Need some Pointers

[HookMeUp]

I've been doing a lot of research on which year and model to purchase and thought I had my mind settled on looking for a 2002 2500 Quad cab with the HO and 6 speed 4X4. I've done a lot of research on the forum about problems and mods that I would like to do and have it all planned out. I went out today and talked with a couple dealers about what I was searching for and of course I realize that it is a tough find I am willing to wait. But one of them showed me a 2003 3500 quad cab with a HO and 6 speed and loaded to the gills, sweet looking ride, but I thought way more truck than I really need. But on the way home I kept thinking arh! arh! arh! arh! arh! arh! Now on to my question, anything that I should be aware of with this year? Is this the first year for the hpcr? Any help would be a big plus!



Thanks.

 

[sick_ram]

The 03 has been the best year so far as problems go. Everything on up has had alot of injector problems. I currently own an 03, and I have 60k of hard miles pushing it to the limet every day. I have never had a problem yet it has been a really good truck. I would go for it.

 

[MichaelWright]

The 03=best of the bunch. I think us 03 owners have had the least, if any problems at all. I know mine has been flawless, before and after the bombing.



Mike

 

[rbattelle]

I think us 03 owners have had the least, if any problems at all.

Mike

I agree with this, but would expand it to read "2003 and early 2004".



Just my opinion...



On edit: let me clarify that I think the 2003-early 2004 owners have had the least problems of the common-rail engines. I make no claims as to improved reliability or reduced problem rates compared with the 1st and 2nd generation trucks and engines.



-Ryan

 

[mikepvg]

I hate & love certain things re; MY04. 5. I believe I have injector problems & at times it runs like the biggest POS but then operrates normally. Have not ID'ed a pattern. Of course when I take the tech for a ride to show him the problem it disappears. 2 days ago I literally limped into dealer (felt like it was running on less than 6) As soon as I took the tech for the ride it started to run clean again! This was not the 1st time... inside my head I was just

screaming!



Compared to my bombed 94 w/ 200K. My 04. 5 makes less power & gets less MPG & at times does hardly run. Oh it smokes as much as my 94 on cold starts! BUT everything else on my 04. 5 (brakes, ride, handling, transmission) are superior.