Just need some reassurance

[Flying_gage]

Been a 12 valve guy my whole life. Well life has changed in many ways and on to new adventures. Part of that adventure appears to be the purchase of a bone stock,
completely rust free 2003 2wd SLT that was born in California. It is sitting in the lot with not even 90k miles. Have a ton of pictures and assurances that if it is not as described, I get my cash back and no harm no foul.I fly out to pick it up on Saturday in Denver, for a drive back to Illinois.

Having been a 12 valve guy, (3 of them) I enjoyed the simplicity of them. 12 volts was all that it took to keep them running and there was very little mystery to them. I was
drawn to the early 3rd gen as folks say they are the most like 12 valves. I know that along the way, I need to get a fuel filtration set up. Beyond that I really don't have a clue
with these new ones. I am not looking for crazy power, hell the stock power should be good enough for me. I will be pulling a small travel trailer with my 3 young kids
exploring places far and wide.

I keep seeing code issues with these vehicles. Is there any work around to that, (new ecm or parts or ?). Obviously I know there will be wear and tear parts that need
replacing, but any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance, and I have perused the previous posts, but there is so much material here now that it is hard to sort through
in a timely manner. Thanks in advance!

 

[BILTIT]

CR engines are not much like 12V's (simplicity wise). They have much more electronics so electrical troubleshooting becomes your best friend. Thankfully forums like this one exist and make it much easier to figure out problems.

The CR is an animal in itself really. They are much quieter, more powerful and nicer to drive.

 

[Flying_gage]

Maybe what I am looking for then is, are they more prone to problems. Obviously pulling a trailer and wandering with three small kids, I am looking for a reliable vehicle. The 12 valves were straight forward and simple to own and work on. I see a lot of these early 3rd gen trucks with mileage numbers like the old 12 valves.

 

[JKosten]

Reliable all depends on what you modify and how you drive it. In stock form the trucks do really well. Their biggest weakness is fuel filtration, due to the HPCR fuel system being more particular to fuel quality. After that, steering and front suspension usually are the next issue to be replaced/upgraded. Then would be some electrical things like battery connections, battery cross over cable, rear door harnesses, and driver seat foam getting thin...

I went from a 96 12v to a 06 Megacab and do not regret it one bit. I do keep a code scanner in the truck on road trips, along with a boonie box of filters and fuses.

 

[Flying_gage]

Thanks man. I am already looking at ways to sped money on this.... What is it about men and their trucks?


















This truck is as basic as I could find with the right miles. I am beyond needing 4wd and huge power so hoping this thing goes the distance!




Obviously will have a 1000 miles to get acquainted with her but will go over her when I get it home with a fine pick comb.

 

[Flying_gage]

Not sure what is up with the quick reply? Sorry for the spacing issues.

 

[GrantP]

I made the jump from my 97 to my 06 and was a little disappointed in the performance of the 06 vs my mildly modified 12v at first but I got used to it. I think the major difference between the two was a DTT trans in the 97 and a bone stock trans in the 06. The CR's definitely like to rev more than the 12V's stock so it's just an adjustment you'll have to make. Add some additional fuel filtration and maybe an in tank lift pump if it hasn't already been done. I've had zero engine related issues with my 06 and don't regret the purchase at all. I'm confident enough in it that I'd jump in tomorrow for a long road trip with zero hesitation (I actually just did a 3000 mile trip a month ago on a days notice). You're worrying too much... it's still a Cummins. Congrats on the purchase and enjoy the drive home!

 

[Killer223]

you'll love it.
Mine has 245K+ not sure but that's close.
Here is what you want to get installed ASAP.

http://www.dieselfuelfilterkits.com/03_12_cummins_fuel_filter_kit.html
enjoy.

 

[BLNRAY]

my 03 has 427,800 mi my only regret is that i didn't buy 2 of them.only major repair was from a pilot bearing that went out at 350k,messed up the input shaft and i rebuilt the trans.had injectors rebuilt at 417k and rebuilt the fuel pump.still runnung original turbo,starter.

 

[Flying_gage]

Thanks. This looks a little more affordable than the fass set up with the same results.

 

[BILTIT]

you'll love it.
Mine has 245K+ not sure but that's close.
Here is what you want to get installed ASAP.

http://www.dieselfuelfilterkits.com/03_12_cummins_fuel_filter_kit.html
enjoy.

I have that filter kit on mine also.

 

[Wayne M.]

Depending on the life the truck has had, you shouldn't be let down much. Mine is the best vehicle I've ever owned. Of course there are issues like when an injector will take a dump and such, but if you're prepared to deal with it, it should be a good experience.

 

[Tuesdak]

Other than the engine being out of mine 3 times in under 110K... Seat cushions - just replace it often. It's very comfortable, but, the foam rips fast and fails every couple years. Cab lights: go with the later rubber seal of later model year lights vs the leaky foam of the 2003. Window tint requires a TSB to get felt on the guides or the tint scratches quickly. Other than that they are the highest MPG and best years of the 3rd gen. The only emissions on them is NOx control via the camshaft. No Cat no EGR.:-laf (CA emissions strangled excepted.) The most annoying problem is the lamp out indicator due to bad sockets in my case the front turn signals were causing it. Figure on recharging the AC every year due to a design defect that vents the relief valve off if you idle a cold engine with the AC on. Or get moving before turning on the AC...

Make sure the airbag "shrapnel grenade" recall gets done for the passenger side.

 

[Prairie Dog]

My 03 is ten times more reliable than my first gen ever dreamed of being. (BTW, AC never been touched and works great still)
Relax and enjoy your new ride.

 

[Motorhead]

Been a 12 valve guy my whole life. Well life has changed in many ways and on to new adventures. Part of that adventure appears to be the purchase of a bone stock,
completely rust free 2003 2wd SLT that was born in California. It is sitting in the lot with not even 90k miles. Have a ton of pictures and assurances that if it is not as described, I get my cash back and no harm no foul.I fly out to pick it up on Saturday in Denver, for a drive back to Illinois.

Having been a 12 valve guy, (3 of them) I enjoyed the simplicity of them. 12 volts was all that it took to keep them running and there was very little mystery to them. I was
drawn to the early 3rd gen as folks say they are the most like 12 valves. I know that along the way, I need to get a fuel filtration set up. Beyond that I really don't have a clue
with these new ones. I am not looking for crazy power, hell the stock power should be good enough for me. I will be pulling a small travel trailer with my 3 young kids
exploring places far and wide.

I keep seeing code issues with these vehicles. Is there any work around to that, (new ecm or parts or ?). Obviously I know there will be wear and tear parts that need
replacing, but any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance, and I have perused the previous posts, but there is so much material here now that it is hard to sort through
in a timely manner. Thanks in advance!

Are you going to be happy with a 2wd truck? Is the 12v truck you have now a 2wd? I see a 1996 4x4, 5 spd in your signature. My first Dodge/Cummins truck was a 2001.5 2wd. I regretted not getting a 4wd because the 2wd got stuck easily even with ltd slip rear dif. That was one main reason I upgraded to my 2007, 5.9. Being on the east coast with snow, i would think you would want a 4wd.

 

[bdenson]

Mine has been great.its way better then my 2 gen was you will be very happy

 

[MZahn]

Mine is starting to act up at 310K miles....buyer be aware

 

[Flying_gage]

I have had more 4wd trucks than 2wd. When it comes to having a 3/4 or 1 ton truck with a diesel hanging out front, I have found the life span of components to be around 70k miles, (being generous). As I no longer am pulling a heavy trailer or going to be living in Illinois much longer, I see no need for the hassle and expense.

 

[MZahn]

I was being sarcastic. Since this will be my last truck, I'm glad it is a 5.9 HPCR.

 

[Flying_gage]

So a couple weeks into the new truck and I am honestly still waiting for something to break lol.

The truck is flat out awesome. Whoever had it previously took great care of it. Although not having the records, the condition and high end replacement items speak for themselves. I am not exaggerating by saying that it looks like a new truck both inside and out.

To keep it that way, I have spent money on stuff to keep it looking nice. I spent the $28 bucks on the dash pad to keep it looking new. Also as I live close to the Weathermat factory, I spent the $180 on their floor mats and must say that it was money well spent. If you are on the fence about high dollar floor mats, do it. If you can make it to Weathermat's retail location, do so. They have the customer experience thing down pat. Only other thing I have bought so far is the cat inline fuel filter kit. I will be putting that in place tomorrow.

Future mods? Not sure? I lived with three 12 valves that were never modified and they worked for me. The power of this truck sure is nice and wo is for me at this point. I can see maybe doing a smarty junior for fuel economy but will consider doing a valve body and converter before I add power. Yeah, and that hybrid 6.7 turbo sure looks interesting. We shall see....

I plan to put many miles on her this summer. My kids and I have the opportunity to travel as much as we want and the first trip is back out to Colorado and maybe down the backside of the divide to the Canyon? Then off to the east coast.... Then Texas.

Out of curiosity, curious if you guys think I did okay price wise. She is a single wheel 3500 short bed quad with 2wd in SLT trim. Bought her with 89,000 miles and paid $16,000. The same truck, (except 4wd) for sale here in Illinois in the same condition with 60k and it is going for $26,000. What are you guys seeing? I just don't want to end up upside down should I have an accident with her.