Should I buy it?

Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

Hello all,

This is my first time posting on this forum, so I apologize in advance if I’m in the wrong section.

I’ve always been a Dodge guy but recently found a 2003 Sierra 1500 5.3L 4x4 that I really like. The truck is in pretty good shape and has 230,000km’s. Motor sounds very strong still.
I went to test drive it yesterday and loved it. Except, the automatic transmission shifts hard from 1-2. I’ve done some research and found other owners have solved this issue by replacing a shift accumulator. Seems like an easy job, drop the pan, and three bolts has the accumulator out.

My question is. Should I pull the trigger on this truck, or run for the hills. I’ve also read the 4L60-e ( which I think this truck has) is not the greatest transmission.
Any and all advice is appreciated... help a dodge guy convert!

diyer2 · June 21, 2020

Price?

I would save my money and buy a newer one.

:)

Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

The guy wants $6,000. But of course everything is negotiable... I usually always run older trucks, gives me more money for my quads, sleds and boat!

Donstar · June 21, 2020

This truck has been significantly modified. This may mean it was well loved and maintained or that it is a nightmare full of bad DIY fixes. It will have a thirst for fuel. If you're looking for a less than $10k truck, don't be concerned about brand, trim level or 4 wheel drive. Personally, I'd spend more for a good truck so that I can spend more time with my other toys!

Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

2 minutes ago, Donstar said:

This truck has been significantly modified. This may mean it was well loved and maintained or that it is a nightmare full of bad DIY fixes. It will have a thirst for fuel. If you're looking for a less than $10k truck, don't be concerned about brand, trim level or 4 wheel drive. Personally, I'd spend more for a good truck so that I can spend more time with my other toys!

It has a bit of a lift, but it’s not significantly modified. I can’t see it burning much more fuel then any other 03 5.3L.

I guess more what I’m asking is if anyone here has had any experience with changing out the 1-2 shift accumulator.

thanks for the replies though.
Ps. 4x4 is a must where I live

garagerog · June 21, 2020

1 hour ago, Seventime48 said:

It has a bit of a lift, but it’s not significantly modified. I can’t see it burning much more fuel then any other 03 5.3L.

I guess more what I’m asking is if anyone here has had any experience with changing out the 1-2 shift accumulator.

thanks for the replies though.
Ps. 4x4 is a must where I live

It's not the accumulator you would change out per se, but the accumulator components. Check out Transgo for their shift kit for the 4L60-E. It's more involved than the Transgo shift kit I installed on a 4T65-E in an 04 Bonneville, but that kit for the 4T65-E worked as advertised and cured harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, basically mechanical rather than relying on dirty, lazy electronic solenoids.

mookdoc6 · June 21, 2020

That truck looks nice and those model years are tough as nails imo even the panels and paint! The 4L60-E is excellent robust trans. Tell him 4,500 cash because you have to dump Brand new 4L65E for 1800.00-2,000.00 That would be one truck I would like at that price!

KARNUT · June 21, 2020

I paid 5700$ for my cherry 01 Avalanche Z-66 at a new truck dealership in Texas’s with service records. It had 167K miles. That would be my max price and mileage. It’s use would basically be my personal in-town vehicle.

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Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

32 minutes ago, garagerog said:

It's not the accumulator you would change out per se, but the accumulator components. Check out Transgo for their shift kit for the 4L60-E. It's more involved than the Transgo shift kit I installed on a 4T65-E in an 04 Bonneville, but that kit for the 4T65-E worked as advertised and cured harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, basically mechanical rather than relying on dirty, lazy electronic solenoids.

Thanks for the reply, ya that’s what I meant, changing the components rather then the entire unit. I’ve been seeing a pinless one on YouTube guys are saying is pretty good.

I’ll check out the one you suggested too.

thanks

garagerog · June 21, 2020

36 minutes ago, Seventime48 said:

Thanks for the reply, ya that’s what I meant, changing the components rather then the entire unit. I’ve been seeing a pinless one on YouTube guys are saying is pretty good.

I’ll check out the one you suggested too.

thanks

YW, and good luck to JJ at dega today!

Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

3 minutes ago, garagerog said:

YW, and good luck to JJ at dega today!

Yes sir! Your the first person to ever comment on that username, and I have it on a couple vehicle forums!

Donstar · June 21, 2020

2 hours ago, Seventime48 said:

It has a bit of a lift, but it’s not significantly modified.

Ps. 4x4 is a must where I live

The mirrors, tint, wheel moldings etc. are minor but a lift (big or small) is significant, imo. These changes are indicators that the previous owner liked to "work" on his truck and there may be hidden gems. This can be good or bad. I have no issues with a properly installed, quality lift. But, there are some pretty rough mods done by DIYer's to replicate a lifted look. My choice will always be 4WD but a 2WD will manage in most places with a road. Proper tires will get you through rougher than average terrain. I am simply offering my thoughts. Focussing on the transmission issue may be distracting from the larger picture. Years ago I tried to bring life back to a truck that I should have let retire. I had a new rebuilt engine professionally installed thinking my truck would run like new. I learned that there is so much more!

Seventime48 · June 21, 2020

3 minutes ago, Donstar said:

The mirrors, tint, wheel moldings etc. are minor but a lift (big or small) is significant, imo. These changes are indicators that the previous owner liked to "work" on his truck and there may be hidden gems. This can be good or bad. I have no issues with a properly installed, quality lift. But, there are some pretty rough mods done by DIYer's to replicate a lifted look. My choice will always be 4WD but a 2WD will manage in most places with a road. Proper tires will get you through rougher than average terrain. I am simply offering my thoughts. Focussing on the transmission issue may be distracting from the larger picture. Years ago I tried to bring life back to a truck that I should have let retire. I had a new rebuilt engine professionally installed thinking my truck would run like new. I learned that there is so much more!

I appreciate your opinion. We differ on what we consider significant mods, but I do hear what your saying.

the back roads in Northern Manitoba where I drive, can leave a 2wd looking for a pull.

Donstar · June 21, 2020

25 minutes ago, Seventime48 said:

I appreciate your opinion. We differ on what we consider significant mods, but I do hear what your saying.

the back roads in Northern Manitoba where I drive, can leave a 2wd looking for a pull.

I spent the later part of the 70's and much of the 80's working in the northern border regions of BC and Alta. We could go weeks without seeing a paved road and I have an appreciation for your location. Break-up (gumbo) is the worst!