 3.73, short bed and on the first 500 miles got 19.7 mpg. No complaints here. <br><br>It's funny, as soon as I jumped into the CTD for a test drive, turned the key and headed out, I felt like I was home. The Cummins has a specific sound and powerful feel that you can't get from anything else. We've got 'Strokes at work and they don't even compare to the Cummins. I'm not bashing either Ford or Chevy as much as just passing on my experience driving all three...and I'm tickled to be back with the truck I believe is the best diesel pickup on the market. Each person has their own opinion and that's just fine with me. I'll still share my pot of coffee with a fella whether he's praising a Chevy, Ford or Dodge but for me it will forever be a Dodge CTD.<br><br>Only one suggestion for Dodge/Cummins, how about putting that oil filter somewhere that is a hair easier to change. The Duramax had the easiest oil filter to change but didn't have the power, the sound nor the proven durability of the Cummins. And lets face it, if that's my only concern about the CTD, it's a good thing!!

 

I've had a CTD from all three generations and as much as I like the noise, I still love the new quiet Diesel. I'm probably gonna get a HP muffler for a little more sound out of the pipe. As far as the oil filter goes, I just pulled the air intake hose off which took all of 5 minutes and the filter was very easy to get to.<br><br>Good luck.....

 

Yep, you're gonna luv it. Mine is heading your way next summer with a big &quot;thing&quot; behind it. Sure like mine. Never owned a Ford, but my GMC's and Dodges have all been good trucks.

 

The oil filter is pretty easy to get at. It may be way up there but it's a straight shot from underneath. Just put a plastic bag over it to catch the oil when you take it loose.

 

I realize it's not that major of a pain to get to the oil filter but I had hoped that one of the Dodge/Cummins engineering staff would have asked the question, &quot;How could we make it a little easier to get to the oil filter?&quot; But hey, like I said, if that's the worst of my problems in life, then it's a good thing ;D