I have been looking for my truck. I have pretty much decided on a 2003 CTD 2500, long bed, 4WD 6 speed, quad/crew cab, 3:73. Im starting to wonder if they made any of them. If someone can clear up a couple things I will continue with confidence.. If I buy an '03 is it certain to be the quieter engine? (like did they start half way into the year or something) also can I confirm the gear ratio from a plate in the glove box like was suggested to me? And is it my imagination or are the '03' 4WD 3/4 T trucks a little lower in the rear? (thats a good thing for me as I'm inoutinoutinout.....
Thanks, this is so cool to get answers from people with no agenda besides a love for CTD.

 

Yes all 2003's are '3rd gens' with the quieter HPCR engine. For 03-04, there were standard output (SO) and HO engines. I highly suggest the HO.

You didn't list if you wanted SRW or DRW.

Gear ratio is in the glove box

They are all lower in the front, which is why many companies make leveling kits.

 

Half way through the 2003 model year, the beefed up 48RE automatic became available. When this happened Dodge dropped the "SO" output engine altogether and from that point forward all engines were basically the old "HO" models.

 

He did say he wants SRW since there's no 2500 duallies.

possum: yes, they definately made some. I've got exactly what you're describing. But I'm not selling it! And I think that might be the problem... these things are great trucks! I don't plan on ever selling mine. With the change to the 04.5 and the new 600/610 engines and drop in mileage and other issues I've seen on here, the 305/555 engines - to me - at least is the best engine of the bunch so far. That's the HO engine which you should get if you get a 6 speed. Verify this on the engine data plate, though. And good luck!

 

I'll throw my .02 in. Stay away from it if its a AUTO-TRANS. The HO will kill it.

 

They are hard to find because we owners won't give them up

 

ebay -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW

 

Excellent choice.Dont worry about s.o or h.o. the s.o. responds extremely well to mods,i would go 6 speed unless you want to upgrade the 48re.

 

all us guys with the 48re must be walking down the road to hear you 6 speeders talk.I hope you guys will at least stop and give me a ride lmao

 

i have an 03 SO 4x4 with a 48re. it drives fine and gets good fuel milage, no less then 17mpg but avereage around 19 or 20. if you can get one do.

 

I have an 03 set up just as you describe, except I have an auto. I originally looked at a manual but the shifting didn't feel right. My 2 cents

 

Been VERY few posts about the 48re giving any problems.I wanted the auto!

 

I too would like to hear about all of the 48RE problems with the "STOCK" H.O. engine. I tow 11,000lbs with it and don't have any problems. As far as I know the only problems with the 48RE is when you up the power output of the engine via after market goodies.

 

I've had two trucks with the 47re. No problems with both! If you pump things up and abuse it I'm sure you will eventually break somthing!

 

I have an 03 3500 dually and pull a 14000lb trailer with the 48RE tranny and no problems. I had an 01 2500 HO 6speed before and will take the auto for hauling anyday.