I am thinking about getting an 03 I need to know what the pros and cons are about the truck. Its a one ton dually two wheel drive.

 

Is it an HO or SO?

 

Im unsure I just looked it up on the internet is there a way I can tell by the vin number?

 

The vin will have a #6 or letter C in it, but I can't remember which position.
6 equals Standard Output
C equals High Output


I love my 03. Many think they are one of the best years aside from smaller turbo and a few other little things.

 

Eighth position in the vin number

 

what are the few other things. thank you for the help. Its a standard output is that good or bad?

 

not bad, just not as nice as the HO ;-) ha ha ha

 

better to add mods to tho,main problem is lift pump

 

Some were shipped with really low diff lube so check the rear out good. Some had driveline and other vibrations - that should have been warranteed if it ever had them. No problem with a SO, just get a Predator. Check all the AC dampers for proper air direction - defrost, floor, dash, outside/recirc, temp mixing - the 3rd gens are notorious for broken linkeages/dampers. Craig

 

Thank you for all the helpful information. It has a 137,000 miles do you think that is to many?

 

Ha Ha HA. your kidding right ?? Mine had 134,000 when I bought it. It now has 214,000 and I'll still have it past the 300,000 mark.

 

Okay thank you I want this to be the last truck I buy for a while so mileage is a small concern.

 

Great year. If it's an SO that could work in your favor, use it to beat them down on price. $250 in mods and you'll running with the HOs (that didn't sound right, did it?).

 

They are known to have drop valve seats, but usually due to excessive EGT's. The 4.5-05's have a better valve seat apparently...

 

my neighbor has one... SWR not a dually... It is bone stock and gets much better mileage than mine...

Bryan