calling all 2003 owners

[DBohl]

You guys are great !!! I never expected this much responce,this fast. I feel confident about the idea of buying an 03 now. A few more questions, what type of fuel system is used in these trucks ? Do they still run the dana's or AA's ? What about gear ratio's and is the manual a choice of 5 or 6 speed and how do they hold up? Sorry for all the Q's but, I just do'nt know much about these newer trucks. Thanks again guys, Doug

 

[wgood]

Mine was built in March of 03. I love it. It has about 68,000 miles on it. The only warranty issues I've had are: Replacement of the front door seals like everyone else, replacement of leaky pinion seal at around 20,000, A/C thermostat replacement at around 20,000, replacement of a faulty front speaker at about 35,000.



The NV5600 is a 6 speed manual and it is a great transmission. The rear end choices are 3. 73 or 4. 10. I had a 3. 73 originally, but had a 4. 10 installed a few months ago because I bought a heavier 5th wheel and needed the extra pulling power. It does a great job of towing my 17,000 lb. trailer.



The axles are AA.



I have my EZ box set on 1 when towing and 4 when not towing.



Mileage pulling my current trailer is generally from 10 to 11. Without the trailer it is usually 18 or 19, sometimes a bit more, but I'm generally a pretty conservative driver.



Good luck. I hope you find an 03.



Bill

 

[wawazat]

Wow, glad to hear you guys have had such good luck with your '03's. Mine hasn't been so good so I'm gonna rain on the parade

-Two sets of wheel bearings ($1300 for first set of unit bearings, $2500 for Dyna-Trac conversion)

-Clutch fan

-Rebuilt drive shafts twice

-Clutch

-Two sets of front axle u-joints

-Suspension (shocks and steering stabilizer gone-bought KORE)

-Two sets of ball joints ($1000 per repair)

all this and more before 110,000 miles. The truck is used 98% of the time by me alone, not towing, highway driving 75% of those miles. This truck has so disappointed me so much that I will NEVER again buy a Dodge product. It has only been "off-road" twice at my father-in-laws farm. It's paid for but not yet fully depreciated by my business so I'm keeping it until the wheels fall off... most likely sometime next week. I can't even fathom how you guys who use the truck as I thought it was intended to be used can keep these things together. I spent over $16,000 on mine this year alone (upgrades/cap/tiresincluded). Best of luck to you with your purchase.



Todd

 

[amsoilman]

Wow, glad to hear you guys have had such good luck with your '03's. Mine hasn't been so good so I'm gonna rain on the parade

-Two sets of wheel bearings ($1300 for first set of unit bearings, $2500 for Dyna-Trac conversion)

-Clutch fan

-Rebuilt drive shafts twice

-Clutch

-Two sets of front axle u-joints

-Suspension (shocks and steering stabilizer gone-bought KORE)

-Two sets of ball joints ($1000 per repair)

all this and more before 110,000 miles. The truck is used 98% of the time by me alone, not towing, highway driving 75% of those miles. This truck has so disappointed me so much that I will NEVER again buy a Dodge product. It has only been "off-road" twice at my father-in-laws farm. It's paid for but not yet fully depreciated by my business so I'm keeping it until the wheels fall off... most likely sometime next week. I can't even fathom how you guys who use the truck as I thought it was intended to be used can keep these things together. I spent over $16,000 on mine this year alone (upgrades/cap/tiresincluded). Best of luck to you with your purchase.



Todd

Sorry to hear of your problems, but mine has been nearly flawless! I have done some upgrades, which have not caused any problems thus far.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[NUKEMAN]

Wow, glad to hear you guys have had such good luck with your '03's. Mine hasn't been so good so I'm gonna rain on the parade

-Two sets of wheel bearings ($1300 for first set of unit bearings, $2500 for Dyna-Trac conversion)

-Clutch fan

-Rebuilt drive shafts twice

-Clutch

-Two sets of front axle u-joints

-Suspension (shocks and steering stabilizer gone-bought KORE)

-Two sets of ball joints ($1000 per repair)

all this and more before 110,000 miles. The truck is used 98% of the time by me alone, not towing, highway driving 75% of those miles. This truck has so disappointed me so much that I will NEVER again buy a Dodge product. It has only been "off-road" twice at my father-in-laws farm. It's paid for but not yet fully depreciated by my business so I'm keeping it until the wheels fall off... most likely sometime next week. I can't even fathom how you guys who use the truck as I thought it was intended to be used can keep these things together. I spent over $16,000 on mine this year alone (upgrades/cap/tiresincluded). Best of luck to you with your purchase.



Todd

Curious, was your truck made in Mexico or US?

 

['strokeThis_'07]

My dads '03 has been a hell of a good truck, glad I talked him out of the ford he wanted! Its a QC/LB 2500 HO/6 speed. It has about 67,000 on it and he has MAYBE put 1500 on it; I put on the rest. Trust me, its been through some stuff that it shoulda broke but never has. Had the rear driveline replace; scared the hell outta me when I first noticed it; the power steering pump went out, I drove it for nearly 2 weeks with no power steering or power brakes-not the safest but had no other choice. Replacing the pump wasn't a problem at all. I would definately recommend the HO which came with the 6 speed as the SO doesnt hold a candle to it power-wise. Plus it only came with an automatic. The seats in the '03-'05 trucks are more comfortable than the '06-'07 trucks. The headlights do kinda suck, but do ok. All-in-all the '03 has been a great truck-I kinda miss it but I still love my '07. My dad asked me after I got mine if he should trade his in on a new one; my reply:"HELL NO!!!" As far as I can say, I wouldnt turn down any 3rd Gen. (except maybe, MAYBE, the SO/ auto trucks-not enough power stock for me)

 

[gbraden]

My '03 now has 59,000 miles. Have had absolutely no problems .

Closest thing to a problem was one of the rear door latches got stuck. a shot of silicone spray took care of that.

See my sig for truck configuration.

Glenn

 

[FullSack]

I have 106k on mine and have loved every mile!



At one point I put in the 315's from an H2 and had the death wobble, so I hated my truck for a while. Then I wised up and put back on some E rated tires (stockers) and haven't had a problem since. I had a little shimmy when braking, but I had the rear rotors changed out and haven't had a problem. I've never done anything except the scheduled maintenance and it's running like a champ!

 

[wawazat]

Curious, was your truck made in Mexico or US?

St. Louis build. My VW Passat I sold to buy this truck was flawless. This has me very much down on American vehicle makers and based on this experience, my wife's new car and my next will not be American cars sorry to say

 

[chwhit]

106,000 miles on it, quite a few of them towing about 10,000 lbs. , clutch will probably need replacing in the next 10,000 miles or so. Other than that, I can't complain one bit, it's been an awesome truck!!!!! Gets good mileage too, 20-22 on the highway, about 17 around town empty, 12-14 towing. I baby it most of the time, but occasionally drive the living **** out of it, it's held up well.

 

[brista]

St. Louis build. My VW Passat I sold to buy this truck was flawless. This has me very much down on American vehicle makers and based on this experience, my wife's new car and my next will not be American cars sorry to say

Funny how that goes, our VW Jetta was a VERY expensive car to keep on the road. Brakes, transmission, transaxle and the list of expensive stuff went on and on. The Grand Cherokee she drives now has been exceptional. We will be looking at a Touareg next vehicle though as I won't let one bad vehicle turn me away from VW.

 

[FullSack]

106,000 miles on it, quite a few of them towing about 10,000 lbs. , clutch will probably need replacing in the next 10,000 miles or so. Other than that, I can't complain one bit, it's been an awesome truck!!!!! Gets good mileage too, 20-22 on the highway, about 17 around town empty, 12-14 towing. I baby it most of the time, but occasionally drive the living **** out of it, it's held up well.

I'd have to say, that is exactly how I drive my truck!

 

['strokeThis_'07]

St. Louis build. My VW Passat I sold to buy this truck was flawless. This has me very much down on American vehicle makers and based on this experience, my wife's new car and my next will not be American cars sorry to say

Quick question: how the hell do you rule out American manufacturers' vehicles on account you apparently got one of the occassional bad apples that will inevitably go down the assembly line? By reading other posts here, the '03 trucks arent bad. EVERY mass-production of anything, be it a truck or toaster, will result in the occassional faulty product being made. Its stupid to say "I wont buy American anymore. " Are you ignorant enough that you think foreign automakers dont have a POS slip through the door every once-in-a-while? Even "mighty" Toyota, which in some peoples opinions cant make a car that isnt A+ quality everytime, lets them out the door; I've seen it with my own two eyes. Thinking like this is ridiculous. I dont want to sound overly irked by it, buy what the hell you want; but I'll be laughing when you buy a ****ty VW and proclaim all foreign vehicles are junk. Then what are you gonna do???

 

[wawazat]

[QUOTE='strokeThis_'07]Quick question: how the hell do you rule out American manufacturers' vehicles on account you apparently got one of the occassional bad apples that will inevitably go down the assembly line? By reading other posts here, the '03 trucks arent bad. EVERY mass-production of anything, be it a truck or toaster, will result in the occassional faulty product being made. Its stupid to say "I wont buy American anymore. " Are you ignorant enough that you think foreign automakers dont have a POS slip through the door every once-in-a-while? Even "mighty" Toyota, which in some peoples opinions cant make a car that isnt A+ quality everytime, lets them out the door; I've seen it with my own two eyes. Thinking like this is ridiculous. I dont want to sound overly irked by it, buy what the hell you want; but I'll be laughing when you buy a ****ty VW and proclaim all foreign vehicles are junk. Then what are you gonna do???[/QUOTE]





First of all, thanks for your "opinions" but settle down. I'm neither stupid nor ignorant as your post imples and will not tolerate that type of personal attack. I wonder how you would be spouting off about Dodge had you owned my truck and experienced the problems I have had first hand? I doubt a highly opinionated person such as yourself would tolerate similar problems. I also doubt you would gladly hand that automaker money again if you had had many of the same problems.



I realize no one maker is perfect and not every vehicle is perfect, but it's my money and this experience has soured me on American cars. My experience with foreign makes (Honda, Subaru, VW, Suzuki, Nissan) has been much better and therefore I choose to give them my money for my next car purchases. It's that simple to me. Perform well and maintain my business. Perform poorly and do not. No longer can automakers blindly assume long-term repeat customers without positive ownership experience. This truck has not been a positive experience for me. My 300M was a better vehicle than this truck, but still had more problems than my Passat. My wife's Infiniti G35 was flawless. Why is it too much to expect that my heavy duty truck's front end will not repeatedly and expensively fall apart?



Todd

 

[Mr.Goat]

Well mine has not been trouble free motoring, but considering it is a large mechanical device that gets used everyday in all sorts of weather, it is doing not bad.

Put it this way I would buy another Dodge truck long before I would consider a Ford or GM. The Cummins is Dodges greatest salvation. This is my third Dodge.



Mine is a May 2003 2500 reg cab long box HO 6spd Laramie, all the toys.



My list after 75000 miles.



AC condensing coil

AC evaporator coil sensor

All four ball joints

front axle U joints

rear axle U Joint

rear drive shaft seal

Brake pads all around

new rotors coming up in the spring, the back for sure (very rusty)

Tires all around

Custom made steel rear bumper to replace the flimsy stock one that dented everytime you touched anything with it.

Very poor headlights, these suckers are real bad on the 2003's

Snow/rain falls on the seat every time you open either door

Air filter clogs full of snow when you drive in fresh powder snow, poorly designed air intake location.

The clear coat patriot blue paint scratches very easily

wind whistles around the drivers door in bad cross winds

drive train whine/ noises periodically at 50 -55 mph



Nothing is perfect but it sure beats driving a Ford!!! I know I had one of those and never ever again will I have another!

 

['strokeThis_'07]

First of all, thanks for your "opinions" but settle down. I'm neither stupid nor ignorant as your post imples and will not tolerate that type of personal attack. I wonder how you would be spouting off about Dodge had you owned my truck and experienced the problems I have had first hand? I doubt a highly opinionated person such as yourself would tolerate similar problems. I also doubt you would gladly hand that automaker money again if you had had many of the same problems.



I realize no one maker is perfect and not every vehicle is perfect, but it's my money and this experience has soured me on American cars. My experience with foreign makes (Honda, Subaru, VW, Suzuki, Nissan) has been much better and therefore I choose to give them my money for my next car purchases. It's that simple to me. Perform well and maintain my business. Perform poorly and do not. No longer can automakers blindly assume long-term repeat customers without positive ownership experience. This truck has not been a positive experience for me. My 300M was a better vehicle than this truck, but still had more problems than my Passat. My wife's Infiniti G35 was flawless. Why is it too much to expect that my heavy duty truck's front end will not repeatedly and expensively fall apart?



Todd

Your right, I apologize. I didnt want it to come off as an attack, but I obviously worded it wrong. Plus I think I lost track of where I was goin as I typed and twisted it all weird. I guess my point was don't let one truck turn you off of American rides for good; I bet you could go get another '03 and be happy with it. Again, my apologies for goin off; now that I think about it I was off base.

 

[Regcabguy]

Touregs

Funny how that goes, our VW Jetta was a VERY expensive car to keep on the road. Brakes, transmission, transaxle and the list of expensive stuff went on and on. The Grand Cherokee she drives now has been exceptional. We will be looking at a Touareg next vehicle though as I won't let one bad vehicle turn me away from VW.

Think twice about a Toureg. My buddy is general manager of a VW dealership and is supplied with a Toureg which is the only way he'd drive one. That thing is constantly in the shop. Recently the electrical system failed,which locks up the parking brake. The tow truck driver had to drag the sucker up onto the platform with his winch. Beautiful running vehicle when its out of the shop,similiar to a Ford 6. 0.

 

[magothy1]

My '03

Bought mine used with just 9800 miles, got almost 68,000 now, it's a 4x2, SO , 48 transmission, 4. 10 rear, and all stock. I don't drive real hard, tow my work trailer alot in the spring doing boat repairs. So far, knock on wood, I do like it. I get 19 to 20 + mpg around here, 18 to 19 running the interstate at 70 to 78 mph. Sheet metal is kinda thin, but that's universal these days. I like it. This is my 5th truck; Dodge, Ford, Ford, Dodge, Dodge. This one is the best.

 

[Dieselnut59]

No complaints here and at 55000 miles now

No complaints here either, except going to need a clutch after installing the 22. 5's I got from "daytripper63" and a flatbed. That combination with a BullyDog is more than the clutch likes.

I LOVE my '03! I have had all "generations" and the '03 is my overall favorite because of the 4 doors and the engine performance. The common rail engines have been VERY reliable.

I have 56,000+ miles and bought mine new in September 2003.

 

[NC_Mog]

I've got almost 70k and have loved the truck. Only things fixed so far:



- All front ball joints

- Steering box

- Front pads replaced



I have two items to get fixed before the warranty runs out: AC freezes up and ignition switch doesn't hold ACC position.



One item I wish it had... head rests for the back seat. I've replaced the seat back with one from an '04. It didn't click until I looked back to see my little boys head resting on the rear glass one day.