Questions

[Tolson93]

Hi, i am brand new to this site and had some questions about my new truck i bought recently. I picked up a 2003 dodge ram 1500 slt 5.7L Hemi. It has 148,000 miles on it. I was curious if there are any tips anyone could give me about this truck, as this is my first truck i have ever owned. Also, is this motor a good one? and anything else you would like to add, thanks.

 

[PCA4208]

Welcome to the forum! Now the engine IS the good one, with 148k on it just make sure to keep chagrined oil on it every 3-4k miles. Also change the spark plugs with some regular copper NGK's. If the transmission fluid looks bad, change that too, and the filters (2 of them) Please specify any other questions as everyone here can help you out with whatever you want.

 

[Tolson93]

thanks! well, i hope i did a pretty good buy here. it was my first vehicle i have ever purchased. It runs and drives great in my opinion, but the body isnt perfect. There is some rust in spots, and few minor dents, and the bumper was dented pretty good in front. I figured as long as it runs and drives great thats all that matters at this point? I love the look of the dodge, and all the power, but lots of people seems to complain about them and there transmissions.

 

[PCA4208]

Yeah there is always going to be people to complain. Wit the transmission just be sure not to lay onto the engine so it downshifts. That is what kills the transmission fast if you do it all the time.

 

[Tolson93]

i also was confused about overdrive. Is it best to leave it in overdrive? or is there times i should take it out of overdrive. Right now i mostly am just going around town, and back and forth between home and work. It seems like if you give it some gas it doesnt feel like anything kicks in, as you would think if you gave it a little juice you would really feel it. If i put it to the floor it takes a second but damn, it will move haha. I dont know if overdrive makes it feel like not much happens when i push on the pedal. It mostly is around 30mph. Im real new to all this vehicle and truck stuff, so my questions are probably pretty dumb.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Try not to romp on it from speed with OD on, as it will kick down to 2 prime and that gear is as weak as 5th. Mine lasted about 100,000 with the TM disabled before it gave up. Good running truck, fun to drive, held back by tunability (or rather lack thereof).

 

[Tolson93]

so when is it best to drive with overdrive? through town or highway driving? or best to maybe keep it on constantly

 

[PCA4208]

I just leave mine on. The only time I turn it off is when passing or when racing friends haha.

 

[Tolson93]

haha do you beat them?

 

[PCA4208]

Every time haha.

 

[HemiLonestar]

I just leave mine on. The only time I turn it off is when passing or when racing friends haha.

It's ok to leave on for normal driving. Just pop the OD button if you go pass someone or if you're playing. I get much better acceleration (especially with 4.56's and a converter) out of OD.

 

[Chewy]

I read years ago (about the time your truck was made) that OD should only be allowed to activate when over 45mph. On my Ford I had the button on the end of the shifter that I would push when needed. The goal is to keep it from hunting in and out of OD.

I had 93,000 absolutely trouble free miles on that transmission when I sold it a few months ago! Not that that is a lot of miles these days. I also ran Mobil 1 trans fluid in it.

Chris

 

[PCA4208]

I read years ago (about the time your truck was made) that OD should only be allowed to activate when over 45mph. On my Ford I had the button on the end of the shifter that I would push when needed. The goal is to keep it from hunting in and out of OD.

I had 93,000 absolutely trouble free miles on that transmission when I sold it a few months ago! Not that that is a lot of miles these days. I also ran Mobil 1 trans fluid in it.

Chris

I never knew that. I'm going to try compare city MPG with OD off vs. OD on.