Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2002 -vs- 2003 Impressions

[Big Dawg]

I have a 2002 H. O. 6-speed that I bought new in September of last year. I was thinking of buying a 2003 but had not driven one yet. I drove a new '03 automatic 4x4 non/H. O. at the Dodge dealer today. Even though it had less power than my '02 it seemed quite a bit quicker because of the automatic. One thing that seemed peculiar to me is that the engine was a lot quieter on the outside but seemed just as noisey inside as my '02... maybe even louder. Did Mercedes cut back on the insulation in the cab on the newer models thus causing the new cummins to have the same amount of interior noise as the old stlye cummins? I looked at the '03 with a totally open mind but couldn't see anything to really cause me to make the leap. The '03 just didn't seem as "truckey" as my '02. You know what else? I like the fact that my cummins makes so much darn noise that it can scare cats and small children. There's a lot of things I like better on my truck. Just to be fair though, I liked a few things better on the '03. That secret little hiding place under the middle seat/console... It handles better... and even though I didn't do any emergency stops, I think the brakes were better too.



I guess I shouldn't be too hard on our 2003 brethren. I will probably end up with a third generation eventually. Maybe I'll just wait for the fourth generation Dodge cummins. My truck can easily make it until then.

 

[dslmacdown]

I have an '02 HO also, and I have driven a '03 HO. It did seem quicker but lacked that "punched in the gut" feeling of my '02. To me it was much quieter inside and out and a much, much smoother ride. Overall I was fairly impressed, I may get a 3rd gen. but maybe in a couple of years and I won't sell my '02. Plus I like my loud Cummins.



MAC

 

[bmoeller]

I like a loud Cummins better also. The new ones are too quiet for me. My boss has a '97 GMC w/350. There have been several times that it was running while parked, thought it was off and tried to start it. :-laf OOPS!



Haved driven any of the new Heavy Duties, but have driven the '02 1500 that my boss's grandpa has. Very nice to drive. Steering and brakes are much improved. The interior is to much like the Chrysler minivans. Like the "old" style better.

 

[Silver]

My buddy is the sales manager at Dodge in Alamagordo. I've driven a few of the 2003s (mostly HOs) and I like the 2003s, but not enough to get rid of my 2002 ETH and start over on payments.



With just the EZ, my truck feels more powerful than the 3rd gen HO with the 48RE...

 

[TowPro]

If I could get an 03 just like my 02, only with an HO and 6 speed, for the same payments, I would change in a heart beat, and I have never driven or even heard an 03! I just hate my auto. The truck seems weak compaired to my 98. I know, an aftermarket trans and convertor would make me happy, but I can't afford it, and I have a lease, thats under warrantee for as long as I will own it.

 

[Big Dawg]

TowPro...



I have a six speed H. O. and sometimes I wish I had an automatic. Sometimes all that shifting is a pain in the butt. Sometimes though... grindin' those gears makes me feel like a real "He Man"! I wouldn't change just for the transmission. You already have a really nice truck.

 

[TowPro]

Its a nice truck, just not happy with the Auto. But its a lease, so I am stuck with it for a couple more years. At least its a CTD and I love the Sport!



Whats involved with replacing that high stall converter with something that works? It only has around 8000 miles on it. Would I install just the converter or do I need a valve body, and this box, and that box, etc, etc?



I have 4 years experence doing auto trans rebuilts full time, and many years experence doing THM-350's and 400's on the side, Not a problem there, I just got out of the bussiness when they decided I needed 12 hours to pull a front wheel drive trans

Originally posted by Big Dawg

TowPro...



I have a six speed H. O. and sometimes I wish I had an automatic. Sometimes all that shifting is a pain in the butt. Sometimes though... grindin' those gears makes me feel like a real "He Man"! I wouldn't change just for the transmission. You already have a really nice truck.

 

[Big Dawg]

TowPro...



I can help you out finding the dipstick but anything more involved than that is beyond my two brain cells. Somebody a liitle better versed will have to jump in here for that.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

I like my '02 H. O. 6 speed for many reasons. I have driven a couple 03s and still prefer the sound and looks of mine.

My wife likes that mine sounds like a "real truck" and says the '03s are too sissy sounding.

I just tell her, "That's right! Good girl. "

I married a good one!



You know you're a happy man when your CTD turns on your wife.

 

[Boost]

I love the 03's. I would trade if the payment amount and number of payments would stay the same. But that won't ever happen without a bunch of $ down. I am just getting tired of truck payments and when this ones paid off I'll keep it till the body falls off the frame. Then I'll wear a pair of goggles to keep the bugs out of my eyes.



Rob

 

[rweis]

I changed my own injectors, changed the turbo, did the 4" and after that looked at a 2003 and wondered how the heck I would have been able to do the same with so little room to work under the hood.



I like my 2002 because I can actually work on it. A little tight at times, but not impossible.



I think the 2002's are going to be just about the last of the true CTD's. I am glad I don't have EGR and catalytic's to deal with.



Bob Weis

 

[MD500E]

Just test drove an 03 HO auto yesterday. Salesman threw my buddy and I the keys and we took it for the afternoon. I am fairly impressed with the power. Very quiet inside and much better ride as well as brakes compared to my 98. 5.

I am used to my DTT auto when you drop it in gear you know! I have to hold the brakes even on an incline to keep it from moving forward at idle. This 03 I drove was backed into a parking spot facing uphill. I dropped it into drive and it didnt move, so i gave it some diesel and still nothing. I checked the parking brake and made sure it wasn't in N. That thing had to rev up to about 1500+ to begin to move. It has a very loose converter. I guess I am just spoiled with my DTT. The auto did feel like it handled the power well. Overall I was impressed.