buying 2003 model. What should I check for??

[7FA]

Looking at a used 2003 2wd 4dr. HO 6spd. 84k miles, but looks like hwy use w/ not towing. No maintenance records, but seems to have been babied.



Being a 1st Gen guy I'm not sure what things I need to check out before signing the paperwork. Anything I should make sure to clook at before buying??

 

[jwilliams3]

Bad ball joints.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Check u-joints and there were a number of early 3Gs with vibration problems at certain hwy speeds. Doing a "vibration" search in the 3G forum should yeild a wealth of FUD. My 04 305/555 didn't have any vibratioin, but I did go through 2 u-js in 36K miles of happy driving .

 

[Buffalo]

I have a 91. 5 W-250 & an '03, 3500 SWR, HO 6-sp.



Both have been great trucks! However, I have had an injector knock that the dealer would not take care of. I was able to fix it with a steady dose of diesel fuel additive. Others have done the same.



You may want to check the alternator mount. If it's a stamped steel unit, it will probably develop cracks, if it hasn't already. There is a TSB on it. It is replaced with a heavy-duty cast iron one.



If you buy it, you may want to change out all the lubes. The aftermarket industry, probably, has better lubes available at, definately, cheaper prices than the dealership.



Might be time to think about changing out the serpentine belt, also.



Mine is a daily driver & I tow with it, cross-country, sometimes. It does everything well & with reasonably good fuel economy. I, really, like it!!!



Joe F. (Buffalo)