Not to hijack -- but I'm thinking about going through my valve springs now that I've heard that... is it a pretty intense process?

If I go through with that, is it worth it to change the exhaust valves, because those may be causing the HEMI tick.

 

I live a few miles North West of Carrollton, GA.

 

Ah, southwest of Atlanta. Know the area well. Did my fair share of tourney bass fishin' on West Point during the '90s. That'd be over in your general neck of the woods.

You try O'Neal over in Bremen? I used to know the service manager over there pretty good. Call over and ask to speak to Dave Wooten. He ain't in sales, but he might can hook you up. I've gotten a few parts from him at dead cost over the years. Tell him 'old Hammer from DF sent ya'...

 

I love my 03, but if I was shopping now I would look at a 05 or newer. There are good deals to be had. Just be patient.

 

I got my 03 in January 09 with 26k miles on it (quadcab 4x4, lifted, hemi) for $14,000. The deals are out there, you just gotta find em.

custom tuning is the only issue with the 03's. Minimized engine tuning, and zero trans tuning (aside from previously mention torque management delete). Valve springs in early 03 WERE weaker and actually look different from the newer valve springs they used.

To answer the thread jacker (lol) the valve spring job is not a hard one at all. Exhaust springs should be done as well, although its the lifters that cause the hemi tick, not the valves springs. PM me if you want more information about it.

 

I work in Bremen, but haven't tried O'neal yet. He has several listed online, but there out of my price range and have miles on them. To be honest, I usually try to stay away from dealers. I just can't stand the thought of paying full retail for a used vehicle.

I've been fishing WP since I was a kid, I'm 40 now. Used to fish local tourneys, but nothing big. Now I just fish for fun.

I'll give them a shout and ask for Dave.

 

Doesn't the 03 also not have an EGR valve like the newer ones do? I thought I read this somewhere.

 

That would be correct...

 

I have a 2003 Quad Cab HEMI with 92K miles on it and love this truck. My own gripe is that the wife talked me into picking up the 2wd instead of a 4X4. Although i have brought it in moderate snow and mud and have yet to get stuck.

 

No luck at O'Neals.
I was told that they wouldn't have, and never have had a crew cab truck on the lot for $11k with under 100k miles. At the moment they have a Ram with 85K miles for $16K. No deal. Looks like I'll continue looking on Craigs and watching every yard I pass during the week.

I'm not sure where most of you are from, but I think GA prices are much higher for whatever reason. Take a look for yourself and see if it's just my imagination. There are no Ram crew cabs with less than 100K for $11,000 or less to be had. I've been searching for about 6 weeks now and they just aren't there.

IF one comes up, I'll be there. I'm spending a few hours a day surfing the web and I won't buy until I find the exact one I'm looking for, at the price I feel is fair.