I've heard a few guys on this forum say that the 03 and 04 trucks are ones to try to avoid. Just out of curiosity, what kind of problems are there with these trucks? I have a buddy thats lookin at an 03 so I just want to know what to look for. Thanks
03-04 problems?
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upinsmoke53020
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I've heard a few guys on this forum say that the 03 and 04 trucks are ones to try to avoid. Just out of curiosity, what kind of problems are there with these trucks? I have a buddy thats lookin at an 03 so I just want to know what to look for. Thanks
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5,525 Posts
theres nothing wrong with them, only real problem is the lift pumps are mounted on the back of the fuel filter canister, and the injectors arent real good with alot of added pressure, but as far as the truck goes, i have an 03 6-spd, and i drive it like it stole it, edge on 5x5 and have never had a problem with it, lift pump has never hiccuped, but im putting my smarty on soon and forgetting the edge, im sure on kill ill need a lift pump but it along with a clutch will be here soon too, i wouldnt trade my 03 for any new truck....
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Every year has issues. The first thing to go on mine was the lift pump. 177k on mine now and a water pump was the only thing that went bad on the engine after the warranty was up.
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my 03 runs like a top. I was worried about the fact that i bought a 03 but after reading more its a no biggy. Have your buddy read the refferance for 03 and 04 in the perfmance parts section.
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My 03 has worked it but off for years now an still going strong. Sure its had a few probs but its a great tuff truck. Im a diesel mechanic an everyone knows a mechanic doesnt take very good care of his own stuff LOL!! I replaced thr lift pump about a year and a half ago. Had F1 rebuild injectors a couple months ago. Noone works a truck harder than i do.
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My 03 has worked hard its whole life and runs as good at over 300000 miles than at 50000 miles. Replaced the original lift pump two weeks ago and while many say its bad to have it on the fuel filter,I changed it out in an hour and it would take a lot longer doing the intank lift pumps of the later models.The intank ones fail as much because I sell everyone I get in stock.
The injectors are weak on all these trucks if you give them too much pressure .I run a power puck on plus sixty HP and have had no problems.
These are the best trucks to own if you want a truck that lasts years. Just do your maintenance and you will be fine..
The injectors are weak on all these trucks if you give them too much pressure .I run a power puck on plus sixty HP and have had no problems.
These are the best trucks to own if you want a truck that lasts years. Just do your maintenance and you will be fine..
I thought 03-04.5 was the more desirable years? Reason being because of no emissions equipment at all so you can pretty much mod it easily... had no issues with the truck except for the poor quality non-greaseable joints. Replaced them with after market ones and all is good now.
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None of them have emissions equipment up until 07.5. Does anyone know if the 04.5-07's have injector issues as well along with higher pressures?
I believe that 04.5 and up have a cat... at least around here they do, and with emissions checks that can put a damper on removing it. The 04.5 and up also have more injection events per engine rotation to assist in emissions reduction. More injection events most likely means more injector wear. I already have a new set of injectors under warranty and thats on a 03.
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04.5 and up do have a Cat in them. I cut one up at our yard and its restrictive as hell...
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I think its more like 98 and up trucks have a cat. My 99 had one at one point at least. :confused013:
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For whats its worth, I was thinking of buying another truck this year but have changed my mind with the economy being what it is. I have been putting parts away to replace my drivetrain this summer as the truck is so strong. It still looks good,tracks straight and could go another 300000 miles. I love the early 3rd gen trucks as they are easy to work on...
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Perhaps the California trucks do but none of the ones we tear down have them.
Not on the 03-04.5 except maybe in one certain coastal US state...
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99 to 02 had cats 03to 04.5 did not 04.5 an up have cats
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Like said the lift pump is usually the first problem on the 03/04's. When i got mine that was the first thing to get changed out. Well i got my gauges first, then the FASS.
just replaced all my injectors in my 03 would not start when it was hot and my pump has low presure
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Any codes showing up?
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I know its weird but from 98.5 to 04.5 it depended on where the truck was from and if it was a manual or auto if it had a cat or not. 04.5 and up all should have a cat and all you have to do is hollow it out. All the etests just look to see if it's "there". I passed with flying colors and mine is hollowed out!
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Mine does not have one . The one one I cut up from a 2005 was clogged somewhat and I was shocked at the blockage. It was as though the honeycombs were closing in on themselves. I agree that most would pass emmissions with it hollowed out and would run a little better without the restriction in the exhaust. My state does not test but the newer diesels run pretty clean anyways if your not trying to 'induce smoke ' so to speak
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