Diesel-curious Noobie

[BLUTO]

I'm considering the purchase of a 2003-2004 2500 CTD, 4x4 soon. I can get the Chrysler Employee discount, but I'm seeing 2003-2004 units with less than 65Kmiles advertised for less than $22K (3/4ton, SLT, QC, 4x4, SB). That's $+10K less than NEW. The units that I'm seeing are mostly auto trans (probably 47RFE).

What kind of fuel milage would I see out of the Automatic VS Manual transmission? If I'm not towing heavy loads on a daily or regular basis... will the A. T. hold up. Will a programmer, FIPK, and exh upgrade add considerably to my fuel milage? Anything I should look-out for in these model years?

I have driven new 1/2 tons w/HEMI and got 18mpg with a "raw egg":-laf between my foot and the go-pedal! But I'm also considering using WVO or SVO in the future... . and that's where the diesel becomes more attractive.



I'm used to a 220Kmile 1993 GMC 2500 w/5. 7 gas motor and M. T. ; so 450 FT/LB is probably going to "Rock -my-World" In a year or so, we will get a 5th wheel <30'L... . probably <8000# or less. Do I need 4:10's or can I get by with 3:55's/3:73 axles?

Thanks for your input... .



BTW..... this is my first post to TDR!



BLUTO

 

[Missouri Mule]

Don't know the difference fuel mileage on the auto and manual but I have read that hte 2003/2004 get pretty good mileage.

Sooner or later you will need a Torque convertor.

Adding fuel: some extra fuel will help fuel mileage and open exhaust will lower egts and add hp because of less back pressure.

I believe American Axle only offers 4. 10s and 3. 73, I would go for the 3. 73.



Welcome to the TDR!

 

[sheamc]

With a common rail engine, mileage will be fine, but not as good as the 24v IMO. The 3. 54 rear gear option went south with the Dana 70/80 when the American Axle gears came in. Find a simple towing programmer and intake, USE GAUGES!!, and enjoy. Good Luck. BTW when did the 48re come out in place of the 47? The post above is correct, get a good torque converter or your transmission will be junk like mine is becoming.

 

[FDavid]

First do some research on air filters, there might be some that filter better and outflow the FIPK, like the AFE . The 47rfe is actually 47re and it was only available in early 03. Get an HO so you can get the 48re or 6 speed. The HO has 555lbft stock. My opinion is get the 4. 10 if auto, and 3. 73 if manual. Stock auto should be ok with a cold air, exhaust and a programmer on medium settings. On higher settings or mutiple programmers the stock TC might shudder and the stock lift pump might not be able to supply enough fuel, not to mention EGT's might get excessive with the tiny turbos on the 03's+

BTW, the 3. 54's available on the previous generation trucks is about the same as the 3. 73's on the 03+ because in 03 they went to a larger wheel/tire duel to bigger brakes.