Hi all,
I am considering trading my tried tested and true 96 2500 CTD for an 03 3500 DRW longbox. I know all of the 12v guys say I shouldn't tade simplicity and reliability for this truck but they may be a bit biased.. I thought I'd come over to the third gen forum and ask the owners here what they think. Also what are any inherrent probs with the 03's that I should look for when I take the truck for a spin tommorrow. I have done some reading here already and read about front ends, but I think that is common to all Rams. As far as I can tell this truck has not been modded (still has reg size exhaust) and has 50000 miles.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

is the truck a SO or HO ?

 

You can get a good idea on how the truck is taken care of. If its a very clean, straight and solid truck, chances are it was maintained properly. If its a manual trans, pay close attention to how it shifts. The NV's can develop syncro problems, mainly in 3rd and reverse. If its auto, see if it is an SO or HO motor. I believe SO has the 47RE and the HO has 48RE, correct me someone if I am wrong. Look closely at the motor mainly around the high pressure fuel lines to see if they look like they have had a wrench on them. Free rev the motor to about 2500, if the RPMs "hang" its a sign of injector issues. Check behind the fuel filter housing to see if its the origional (mounted on the housing) or has had the in-tank pump installed. When accelerating pay attention for vibrations, some of these are bad for u-joints (especially w/ 2 piece driveshafts). Check balljoints, and try and hit a pothole at higher speeds, see if it has any death wobble. Im sure your used to that if your old 12v is 4wd But those are the more common issues. But like I said, if it looks as if it has been taken care of, it most likely has. Good luck, I was very happy to switch to a new CR Cummins

 

I would ask ( if it is a Dodge dealer ) for them to show you the history of the vehicle and also to get an options list. That way you know what goodies the truck has for sure. I have a SO witha 48RE. It can happen. Some were lucky ( like me) and others not. All the HO's came with the 48 if it was an auto. The dealer can print the history and you'll have a pretty good idea if the truck had a lot of issues by the number of trips for warranty. If it isn;t a dealer selling the truck, PM me the vin, and I'll get a run down for ya!