fuel system differences 03 to 06

[Jed]

I am in the market for a used 03 to 05ish quad cab auto and I would like to know differences in fuel system and injectors and to make it more difficult if any have information on california models it would help. I dont mind going out of state but it makes it harder to look at trucks. I know that after 04 or 04. 5 a post combustion injection event occurs and I do not think this is something that I want. Any help would be very appreciated.



This is to be wifes truck and part time hauler for cabover camper when travelling. I plan to keep this truck stock accept of course for FASS with 2 micron filter, gauges, BHAF, probably upgrade transmission because everyone else does (and d... it seems expensive) but no power upgrades on this one until she wants it



If I do upgrade it will be my usual cam, turbo, injectors, with a mild box

 

[Dieselnerd]

My understanding is that the third injection event is used to keep the cat hot. Not really anything to worry about. I don't know about any differences in the Calif. trucks. I think most were all 50 state trucks, someone may correct me on that. The 05 and beyond have the in tank lift pump which has been pretty problem free unlike the earlier pumps. If you are planning on an auto, by the 05 year most of the minor problems in the 48RE were fixed.

 

[Jed]

Thanks dieselnerd

I have heard that the third injection event will make your oil turn black in a hurry and I do not plan on leaving the cat in place.

I know that in california at least 03 had different hp rating but I dont know what it was.

As far as lift pump it will have a fass first thing after I purchase mainly because of better filtration.

 

[DieselLady]

Thanks dieselnerd

I have heard that the third injection event will make your oil turn black in a hurry and I do not plan on leaving the cat in place.

I know that in california at least 03 had different hp rating but I dont know what it was.

As far as lift pump it will have a fass first thing after I purchase mainly because of better filtration.

A little FYI, if you look at an 05 truck make sure the intercooler doesn't have the plastic tanks on the side. Or make sure that they will warranty them if..... or should I say when they blow out. Even with a mild tune you will blow the sides out with plastic tanks. Also, Pure Flow has just lowered the price on the Air Dog to the same or less then Fass. I and others, have had terrible issues with warranty on the Fass. Brand new pump with a leak, they wanted me to fix it or pay for shipping both ways, take my pick. Air dog is a much easier install and much better quality. All fuel lines come with fittings for both ends, no hose clamps for pressurized lines. Much beefier mounting bracket and comes with a 3 micron filter. You decide!!!!!

 

[Jed]

diesellady,

thank you for info on plastic cooler tanks. do you know what other years are so effected? been lucky with my fass, one of the original and it just keeps on humming (ok very loudly).

 

[DieselLady]

diesellady,

thank you for info on plastic cooler tanks. do you know what other years are so effected? been lucky with my fass, one of the original and it just keeps on humming (ok very loudly).

Just the 05 had the plastic tanks. They had so meny problems with them blowing out that they changed the design back to metel. Some of the 05s had metel tanks too so you could get one that is good.

My FASS keeps working good too, but I have a small shop and have had problems when they do fail. If it wasn't for this I wouldn't have gone looking for another system. Once I found the AIR DOG and did an install I was sold. Even the diameter of the fuel line is better. 1/2 diam instead of 3/8. If you look at an AIR DOG up next to the FASS you will be sold too.

 

[MMeier]

IIRC, the '03 Cali trucks were only 235 HP.

 

[p-Bar]

You couldn't buy the 03 HO in california because it would pass smog. I think that one is the best . No 3 rd injection= better mileage

 

[Prairie Dog]

The 03's or at least the 305 HP trucks seem to get the best mileage, I agree, it probably has something to do with the third event thing missing.

 

[Jed]

Thanks to all

So is it just the 03 that does not have the third injection event or is it the 04 as well?

 

[robertyoke]

all 305 hp motors 03 and 04 model years. 325 hp is 04. 5 and up model years (production date january 01 2004 and up)

-robert

 

[SilverSage]

03s do not have a cat so there is on 3rd event

 

[BHolm]

Sounds like you are on the right track. I have had a couple of each version so I'll throw in my $. 02



I really like the '03-04 HO trucks. They do get a little better milage, and the oil does stay clean much much longer. The 325 hp trucks (04. 5+) feel more powerful to me stock, which I suppose they should The milage does come up on the 325's in my experience though. My '06 Megacab @ 40k miles is up around 19-20 mpg on the last few tanks, mixed driving, no load. That is on winter, ULSD fuel too.



You do not need to upgrade the 48re trans though. It has held up very well up to about 100 extra hp. Stock they are tough. My dually has just shy of 100k miles and did nothing but tow heavy all of its life. The trans has needed nothing but scheduled services. The '03-04 trucks have an OD lock-out button, the '05 has a tow haul button. I really like the '06 version with both features but if I had to choose one or the other I would go with the tow haul. I'm not sure either is all that useful anyway.



I would probably look for an '05 with a bunch of its 7/70 warranty left, and mod it after that runs out.

 

[Jed]

once again thanks to all

looks like the 305hp motor or even the 03 - 04 california even if I have to put injectors in it. If not, may just go new.

I can not get happy about oil that turns instant black though.

Lots of people seem to think that is ok but all of my experience says that this is wrong, maybe I am wrong.