What's The Scoop on The 2003???

[radar doctor]

I'm thinking of ordering a 2003 Diesel 4x4 Long Bed Automatic? I'm wondering if there are any problems noted by the new owners out there? Are you satisfied with the mileage and the Truck in General??? Thanks

 

[RonaldLarson]

The comeback on the '03's is almost non-exsistant.

We sell them as quick as we can get them. I would wait, though, for the new 48RE transmission before ordering. Good choice as you have outlined, you should be very pleased, especially with fit, finish, handling,power and braking. (I guess that's everything). Nice stuff!

Ron

 

[radar doctor]

2003 Truck

Thanks RON, i want to get a responce from New Owners as to how they like the New Truck refferenced back to the Old Truck they had. Is there anyone out there that would care to responde here? Thanks Billi

 

[BV]

You might want to check out the Third Generation forum for more 3G information - I know there are a few responses from the new owners.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'm moving this to the 3rd gen forum for better exposure.

 

[EOwen]

Like my signature says " of the 28 trucks I have owned, I think

I will keep this one". And I had an '02. Oo.

 

[Badunit]

I just got a 2500 QC short bed with the HO and NV5600. Not exactly the same as what you're looking for but I absolutely love it. Compared to the '00 and '01 I used to have (both gassers), it rides better and the steering is way improved. Hard to tell the fuel mileage yet, the overhead console says something like 16 mpg over the 170 miles I've driven so far.

 

[jimnance]

Well Radar, as the former owner of a 1991 DTD with auto, a 1995 DTD with auto, a current 1999 DTD with auto, and now the owner of a 2003 DTD with 6 speed I think I can make a few comments.



First, all my DTD's were great trucks. I didn't sell them because they were bad, but because improved models became available.



When my wife and I began fighting over who got the truck the only solution was to get another.



Most anyone here will tell you that the DTD with auto is a great truck, but the stock auto has some limitations. If you are going to tow some serious weight (say over 8,000 lbs) given time the torque converter will die and other elements of the transmission as well. There are companies like DTT, ATS, and others which market aftermarket upgrades to both the transmission and torque converter that increase reliability and the ability to put serious horsepower to the ground while towing.



Because I was towing a big fifth wheel that would ultimately make me spend some big money on my transmission, and the wife only pulls a small horse trailer it made sense to let here have my old one.



I do like my '03 very much. It is super quiet, has abundant power, and the transmission is geared just right with the 6 speed mated to the HO engine. I think I will still add an Edge fueling box when they become available because you can't have too much power.



Please don't take my response as implying that the auto is a bad transmission. It's just that we all tend to bomb our trucks, and when adding a heavy load they just don't tend to hold up real well. If you keep the truck stock and stay reasonable with the tow weight (+/_ 8,000 lbs) you'll do fine. The problem is you'll soon be yearning for even more power and then you bump against the transmission thing again.



Good luck with your choice. Either way, IMHO, the Cummins Turbo Diesel is the most durable and reliable engine in a 3/4 ton truck today.