looking at an 03 hemi Please Help

[daviddc114]

Looking to purchase an 03 quad cab hemi ram with 148k on it. This is going to be my first Dodge truck so I am new to Rams.. what are common issues I should be looking for when I test it out before purchase. It has a check engine light for a vacuum leak, and some rust over the rear tires, other than that it looks pritty clean. Is there anything I should check for? Thanks in advance..

 

[Harley Harrold]

Check the entire front suspension, also check the fluids for any problems, and look for leaks.

 

[MyOhFive]

See if you can find maintenance records.

Also make sure the buyer is willing to either fix that CEL or negotiate on the price depending on the actual problem. Could be a $15 gas cap or piece of cracked rubber hose, all the way up to the NVLD pump or even (very rarely) the gas tank. Usually requires a smoke test to diag and that alone can be around $100

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Read all you can about the uniqueness of the 03 being first year of the hemi in the Ram. Valve springs, LSD clip, pinion nut, blend door, separate TCM and tuning limitations to mention a few. Any rust would be a problem for me as repair isn't cheap. Now if you've already bonded with the truck and/or the price is really low then I say go for it.

 

[Wchnu]

All I can say is I love my 03 QC hemi. Check the front end. Mine usually has a code for the evap system on. Does not bother me much.


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[Redtruck-VA]

The 03 has a problem with the plastic clamps used on the associated evap hoses breaking. The purge pump has a semi-rigid plastic vacuum hose from just behind the TB on the driver side. The soft rubber joints are prone to splitting. There is another semi-rigid line that goes from the purge pump back to the NVLD pump. Again same problems associated with clamps and hoses between the NVLD pump and the charcoal canister and gas tank. Check all the hoses and pipe connection, A leak anywhere will cause a evap code. Read about the EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS in the service manual to better understand how it works.