JSCumms2000

you can see my sig for what i have now, but im really looking at the 3rd gens and need some advice... i was told an 04.5 and 05's are the best bet just due to their 325 horsepower for stock... whats the best year to buy and build off of??? any opinions are helpful... thanks, Jared

TexasCTD

They are all fine. Really!


If you are looking to make majorly big hp........with a little work I don't think it really matters what year.

If you are looking to make somewhat big power, quickly and relatively easily (plug and play), then go with an 04.5 on up truck.

..

Sixxer

Any 3rd gen.....as long as it has a Cummins!!

BlackSunShyne

I would say 05...but I may be a bit biased....

Lrdchaos

I'm a big fan of the 06+, you get the new interior, and the headlights you can see more than 50ft at night with.

mj007

'04.5 and up should do ya but I'd stay with the 5.9 if I were you just 'cause of the emissions stuff on the 6.7 ....... which is not an issue if you leave it basically stock.

Ramtuff06

2004.5 year trucks from what i was told are the best for moding, they have the 05 motor and computer with the 04 tranny. best of both worlds

rip 112

I'll put in a vote for the 03-04s. They seem to have less issues (besides) the canister mounted lift pump, but they can make 500hp with close to the same $ as 04.5-up, just a little harder because of the smaller turbo. They do have less electronics, yield better fuel mileage, even when heavily modded, and have the older 3rd gen seating. I'm not in to the uncomfortable 06-up seats.

Dwitt0187

i have to say 03-early 04 and the 05 have plastic intercoolers they like to blow about 35-40 psi from what ive heard there is also a few less electronic parts on the 03-04.

rip 112

Only the 05s have the plastic intercoolers, not 03-04s.

92'1stGen

On the 06 - 07's with the 48re, you get Tow/Haul and Overdrive Off for the transmission and not just 1 or the other as in previous years.

skynyrd

only the first couple months in 05 have plastic intercoolers my 05 has the metal one.

i vote for the '05 or '06 are easiest to upgrade in my opinion. but i don't really like the 06 head lights.

JSCumms2000

well im definitely getting a 6 speed, and i have a pretty good idea on what mods im going to do to it... and im pretty confident if i get anywhere close to what i have done to mine now, that itll be a pretty quick truck... lookin for about roughly 600 hp and 1100 ft lb... thanks for all your input guys

HotRodK

Having both an '04 and an '06 in the driveway, I really like the overall looks of the '04 better inside and especially outside. The 305 is down 20hp stock, but since my '04 has 4.10s vs the '06s 3.73 the '04 feels quicker. It certainly gets much better fuel mileage than the '06. I dont think youll go wrong either way, but dont discount the '04s for being just a little less powerful stock. A tuner puts you right in the thick of things.

rip 112

^^^Well said!!!