Hey guys. I am looking at a few different year trucks all in my price range, but want to know what year is the easiest and best to mod. Wanting some good power out of box with decent fuel mileage.

Looking at two different 03 quad 6-speeds.

Looking at two different 05 quad 6-speeds.

Also looking at a 07 quad 6.7 6-speed.

Opinions out of those 3????

Thanks guys! Paul

 

I would avoid the '07, because of the new engine and all the smog devices.

 

I would take the 07 and do the DPF delete.

 

I have an '03 with the 6 speed (NV5600) and love it. I was thinking about getting a new one with all the incentives on but I just couldn't justify getting rid of a truck that is getting well over 20 mpg and has not caused me any problems at all. My 2 cents. Good luck.

 

I have heard good things about the 03's, I have an 05 and have no complaints about it whatsoever. I would have the 07 as my last option, but my dad has an 08 and so far has had good luck with it. My vote is the 03's or 05's, whichever you can get the best deal on.

 

My vote also...

 

I would go for the 05.

The 03's got less power, but better mileage.
07's got more power, but worse mileage.
05's kinda right in the middle.

Mods are pretty similar between the 3 years, but 07 you've got the emissions stuff to do too.

 

i would go with the 04.5. They fixed everything wrong with the 03 and 04 while not messing up anything when they got to 05. the 04.5 kept the drive by wire (app) instead of electronic throttle. Also in the 04.5 they had a full aluminum inter-cooler where in 05 they switched to a plastic endcap inter-cooler. DO NOT go with a auto, i wish i would have gotten a manual over an auto.

 

The plastic intercooler lines for the 2005's were only for half a year. Right back to the aluminum ever since.

 

The 03 doesn't run a cat. It actually smells like a real diesel truck.
Long as it is a six speed 03 it will be a high output and no cat.

 

Find an 07 with a 5.9 and remove the DPF. I think that's good route to go right now.

I have an 05 and it's been great.

 

The only 2007 that had a DPF are those made after Jan 01 2007 ( aka 2007.5) that got the 6.7L, any 2007 made before Dec 31, 2006 should have a the 5.9L engine thou I have heard of a few made in Jan 2007 that got a 5.9L.

 

Looks like my options are boiling down to a few different 03 models. So, looks like it might be an 03 for me, although I still have one 05 on my plate, but it's a base model and it's red. Bleh....

 

What's your price range? I've had an 03, 07, 08, and now I'm back to an 04 which has been great but it wasn't by choice. I really liked my 08 truck once I started deleting things. That 6-speed auto is just soooooo nice as is the factory e-brake. Any of these trucks are great if you can find one without so many miles on it...

 

Found it. It's a 04 3500. 192,000. 6-speed. Picked it up for $14,500. Did I do alright?