I am thinking of trading in the 1997 and stepping up to an 03. Anyone been this route before? I am looking at a 2003 2500 quad cab 4x4 6spd, how will this machine perform compared to my old 12v with a slush box? I have been looking for the holy grail (98 12v QC SB 5spd) but they are so pricey that an 03 (that I can get a 6 speed) is just a little bit more! Anyone have any advice or opinions on the subject? I really love the fuel mileage I get with the 12v, how will the common rail do? Also are there any known problems with an 03? Thanks in advance.

Jason

 

I went from a 97 five speed 2500 to a 2003 six speed. No comparison. The 97 didn't come on strong until it hit 2200 rpm and up to that point it was a dog. Don;t get me wrong, I loved that truck but the 2003 runs so much better. The throttle response is like a gasser and it is quiet which made my wife happy. My fuel mileage pulling my 97 fiver was identical with both trucks but the 2003 had a lot more guts with it. I am getting 11.5 pulling 17,500 on my last trip in September. And that weight is just the trailer. I am grossing just under 26K combined. Go for it.

Casey

 

Problems included an updated power steering hose that supplies hydrobooster- gets rid of a 2000 RMP buzz or vibration, the stamped alternator bracket is prone to crack, some have door seals that leak allowing water to run down the grab handles...

Still, I'd also say go for it.

 

Thanks guys, I am in the hunt for one. Maybe things will work out and I will be bringing a new pup home to the garage soon. Anyone think of anything else I should know? These do NOT have a VP44 correct?

Jason

 

No. It's a CP3 common rail system.

 

Thats definately a relief. I would NOT but anything with a VP44 knowing how volitile they are.

Jason

 

I think you're going to find that the 97 is a better built or should I say a tougher truck than the 03,although the 03 is more refined like a car. I started with a 99 and traded for an 03 that I ordered. I ended up selling the 03 after replacing the rear axle, power steering gearbox, 4 balljoints and the CP3 pump. I now own a 95 w/ 177K and am much happier. You may want to hang onto that 97 for a while after buying the 03 and then make a decision. I don't mean to offend any 3G owners, this is just my opinion and everyone has one!

 

Not a bad idea, only problem is that I need to move the 97 to get a new one! After spending a little time cleaning up the 97, I have an even greater understanding of just how bad I need a QC. I got 4 milk crates of stuff from behind and under the seats , the bad part was I needed all of it in there!!! I am going to have to do something, I was hunting the elusive 98 qc 12v but they are just too darn pricey, I can just about get an 03 for the same jack! Oh well..

Jason

 

get a 04.5 at least

 

The 03s have NO cat,NO third injection event.A lot LESS posts or issues about carbon or injector failures (better fuel mpg)or driveline vibrations.Mine has had the alt.braket tsb which I insisted on(mine was not cracked)and the updated powersteering hose.The DOOR seals have NOT been a problem nor on two friends of mines 03s.Lots of posts and comments about the 03s being like the early 98 12 valves.I would just make sure its a 03 with the H.O.and if a auto that it IS a 48re.Early 03s and Calif.models where the 250 H.P.S.O.and 47re trans or 5 speed not nv5600 etc.I think the 03s the factory was being MORE picky on production as it wa the startup of a new model.Mine has a number of green lines where body parts were aligned and lots of OK'S written on items and driveline parts.

 

I recommend spending the money to have a real Cummins Service Center do a comprehensive engine diagnostic on any used third gen truck. If they are near the end of the warranty you could be in for close to six grand for replacement of the fuel injection pump and injectors, and both are notoriously short lived if careful fuel management is not followed or the transfer pump has been allowed to fail or they have been chipped for more power.

Also, have the six speed serviced and carefully checked for evidence of failure of the bearing that fits between the input and main shafts, and for soundness of the syncros. Both are problems with the NV5600 if it has been used as a tow rig.

Frankly, if I were considering a third gen truck I would purchase new from a discounter like Smith in Idaho, and be certain of its history and service record, and get the G6 transmission if you want a 6 speed.

 

Wow! Been reading several of these Dodge/Cummin forums for several years and its news to be about the pump and injectors! Read about a few pumps leaking but only a few, transfer pumps going bad(mainly Canada lots more then lower 48) Not many 03 injectors,04.5 and 05 injectors yes.Very FEW NV5600 failures,very few.Verdict still out on the G56 or the dual mass flywheel.No miles on them yet to speak of.I'd recomend ANY used vehicle get a look over before by a tech that KNOWS them well before purchase

 

Thanks for the post guys. Houndog: The reasons your quote for an 03 being a good choice are the very same reasons that has me looking for one. I use this truck to tow about 5k EVERY DAY and I do NOT like the idea of the 05 and 06 trucks getting extremely poor fuel mileage for 40k! If I can't get but 10 MPG then I will stay right where I am at. I have heard horror stories about all models of everything, but the 03 just seems to have the least. Guys thanks again for all the help, either incouraging or discouaging they are ALL good for me to hear. I would rather know of a potential problem going into this than find out later, even if it is a slight chance problem.

Thanks again,
Jason

 

I'd go for it. I went from a 95 with 416,000+ miles on it to a 2003. Would I do it again? You bet. The difference in the handling, ride and BRAKES alone make it worth it. It has much more power and will pull all day long, day after day. That is what mine does. It now has over 270,000 miles on it, I have had a few problems but concidering what I do, I would be shocked if I didn't. If you can find a 2003 at a good price, jump on it.

 

I just bought an 03 HO 6sp 4.10 dually and still have my 97 til I get the bugs out of the 03. It looked very cherry but it was neglected mechanically. The diff was way low on lube and noisy and I'm battling with the dealer to cover it with the 7/70. Reverse grinds, also. I could have flipped the OL springs on the 97 and made it ride better and go to 3.92s for our bigger 5er. The 97 is a little solider cab but the 03 is fine. The 97 isn't stock and will run circles around the 03 - for now! After having the 03 for a few weeks, I would have been happy with fixing up the 97 but I wanted the QC, BAD! The 03 brakes, ride, handling and the QC make it worth it. I got 18.2 on my first tank with the 03 - the puter showed 19.0. This tank is less city driving and the puter is showing 20.1 - I hope that means about 19.3, actual. I'm happy with the mpg , for a 4.10 dually. The 97 gets about 1.5 better but it's a 3.54. I can't tow til I build a 5er bed for the 03 so I can't report on towing yet. Take the 03 and check it out very closely, if it is from a dealer. Craig