Help, thinking of buying an '03

[DPelletier]

I am thinking it might be time for a new truck. I sat back and looked hard at the competition, but it didn't take me long to decide that a new Dodge is the only way to go for me. My buddy just bought an '03 Ford 6. 0 PSD, so I took a good look at it and went for a drive. Impressions; runs hard (for now), but he has already had engine problems (undiagnosed hesitation). I suspect its faster empty than a new Cummins, although I have only driven '03 6 spds, no 48RE's. The interior looked cheaper and the body style is dated and too angular for my tastes. I do give Ford credit for having a true crew cab, but I don't need a crew cab and would be ordering an extended cab in any case. Also thier auto may be better, but I plan on a 6 spd. As far as the Chevy goes, I take points off for thier "low rider" channel frame and the new front end looks like smashed ass to me! I mean what were they thinking? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised from a company that produced the Avalanche, Aztek, new Caddy, etc. The only argument you ever hear from the Chevy crowd is how much better thier Allison is than the Dodge auto, but as I said, I plan on getting a manual so argument is moot to me. Bottom line is that I would rather keep my '01 Dodge than have a new Ford or Chevy. In fact, if I had ordered a 6spd dually in the first place, I would probably keep it forever! Anyway, I haven't been paying a lot of attention to the 3rd gen trucks and have a couple of questions;



- 1) Does the new common rail system solve the lift pump/injection pump issues that have been plaguing the 2nd Gen trucks? I don't really care about the noise issue.



- 2) What is the GVWR of a new 4x4, quad cab dually? The brochures just talk about payload which is useless.



- 3) Is it true that you no longer get a sway bar with the camper package. Is there still a camper package, and if so, what does it include?



- 4) What is included in the trailer package? If it is just the hitch, I am not going to order it because the new hitch doesn't have the square tubes to mount my camper tie downs into.



- 5) What gear ratios are available? Brochure doesn't say. I assume that most trucks are 3. 73:1.



Any other options you guys consider must have items? So far the Sport package and the load floor look like good, cost effective options.



Thanks

Dave

 

[Rosco]

Hope I can answer your questions.



1. The 2003 trucks are not plagued by the lift pump like the 2nd gens.



2. Go to www.4adodge.com and go to the towing guide. You can spec out different configurations and the guide will give you GVWR, GCVWR, payload, empty weights, axle weights, and so on.



3. No more camper package or sway bars. The new frame design is suppose to eliminate the need for sway bars and if your getting a dually then you will have the overloads standard. For single rear wheel trucks if you want overloads you need a 3500 srw.



4. For the diesels the tow package gives you a hitch, seven pin connector, 4 flat connector (may be standard on all trucks), and maybe bigger battery's (not sure if you get bigger batt's with the diesel or not).



5. Gear ratio's are 4. 10 or 3. 73's.



As far as options, if it gets cold where you live then spec the block heater since it is no longer standard. I also advise the no spin rear end. Most of the other options are luxury's that you need to decide if you can live without.

 

[Dean Upson]

Dave,



If I lived in BC, I'd sure consider the heated seats. The GVWR of my '03 QC Dually 4x4 with 4. 10's is 12,000 pounds and the GCWR is 23,000 pounds. I doubt that that has changed. The anti spin axle is standard with the 4. 10s. Check out the options in the Laramie package, you may find some of the goodies included there are worth either adding on or getting the package itself, some of the items included were adjustable pedals, folding floor, power leather seats and electronic 4wd. There is a bunch of neat stuff with the Laramie. Good luck, you will love your new Dodge.



Dean

 

[DPelletier]

Thanks Rosco!



As far as the trailer package is concerned, I do think the bigger batteries are already part of the deal when you get the cummins. I don't really want the hitch (rather buy an aftermarket one), but I hope that ALL trucks come with the plug in (wiring harness) for the 7-pin connector. The limited slip diff is a given, but thanks for the info on the block heater. I didn't know it wasn't standard and that is a definite requirement here in the winter!

Thanks again!

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Dean,

How do you find your 4:10's? I am only going to be at a GCVWR of about 15,000 - 16,000 lbs and am leaning towards the 3. 73's. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the reply.

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Hey Dean, Nice truck! My buddies is identical. I was thinking of the silver too, but I don't know if I want the same color as him as we do alot of camping together!! I heard the duallies are only available in black, white, silver or red. Do you know if this is true?

Also, I am interested in your fuel door, was it $$$$$'s!! The stock door won't open with the camper tie-downs on.

Cheers

Dave

 

[Dean Upson]

Thanks, Dave.



When I bought mine the color selection was about what you said in the sport. I really like the silver and it is a lazy man's dream to keep clean (my last truck was black).



I got the fuel door from Geno's and it is very well made but pricey somewhere around $100 US. Goes well with the Billet aluminum 3rd brake light cover about $30 US.



The list of goodies just goes on and on and... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... .



Dean

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by DPelletier

Dean,

How do you find your 4:10's? I am only going to be at a GCVWR of about 15,000 - 16,000 lbs and am leaning towards the 3. 73's. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the reply.

Dave

Love the 4. 10's and find them perfect for my needs, I have had higher gears and have been disappointed, but you may not really need them with your GCVW. If you plan to get a fiver or haul a heavier trailer, you might consider the 4. 10's. Some members have suggested in other threads that the 4. 10's make sense with the automatics.



Dean

 

[PLaFrombois]

Dave

I'm also looking at an '03 and had to stop at the dealer today. I was told there is a $4500 rebate on the 3500's.

Paul

 

[radar doctor]

Good Article

Lots of good stuff about the 03 what about the 04S??They sure have a neat Grill. . my 2 cents

 

[Rosco]

Dave,



The 7 pin connector is not standard equipment so if you want it you will need to order the trailer tow package.



However, unlike the second gens that required an adapter to go the four flat the 2003/4's have seperate connectors. Also, the 7 pin is intergrated into the bumper for a nice clean look that also keeps it out of harms way.

 

[Edd Wadsworth]

Why 4x4

I notice most everybody with a 3500 dually is using the 4x4 or 6x4 version. Why? I'm about to move up to this from my 2500 2x4. Someone said the dually was terrible on snow without the 4x4. Is this hogwash or fact?

 

[Dean Upson]

Re: Why 4x4

Originally posted by Edd Wadsworth

Someone said the dually was terrible on snow without the 4x4. Is this hogwash or fact?

Hogwash. The srw gets a better bite on the snow, but to say the dually is "terrible on snow" is just not so. I have had CTD 3500 4x4 Duallies for 10 New England winters and have never had anything near a problem and this 4 ton monster that I have now goes through the snow like a Ski Doo . Speaking of snow, the AA limited slip is great.



Dean