2003 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd Service Time

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John Robertson - 02 Jan 2005 19:56 GMT

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg Cab 2wd truck. I have owned it for about 2
years now, and I am coming up on 33,000 miles. I change the oil every 3000
miles. Its coming up on some stuff listed in the manual that isn't in a
normal service of every 3000 miles. I believe the manual stated changing the
plugs, and servicing the transmission. The plugs I notice don't use regular
plug wires, but something called ignition coils?. I am guessing that these
are not supposed to be changed every time a plug change is due. I can do the
plugs easily. How hard is it to do a transmission service? I have all the
correct tools. I have never done a service on a transmission before, but
I'am not afraid of doing it. Also the shocks are starting to get a shitty
ride to them, so I am thinking of switching them out for aftermarket ones. I
was wondering if someone could list some good 2wd shocks that will last a
little bit longer then 2 years, and give me a better ride. Someone listed
Monroe Reflex, but I have not read any reviews on these. Next, I have a 2003
model, and there is a TSB for brake shudder, which I have in my truck. Being
with as many miles as I have on my truck, I don't think they will replace
the rotors, but turn them and slap on new pads, BUT will the charge me to do
this? If they charge me, can I not just get the rotors turned myself, and
put the pads on myself? If I go this route, can someone give me a list of
pads that are of as good quality as the Mopar pads? I have never had a
squeek out of the stock pads, and nothing to complain about except for the
shudder. Last question. I have read recently on here something about
flashing the computer? What are they flashing it for, or maybe someone could
point me to the TSB for it? Also, would it be worth it to pick up the
service manual for the truck? I can get a copy on CD off of ebay for less
then $5, and then just print it out at home. Thanks for all the help and
advice in advance.

John

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Tom Lawrence - 03 Jan 2005 02:47 GMT

> plug wires, but something called ignition coils?. I am guessing that these
> are not supposed to be changed every time a plug change is due.

Correct - just remove them, change the plugs, and replace them. They should
be good for the life of the engine.

> How hard is it to do a transmission service? I have all the
> correct tools. I have never done a service on a transmission before, but
> I'am not afraid of doing it.

Easy. Messy, but easy. Since you're already considering it, pick up the
FSM - it will detail the procedure. It's a bit more involved on the 45RFE,
since there's a seal that coes along with the filter that you have to
remove, and replace. Nothing major, though...

> was wondering if someone could list some good 2wd shocks that will last a
> little bit longer then 2 years, and give me a better ride. Someone listed
> Monroe Reflex, but I have not read any reviews on these.

Bilsteins, Edelbrock IAS, Rancho... all good brands, and all will be much
better than the stock shocks.

> with as many miles as I have on my truck, I don't think they will replace
> the rotors, but turn them and slap on new pads, BUT will the charge me to
> do
> this?

Yep - sure will. Brakes are only covered for 1yr/12,000mi

> If they charge me, can I not just get the rotors turned myself, and
> put the pads on myself?

Yep.

> If I go this route, can someone give me a list of pads that are of as good
> quality as the Mopar pads?

The heavy-duty pads from NAPA have always worked great for me.

> shudder. Last question. I have read recently on here something about
> flashing the computer? What are they flashing it for

Various problems... see http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003-index.htm for a list
of TSBs

> Also, would it be worth it to pick up the service manual for the truck?

So much for that last question :) Yes, if you plan on doing any work, the
FSM is an almost invaluable resource.

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HoDad - 04 Jan 2005 01:58 GMT

> Various problems... see http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003-index.htm for a list
> of TSBs

Tom, I checked out the link you gave since I have an '03 QC 1500 4X4. One
TSB I found interesting was 21-004-02. It deals with clutch housing and
structural cover installation. It says that if misaligned, it can cause
'engine noise'. Do you know what exactly they define as engine noise? Just
wondering if they are referring just to a specific noise from the engine, or
noise from the engine/transmission area in general. I'm asking because my
truck has what I consider an abnormally loud whine in 1st to 3rd. Don't
really notice it in 4th or 5th. It's loud enough that people can hear it
when I drive by in low gears or use the engine for braking. From what I
read in the FSM, it would mostly be clutch problems and chatter, although
the part on pilot bearing, input shaft and bearing damage makes me wonder.

My clutch works fine, by the way. My only complaint is the whine, which the
dealer says is normal. I test drove a couple of other manual trucks, and
really didn't notice much of a noise. In my old Ferd, only granny was
noisy, and that was when you made 'er work!
HD

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