So I took the plunge and traded my '02 PS for an '03 CTD 3500 QC 4X4 6sp SRW. I have not had time to really get acclimated with it but thus far seems like quite a truck.

I have been reading alot of the old threads and been doing quite a few searches. Can anyone tell me the difference between mine and a similar 2500? I guess it is the springs more than anything.

Anything I should know about these trucks? 1st plans are boost and pyrometer gauges. Are the factory oil and temp gauges close to being accurate?

I plan on putting 35s and turning up the power. I wont be towing much just an occasional weekend bobcat rental. There will be some 4 wheeling involved and of course daily driving.

I am sure there will be many more question but where should I start? After the gauges what should be the first thing done?

PsR

 

Welcome to the site and enjoy your new truck. There is a wealth of knowledge here on this site. I have learned so much information regarding performance upgrades and problem shooting just by reading posts on here.

IMO, gauges are a must especially if your going to add some performance/fueling modifications.

Regarding the 35's, you may want to lift it up a few inches if your planning on 4 wheeling otherwise you will more than likely get some rubbing issues in the front when off roading.

After gauges, I would open up the exhaust and the air intake first before adding additional fuel to the truck.

Enjoy the site and your new truck

HUMP

 

Thanks for the welcome hump.

Seems to be your truck is about like mine. I haven't had a chance to climb up under the truck to check but I am guessing I have the 4:10 gears. It takes 2500 rpms to get me around 73 mph or so. What does yours do?

 

when i bought my truck new the only difference i could see in the 3500's were the leaf overloads. It also seemed like more of the 3500's had clearence lights.

 

Welcome to the forum. There is lots of good information here.

I run about 2100-2200 rpm at 70mph and have the 3:73. I recently had my u-joints replaced under warranty along with the entire drive shaft (both pieces) since they claimed to be out of balance. They also changed my front left u-joint. I have about 61K miles and still have the original tires, with thread left.

I put a ISSPRO Pyro gauge along with the VA3.2 box. Someone suggested a exhaust and intake, I second that. The VA3.2 on the 60hp is fine but the 110hp setting gets hot quick!

 

The cab lights are some sort of federal requirement for the 3500's.

A couple of things to watch for on 03's:

Quite a few people have had a steering column/pedal buzz or vibration at 2000 RPM that is cured by an updated power steering hose (actually the supply line to the hydroboost).

03's also have a TSB to watch for cracks on the top of the alternator bracket. I just had mine replaced (photo of where they crack in my gallery).

Anyhow, enjoy the truck.

 

Definitely get this one done. I saw a thread on this the week I bought my truck and sure enough my bracket was toast. The replacement is worlds better than what is on there.

Also get rid of that dam lift pump, which was my first mod.

 

Thanks for all of the info. So the lift pump on these are a problem also? I thought that was corrected. How about the injector pump, problems there also? What replacement is common for the lift pump?

I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.

 

There are several solutions to the lift pump. I went with the FASS and I am very happy with it. If you take care of the lift pump you won’t have to worry about your CP3 injector pump.

 

My rpm's at 70mph are usually around 2000 rpm with the 3:73 rear and my 285/70/17's.

HUMP

 

looking to put those on mine as well, shuld put you at just over 1900@70..

 

With the 315's at 75 I am now turning 2150 rpms....MUCH better.