2003 Ram 1500 - How does it rate??

From : steelfan

Q: i just put a deposit on a 2003 ram 1500 slt quad cab 4x4 with the magnum v8. it has 33+k miles on it. it looks to be in really good shape and drove well on the test drive. but it wasnt a real long drive. are there things i should look for that might deter me from buying it any hidden things any info would be appreciated. thanks jeff .

Replies:

From : steelfan

someone i used to work with syas that the rear and transmission on the dodges were not that good. is there anything to that or are they just being ram haters jeff .

From : steelfan

thanks for the reply. i got the 4.7 magnum v8. wanted a hemi but could not find one used. too much $$$$ to buy it new. the gas mileage part doesnt bother me as much since im not driving that far to and from work. jeff .

From : tom lawrence

thats what i thought. im sticking with getting the ram. in all seriousness early 4xre transmissions had a bit of a reputation for premature failure. the 03 ram youre looking at has a completely re-designed transmission the 45rfe or the 545rfe and in the 5-6 years its been out there have been very few complaints. as with any automatic transmission regular fluid/filter changes will let you get the most out of it. .

From : bdk

steelers58@yahoo.com says... i just put a deposit on a 2003 ram 1500 slt quad cab 4x4 with the magnum v8. it has 33+k miles on it. it looks to be in really good shape and drove well on the test drive. but it wasnt a real long drive. are there things i should look for that might deter me from buying it any hidden things any info would be appreciated. thanks jeff i like mine better than any vehicle i have ever owned. the only downside is the gas milage. 11 is about the best i can get around town. the only problem ive had is that the rear differential broke. it was found when i had it in for service. covered under warranty. did you get the 4.7 or the hemi bdk .

From : steelfan

thats what i thought. im sticking with getting the ram. .

From : bdk

steelers58@yahoo.com says... thanks for the reply. i got the 4.7 magnum v8. wanted a hemi but could not find one used. too much $$$$ to buy it new. the gas mileage part doesnt bother me as much since im not driving that far to and from work. jeff well i hope its a good one. the 4.7 engine seems to be pretty much trouble free.. bdk .

From : tom lawrence

someone i used to work with syas that the rear and transmission on the dodges were not that good. is there anything to that or are they just being ram haters well when presented with such overwhemlingly compelling evidence how could one argue differently .

From : tbone

the rears in the older models were also known to have bearing failures but i dont know if that is still happening. -- if at first you dont succeed youre not cut out for skydiving thats what i thought. im sticking with getting the ram. in all seriousness early 4xre transmissions had a bit of a reputation for premature failure. the 03 ram youre looking at has a completely re-designed transmission the 45rfe or the 545rfe and in the 5-6 years its been out there have been very few complaints. as with any automatic transmission regular fluid/filter changes will let you get the most out of it. .

From : steelfan

thanks guys. that helps me out alot. now im sure. jeff .