Bigjonks

I am looking at buying a cummins but I've always heard the horror storys of the good ole dodge trannys. thwy say the 03s are fixed but those are a little outta my price range. so please help to me understand what to look for or what not to look for. I'd love a 5spd is that a good Idea if I can find one? this truck with be a daily drive I will prob. do exhaust and a chip maybe some injectors some day but I wont really pull anything to speak up any help you be great

Thanks

Jeff