I've got to disagree. Mine has almost 160,000 miles on it now and the only thing I've done to the engine is put a Walbro lift pump on. I have been running either a Bullydog or Smarty for about 140,000 miles and oversize tires for 150,000 miles. I tow my trailers through the mountains regularly.

The tranny is toast and I've totally rebuilt the front end, but the truck is the best vehicle I have ever had. When I am only loaded lightly or running empty I get about 20 MPG going up to Nevada and about 21 MPG coming back. Average about 19 with commuting to the Bay Area on the freeway and running around town. This truck gets used and is always carrying something. I change the oil every 10,000 miles and it has never needed a quart between changes. And after 10,000 miles it is only brown in color. It is way faster than stock but starts and runs just like new. No cat and no third injection event. But, yes, the headlights suck and the 48RE is not up to any more than stock power without, at least, a good TC and VB.

If you simply want to build a sled puller you might want an '06. But if you want to put some serious miles on it and want efficiency, get a 305/555. Don't buy a later model just because it is rated at 325 HP. A Smarty will give you way more than the 20 HP difference and make it more fun to drive while getting better mileage.

 

Hey guys,
I knew that my post wouldn't be popular with alot of people...
I must say that most of the trouble that I had with my 03 was related to me modifying it trying to get more power out of it. After I posted I got to thinking about my 06. I do like the truck better but in 60,000 miles I have had to replace 1 injector and I replaced the rear u joint yesterday. So nothing is perfect. I know this out of the 25 or so trucks that I have owned my worse diesel powered truck was alot better then my best gas powered truck.
Take care,
Topper

 

The reason I like my 03 303-555 is There is no EGR once you have burned that fuel why would you want to try and burn it again. That is why the oil gets dirty on the newer trucks. I admit the headlights suck and so do the ujoints But the main reason I like my 03 is it has one more AC vent in the dash than even a 04 325-555. (LOL)
Jim O

 

the egr is only on the 6.7s

 

Thanks for all the info guys. The lift pump issue is really no concern for me. A FASS will be replacing the stock one first thing. I am also going to be looking for a mega cab. Does anyone know when they started making them? If I understand things correctly the catalytic converters were added in 05. Definately don't want one of those.

 

What year did they change from a NV5600 to a G56? I've seen some 5 speed 03's too, , did they not have the 6 speed then, was it an option or ?. Also, are the axles and ratio availability the same in all years?

 

I was just going to say MINE!! MINE is the best!!!

Bookshelf, they did have the 6 speeds available in 03, might have been an option or something. I do remember they were hard to get for some reason.

 

05 was the switch. I think the early 05's had the NV and not long afterward, they switched to the G56.

Some early 03's........California emission trucks had 5 speed NV4500s....as well as 47RE autos........with 10.5'' rear axles.

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06 is the first year for Mega. Cats showed up in 04.5. Early 05s had NV5600, later they switched to G56. Only Cali emission and SO trucks had the NV4500 5-speed manual. 03 HOs originally were only available with the 6 speed manual, but later the 48re was released and could be had behind the HO...

 

So for the trucks that have a cat is there any problems with removing the cat and is there a cat delete part that can be ordered? Or possibly a turbo back exhaust that doesn't have a cat?

 

teej no and yes to both of your questions. Being in Texas you shouldn't have a problem cutting the cat off and running straight. Genos Garage has the delete pipe you're looking for, the exhaust is a full 4" so no use ditching it for another 4" system.

 

Rip, will the truck still pass inspection with the cat removed or do you have to put it back on to pass?

 

You do not need it in Texas. Texas doesn't do any emissions testing, currently, on diesels. It is a safety check only....for brakes, lights, horn etc. Cheaper too.....like $14.00. Cars cost more...not sure how much more though.

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Really? I am fairly new to Texas (about a year) and they charged me $50 to inspect it when I got it done. I need to find the right place. I would much rather pay $14.

 

I think they owe you a refund! I'd call around in your area and ask other places that handle inspections. I thought they were the same state wide. $14.00, safety inspection only.......and you are outta there.

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