bystander

first post to this forum.

after scrolling through the threads and performing some searches, it looks like you are a great group to join for information without getting beat on too much.

I currently have a 2004 Ram 1500 that i want to trade in for a 2500. I would like to stay in this body style so i can swap over my canopy and radio etc.... from the searches that i have performed I am understanding that a 2003 would be the best year? I would appreciate any advise on things to stay away from and things to look for while test driving.

I will be using the truck to pull a 8000 lb camp trailer with a jet ski in the bed of the truck

thank you in advance for any advise.

ssandlin

Welcome and this is a great forum. I've learned a boatload about my truck since joining.

As far as which year, you'll get varying opinions, imagine that! All I can say is I bought my 06 new in February of 06. It now has 153,000 miles and the engine has been flawless, no issues what so ever. I do maintain it religiously.

When shopping for a "new to you" truck, I'd ask for maintenance records which would tell you a lot about the truck. I've kept all of mine for that very reason.

Good luck!

C Schomer

My early 03 6spd has been golden! If you want auto plus the no-emissions/simplicity I'd get 03.5-04.4 305HO engine for the 48re trans. 04.5 was the first for the 325hp. I drove one before buying my 03 and I wasn't impressed at all. Craig

bystander

thank you guys for the advise, buying magazines and searching the web before i make a purchase.

Spooler

03 or early 04 (Pre January 04') will be your best beat. These years had an SO and HO engine. Be aware of which one you are getting. The SO trucks have the 47re auto tranny and the HO trucks have the more desired 48re. Look on the valve cover of the truck. If it says Tq 555, it is an HO. If it says TQ 600, it is an 04.5 or up engine. I do not remember what the SO engine Tq's are.

soulezoo

Sorry... but Spooler was a bit inaccurate with the info above. (Not meaning to call you out there... just trying to get right info to the OP)

SO this can be confusing to the OP.

47re transmission was delivered (I don't have the serial number or month build off the top of my head) for the first part of the 2003 model year and then was switched over to the 48re. All 2004 models with auto have the 48re.

There were actually 3 engines offered:

305/555
250/465
235/465 (California emissions model)

The 305 (or triple nickel- called such due to the 555 tq rating) came with manual transmissions.
The 250 and 235 came with the autos (either 47re or 48re)

Get what you want transmission wise and don't worry about the engine power rating. A Smarty downloader evens them all out and then some.

OP: the reason these two years are most desireable is due to fuel mileage. They got the best of the third gens. For example, I was able to get over 700 miles on one tankful a few times (before I started to bomb that is) Also, there is no catalytic converter on them (except the California models). Manual transmissions tend to get a mpg (or 2) more than the autos. Low 20 mpg highway mileage is common on these.

There are other differences (like turbo, ecm, fuel pump) on the later models that are advantageous as well.

Good luck in your search and welcome to DTR.

HarleyHauler

Welcome to the group -- you will find this to be a valuable resource for anything with your diesel (I have over the years).

I have an '03 HO with the 48RE trans and I can't remember the last time I got over about 18 mpg. I do have taller tires and it is a LWB quad cab 4X4, so I wasn't expecting great mileage to begin with. I will say that it has done everything I have ever wanted it to regarding hauling, etc.

I purchased the SMARTY as one of my first upgrades -- and I highly recommend you get one once you choose which truck to buy.

Country23047

Welcome!

Spooler

Dang it, I read it again and missed putting the 03' model only for the 47re.

bystander

thank you for the advise and the good information