Fuel Pump /other stuff

[DBohl]

I do'nt know much about the third gen trucks but, am starting to look at getting something newer. Got my eye on a 2003, anything good or bad I should know about it? Is the fuel pump still an issue for that year of truck? The truck is a 2003 3500 srw 4x4 quad cab short bed slt larime. Is the HO engine an option or are they all HO's after a certain year? Thanks, Doug

 

[DBohl]

I forgot to mention the transmission is a six speed manual

 

[rbattelle]

Here's some links:



Link 1

Link 2



Ryan

 

[DBohl]

rbattelle, thanks for the links, some great info there. I wonder what all those 03 owners would have to say about thier trucks now that they had some time to put more miles on them. could you tell me what fuel delivery system is on the 03's also is this the year the six speed manuals came out, and did they still run dana diffs. Sorry for all the questions. I only own 1'st and 2'nd gen trucks and have never paid much attention to the thirds, but there starting to grow on me.

 

[mberry]

Fuel delivery is still engine mounted transfer pump. Injection pump is CP3, not VP44. The '03's still have the NV5600 with AAM axles. On the HO question, that depends on where the truck was slated for first sale. Check the engine data plate on the valve cover. If it's the 305/555 engine, that's the HO for that model year up to '04. 5 when all trucks got the 325/610 engine.

 

[PBerry]

I had a 2001 and now have an 03 H. O. Frame and cab is much stronger. Engine is more effecient and cleaner with good mpg. I have averaged since new 20+ for 74k. I liked the 2nd gen seats way better, they were firmer but, just sat and cradled me better. Disc brakes on all 4 with the 03 but the aam axles well, I have a rear seal leaking I just discovered. Be sure and check the alternator bracket to see if it is cracked as mine was very identifiable. Power steering hose vibrates badly that I never got tsb done on. Not impressed with the nv5600 at all, shifting is so so and has gone downhill since new. These transmissions are not engineered real well. Mainshaft bearing is small for the shaft size. There is a reason the g56 was implemented. I would not trade my 03 for a new one unless I win the lottery and stop worrying about fuel cost. Some people also have trouble with the door seals above the side mirrors so check that. Back tail light burns bulbs every 6 months and was a tsb for that as well. Head gasket seeps oil film on passenger side which is normal but annoying. Oil does not get near as dirty as 2nd gen. I change at 5k and is just dark brown.

 

[SKing]

Pberry only left out 1 thing. The ball joints go bad. Other than that I second his post.

 

[Bodie]

depends....

It really depends if you plan on modding the truck or not... . With a 04. 5 as far as JUST programmers and modules go, you can make more power and have more features. Though the G56 wont get you better mileage than a NV5600 they really arent that far behind, I get 19 hwy 17 in town. (with Smarty SW1)



Like Pberry said, you might burn bulbs in the rear tail lights(the tsb replaces the ciruit boards) but maybe the previous owner has taken care of these tsbs already.



Sooo all I say is are you going to mod or not?