Need help planning a few repairs on a 2003 Ram

[lilman227]

Hello ladys and gentlemen! I'd like to start off by saying I'm new here.
Now that that's off my shoulders lets get straight to the point. I want to do some repairs on Dad's 2003 Ram for Christmas. The thing has 300K miles on it, and I feel like it's time for some tlc.

The problems with my father's truck are:
-Not being able to control the air conditioner vents (only the passenger side ones work). Blend door or controls maybe??
-The truck eats up 1 rear u-joint every year
-The rear end grinds and clunks (probably has something to do with the fact that it eats u-joints)

These are the parts that I know have to be replaced (none of these are detrimental repairs, but I want to touch all bases):
-It needs a new pair of fog light housings
-A replacement dashboard or possibly a cover

Anyone know what causes those issues?

I wish I could say its lowered....


Just 2000lbs weighing her down

 

[lilman227]

*cough* bump
I'm thinking about replacing the differential with an lsd. I'd hate to end up replacing it without being sure if it's the problem or not.

 

[devans]

First off welcome to the forum.
Now the first problem I see, and I'm not bashing here is if those are the typical loads that truck sees then no wonder the rear end makes noise and it eats u-joints. Aside from the high miles. It's a 1/2 ton truck.
The a.c. issue, you say it's blowing to the passenger side only so I'm going to assume it has dual climate control. If so there is a door that controls that and it's probably broken.
The dash I understand is a common issue for about that time frame and it's due to bad materials, There are aftermarket solutions for the dash or try to get one from the dealer or junkyard.
Use the search function on the forum for blend doors, cracked dash and whatever else you have questions about and you should find all kinds of threads where others have dealt with similar issues.
BTW thats a real cool thing you're doing for your dad.
Good luck.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Welcome, the 03 rear springs soften some with time. This makes it hard on U joints under hard acceleration. I'm thinking the truck carries loads or your Daddy plays some with his truck. Spring wrap/ axle hop is what I'm trying to describe. Traction control bars is recommended. Going with a stock 3:92 gear would probably be the easiest to find and install as a complete axle. Aftermarket gears and differential will run somewhere around $800 plus install. Used complete axles can be found around the same price. Might consider TMR mod which cost nothing, SRT IAT sensor which is a deal at the dealer for around $4. High flow drop in filter or CAI. I recommend staying away from FlowMaster mufflers as they hurt mileage/performance. You can find a used SC-3815 tuner around $140 which is all you need for the 03. 180 degree thermoset helps with cooler running which adds timing and performance. IMO, any these will have your Dad smiling. Good luck..