2003 Ram Hemi need input

[Carson99Sport]

Hello

I have a second gen dodge ram sport 5.2 mag reg cab short bed 2wd and I love it but its had minor problems since I've owned the thing. I am putting lots of new parts on it. I have a full exhaust and CAI and I like the easy power of it and reliable the motor has been

I checked out a 4x4 SLT Ram reg cab short bed with the 5.7 bone stock wear and tear but good shape for 13 years and 147000 miles, no paint fade, minor dents, and low tread tires, only real concern it seems rusty underneath the rear end I'm sure its surface rust but it concerns me. I drove it and got on it shifts nice, easy power doesn't feel that much faster if any. (guessing the few hundred extra pounds it has) it was listed at 5,700 but the owner might do 5 flat. I'm not very experienced with third gens I just want input on the motors reliability and anything else I have to look for

Thanks

 

[chefred112]

well, the 2003's are most prone to breaking valve springs...if you just want to use it as a truck it will probably be ok, if your're gonna mod it, the 03's are the worst year when it comes to using programmers..

 

[Carson99Sport]

Thank you I'm not familiar with the Hemi motor really at all, I've just heard hemi tick and the valve springs on the first gen 5.7. But thanks for the input I might get it might not. is the Hemi tran an improvement over the 46re?

 

[Carson99Sport]

Thank you I'm not familiar with the Hemi motor really at all, I've just heard hemi tick and the valve springs on the first gen 5.7. But thanks for the input I might get it might not. is the Hemi tran an improvement over the 46re?

 

[HemiLonestar]

Thank you I'm not familiar with the Hemi motor really at all, I've just heard hemi tick and the valve springs on the first gen 5.7. But thanks for the input I might get it might not. is the Hemi tran an improvement over the 46re?

Some 03's to early 04's had spring issues, that being said I'm on my original set with about the same mileage and I don't baby it. The 545RFE is better than the 46RE, especially if you leave the engine stock and don't disable torque management. Like stated, 03 is the WORST year for any tuning beyond the canned tunes a Superchips gives you (unless you change a few things...).