Thinking about buying a 03.

[Wally19]

I was at the dealer today, picking up my truck after i blasted a deer at 50-60 mph. Ive been eyeing up the last 03 he has on the lot, 2500, quad, slt, HO, auto, tow package, cloth int. , etc most all the basics. It dosent have, the anti spin diff though, and I think I really want that unless someone can tell me otherwise. Do they make aftermarker ARB air lockers yet? Do they still offer the snow plow prep package? It does have the manual 4wd shift which I prefer over the elec. 4wd shift. That is hard to find with out ordering. I am open to opinions, let me know if i should possibley move on this. My 01 HO is nearing 136000 miles, and im gonna have a truck payment for a while. Payments would actually go down if i buy it by 25 a month and its a really good interest rate 6. 65% I dont know, its really tempting. I havent read too much on the 03 and 04's, so i dont know if i should just wait, or jump on it. Doing reserch now, just want some opinions.

Thanks Guys



Jason

 

[lil red cummins]

to buy know

While your miles are low by cummins standards, if you are planning on buying a new one, now is a good time. ordered mine on 11-3 as you will see below. DC interest rates here go as low as 0. 9% and i think no higher than 3. 9%. or as i did, you can get a 2500 rebate. as far as the diff goes, since mine is 2WD and i am located in snow and salt country, i consider the limited slip a must. i had a big old chevy van back in '76 and just got used to putting 300 lbs of something in the back during winter. the only unknown about the new truck is what will the affect of the new CARB standards be on horsepower, and, how soon will we be seeing the EGR or new muffler system.



good luck

 

[Dieselnut59]

I would go for it if it is the truck you are looking for. If it is not 4x4, I would definately recommend the posi rear. But since you mentioned the manual shift transfer case, it is obvious the truck you are considering is a 4x4. Having the manual-shift transfer case was a necessity for me too. I had to look hard and do a lot of long searching to find a truck equipped like I want, yet still have the manual-shift transfer case. As for the "posi" rear, They really help, but do accellerate tire wear. I am sure an aftermarket traction unit of some type is available if you decide you must have it. Either way, that would be a good "haggle point" for you with your dealer... Maybe you can get a better deal by negotiation on the lack of a traction differential. After my recent addition, I would definately recommend the '03.

 

[Prairie Dog]

After having had a truck w/o LSD I would never get one w/o it again.

 

[DPelletier]

Your old truck sounds pretty nice. I went from an '01 to an '03 to get the 6spd, guess your looking at going the other way! Anyway, I have had my new truck for a week and the improvements in the interior are very nice. I have two kids, so the larger quad cab w. better doors and full opening windows are a real bonus. I was also nervous about the common rail and new lack of noise, but the new truck sounds nice, just alot quieter at idle. All in all, I like the new truck.

I always buy a truck with limited slip, but often wonder if I need to.

Also, as far as I know, all SLT's have the manual transfer case, and only the Laramies have the electric switch. Is this not the case?

Dave

 

[JRMora]

I was living in Colorado with my '97. It was a 5 SPD and didn't have a LSD. In the snow I couldn't go anywhere without using 4WD. I had a Ford PSD (I know!) with LSD and could go 90% of the time in 2WD alone. It was an auto which also helped. My '04 has LSD and I havn't had any problems in slick conditions. Haven't used 4WD yet!



These diesels have soooo much torque that I wouldn't buy one without a LSD.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I would not worry about the open diffs. I have driven a lot of snowy mountain trails with open diffs. Actually better on side slopes as if both rear tires lock and skid, you slide sideways--off the cliff. There haqve been mixed reviews on the AA limited. It is a gear type like the Auburn and Tractechs true-trac and gives some torque bias, about 1. 8:1 but is not a real "locker" any more than clutch and cone types. My limited experience is that if you want a locker, get a real Detroit. Unfortunately, none is available yet. I thought that way 7 years ago and got opens on my '97. There still is no DL for 3. 54s in Dana 80s (for my 97), but I have never missed it either.



If you don't need that AT, I'd select a 6 speed. Otherwise, I think the current engine is a proven thing and I'd much rather get it than wait for the '04. 5 smogger.



Rebate is better on '03s but blue book is better on '04s. I picked what I found that met my desires and needs. My '04 does not have any of the issues/problems reported about '03s, and has a few upgrades like headrests.



The new Rams have a number of good features, such as ones I wrote about in TDR39. I especially like the new BRAKES!!! Oo.

 

[gsbrockman]

I agree with Prairie Dog and JRMora. Too much torque and hp to go to only one wheel.

Greg

 

[Briman]

Originally posted by gsbrockman

I agree with Prairie Dog and JRMora. Too much torque and hp to go to only one wheel.

Greg

So much torque in fact, that when I side step the clutch I leave two strips of rubber on the road (with open Dif). There are pros and cons to both and I wouldn't let the open rear end stop you either.