Looking at an 03' Ram 3500... got a couple ??'s

[jtadysak]

I found a nice tow vehicle for my shop, its an 03 2wd 3500 CTD 6 speed 4 door. .



It has 135,000 miles on it, and has the GS6 transmission by the looks of the shift nob. .



It also appears to be an HO motor, but I havent even seen it, only idea is from the 6 speed since most of the SO motors came with 5 speeds or autos. .



Anyway heres some questions:



Is there any pros and cons to this G series transmission compared to the nv series?



Lift pump issues? I have head things about the whole on the block lift pump failure, can you educate me on this. .



Anything else on an 03 I should be looking for?



This truck will be used for pulling a gooseneck state-wide for my shop. .



Thanks for your info. .



-jordan

 

[crobertson1]

If the transmission is original, it should not be a G56. Dodge didn't start using those until '05. Maybe it's a S. O. engine with a 5 speed? Be sure to check the Engine I. D. decal on the driver's side of the valve "cover".

 

[DonFitzwater]

Make sure you put a spare lift pump under the seat or just install a FASS or the like. Also put in a low pressure warning system. Who knows on the trans until you can take a look at it?

 

[jman]

03 6-speed will be NV5600. I put a FASS on mine, but my lift pump was still going at 113K. It was getting weak, but still going. 03's and early 04's have been very reliable and had fewer injector problems than the 04. 5 model year. A few 04. 5's had a rough go, but you only hear about the problems units, not the good ones.

 

[SRadke]

NV5600 reverse is right and up, next to 5th.
G56 reverse is left and down, next to 2nd.

If it's a stock 6 speed it will be a NV5600 and it will be a HO 305/555.

The third gen lift pumps are much more reliable than the second gen pumps. Buy it and drive it.

-Scott

 

[AABEN]

I have a 03 that is pulling 23. 000+ 6 mo a year out west in the mountains and throw TX. I put on a air box that lets it have more air. It has an air scope at the front bumper it dropped the pyro temp a bout 300* in a good pull. You can pull out your air box and cut you a 3in hole and use a 31n flex pipe and do the same thing. The pipe should be behind the front bumper for 1/4 of what it cost me. I put a screen over the end to keep out some of the dirt it works good. I am running the factory filter==Good luck

 

[daytripper63]

I say the 03's are the best of all... But then again I might be a bit bias

 

[JJPage]

Ditto, what daytripper63 said!:-laf:-laf:-laf