Attention: TDR Forum Junkies OK its time for the testimonial, I have 1500 miles on my new truck and can now give a reasonable comparison to my 99 2500 CTD. Wow Dodge has come a long way! The new 03 is dead quite compared to the 99 maybe even more than the DMX. Power has most definitely improved in the HO and I would highly recommend this engine to anyone pullin a load. The 6spd transmission I am now accustom to and is smooth shifting even in 5th. I was surprised to see no clutch linkage adjustment (all hydraulic). 6th gear has far more get up and go than I would have guessed, Truck has lots of pedal left on the hills pulling the camper and the horse trailer. I have to admit passing the other guys under a load is more than a little fun! 
Extremely happy with the 3. 73s for all around use and economy. Shifting range is acceptable and RPMs are 2k @ 70mph. Best economy seems to range between 55-60 mph My 99 had the 4. 10 and was consistent @ 2100 RPM @ 60 mph. The 99 mpg averaged 15-15. 5 empty, 12-13 with a load. I've been getting 16. 8 empty so far and I am all smiles considering the GVW 8800 to 12000. Took a little time to get used to 96" truck width but I can now say Id never go back to the SRW. I was so close to inking the deal on the 3500 SRW till I happen to see the SRWs GVW and payload stats in the dealer tech manual. Seems DC doesn't provide that info in the brochures. Best truck I have ever owned. Thanks for all the info from the members of TDR I made the right choice for meOo.
Extremely happy with the 3. 73s for all around use and economy. Shifting range is acceptable and RPMs are 2k @ 70mph. Best economy seems to range between 55-60 mph My 99 had the 4. 10 and was consistent @ 2100 RPM @ 60 mph. The 99 mpg averaged 15-15. 5 empty, 12-13 with a load. I've been getting 16. 8 empty so far and I am all smiles considering the GVW 8800 to 12000. Took a little time to get used to 96" truck width but I can now say Id never go back to the SRW. I was so close to inking the deal on the 3500 SRW till I happen to see the SRWs GVW and payload stats in the dealer tech manual. Seems DC doesn't provide that info in the brochures. Best truck I have ever owned. Thanks for all the info from the members of TDR I made the right choice for meOo.
