jpfishmaster

I've owned 2 Ford SD's and recently went to a gas burner for the financial sake of putting my wife's 16 year old into a car. Well, I'm gonna make the change to a Dodge CTD in the next 6 months or so and have been reading all that I can find here. I'll probably try to pick up an 03 4x4 Quad Cab 2500 CTD automatic just for the purpose of keeping my finances in check. Anything to look out for in the 03's? Thanks.

Jeff in TD

If you want an auto, I think looking for the 48RE would be a good idea (earlier SO 03's came with the previous transmission).

They have been known to have alternator brackets crack (photo of where they break in my gallery), some folks had trouble with door seals, and there was an updated power steering hose that cures a vibration in the wheel/pedals @ 2000 RPM. Trucks with the updated part will have a large cylinder looking weight and a metal crimped restriction about mid-run on the hose that supplies pressure to the brake hydrobooster from the power steering pump.

Other than that, I'd just look at the normal stuff... drives tight w/o wandering steering or any extra vibration, starts easily and runs smooth and strong, no evidence of major repair or abuse...

Overall, I think the 03's have been quite reliable, and I am pleased with mine.

P.S. I see this is your first post. Welcome to DTR. There are a bunch of helpful and friendly folks here (most who know way more than I do) who will answer any question you might think of.

SOhappy

My early '03 has been a great truck. Ball Joints and Steering Box at 35k under warranty, otherwise problem free.