New Owner of '03 CTD 3500 QC 4X4 6sp SRW
#1
New Owner of '03 CTD 3500 QC 4X4 6sp SRW
So I took the plunge and traded my '02 PS for an '03 CTD 3500 QC 4X4 6sp SRW. I have not had time to really get acclimated with it but thus far seems like quite a truck.
I have been reading alot of the old threads and been doing quite a few searches. Can anyone tell me the difference between mine and a similar 2500? I guess it is the springs more than anything.
Anything I should know about these trucks? 1st plans are boost and pyrometer gauges. Are the factory oil and temp gauges close to being accurate?
I plan on putting 35s and turning up the power. I wont be towing much just an occasional weekend bobcat rental. There will be some 4 wheeling involved and of course daily driving.
I am sure there will be many more question but where should I start? After the gauges what should be the first thing done?
PsR
I have been reading alot of the old threads and been doing quite a few searches. Can anyone tell me the difference between mine and a similar 2500? I guess it is the springs more than anything.
Anything I should know about these trucks? 1st plans are boost and pyrometer gauges. Are the factory oil and temp gauges close to being accurate?
I plan on putting 35s and turning up the power. I wont be towing much just an occasional weekend bobcat rental. There will be some 4 wheeling involved and of course daily driving.
I am sure there will be many more question but where should I start? After the gauges what should be the first thing done?
PsR
#2
Chapter President
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations on your new truck......
Welcome to the site and enjoy your new truck. There is a wealth of knowledge here on this site. I have learned so much information regarding performance upgrades and problem shooting just by reading posts on here.
IMO, gauges are a must especially if your going to add some performance/fueling modifications.
Regarding the 35's, you may want to lift it up a few inches if your planning on 4 wheeling otherwise you will more than likely get some rubbing issues in the front when off roading.
After gauges, I would open up the exhaust and the air intake first before adding additional fuel to the truck.
Enjoy the site and your new truck
HUMP
IMO, gauges are a must especially if your going to add some performance/fueling modifications.
Regarding the 35's, you may want to lift it up a few inches if your planning on 4 wheeling otherwise you will more than likely get some rubbing issues in the front when off roading.
After gauges, I would open up the exhaust and the air intake first before adding additional fuel to the truck.
Enjoy the site and your new truck
HUMP
#3
Thanks for the welcome hump.
Seems to be your truck is about like mine. I haven't had a chance to climb up under the truck to check but I am guessing I have the 4:10 gears. It takes 2500 rpms to get me around 73 mph or so. What does yours do?
Seems to be your truck is about like mine. I haven't had a chance to climb up under the truck to check but I am guessing I have the 4:10 gears. It takes 2500 rpms to get me around 73 mph or so. What does yours do?
#5
Welcome to the forum. There is lots of good information here.
I run about 2100-2200 rpm at 70mph and have the 3:73. I recently had my u-joints replaced under warranty along with the entire drive shaft (both pieces) since they claimed to be out of balance. They also changed my front left u-joint. I have about 61K miles and still have the original tires, with thread left.
I put a ISSPRO Pyro gauge along with the VA3.2 box. Someone suggested a exhaust and intake, I second that. The VA3.2 on the 60hp is fine but the 110hp setting gets hot quick!
I run about 2100-2200 rpm at 70mph and have the 3:73. I recently had my u-joints replaced under warranty along with the entire drive shaft (both pieces) since they claimed to be out of balance. They also changed my front left u-joint. I have about 61K miles and still have the original tires, with thread left.
I put a ISSPRO Pyro gauge along with the VA3.2 box. Someone suggested a exhaust and intake, I second that. The VA3.2 on the 60hp is fine but the 110hp setting gets hot quick!
#6
Registered User
also seemed like more of the 3500's had clearence lights.
A couple of things to watch for on 03's:
Quite a few people have had a steering column/pedal buzz or vibration at 2000 RPM that is cured by an updated power steering hose (actually the supply line to the hydroboost).
03's also have a TSB to watch for cracks on the top of the alternator bracket. I just had mine replaced (photo of where they crack in my gallery).
Anyhow, enjoy the truck.
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Irvine
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jeff in TD
03's also have a TSB to watch for cracks on the top of the alternator bracket. I just had mine replaced (photo of where they crack in my gallery).
Anyhow, enjoy the truck.
Anyhow, enjoy the truck.
Also get rid of that dam lift pump, which was my first mod.
Trending Topics
#8
Thanks for all of the info. So the lift pump on these are a problem also? I thought that was corrected. How about the injector pump, problems there also? What replacement is common for the lift pump?
I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.
I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Irvine
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PsRumors
Thanks for all of the info. So the lift pump on these are a problem also? I thought that was corrected. How about the injector pump, problems there also? What replacement is common for the lift pump?
I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.
I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.
#11
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: pacific north wet
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by PsRumors
I got BFG 315's mounted today, with the 4.10s (confirmed) and 6sp I think it will be a nice setup. Going to level it hopefully next week.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MikeRP
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
79
11-21-2016 10:19 PM
rcts
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
2
11-21-2009 11:29 AM
motrapper
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
1
05-15-2007 01:21 PM
dragginlx
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
15
03-09-2007 11:32 AM