I spend the majority of my time over on the 2nd Gen forum since I have a 99 CTD. But we've been considering trading our's in on a newer, 3rd Gen truck as we like the 4-door concept (kids will be coming along someday soon).

I'm well aware of all the things to be aware of on 2nd Gen trucks (53 Block, fuel system issues, tranny/TC woes, etc.) - I'm wondering what to be on the lookout for with the 3rd Gen trucks. From the searching I've done so far, there seems to be a drone of some kind around 70mph that has to do with the driveshafts or something like that. Anything else? All feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

Knock on wood, at 32k miles I have not had any of these problems, but here is a list of some things I have seen consistantly popping up:

1.) Cracking alternator bracket (there is a TSB for this...)
2.) Something about front door weatherstripping (another TSB issue)
3.) Some have had injectors knock/tick/fail
4.) Vibrations at certain RPM or during take-off under load
5.) Lots of complaints on the seats
6.) A rattle in the NV-5600 (another TSB)
7.) Something about the A/C system operating through only one side of the cabin

There are likely other issues, and I'm sure someone else will chime in here... Just a few that I see regularly. HTH.

 

Ditto on the list by tobyw. Mine's been great for the most part. I haven't had to deal with most of those problems but I do have the A/C problem where the door sometimes won't open for the defroster when you switch from floor to defrost. It makes it kind of hard to clear the windshield...

The biggest problem I have is that I wasn't going to do anything to it when I got it and look at my signature now!! I haven't even listed a bunch of stuff..

The drone is something people hear after they put on some aftermarket exhausts. I haven't read anything about drone problems with stock exhaust.

 

Don't forget about the low-grade paint.

 

Some early 03's were SO with the 47re trans. I've heard some good mileage numbers with the 03 so or ho. The diagnostics on the 04 on up is better than the 03's.

 

Yes, I forgot about the paint!! This Patriot blue is sweeeeet when it is clean. Just don't look at it up close because if you stare at it too hard it will scratch!!

 

Some of the early '03 models had a issue with cross threaded hydroboost line at the power steering pump. They usually failed at around 10k miles or so. Mine failed at 13k miles.

MikeyB

 

Great stuff - thanks.

How 'bout some feedback on the 48RE tranny? What year did it come out. I've heard that it's better than the 47. For those that have driven both, how much better is it? Like night and day?

 

i believe the 48RE Came out in the 03 HO's. Someone can correct me if im wrong

The work truck 02 has the 47, and mine and our 03 has the 48. The 47 has 120,000 on the stock tranny, and its almost ALWAYS hooked up to a gooseneck. hard to believe when i drive it, the thing still shifts perfectly soft. The 47RE must have been built the day after all the workers at the factory got laid

the 48RE in our 03 has been through the torment of an Edge EZ box set to the highest level, and towing on that highest level up to 20,000#. when under load of 5000 or more, it occasionally will shift into OD pretty hard. NO tranny slippage any other time. its bulletproof as well

The 48RE in my 04 is reliable for now. i havent really put the tranny to work yet, and ive only got 2200 miles on the truck. time will tell

 

I put a Valve body and converter in my 47RE at around 30,000 miles just because I was planning on doing a lot of towing. While the trans was out we pulled it all apart and inspected it. The clutches all looked like brand new and the only thing that showed any kind of wear was the thrust washer and it was very minimal. Those first 30,000 miles were almost all with the EZ on level 4..

 

4x4 ball joints wearing out fast..........Not sure if this was mentioned but seen it pop up a few times......

Not to mention death wobble on some 2" leveled trucks

 

I have the 70 mph drone only when towing my 30' camper.
I just stay at 65 mph and have no problem, plus it is a dramatic difference in rpm

 

Gear whine with the 3:73 ratio rear end.