[VADERPOWER]

Hello all, for the last 3 years I've owned a 2019 F250 gas truck, after selling my beloved 05 2wd Cummins. (1 of the biggest mistakes I have ever done) but now, I just sold my F250 and will get another Cummins!!! 💪💪✌✌ I'm looking at a 1 owner 03 and a 2 owner 06.whats everybody's opinion on what year 3rd gen is best, as I'm focusing on hours/ miles/ and if it has a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch. I have read that the 06s have electrical gremlins. Is this so? And any negatives to an 03? Thx!!

 

[nibroc]

06's are the last of the non epa crap

 

[Cartwheels]

06's are the last of the non epa crap

Almost but actually about half the 07 MY is still no nonsense.

IDK if there are any electrical changes from 06 to 07 but my 07 at 260k miles hasn't really caused me any electrical issues.

I would chose the 06 it can be efi tuned and is just a nicer newer truck imo, but it really comes down to which truck is nicer, look for any rust and definitely check for any noticable blow-by. The 03 probably has a bit less HP but they have a slightly heavier duty piston design that might last a second longer if an injector malfunctions.

 

[steve05ram360]

I would look for an '05, no funny looking tail lights on the '07, potential electrical issues of the '06 and the 610 tq motor for the '05... The '04.5 has the engine mounted apps with less room by the cp3, '03-04 weaker motors from the factory.

 

[2001 Hypertech Cummins]

Hello all, for the last 3 years I've owned a 2019 F250 gas truck, after selling my beloved 05 2wd Cummins. (1 of the biggest mistakes I have ever done) but now, I just sold my F250 and will get another Cummins!!! 💪💪✌✌ I'm looking at a 1 owner 03 and a 2 owner 06.whats everybody's opinion on what year 3rd gen is best, as I'm focusing on hours/ miles/ and if it has a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch. I have read that the 06s have electrical gremlins. Is this so? And any negatives to an 03? Thx!!

Are the trucks otherwise equal? Same cab and bed? Manual vs auto? Mileage? Rust?

 

[VADERPOWER]

Thx Guys! And Steve, good to chat with you again! I tend to agree with you, my 05 was just amazing, I'm such a dope for selling it. But since I just sold my super duty for 5 Grand more than I paid New for it, I have a chance to correct my mistake ✌ and yes the trucks are almost identical, both QC/LB/4X4/ auto's

 

[steve05ram360]

Thx Guys! And Steve, good to chat with you again! I tend to agree with you, my 05 was just amazing, I'm such a dope for selling it. But since I just sold my super duty for 5 Grand more than I paid New for it, I have a chance to correct my mistake ✌ and yes the trucks are almost identical, both QC/LB/4X4/ auto's

Yeah I remember you from years back... I would hold out for the '05 personally, but I am biased lol

I still have the same truck, just ticked over 480k and runs better than it ever did between ~50k & ~300k... figured out what to do to keep it running like a champ while unloaded...

 

[2001 Hypertech Cummins]

Thx Guys! And Steve, good to chat with you again! I tend to agree with you, my 05 was just amazing, I'm such a dope for selling it. But since I just sold my super duty for 5 Grand more than I paid New for it, I have a chance to correct my mistake ✌ and yes the trucks are almost identical, both QC/LB/4X4/ auto's

If that’s the case then I’d personally go for the 06 for the EFI Live capability and the updated front end looks, but that’s just me. There are positives and negatives to both so it will probably come down to your personal preference.

 

[VADERPOWER]

Well, I picked up an 05😇 pic's to come. It's a 2wd/QC/sb sport. 165k miles. The paint is rough but the interior is honestly a 8 out of 10. Mechanically all seems very good, no blow by, trans shifts nice, we drove 365miles to get it and driving it back was flawless. Even with the cruise set at 71, the lie-o-meter climbed and held 25.3! Lol. But it does have a concern, it's got the plastic intercooler. I would like to replace it, but not sure what years will fit (if I can find one used), if anyone knows, please guide me in the right direction, Thx ✌

 

[StealthDiesel]

No truck is perfect!

The 2003's had issues, the 2004.5's had issues, the 2005's had issues, the 2006's had major issues and so on...

I recommend a good used metal OEM intercooler to replace the plastic 2005 intercooler.
Used in all the 3rd Gen trucks except the 2005's.
Get it cleaned and tested at a local radiator shop.

 

[steve05ram360]

Nice!!! looking forward to pics...

Consider a deep cleaning on it if time/weather permits...

(2) Deep Cleaning/Winter Prep of the Ram | Page 2 | Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum (cumminsforum.com)

 

[VADERPOWER]

A couple quick pic's, will take more after work ✌ ya, what do you think, does the fuel filter have a little more life left in it, 😂 replaced it with a Baldwin 5 micron. Picked up 4 of them for 20 bucks on marketplace 👍

 

[VADERPOWER]

Oh, also, if anyone has advice on what small upgrades I can do to the trans, I'm grateful. Going to change the filter and fluid, also do a band adjustment, anything else? How about the BD transducer/ Borg Warner governor kit? Thx much!!

 

[steve05ram360]

Nice truck!

 

[StealthDiesel]

Its a good looking truck!

Dark grey, sport package, polished aluminum wheels and tow mirrors.
Those nice aluminum wheels came out late 2004.5 and the nice dark grey color came out in 2005.
Hopefully it's not a Laramie with the really lame fake woodgrain and lame leather seats.

You had a 2005 previously, so you must know all the short comings of 3rd Gen and 2005 trucks.
Inadequate fuel filtration, gauges, fuel tank vent mods, 2005 plastic intercooler you mentioned, the goofy 2005 tow/haul switch function, HVAC issues, terrible seats.
Also watch for poor engine air filtration from aftermarket air filters.

Plus all the usual used truck stuff with an 18 year old truck.


Once you slowly address the issues of the 3rd Gen's, they end up being very good trucks.

I always thought that a deleted 4th Gen with the 2nd gen G56 6 speed manual trans and with 3.73 gears swapped in would be a great truck.
But since owning a deleted truck is a huge issue these days, my thoughts are that a 3rd Gen with a 2nd gen G56 trans is one of the best combo's.

Best of luck with the new truck!

 

[steve05ram360]

.
.
.
I always thought that a deleted 4th Gen with the 2nd gen G56 6 speed manual trans and with 3.73 gears swapped in would be a great truck.
But since owning a deleted truck is a huge issue these days, my thoughts are that a 3rd Gen with a 2nd gen G56 trans is one of the best combo's.

I can say first hand it is an awesome combo... with the 3.73's, 33" tires and the late G56, cruising at 70 is at ~2k rpms. Some new synchros would be nice but hey... I'm never in a hurry
anyways do slow shifting is fine.

 

[StealthDiesel]

I can say first hand it is an awesome combo... with the 3.73's, 33" tires and the late G56, cruising at 70 is at ~2k rpms. Some new synchros would be nice but hey... I'm never in a hurry
anyways do slow shifting is fine.

Lol, I inadvertently described your truck!

I keep forgetting that you swapped out the lame 48RE auto trans for a 2nd Gen G56 manual trans.

You now just need to swap in a low mile 2017 or 2018 G56 trans and some 4th Gen seats.

 

[steve05ram360]

Lol, I inadvertently described your truck!

I keep forgetting that you swapped out the lame 48RE auto trans for a 2nd Gen G56 manual trans.

You now just need to swap in a low mile 2017 or 2018 G56 trans and some 4th Gen seats.

Why the 2017 or 2018 G56?

I rebuilt my seat and am really happy with it (genos foam and cover).

 

[StealthDiesel]

Why the 2017 or 2018 G56?

I rebuilt my seat and am really happy with it (genos foam and cover).

I just meant to find the newest and lowest mileage G56 trans to replace your current G56 with synchro issues.
2018 was the last year a G56 trans was available behind a Cummins in a Dodge/Ram.


In my opinion 3rd Gen seats are terrible. Flat and hard. Even the 2003-05 Laramie "leather" seats were terrible.
I knew when I bought my 2004.5 truck back in 2004, that the OEM seats were going to get upgraded.
I swapped out my seats as soon as I found a good set of 2004-05 SRT-10 RAM seats back in 2007 or so.

It's just my opinion.
I guess it depends on what your experience has been. Our Acura TSX black leather seats are super nice. Firm, good quality, quite aggressive side bolsters.
My 5.0L Mustang sport cloth seats are very nice. A little too soft but aggressive side bolsters.
4th Gen high trim level Ram seats are super nice. Much better quality, mild side bolsters.

 

[VADERPOWER]

The seats in this truck are black cloth and are, imo, miles ahead on the comfort scale compared to the leather seats in my previous 05.