2003 HO questions.... Newbee

[ECappleman]

2003, 2500 diesel HO questions.... Newbee

Looking at a used 2003, 2500 diesel HO 4x4 with 28000 miles.



I noticed it shifts rather hard into 2nd gear. Is that normal with the new 48RE trans?



Anything else to look for?



Any info will be appreciated before I lay down the big bucks.

 

[BHolm]

"Shifts hard" is a tough one to comment on. I have two '03 HO's with autos. The shift harder than a Ford 4r100 or the Allison in the GM's. I think they shift "quickly" more than hard.



The trans is due for a flush. It is also covered by the 7/70 drivetrain warranty so you have a lot of time before a fix would be out of pocket. I did have a 48re fail on my '03 QC at 67k miles. The truck tows heavy all the time. The supposed cause was a faulty fan clutch switch??? Engine temp never came up, trans temp light never came on, so who really knows.



Great trucks though. I liked the '03s enough to buy an '05

 

[ECappleman]

Maybe quickly is a better term.

It shift really quick into second and I feel a sudden lundge forward.

Is that a better description of a normal shift?



Any other things to look for?



Thanks guys.

 

[MFalkinham]

My 48re automatic shifts "crisply", but there is no shuddering or lurching during shifts.



Drive this truck up to 75-80mph to make sure it doesn't vibrate or pull at those speeds. Some 4wd owners have had mysterious vibrations on the highway that can be difficult to diagnose the root cause of.



Also make sure that any warranty issues you find get fixed before you buy it. Dealers sometimes fail to notice very obvious problems. When I bought my truck used, it was overdue for an oil change and had an almost empty fuel tank! Needless to say I didn't pay anything to have them resolve those issues.



- Mike