Chris

i had an 03 5.9 with a six speed - should have kept it. i like my hemi 1/2 ton - it was a great driver...

I decided on on the 3500 5.9, and yes it is an automatic transmission. its a gorgeous truck but the miles worried me.

UrbanDisturbance

Good choice. Since your boat does not weigh as much as mine, you should be fine with the automaic. I would not worry about the miles, you could get 500,000 miles out of that engine. DO CHECK THE U-JOINT ON THE MAIN DRIVE SHAFT. You don't want it breaking and it may be worn out from the previous owner if they where towing heavy loads. It cost less than $100 to get mine replaced.

Chris

thanks for the advice.!

Quicksilver

I wouldn't worry about that engine... i'd be more cautious about that damn 48re trans lol. Be careful flushing it with that mileage and check the u-joint on the shaft as well like mentioned above.

FIXX

iTrader: (2)

AS long as you do the trans fluid change and adjust the bands every 15k and use the atf+ trans fluid you will get good service life from the trand..a friend had a 03 with 172k and never rebuilt the trans,snowplowed with it and always had somthing behind it..i did his service work and the trans just started to slip at 172k so he got rid of it..kicks himself in the butt for getting rid of it!

Catmando

In 2007, the larger diesel OPTION came out that was bigger than the 5.9. A lot of problems with that diesel. Urban


The only difference engine-wise between them is the bore and stroke. The issues with the 6.7 involve the emissions controls, which can be dealt with in the aftermarket.

Catmando

Miles are not an issue with the engine. 160k is nothing to a Cummins. Your boat is a 41 Saber? I would strongly suggest you have the transmission rebuilt. The 48RE is infamous for its lazy shifting and weak internals. Search this forum for information;

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-powertrain/

Chris

28 saber

Catmando

Ok well the main weak link in your trans is the torque converter. I think a full billet tc is around $1100. The first thing I would do though is change the fluid, that way they can determine if there is a problem.