2003 dodge 3500 cummins w/ 6 spd manual reveiws ? comments?

Mine was my only vehicle for 8+ year and I mostly drove it around town so the apps (tps) got a major workout. Just before 60k miles it quit. I mean, one minute fine and the next minute limp mode and irratic throttle but I could drive it home about 60 miles OK. I checked the codes, read the internet, ordered a new one for $169 and fixed it myself. I would NOT let that be a deterrent. It's a cheap easy fix. It also needed a t-stat by 60k and it was a very easy fob. Maint. is easier that a lot of cars cuz the 03-04s have room to work and the CTDs have the cheapest filters of the diesels. Oil and fuel about $13 @. The oem muffler is a terrible choke but that's a DIY fix too. The oem fuel transfer pumps go out - do a search on the fixes. I put an aftermarket on for ~$300. Craig

hertfordnc wrote:
FOr the people who own this truck what is the upkeep like?
I have had a couple Cummins diesels, they are very easy to maintain. Oil and fuel filter changes are about all you need to do regularly. Both are very easy, though the fuel filter does need a 1 and 1/8" socket which most people don't have laying around.

What skill level is required for DIY maintenance? For What routine service would you likely take it to a shop? Nope, spend 15 minutes on YouTube or one of the Cummins forums, and you can get step by step instructions for almost anything.

Besides the engine and transmission, what expensive major components can fail without warning?
Injectors, but they generally give some warning. Might be worth taking it to a diesel shop to get them checked before buying because replacing all 6 will cost about as much as you are going to pay for the truck.

I have a nice reliable 2001 Expedition that pulls my trailer OK but it's at about 85% capacitiy.

It would be nice to head to the mountians in a truck that is at 35% capacity.

There is risk with everything. I choose not to finance new trucks so I have to manage risk accordingly and make sacrifices. In this case I'll sacrifice good looks for a strong reliable truck. Before I buy it i'd take it to a shop and maybe send out for fluid analysis.

But I'd be grateful for more real world advice

You can scan the truck for codes yourself, and check how many hours are on it.

To scan for codes:
Start with key off. Turn to on/run, then off, on/run, off, on/run and leave it there. Do not crank the engine or you will have to start over. Have a pen and paper handy, codes will show up in the odometer.
LIKE THIS

Here's how to check engine hours:
VIDEO

Fuel filter change:
VIDEO

FOr the people who own this truck what is the upkeep like?

What skill level is required for DIY maintenance? For What routine service would you likely take it to a shop?

Besides the engine and transmission, what expensive major components can fail without warning?

I have a nice reliable 2001 Expedition that pulls my trailer OK but it's at about 85% capacitiy.

It would be nice to head to the mountians in a truck that is at 35% capacity.

There is risk with everything. I choose not to finance new trucks so I have to manage risk accordingly and make sacrifices. In this case I'll sacrifice good looks for a strong reliable truck. Before I buy it i'd take it to a shop and maybe send out for fluid analysis.

But I'd be grateful for more real world advice

C Schomer wrote:
Mine starts on the second turn. They aren't instant cuz of the sensors. Craig

That and the switch tor CR injection and electronically fired injectors , my 01 starts on about half a crank mechanical (very noise) injectors. I find it embarrassing when I don't hold the key in start long enough (1/4 crank) and it doesn't start. :o

Good luck with your project.

Mine starts on the second turn. They aren't instant cuz of the sensors. Craig

What is quickly? It doesn't start as quick as my 2001 Expedition but almost.

Make sure it doesn't grind going into rev. Does it start quickly? Craig

Well this is bad (for my marital harmony)

The truck passes the above tests. Running with the oil cap off there is not the slighest whiff of air/ blow by.

Likewise, the air filter is new. The serpentine belt is fairly new. Despite being incredibly dirty all the evididence suggests it was properly maintained.

wish me luck :-)

Here's a video with blow by. Be very careful with buying a cheap truck that's visually been abused. I would suspect the maintenance has been abused as well and like said earlier, these engines are not cheap.
Good luck...

Blow By

Thanks for the info. An oil analysis would also reveal most of these things, would it not?

I could send a sample to Blackstone.