Used '03 3500 - 48RE or 47RE

[ERohloff]

Getting close to ordering a '05 3500. Just found a used '03 3500, 22k, AT. As much as I've been reading on these forums you'd think I'd know if the '03 has a 48 or 47 in it. Think 48RE but was this a transition year?



Also, is there any easy way to tell when looking at the truck? Equipment codes? Located where on the vehicle?



One needs to makes ones own decision but what do you guys think about an '03, AT, 22k, 4x4, QC, LB (no 5'er hitch) for 26k$ Vs same new (but SB) for 34k$. Both SRW. Aside from the SB vs LB issue, what does you guys think?

Suspect we got two camps here. Better mpg w/ the '03 vs sl improved truck for the '05.



Appreciate your comments / Happy holidays !



Bob R...

 

[SRadke]

They had both in 03. The 47RE was used agenst the SO engine only so if you're truck is the HO 555 ft/lb version it'll have the 48RE. Check the data tag for SO/HO information.



-Scott

 

[BHolm]

You can look right on the engine info tag under the hood. As mentioned, if it is the 305hp HO you have the 48re for sure. With the SO engine it could come either way.



Nothing at all wrong with the '03s, they still have plenty of power and definately have a 2-3mpg advantage, if not a little more. I don't think there are enough improvements in the '05 to justify $8k and I prefer long box trucks

 

[daytripper63]

They had both in 03. The 47RE was used agenst the SO engine only so if you're truck is the HO 555 ft/lb version it'll have the 48RE. Check the data tag for SO/HO information.



-Scott

Early build 03's both H. O AND S. O. had 47RE

48RE came out after early 03 builds

 

[Tony T.]

I have the SO250hp/460tq/47RE in my truck, engine build date is 11/15/02. I bought mine in early Jan/03 off the lot. Three weeks later the 48RE was being offered. I so far have not had a minutes trouble with my transmission. I don't tow that much here lately, but if I would had planned on using the truck to tow real heavy or daily towing I probally would have bought a six-speed. Also you can find a data tag in the glove box with info about trans on it alone with some other good info.



Tony

 

[DPelletier]

Early build 03's both H. O AND S. O. had 47RE

48RE came out after early 03 builds

You sure? I don't think you could get an HO auto until the 48RE came out.



Dave

 

[PJ]

Just my own opinion, I would buy the new truck. You just never know what the used one went through. I know for a fact that the poor guy that bought my traded in 04 must really be pi$$ed. That truck was hell! I only owned it 10 months and 13k miles, but... It lived at the dealer. Now, my new truck has been GREAT except for the start up white smoke. That is something Im dealing with and soon should be resolved. I would highly recomend the NEW truck and then you can get everything you want, not what the other guy that was the first owner wanted. There usually is a reason why a truck is being sold with low miles and only a year or 2 old. It could have also been wrecked. You never know. I also stand by my policy of "TRUST NO ONE!" All they want is to sell the truck and get your money. After that, they all change their attitude towards you.

Best of luck with what you choose and Happy Holiday! Oo.

 

[Tomeygun]

Needless to say, I think the new is the better way to go...



But I must say that is a hard choice, did I price that new truck for you?

I guess'ed it would have a 32988. 00 sale price, FWIW



That would be about $3500 a year, and extra 20 HP



Boy, on second thoguht, I might just do for the 03

 

[ERohloff]

Tomeygun, just sent you a pm re your reply... .

Cheers

Bob R...