03 vs 01

[BRobertson]

Just some thoughts after driving my brides new o3 for the last couple of weeks. We now have approx 1200 miles on .

The brakes and steering are in a different league altogether!!!

My 01 is a bunch better in both areas than the 98 we had, this one(03) is light years ahead!!!

The seats are more supportive, but the seat heater on high is about as warm as the 01 on low.

The fog lamps are way more effective, they are Hella brand!

The limited slip works like it should, unlike the one in our 98(JUNK!!)

The 03 seems to have the same power as my 01 HO, although it is different because of the trans(auto). We will be doing some mods to the trans eventually.

The air filter is very restrictive as noted by others.

AFE should be able to help there!!

I've already fixed the universal problem of NO BACKUP LIGHTS!!

I inset some Hella DE round fog lamps into the bumper!

The rear fold down steel cargo platform is a hit with the dogs!!!

Approx 17 mpg with winter blend fuel which is better than I expected.

Bob

 

[Badunit]

Having also had an '01 (gas not diesel though), I agree with your assessment of the '03.



The steering is one of the main complaints I had with my '01. The '03 is sweet! It is a pleasure to drive. No more fighting the road and fighting side winds.



The 4-wheel disc brakes on my '01 were sufficient for what I do with the truck but the '03 brakes feel much better.



I have two small kids who get strapped into car seats on the passenger side/middle back seat and I fold up the drivers side back seat & fold down the flat floor for the dog. I got a rug with a rubber backing which I cut to shape to lay on the flat floor so she has a comfortable place to hang out and lay down (and some traction). The car seats, which are rear-facing right now, would never have fit into my '01. The dog would not have been comfortable being on the floor without the fold-flat floor. I at first thought the fold-flat floor was a gimmick but I've completely changed my mind.



The heated seats, which I almost didn't order, are great on these cold winter mornings. Glad I got them.



MPG is 18 according to the overhead console, and steadily climbing in my mix of highway and city driving. It has been climbing even during the city-only driving parts.



Another complaint I had with my '01, which may seem minor, was the windshield wipers. They wouldn't clear the window above 65-70 mph. No problem with the '03 as far as I can tell.

 

[BRobertson]

With the extra angle in the windshield, I am constantly hitting my head on the door surround when I get in, as I'm used to my 01!!

My wife doesn't want all the mods on her truck, good thing as that would take away resources that are planned for my 01!!!!

She does want an ESPAR heater, afterusing the one on our 01, I can't imagine being without it!!!

Espar has no plans for a Dodge kit, so I'll have to make an 01 kit work.

Even with all the real improvements, I still like my 01 better than any vehicle I have ever had!!

Bob

 

[Dean Upson]

I will have to compare my '03 to my 98. 5. This will be fair because they are both pretty much the same as far as what was available at the time of order. They are both loaded to the hilt with the major difference being the 6 speed with the available 5 speed in the 98. 5. Both trucks are 4wd and 4:10's.



The difference in power and the transfer of power to the rear wheels is enormous. Both trucks are stock and there is no comparison in power. The 6 speed is much smoother and the gearing is much closer. That will be a real plus when towing. I had the auto in my 94 and just did not like it for towing, period. Just my opinion on that issue. The new engine is much quieter, I like that feature, I can actually hear the radio and I think on a long trip the noise will not be missed. This truck rides better than my others have.



The fit and finish on this truck are supurb. I think the new styling looks great on my dually. I find the truck is easier to wash and I sure don't miss washing around the old style tow mirrors. The new towing mirrors are great, power and heated is the way to go.



I got the Laramie Sport package so it had a few features that I found very nice. The heated seats are wonderful as is the comfort of these new leather seats. The suede panel on the back of the seats will be nice in the summer. I am 5'5" and the adjustable pedals combined with the 8 way seat give me a comfortable driving position I haven't had in 45 years or so of driving leagally. Another feature that I like is the electric switch for the transfer case, time will tell as far as durability, but I got the 7year/100,000 mile added care package so at least it won't cost much to fix! I also have found out that this vehicle goes very well in the snow. Even in 2wd the limited slip rear end seems to perform better than the old truck did. I really like the way the back seat folds up and the platform was a great idea. I like the individual controls on the heater/air conditioning. The auto roll down feature on the windows works for me, too.



All in all, you might say that I really like my new truck, I do, but I still think that the light under the hood was a good idea and the lack of one is the only complaint that I have so far .



Dean

 

[Task125]

What was the price on the ext warr. 7/100

my truck is on a freight car in kentucky now,so next week I should be closing the deal. thanks mike

 

[Badunit]

I loved my '01 also, it was hard parting with it. I only had those few complaints and I wanted the Cummins. I also traded up in terms of options while I was at it.

 

[Dean Upson]

Mike, I paid $1860 plus tax, you can deal a bit with them as there room to play. You can get quite a variety of plans, this one here was about as good as I could get and it is bumper to bumper with a $100 deductable. The main reason I got the package was that I travel quite a bit and I am also concerned about all the electronics in this rig. I suggest if you do get the extended warrantee that you get the Chrysler one and not some fly by night el Cheapo policy at least you know that Chrysler dealers will honor it. I have seen folks find out that their plans don't work everywhere. Good luck with your new truck. I hope you like it as much as I like mine.



Dean

 

[Task125]

Thanks dean,

started new thread,thought it would be a good ?

I had the 5/100 wrap on my 98. 5 and it paid for itself.

mike

 

[krabman]

The only large complaint I have is the lack of memory for the seats and such. With adjustable peddles, the power seat, power mirrors, and adjustable steering wheel it takes me 20 minuets to get everything just right again after my wife drives. To my mind this should be available. Small nags... why no insulation or light under the hood? No rear mats for the QC. Couldn't believe that one. Still blows my mind that I should buy a vehicle at this price point with no floor mats in back. The spouse was upset over the lack of a lighted vanity mirror. She never uses em but wants it anyways. Not trying to rain on the parade, I have never loved a truck as much as I love this one but there are a few downers.

 

[Dean Upson]

Right krabman, I have a solution to the seat and pedal position, I have to be pried out of the driver's seat! You are right, a memory would be good and the lack of mats in the back are a cheap shot. I wish the right hand mirror would aim down at the curb when you put into reverse, my wife's Acura does that and it is pretty neat. I diidn't mention in my previous post how much better the handling is than my 98. 5.



Dean

 

[Frmrdug]

Since you mentioned mirrors...

I have the tow mirror package on my new 03. After 4000 miles, I'm not used to the passenger side mirror yet. It's enough of a transition to go back to having the objects at normal size, but this mirror has a bow in the glass that causes "objects to appear wider than they are!" It's really hard to use for passing, as the little bubble isn't big enough to make that space evaluation accurately.



Does anyone else have this problem?



Also, I think the could have moved the little bubble mirror to a different corner and been better off. That seems to block the most crucial view.



All in all, after a month and 4k miles, I find it hard to get back in the '96, which I have loved dearly for 8 years. I've been keeping it for a work truck, but if they'll ever make us a power box for the new ones, I may let it go for a Tahoe or something.

 

[Mathew Clausen]

I agree on the mirror. Seems good on the drivers side but really wierd on the passenger. I may try them in the "tow" position all the time as I think that would put the small mirror in the right spot?

 

[Prairie Dog]

BRobertson, I like your idea of Hella's in the rear bumper. I was going to use marine docking lights but your setup sounds cleaner. Can you post a pic and give us a part number and price. Are they a flood type lamp or are they a driving lamp?

Don't mean to put you to work but I'm always looking for a better way!

Thanks!

 

[Badunit]

Has anyone tried the backup lights from Genos that go on the tow hitch? Any thoughts on them?

 

[BRobertson]

The lights are fog, HellaMicro DE kit #74527 from www.susquehanna.com/susq

They sell for approx 30% off retail.

Very high quality and it makes for a very clean install.

You need a 2 3/8" hole saw. I ran 10gauge wire from the battery for 12v AND ground, thru a large cap panel mount breaker into a water proof box containing the relay and fuse, and used the existing backup light circuit for a trigger on the relay.

I will get a photo hopefully tomorrow and try to post it.

Bob

 

[BRobertson]

JR2 has the lights from GENOS that mount into the receiver. They are high quality and he likes them!!

I just wanted something more integral.

 

[AggieJustin]

Backup lights

Another option is the Navigator backup lights you can get at many auto parts stores. Pretty low profile, nice looking install in my opinion (but you know what they say about those)



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[BRobertson]

Back up lights

photos (hopefully!!!) of the new lights on the 03.



The photos are in the readers rigs under BRobertson, as I'm not smart enough to post them here!!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Ya must be smarter than *I* am, cuz *I* can't even FIND a photo listing for a "BRobertson" in the Readers Rigs section... .



Looks like ONE of us is either on the wrong board, or having a "senior moment"...



(EDIT!)





AHHhhh - I see what the problem was - Hey Bob, drop over to the "reader's Rigs" section, and see what yer photo section is REALLY called! (clue, it AIN'T "BRobertson... )



HERE'S Bob's pics:



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