I found quite a deal on and couldn't pass it up even though I knew it want fitted with any way to lock the center diff. My questions are what are my options, can I simply swap the transfer case from an earlier year, what supporting parts do I need to do this, how realistic is this, yada yada, etc. any help greatly appreciated.

 

http://www.toddcosuspensions.com/diiilodi.html
http://lucky8llc.com/Products.asp?ProductID=2185

Are you aware that the 2003 has the crappiest engine around?

 

what kind of deal are we talking about here? u dont have to swap whole case just the front output shaft housing.

 

2500 for an 03 S w/100k, took it to 2 different mechanics who said that it was in awesome shape, came with all the service reports and receipts. The guy that I bought it off is going through a messy divorce and has to get rid of it or lose it. Why is it that you say the 4.6 are such horrible engines?

 

Search the forum, there are plenty posts about crap 4.6 engines.

 

There is always someone who wants it to rain on the parade.

Sounds like you got a good (not great or a "steal") deal. I don't think that a '03 is any worse than any other 4.6 if its out of the VIN range for bad oil pumps and even if it is in the bad apple range, at 100,000 miles it may be ok...who knows but at $2,500 drive it until it blows up and your still ok.

I have a '03 w/110,000, other than basic maint items, I have had to do the Head and Throttle Body gaskets which just about every DII out there will need at some point (so do these become a "basic maintance" items since they all need them?).

Don't get me wrong, the 4.6 is far from perfect but for a $2,500 truck who cares.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

Forgot to add my CDL comments - all you need is the front nose to the T/C that has the CDL gears and the shift linkage. Not a really big job, I did it to mine and it works great.

 

Don't get me wrong, I have a 2003 that I bought with a blown engine for $2000. I got another engine and did a complete rebuild. The OP needs to be made aware of the engine issues and not go into this blindly. At $2500 I would suspect there is something wrong with that vehicle and/or engine. Always expect the worst with these vehicles.

 

I would agree.