More problems than my other CTD's

[jsimpson]

I've had a first year first gen, and first year second gen and now a first year thrd gen CTD. My 03 has more problems in the first 20,000 miles than the others did in 180,000 miles each. I'm sure some of that is attributable to the comparative complexity and the additional power and features. Nevertheless, it's too many problems too soon. Ball joints are bad (front tire is cupping). transmission requires a full minute in warmup before placing in gear. CD player scratches CD's. transmission sometimes makes a strange noise when going into lockup. Paint is peeling off fascia between front bumper and grille and headlights. Four wheel drive won't go into low range. Body metal is much thinner or weaker and dents much more easily (Of course my 94 dented much more easily than my 89, and the tailgate on the 94 was a bad joke). On the plus side, the transmission (48RE) is a great improvement over the 89, but not as good as the five speed in my 94. The engine has LOADS more power than either the 89 or the 94. The seats are more comfortable, the ride is much better, the quad cab is much roomier than my single cab 89 and 94. The brakes are at least twice as good. It is much quieter and handles better. It gets better mileage than the 89 which had half the power and no 4WD, and only a few mpg less than the 94 which had no 4WD, no quad cab, and had a five speed. I guess as long as DC does the warranty repairs and Moog markets some good ball joints, I've got no reason to complain.

 

[amsoilman]

Sorry to hear you are having problems, I'm surpised! My model year 03' is just the opposite. Mine has just a tad over 36,000 and has only been back to the dealer for one recall.



Wayne

 

[jsimpson]

What fuel mileage figures are you getting? At what mileage did you switch to synthetics?

 

[amsoilman]

What fuel mileage figures are you getting? At what mileage did you switch to synthetics?

My Mileage around town with no longer than 10-15 miles of driving will be around 17. 5. If I get it on the freeway and go 300-500 miles at a time, I will consistantly get 19 mpg at 75 mph. I switched to Amsoil synthetics in everything at 8,500 miles.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[jsimpson]

So the only difference between your CTD and mine is mine is a dually and you've already dumped the fossil lubes? I'm getting about 1 mpg less. I imagine the dually wheels would account for that.

 

[DPelletier]

Well,

My experience has been the opposite. My '01. 5 was a good truck, but needed a new steering box, 3 clock springs, ball joints, u joints, and the 47RE was acting funny. Got rid of it at 60,000 km. My '03 hasn't been back to the dealer since the day I drove it off the lot. That was 30,000 km ago. Knock on wood!



Dave

 

[EB]

My 03 now has over 157,000 miles on it and the problems I've had are as follows:

1- Leaking power steering pump, replaced under warranty.

2- Limited slip unit was not working, replaced under warranty.

3- Rear universal went out on drive shaft at a little over 100,000 miles.

4- Fan clutch went out at a little over 130,000 miles.

5- The injector pump, (pressure pump) went out at 149,000 miles.

My mileage will run 10 - 11 mpg pulling the trailer (which is almost all the time) and 16 or so without.

It is still as quite and rattle-free as it was new. All in all, a heck of a good truck. It gets a lot of abuse from what I do with it.

 

[PJ]

My 1990 one ton 4x4 5 speed got over 25mpg with a 7000 lb Prowler behind it. My new 600 is getting 12. 5 empty. . I still would take the 600 over the first gen as the ride is soooo nice. . The 1990 almost broke my back every time I ran over a twig in the road!

 

[jsimpson]

I've heard of those high mpg 2nd gens, but never experienced one. Best my 94 with 5 speed could do was 20 mpg empty at about 65. I'll take the 4 mpg loss when empty in exchange for the quad cab (94 was single), 4X4, automatic transmission (still rather have a six speed though), far better brakes, quieter cab, more comfortable seats, better steering, limited slip, better ride, better load capacity, better handling... . in short, I'm happy with the new truck! Besides, the 03 gets only 1 to 2 mpg less than the 94 loaded, and it's got nearly twice the power!

 

[JHardwick]

The only "problems" outside of normal wear and tear I had with my '99 was ball joints at like 75,000 (I considered premature) and an injector pump at like 98,000 (covered under warranty).



Bought it with 14,000 and sold it with 102,000.