New guy and potential 03 2500 buyer

[2t2-crash]

UPDATE: I got her!


I've been poking around quite a bit in here but have some questions about a potential purchase.

im looking at a very gently used 03 2500 quad cab, extended bed with the Cummings and 6 speed manual transmission.

this was owned by my uncle's late father in law and was babied... It only has 43,000 miles on it. :--)
The entire truck is in great shape but just hasn't been driven in six months.

im a Jeep guy and know my jeeps and am quite honestly leery of a Dodge after seeing all the issues my dad had with his 99 RAM.
Ill use this to haul a small trailer and hopefully a boat in the future, which isn't even testing the pull capability.

my question is what can I expect to start having issues with on a vehicle this old and how well do these hold up to mild off roading during hunting seasons?
Thankyou

FNG Crash.

 

[Wayne M.]

Welcome! First, a heads up- Cummings is a place in Georgia (I think) Cummins was the man who made the engine.
Ok, I think you'll be happy with this truck. Typically we're leery of such a low mileage example, but since you know the truck from way back, I'll say you have a real plum there.
First thing I would do is get educated in all things Diesel, if you're not already- with things like fuel quality, filtration etc.
what issues were with the '99? We may have answers to some. That was what we call a generation 2 Ram. The '03 is a generation 3 Ram, there were substantial changes made. I've had mine since it was new, and I have to say it's the best vehicle I have, or think I will ever own. It's been a fantastic experience!
I am not an off road guy but there are lots of suspension options out there to drool at.
Don't forget that there's a lot of Jeep DNA in these trucks.
I don't know your location, but if you're in the rust belt, I would pony up for a complete Ziebart rustproofing or something like that. There are other issues like HVAC blend doors and seats going flat, but IMHO, it's a great vehicle. Good luck!
Please make a signature so we have a mental picture of your rides!

 

[GrantP]

If you don't buy it, there's probably a dozen guys on this forum ready to buy it right now. Buy it before we do!

As far as off roading, think of these trucks as overgrown XJ's. They perform very well off road. Put in some leveling coils and new shocks and your favorite 35" tire and you'll have a very capable truck.

 

[Prairie Dog]

A truck like that will sell fast. I'd buy it if its still avail.

 

[2t2-crash]

Welcome! First, a heads up- Cummings is a place in Georgia (I think) Cummins was the man who made the engine.
Ok, I think you'll be happy with this truck. Typically we're leery of such a low mileage example, but since you know the truck from way back, I'll say you have a real plum there.
First thing I would do is get educated in all things Diesel, if you're not already- with things like fuel quality, filtration etc.
what issues were with the '99? We may have answers to some. That was what we call a generation 2 Ram. The '03 is a generation 3 Ram, there were substantial changes made. I've had mine since it was new, and I have to say it's the best vehicle I have, or think I will ever own. It's been a fantastic experience!
I am not an off road guy but there are lots of suspension options out there to drool at.
Don't forget that there's a lot of Jeep DNA in these trucks.
I don't know your location, but if you're in the rust belt, I would pony up for a complete Ziebart rustproofing or something like that. There are other issues like HVAC blend doors and seats going flat, but IMHO, it's a great vehicle. Good luck!
Please make a signature so we have a mental picture of your rides!

I definitely need to read up on Diesels (and remind myself that autocorrect tries to misspell Cummins on my phone).

My Dad's 99 RAM... That thing was a monster.
needed new brakes within six months of purchase.
transmission was dealer replaced within the first few months because of issues (I cannot remember what they were)
the body had serious creaks and groans and other issues but that was after ten years of use.
There were other small problems I just cannot remember what.


ive been reading and hearing pretty much all positive information on these so the bad experience with one truck (that wasn't even mind) seems to be having an unfair impact on my feelings towards Dodges.

as soon as this truck is looked at by the Dodge mechanic to see why it won't start (and fix it)my uncle plans to have it professionally detailed... Which means I'll probably jump on it as soon as it's ready to sell. Going from a Jeep turn radius to a full size truck should be fun. LOL

 

[2t2-crash]

Sig test time

 

[Wayne M.]

Well done, Crash. Only can you chase the model jeep next to the code? Not all of us are that savvy I know XJ is a Cherokee, right?
The 3 gen Rams brakes are light years ahead of anything before it. You mention it won't start? That's very strange.
If you poke around here, I think it's in the home page, you'll see a buyers guide in pdf to download. I advise you to read about the 3 gen trucks.
I would reccomend that you refrain from boosting the engine output (at all) by much. If left stock, it'll go a million miles.

 

[promisedland]

Welcome!*
When u buy it, add a second fuel filter asap. this is prob the cheapest and best mod u can do.*
MUCH more u can do, by the way...

 

[2t2-crash]

Well done, Crash. Only can you chase the model jeep next to the code? Not all of us are that savvy I know XJ is a Cherokee, right?
The 3 gen Rams brakes are light years ahead of anything before it. You mention it won't start? That's very strange.
If you poke around here, I think it's in the home page, you'll see a buyers guide in pdf to download. I advise you to read about the 3 gen trucks.
I would reccomend that you refrain from boosting the engine output (at all) by much. If left stock, it'll go a million miles.

Fixed... You know us Jeep guys are cocky enough to think everyone should know our vehicle codes.
I will definitely check out the buyer's guide, and if I get it (hell when I get it) I spent enough time enlisted to know if it ain't broke don't fix it... And the name Cummins to me means "I'll run forever just how I am".

right now it won't even crank, but all lights and everything else turn on. When turning the key to crank all lights shut off and you don't hear even a clicking out of the starter.

 

[Wayne M.]

Good luck. Hope it's back in action ASAP! Have you ever driven it?

 

[2t2-crash]

Good luck. Hope it's back in action ASAP! Have you ever driven it?

No I haven't. I'm looking forward to being able to!

 

[Wayne M.]

No I haven't. I'm looking forward to being able to!

Ok, it'll take a bit to learn to use the 500+ torque@1600 rpm, so here's what you do. Take it on a quiet country road where there are some hills, and get it in 5th. As long as you don't have to stop for traffic or lights, you will be totally impressed. Don't downshift- though you'll think you have to- lug it- you can take it down to about 1300 or even less. You wouldn't dream of doing this with a 4.0.
Some guys may object to this, but you'll love it- and so will the truck. I do it all the time.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Wayne's spot on. Play with that torque! I spend most of my time in 5th (direct) and it will respond in just about any situation.
I always enjoy the zero throttle take off ability. Even on a steep hill with 10K behind me it still just surges away.

Scott

 

[sag2]

Based on your symptoms make sure the batteries are tested and fully charged. Clean every battery and ground connection completely. There are ground locations along the top of both fenders that have multiple wires going to each eyelet. Pull the bolts, clean up the fender and eyelet and tighten securely.
These trucks do not like resistance in any battery or ground connection and you can never get them too clean or snug. Hope you get it, you will love it.

 

[Wayne M.]

Sag brings an item of note in Diesel truck thinking. When there are dual batteries, they should always be replaced in pairs. One can really drag down the other and mask problems. If they must be tested, they should be completely disconnected.

 

[2t2-crash]

Finally got the mechanic out. The switch on the clutch to show it was pressed in was bad. He jumpered it and is going to install a push button switch that I hold to start it (at my request).

 

[Wayne M.]

Glad to hear it was something simple. Not get in that bad boy and feel the torque!

 

[2t2-crash]

Sao... This thing has been sitting for a year with a full tank of gas, what do I need to worry about as far as water seperation and what additive should I add?

 

[GrantP]

I think I would go buy two fuel filters and replace the existing one right away, keep the other one in the cab (with any tools you need) as a spare in case. I can't help you on additives. I know there are some here who swear by them but I have never used them. Living in a hot and dry climate I've never had a problem with algae or water after nearly 20 years of diesel ownership.

 

[Wayne M.]

It's not GAS- it's FUEL.
if it's been in stable storage, it's probably fine. At least it had a full tank- less chance for condensation. What GrantP said. Drain off the filter a few times run that tank way down. Change the filter after that.