Drove a 2003 diesel today that was being ushered around for displays at all the rodeos up here in Canada. 3500 Dually 4x4.
Engine is very quiet. they had a chassis dynamonter print-out with them that was done at another dealer. 260hp at 60mph in 5th gear, 726lb/ft torque at 45 mph in 5th gear!!!! Keep in mind this was a 4:10 geared truck so that definitely helped the torque available to the rear wheels.
This truck drove like a 1500, all I can say is I may have to trade out of the V-10(can't believe I am even thinking that:()
Score another home run for the Ram!!!!
RAM MAN
09-01-2002, 10:49 PM
saw a HEMI 3500 tonight, but put all out pulling power - I would want the all-new, high-pressure, common-rail injection, High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. The new High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel is the most powerful turbo diesel engine available in the 2500/3500 segment, producing 305 horsepower (227 kW) at 2900 rpm and 555 lb.-ft. (752 N•m) of torque at 1400 rpm. That torque results in a towing capability of 23,000 lbs. (GCWR). You can get it with the NV5600 heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission
drtswgr340
10-01-2002, 05:01 PM
I am about to get one of those new 03 diesels, really like them.
dodge_em
10-01-2002, 05:58 PM
Wish I could as well, but I will make due with what I have for now. I like my truck, and still haven't even begun to grow tired of it, and that is with 81k now on the odometer. When they come out with a crew cab, or start putting a diesel in a full sized SUV (like the Excursion), then it will be time to upgrade. The new diesel is an awesome machine. Drove a 2500 a couple of weeks ago. Smooth, quiet and powerful!!!
ladridox2000
10-19-2002, 11:28 PM
i have narrowed my truck search down to another dodge. most interested in the quad door 2500 or maybe 3500 w/ the new quiet cummings. main concern is if i choose the standard cummings (250 hp) is the autotrans. heavy enough to cope w/ all the torque, plus hold up for a reasonable amount of mileage pulling a 7000lb camper. i would prefer the 305 hp, but w/ only the standard trans available, and i live w/ a lot of traffic i dont really want to shift all the time. I've warned about the torque vs automatic trans from the past. should i take serious heed to the past....??
dodge_em
10-22-2002, 12:41 PM
ladridox2000,
I believe that they are supposed to be putting a stout automatic trans behind the high output later in the year (mid 2003). I had heard of a 5 or 6 speed automatic, but can't confirm that just of yet. I will do some more research and let ya know. Don't give up on the HO version if that is what you want. Might have to just wait a few months....
--dodge_em
fdf
10-23-2002, 06:09 PM
I got to hear one run at the dealer the other day.It still has the distinctive Cummins rattle just nowhere near as loud.Even the dealer asked how I would make it louder.I said"well 1st remove the silencer ring from the turbo,if so equipped,and then add 5" stacks ;) :) :D"...Doug
kgglass
11-14-2002, 08:53 AM
Just picked up my 03 cummins auto 4x4 longbed quad cab, LOVE IT.
six pack
11-14-2002, 10:22 PM
Originally posted by kgglass
Just picked up my 03 cummins auto 4x4 longbed quad cab, LOVE IT.
Congratulations and welcome to the board.
Post some good stories and pics when you get them for all to see:D
sillsmack
12-14-2002, 05:37 PM
DODGE_EM is right about a new stout AT for the HO.
Appearantly, as soon as GM shoved that Allison under thier Pickups, Ford went back to the their factory and built their own Super Heavy Duty 5 speed AT for thier new 6.0L 325hp Generation2 Powerstroke. It is available now for '03.
Well, Dodge, not to be outdone is working on thier own Super
Super Heavy Duty 5 speed AT especially for the HO as we speak.
I had heard it'll roll out for the '04 model year. I might wait but I'm ready to buy now.
I really like the 3500 SRW.
I'll check the DODGE website and report if I find any new info on this new slush box
six pack
12-14-2002, 09:56 PM
My service literature say the new automatic will be a 48RE.
So sorry guys, still a 4spd, just beefier than the one that is currently available.
My district rep had told me the rumour he had heard was that the new auto was not being released yet because there is not enough HO diesels to go around.
Makes ya think:)
The Hemi is available with a 5spd auto though(545RFE)
gruvtubes
12-16-2002, 08:40 AM
I would like some opinions from some that have driven the 03 HO Cummins. I have two friends who have em now and both traded up from the previous 24 valve. I drove one I have to say its a let down compared to my 99. They both agreed. I don't know where the power stats came from but maybe I was a little over expectant given all of the hype about the new Cummins.
six pack
12-16-2002, 10:46 PM
Were these 99 diesels stock or had they been modified?
Every HO that I have driven has been a definite power monster.
They seem to have much better pull at a lower RPM, the torque
curve backs up the butt dyno on this one.
I have noticed trucks with 4:10 gears do not pull as hard as ones with the 3:73's. I am sure this would change with a load behind rather than being empty though.
My 2¢:)
gruvtubes
12-17-2002, 01:09 AM
The only thing done to my 99 is have the muffler and resonator removed. My buddy's truck was bone stock it was a 2000. He went and bought this truck back from the dealer he traded it to. Now his wife drives the 03. He probably got raped buying his other one back!! I didn't pull anything when I drove it so maybe that had alot to do with it.:dunno:
