Used Ram 3500 - what to look for

[Wesbo]

I talked myself into a new truck for towing, and am going to look at a 2003 3500, diesel, DRW, automatic. Other than the obvious used-vehicle things, what should I look for when inspecting/driving the truck? I'm new to diesels and one-tons, having been a half-ton gas man for the last few years.

Thanks,

W

 

[mlauk]

Make sure you get the H.O. engine with the 48RE automatic. The 47RE transmission could not handle as much torque and was only available with the S.O. engine. You can identify the engine HP by looking at the sticker on the engine.

2003 S.O. Federal Emissions: 250HP/460lb.ft. Available with NV4500 or 47RE
2003 S.O. Calif. Emissions: 235HP/460lb.ft. Available with NV4500 or 47RE
2003 H.O. Federal Emissions: 305HP/555lb.ft. Only available with NV5600
2003.5 The 47RE was replaced by the 48RE automatic transmission and available with the H.O.

 

[RollTideRam]

turbodieselregister.com You can learn all their is to know about CTD's there. You have to be a member to post or search, but reading is free. JC

 

[LoneCowboy]

Dodge automatics suck
suck suck suck

The cummins is an AMAZING motor with a horrible automatic transmission. Dodge sells something like 50% stick shifts, Ford is under 10% and Chevy doesn't even offer one starting in 2007.

If you want an older Dodge diesel, get a stick shift.
Rams tend to be hard on front brakes, not a big deal, just look for it.

Make sure they have good maintenence. Fuel filter changed, oil changed, air filter changed, etc.

There's a ton of diesel forums around.

(disclaimer: I've owned a Dodge, 2 Fords and 2 Chevy's over the past 6 years)

 

[davemhughes]

TDR is ok but this one is free to post and ask questions at and it is larger than TDR which wants your $$ to ask questions. Dodge-Diesel.Org - Diesel Truck Resource - Home

The Cummins engine is outstanding but like everyone has said.....auto trans just blows for really doing some actual work. I own a 2001 HO 4x4 6sp trans.

 

[Dmace]

Dodge automatics suck
suck suck suck

They did suck. In 2002 Dodge designed a new transmission with Daimler - Mercedes Benz, the 45RFE. So far I have not heard of any problems with it. There are guys on "The Hemi Dodge Truck Club." making in excess of 500 hp and even more torque through the stock auto tranny with just a high stall torque converter. This is just the tranny that comes in the HEMI Rams, the one in the Diesels is even stronger.

The Cummins diesel in unbeatable in terms of engines.

Good Luck!

 

[RollTideRam]

O3's have the stronger 48re, My 01 has 79k with stock auto and brakes. You will hear lots of stories about the auto being good or bad. I have only added a small amount of power and have never towed over 6k and the only problem with my Dodge is a cracked dash.
TDR does cost $35 a year and has a quarterly magazine. I have learned things and have used TDR discounts to easily cover the $35. JC

 

[Egon]

Whats wrong with the transmissions??

 

[LoneCowboy]

Besides being built by Dodge who seems to have an inordinate amount of trouble with all their transmissions over the last 15/20 years.....
the one in the Diesels just isn't stout enough to take all the torque.
There are many more instances of Dodge transmissions blowing up than probably all the other makes combined (and I'm sure they all have their lemons and issues)
But ti's a common issue with Dodge's. Some work for 200,000 miles
Some strand you at 14k.

But a lot more than the other 3 brands.
A Dodge diesel with a stick shift is a **** of a truck.

 

[Z-Michigan]

You will find this type truck far more capable than any 1/2 ton. Look forward to it!

We've had a Ram 2500 with the Cummins for about a year and it's been great. We have the current auto (2006) and while 4 speeds is old fashioned for the power level, it works just fine.

Being new to diesels, try to get a sense of whether the owner has been buying diesel fuel from good places (generally places that get a lot of turnover, but truck stops vary a lot in fuel quality) and if the truck is over 30,000 miles ask if the fuel filter has ever been replaced. Fuel quality is critical and diesels are much more susceptible to water in the fuel. There is a water separator in the fuel system that goes along with the fuel filter - ask if it's ever been drained. With quality fuel only a little water will accumulate, but as the miles go up this stuff should be done periodically. If the person doesn't know the answers, figure out whether the truck has been serviced by someone competent (dealer or a good diesel mechanic) or if these items have been neglected.

In general, though, if the engine has had oil changes and reasonable quality fuel, there should be no issues and it should have more life ahead than a gasoline engine of the same age.