2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Worst year for problems?

[Ramzman53]

Hello everyone, new to this forum, i have just recently acquired a 2003 5.7 4x4 Regular Cab with no engine. While doing research im hearing that 2003 is the absolute worst year? I know there are problems with the PCM especially for modifications, also pretty sure i heard something about the steering rack, is there anything else i should look out for? I think i am at least going to look for a 04-05 Hemi with that year pcm to swap in to avoid those problems. Thanks.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Worst year for tuning yes. I never had issues with the steering rack, the only issues I had in mine was the dash cracking and that godawful transmission (545RFE) they all got through 2010. Otherwise no issues at all, modified the crap out of mine in other ways. I had finally had it with the trans issues (6 in almost 20 years was enough) and it was starting to have other age and mileage related issues (21 yrs old & 200k hard miles). I was going to swap in an 8HP70 but I needed a reliable truck and that was the only reason I replaced it.
Keep in mind, 2003 doesn't use EGR, so swapping in an 04-05 PCM & harness (have one available if interested) will require either installing an EGR engine or custom tuning EGR out of the PCM. Can't leave it active in the tune but physically not there. Also the later PCM & harness is not plug & play. Unless you're planning some serious power mods, there's no point replacing the setup unless you're going to account for a stronger (different) trans.
I have stripped the truck and most things I installed are still available: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/big-red-over-time-pic-heavy.17732/

 

[Tray Burge]

For tuning yes, for dependability no. I've had mine now for 9 years and nothing but normal maintenance on it.

 

[jws123]

Never had a issue with mine when I had it and you cant really complain abolut steering rack issues since its a 2003 they are cheap and easy to change if it ever goes bad. Another thing is never over heat a hemi from 2003-2008 if you do they do drop valve seats so check your cooling system make sure its up to par.

 

[Ramzman53]

Worst year for tuning yes. I never had issues with the steering rack, the only issues I had in mine was the dash cracking and that godawful transmission (545RFE) they all got through 2010. Otherwise no issues at all, modified the crap out of mine in other ways. I had finally had it with the trans issues (6 in almost 20 years was enough) and it was starting to have other age and mileage related issues (21 yrs old & 200k hard miles). I was going to swap in an 8HP70 but I needed a reliable truck and that was the only reason I replaced it.
Keep in mind, 2003 doesn't use EGR, so swapping in an 04-05 PCM & harness (have one available if interested) will require either installing an EGR engine or custom tuning EGR out of the PCM. Can't leave it active in the tune but physically not there. Also the later PCM & harness is not plug & play. Unless you're planning some serious power mods, there's no point replacing the setup unless you're going to account for a stronger (different) trans.
I have stripped the truck and most things I installed are still available: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/big-red-over-time-pic-heavy.17732/

Thanks for the information. and yep my dash is cracked to oblivion and whoever owned it before either had a bad window leak or something because all of the dash metal and seat frame is rusted. also it has infinity audio and some of the speakers are bad other than that things in pretty good condition got it for $1500. Will definitely tune out the EGR, again thanks.

 

[Tray Burge]

For a truck with a lot of issues, I looked these up and an 03 RCSB Hemi in great condition, avg. miles is still bringing between $7-10 grand in these parts?
Hell, I paid $10k for mine 9 years ago.