Opinions on 03 Non H.O CTD

[dward]

I may be looking at an 03 CTD, however it only has the California Non H. O motor.

Am I correct assuming the rating is 235/460?

Also, does this have the 47RE trans or the 48RE?

The truck is a QC, SB, 4x4, SLT with 60k mi. Supposedly in like new cond with dealer asking price of $24,995 but told I could get a much better deal. Maybe around $22-23k

Any issues with this power train and what mods could I reliably do if needed?

Is this a truck that for the right price would be worth it, or am I better just to spend more for something different?

I'm thinking because of the lower power the mpg may be better.

Let's hear your thoughts, thanks.

I wouldn't be towing very heavy, maybe up to 10k lbs on occasion.

 

[DZink24]

that one might be the holy grail of CTD. if there was a bad thing about it, it is the fact that it is the CA motor, which means it has a catalytic converter. i have an early '04, no cat from the factory, no 3rd injection event, and routine upper teens for mileage. yes, the lower HP and TQ ratings will mean slightly better MPG. i want to say that the transmission is the 47RE, but i am not 100% sure. if it truly is a clean truck, it may be worthwhile to scoop it up.

 

[JJPage]

It will state on the driver's side valve cover what the hp is. The good new is, it is only ecm programming that restricts the hp/tq output, any programmer can bring it up to the HO ratings and beyond.

It could have either the 47/48RE trans, they are both good units, however if you are going to increase power beyond factory levels, trans upgrades will be a must.

Sounds like a good find if all is as advertised, I love my 03, as do most 03/04 owners.

 

[dward]

Is the the same motor as used in the 2cnd gen? I think the HO had different pistons.
If it doesn't use the 3 rd injection cycle is it as noisy as the 2cnd gens?
How could I tell what trans it has? Is it printed somewhere on the truck?

 

[Prairie Dog]

It's not the same eng as the second gen and it doesn't have the piston cooling nozzles of the HO but that would be a nice find.

Should get great mileage and as stated before, a tuner will bring it up to snuff nicely but as with any auto, the trans will suffer if not upgraded a bit.

 

[rscurtis]

You can determine the transmission by the lockup strategy in direct drive. If it locks up in the upper 40's (3. 73 gears), it's a 48. If it locks up in the low 30's, it a 47. I drove an early '03 with the 250 HP engine and the 47RE, and prefer that strategy to the later lockup on the 48. The 235 engine has an oxidation catalyst like the '94-98 trucks and does not have the third injection event. I was even considering that when I bought my signature truck but the dealer talked me into the HO, as it was only a little more money.

 

[jsffd]

I have an early model 2003 quad cab 2500 4x4. Bought it new, has 160k and climbing. Its a calif model 235 hp with the cat. The 2003 have a few issues, as i have repaired or replaced much of them. The non H. O. motor is great, but it is much imporoved with a chip/programmer. The mileage increased 2 right away. It likes the timing and boost, comes up on the turbo and uses less fuel. The trans is very durable, the early 47 and 48's have stronger internal parts. Just rebuilt mine at 145k, the converter finally gave it up. The internals still looked ok.
Ok the problems, #1 the pos dash, dash doors that fall off and or strip out. Big Thanks to heater treater!! Make sure you cycle all the doors, have good airflow out of all vents. No freezing up and let it run for awhile. Really poorly built the first few years. Primarily on the single climate control dashes. #2 Ball joints and death wobble. Check the trucks history, e rated tires only!!!! Be weary of leveling kits. My fix on the 3rd set of b-joints was Carly all is good now. 3# FYI early low hp trucks have the 10. 5 rearend not the 11. 5..... It will be listed on the glove box door. Not as strong and may fail if towing lotsa weight. a few more small issues over the years, rear door wiring, a/c compressors, steering box looseness and the dash that looks like a table of potato chips. All in all it's been a great truck. . with my mods, intake ,exhaust, dynatrac free wheeling kit, and a lean tune with 373's i can get 22-23 on the freeway... .

 

[tpuig]

Great truck. I looked at the '02 1500's to see whether I liked the style. Then had to wait until '03 for the 2500. Ordered new from the dealer. I now have 150k on it with very few problems. Aside from a Smarty Jr on low settings, the drivetrain is stock. My only real complaint is the cheesy interior and the $5 plastic air diverter widget broke so I only had air to the windshield (no floor heat). Drove it like that for many years until I decided to go to Wyoming in the winter, so the Heater Treater was done.
Best additions - T-Rex suspension (now Kore), Rostra heated seat pads, and the fuel tank vent. FASS replacement to avoid having to switch to an in tank pump.
Mechanicals that were done: steering box. Serpentine belt took out the waterpump. Front driveshaft u joint. Front hubs.
Lots of hard miles in Baja, so stuff wearing out wasn't unexpected. But now mostly highway miles, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive to Key West or Anchorage in a heartbeat.

 

[MFalkinham]

I absolutely love my '03 250HP standard output! It runs great and gives me phenomenal fuel mileage! It has not been back to a dealer since I bought it used at 14k miles (and it will never go back as I don't have the horn-honking in reverse TSB, and I don't want it!). I upgraded the lift pump and fuel filtration system at 25k miles and have had no problems since. I do have the 48re automatic in mine with 3. 73 gears.

My only complaint is with the air conditioning system freezing up in the evaporator. I have learned to live with it so far by shutting off the system for a few minutes to allow the ice to melt. I will have to drill a hole in the box and relocate the sensor on the evaporator sometime. So far I have not had any problems with the HVAC doors, but I always shut the blower off prior to changing any settings which may help.