2k2 or 2k3

[SixShooter]

What are the differences between the 2002 and the 2003 trucks because I am thinking about a 2002 but I will wait if I like what comes out in 2003. Can anyone give me some info on the subject? Pictures?

 

[Archive]

Of course, you must know that most everything about the 2003 is rumor...

Here are some rumors I have seen on this board and around...
2002... 2500 and 3500 will remain the same... 1500 will have a true 4 door, and the grill/bumper/front end will look a bit different.
2003... alleged to have a 2500 and 3500 true 4 door. Have no idea if these Rams will remain the same or be changed to match the looks of the 2002 1500.

 

[rmrc]

Supposedly,,,,,,, the 2003 HD's will look different than the 2002 1500. Something along the same line that Ford did with their Hd's. There will be a new Cummins that again ( supposedly ) will be much quieter, and have more HP and Torgue along with a new auto transmission.

I'm also waiting to find out what the official configuration will be for 2003. If the new drive train is not as flexible regarding bombing as the current one, I'll probably buy a 2002 just for the fact that I can maximize my fuel economy with an EZ and Bill's VB & TC. We'll just have to wait and see!!!

 

[RobG]

If you have any intention of modifying your truck, get the 2002. Otherwise you'll have AT LEAST a full year before anything much will be available for the 2003's. Remember how long it took before there were any significant mods for the ISB? And I mean GOOD ones... it took time for companies to really learn what and how to do stuff to it.

Heck, the best ISB mod to date (the EZ) only came out in the last six months...

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate, 4. 10, USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, DD EZ, DD3 Injectors, HX-40, Southbend Clutch, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc.

 

[1tuffram]

Ditto on everything previously said. In addition to the BOMB'ing concern for the 2003, I would be hesitant to buy a first year model truck. If you do not need the "newest and greatest" I would wait and buy a 2002 on a year-end clearance sale then wait a 2-3 years for the bugs to get worked out of the new "HD" Rams.

When I first heard of the 2003 Rams I had the same thoughts as you, but I realized several years of refinements have went into the current Ram to eliminate most of the design flaws (not all, but most) since it's inception in '94. Plus aftermarket parts/accesories are readily available for the current Ram design. Just my 2 cents worth.

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'95 2500 SLT 5 speed 4x4

[This message has been edited by 1tuffram (edited 05-07-2001). ]

 

[rmrc]

All points are very well taken. Another factor to consider is the discount at the end of the 2002 model year should be greater than normal due to the fact of the present body design & Cummins being discontinued for the new 2003 line. It just might be a great way to get e "real" deal!

 

[lawdog]

Lat I heard on the 2003, which came from sources at DC Jeep / Truck Engineering Center here in Detroit, was a 305hp / 550 ft. lb common rail injected with pilot injection QUIET CUMMINS. Quiet like a dura max. Originally was suppossed to have an Allison auto, but unsure on that now. One of my sources drove a 2003 4X4 3/4 ton with the new HEMI 5. 7 Litre gasser. he says it makes his 5. 9 litre 360 feel like a V6. He did say the body is the same as the 2002 1/2 tons, but the 3/4 ton has the current style solid front axle, NOT an independant. There are several photos of the 2002 1/2 ton on Fritz's web page. The 4 door is not quite a full size 4 door like a Ford or Chevy, but it is suppossed to offer definantly more room than the current quad cab.
Hope it helps.

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2000 QC SHORT BED 4X4, 24 VALVE W/ 275 HP INJECTORS, 3. 54 GEARS W/ POSI, AUTO, BLACK WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT LEATHER,285/75R16 KELLY SAFARI AWR, RAIDER NOMAD CAB HIGH CAP,FACTORY RAZ STEREO W/ STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, KENWOOD 848 AMP, KENWOOD EXCELON 6X9 IN DOORS AND KENWOOD EXCELON 6IN. ROUND DUAL-MAGS IN REAR DOORS, MTX FACTORY FIT BOX W/ 2-10"SUBS UNDER REAR SEAT

2001 ARCTIC CAT ZR800 TWIN LE BLACK...