Wish I’d have known, boss just traded a loaded ‘02 7.3 with 113k miles in for a 2020. They gave him 9700 in trade, I about cried.
Buying 03 Dodge 2500
- Thread starter _Snake_
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Wish I’d have known, boss just traded a loaded ‘02 7.3 with 113k miles in for a 2020. They gave him 9700 in trade, I about cried.
Buy it. In this market, you’re going to be hard pressed to find an amazing deal. If you like the truck, just do it. You obviously know it can have other problems than just the engine at the mileage. The weak link is the transmission. I had an 05 Cummins, I loved that truck. It sits just down the road from me. I sold it to my neighbor. All he has done in 8 years and 100,000 miles is a water pump.
I like my powerstroke I’m in now, but I absolutely love a Cummins. I’ve had several family members work at Cummins, and they weren’t too happy when they saw me in a powerstroke. There’s a reason why these guys don’t like it. It’s because they know a Cummins is well built and they get the job done without two extra cylinders.
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I like my powerstroke I’m in now, but I absolutely love a Cummins. I’ve had several family members work at Cummins, and they weren’t too happy when they saw me in a powerstroke. There’s a reason why these guys don’t like it. It’s because they know a Cummins is well built and they get the job done without two extra cylinders.
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From what I found, it looks like there was a change midyear 03 or at the start of 04.
I’m ok with a SO. The heaviest thing I’m towing is a 25’ center console, followed by a two-horse slant load gooseneck with a small living quarters. Both are too much for our current Silverado 1500 (5.3).
The really hard part is going to be leaving it as is. I could easily go back down that path that @gimmie11s is on. LOL
I guess the cats outta the bag. I put a deposit down pending a satisfactory PPI.
Just be prepared for this thing to have the shittyest transmission you've ever driven.
I've heard that about them also. I'm asking for details, but it's been rebuilt and upgraded with Suncoast parts. The current owner has has several Dodge CR's and swears he loves the way this one drives. We'll see.
I had a 2000 and smoked the transmission once snd torque converter twice. It had a TST box and injectors though.
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The trans can be built to hold stupid power... if/when it shits the bed just build it and never worry again.
The only thing I have to add is that if you buy it be prepared to replace all those new moog suspension products. Moog went to total shit years ago.
I have I had problems with their parts flat out not fitting and a former coworker had his entire front end of his Chrysler rebuild with 100% moog stuff. Ball joints, tie rods and a arm bushings lasted 10,000 miles and were all shot!
I have I had problems with their parts flat out not fitting and a former coworker had his entire front end of his Chrysler rebuild with 100% moog stuff. Ball joints, tie rods and a arm bushings lasted 10,000 miles and were all shot!
Yup, Moog is not a "Go-To" brand anymore. I'd sooner jump on AC Delcos premium parts.
Also, 3rd Gens, being the shit heaps they are, are renown for front suspension problems and death wobble.
What You Should Know About the Ford Super Duty Death Wobble
Cant be any worse than the coil front Superduty 05+. Buddy and I almost died in one of those last year on the highway.
O.P. Just buy the truck! You will love it. I’ve owned two 5.9’s and two 6.7’s, both of those being 4th Gens, but there is just something about the looks of the 03 to 05’s. They’re sharp.
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You're good to go then. From the factory, the tranny's left a LOT to be desired. Nothing that can't be correct with the aftermarket.
Had to take in two brand new (<10K) SD's from work for ridiculous death wobble
If you come out the Atlanta way shoot me a pm or you need a tow...I kid I kid. Hope you enjoy it!
Realistically a converter and valve body and they’ll hold 450rwhp if you don’t do boosted launches and stupid shit. That and keep the bands adjusted.
Beyond that it’s extra clutches, servo, apply lever, shafts and some pretty simple mods for stupid power. The 727 was stout, Dodge just got lazy only went 85% on these trans.
Truck passed a PPI today with flying colors. The only issues noted had been previously disclosed to me. The future previous owner sent me a couple of videos: a cold start inside the cabin, exhaust immediately afterwards, and a drive through the gears to 60 mph. He ran it up to 2200 rpm and it held that through every gear and every shift until OD. Seriously. It almost looked like the tach was stuck (it wasn’t). OD dropped the rpms to approx 1600 at 50ish.
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