There's a white '03 for sale locally that I went to see yesterday. I'm interested in it because although Redrover runs and drives well, the clear coat has failed and she's looking more than a little tired. The paint on the '03 looks good, and the truck seems in good shape although I'd of course refresh all the fluids and change plugs and wires if I buy it.

My question is about it being an SAI truck. To me SAI has always been just one more thing to go wrong, and it makes working on the truck marginally more difficult due to more plumbing being in the way. Do all '03s and '04s have SAI? And for those of you who have or have had both SAI and non-SAI trucks (Best4x4), what's your experience?

I understand the preference of many for the '99-'02s with the 4.0 liter and glass headlamps, but life is full of tradeoffs ... I'd of course upgrade to a locking transfer case next time an '04 shows up at the local boneyard. And there'd be a sound red '99 DII available in the next few weeks that would make a great trail truck for someone.

 

I have an '03 without SAI.

 

99% of 03-04's have SAI, and although I prefer a D2 without it, the system itself isn't bad. The main issues are either vacuum line main hose, or pump related.

I just dislike it because it gets in the way on a lot of repairs with the extra brackets and lines. Besides that it's a pretty robust system. BMW's use nearly the same exact setup.

 

It sure is an annoying amount of parts, pipes, vacuum lines, and potential trouble codes for something that only operates for a minute during a cold start. Wish mine didn't have it.. but end of the day, it's not a big deal.

 

Thanks for the replies. Turns out it's a moot point; the truck was sold this morning to someone else. Too bad, it seemed really tight. The buyer got what seemed to be a pretty good truck for $2100.

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/for...893570455.html