I've been reading through tons of posts on the 03 and other years and Im really starting to wonder when mine is just going to fall apart. Lots of problems out there and fewer and fewer good things being written. Wondering if I should buy : spare lift pump, injectors, find another fuel rail pressure switch,,, that thing runs over 600 dollars at the dealer.. I love the truck , but what Ive been reading lately doesnt give me a warm and fuzzy especially if Im pulling the 5er up a hill with 72 K with all stock parts,,,,except for the fuel Pressure switch.

Do late model chevys and fords have these issues also?

Is it just normal wear and tear after 70K?

 

At 70k I would start looking at having a spare lift pump around for just in case. Not much other than that. Many have gone over 200k with the stock injectors. A lot has to do with the quality of fuel and the filtration.

MikeyB

 

Basically, you can count on one thing...........if your rig has tires.......you have trouble with it eventually. They all have issues.....Dodge....Ford....Chevy....Toyota.....Ni ssan...you get the point. Some have larger issues than others, but they all have parts that will fail. I have 165K on my truck and have replaced all the ball joints and all of the u-joints. Other than that, a water pump and a tranny cooler line were leaking. Nothing major in my opinion! It all depends on how your truck is used, and how you maintain it. I upgraded my lift pump at about 140K, but the stock one was still working fine, just couldn't keep up with my mods. As a matter of fact, I just gave it to another member here at DTR and its working fine for him! I change my fluids more often that it probably needs, but its cheap insurance to me. So ....I guess to answer your question, whatever parts you keep on the truck, you'll probably need something different! It's Murphy's Law!

 

VZ,,, I understand, ive been a shade tree for many years, I do lots of preventative maint. just spending too much time on this website reading all the neg threads...lol...

 

A lot of people come to these forums looking for help with issues. Not many will post on how well everything is going though.....

MikeyB

 

the only 2 real issues i had with my 03 was the lift pump and the 5 spd tranny. The injector problem came before the word was out about running the lower micron fuel filters and my opinion that boxes do cause premature injector failure. i still think they are a good truck

 

I can say I have had no issue with my truck except a pinion seal leak. i'm at 85,000 on the odometer, the pump was working fine, injectors seem ok, no leaks of any sort besides A/C, normal stuff. I also service my truck regularly, keep the motor half clean, and just added a whole bunch of new mods that will pretty much solve alot of the problems that could occur from wear and tear.

 

I've known several trucks/owners that rolled 150k plus with very little by the book maintance,on the 2nd set of tires and that was just about it.No fuel additives ever.These trucks were traded in but they had no issues.One of them is still around here and last I heard still had no issues and tows on a regular basis.These were 03 and 04 trucks.Two of these guys regret having traded in so soon after the fact.Had a 05 Quad Cab 4x4 SRW deliver a horse trailer to me with 559k and change on it.2 sets of brake pads, did not turn rotors,one clutch due to a worn throwout bearing,a front oil leak requiring a crank sleeve.No injectors no fuel pumps,no front or rear axel issues.I asked the owner /driver as many questions as I could in the hour he was at my house.Plus it sat in my driveway running the entire time.

 

I have to tell ya, if you don't go "jacking 'em up" you'll have far less problems or things to work on than if you leave it alone.
I have over 140K on mine and I added the Banks tuner and some add-ons that don't go against stock (very much. LoL )
I have an exhaust brake, a stainless 4" into 6" stacks to let 'er breath and a clean intake from the K & N to the turbo also made from 4" stainless.
All I did was throw away the stock lift pump, make an adapter to take its' place on the stock filter and put a Holley black pump under the bed hangin on the frame rail. I can hammer that cummins with the Banks set up on level 6 with the speed loader and haul butt up the hills with my boat and campin' gear loaded to the cab without trouble. I have a three gauge pod and I watch for potential problems, which I haven't seen any yet. I run a SOLID 12-13 pounds of fuel pressure regardless of the power setting or where my foot is.

I change the oil/filter don't go crazy with my right foot and treat 'er like I luv 'er. Don't get me wrong, when I want power I expect it but I do watch the abilities of the truck and treat it with the respect it's got cummin(s). .

So far, so good. No problems at all. I actually got over 100K on the first set of tires. I don't "drag race" it and I don't abuse it (much).
So there you have it... The receipe for success...

 

The owner/driver did tell that he knew others with all of these mods that in the long run had initial cost,trucks had more issues and got no better fuel mileage or towed any better then his did.He said STOCK was the way to go.

 

I like my 03, I've had to replace the power steering pump and transmission, I am terrible to sticking to a maintenance program. But all in all the truck has been great and I'm pushing just over 500hp with 128,000 miles strong.

 

Like someone else said, you only get to read about the problems online. Do '03s have a track record for a few typical problems? Sure, just like any year, but still it appears to be only a small percentage overall. From what I can tell they are actually one of the better year's of diesels to own- of any brand, all things considered. Just take care of your truck and it'll take care of you.

 

Sohappy you make me feel SO HAPPY, thank you. I was wondering about same issues too, but I've been reading about these trucks for many years and really I consider the '03 one of the best years, like the '97 or '98 12v

Mine had 162,000 when bought 3 weeks ago now has 173,100, I added 11,000 miles and only issue I had (so far) was clutch hydraulics needed replacement.

I tow for a living.

 

Owner previous to me ran 120,000 miles in a year and half. I've added 15,000 and have done nothing besides change filters and fluids. New tires and shocks, yeah, and on examination one brake job has been done. It is due for valve lash adjustment, and I'll update the A/C system with parts indicated in other threads here, this summer.

Added RokkTech Silent Might muffler downstream of Aeroturbine to quiet it.
Mileage is outstanding. Haven't checked on fuel pump, but glad to read of solutions around here. Same with fuel filtration.

This truck has more power -- to do its job -- than any truck I've owned. I fail to see the desire to be kiddie racer as these trucks are not cheap.

 

I'm very happy with my 03. Few irritating problems, but they were minor or my own fault. With a built tranny and the twins I'm smiling ear to ear every time I get behind the wheel. Now if this Diablosport crap would only wreck my injectors like everyone says it will, I could get a new set and be a REALLY happy camper. lol