No they aren't! Huge difference going from a 1st gen to a 3rd...... Some good some not so much but all in all I'm Happy with my switch to the '07 from a '92.

 

Guys why do some swap the front ends in the early 03-05 to 07 or later front ends? I have read that this is a good swap. Why???

 

"EFI Live" is the latest user or tuner controlled programmer on the market for the Cummins. Currently for the 2006 and 2007 5.9L and I think the 2007.5 to 2009 6.7L. They have been working to get the 2003 to 2005 but no timeline for introduction as of yet.

From all I gather on the forums it's all positive. I have both a 2004 and a 2007 and I was trying to wait until they brought out the support for the earlier trucks before I purchased.

Do some reading on EFI Live :

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/ef...ow-guides.html

 

Thanks Tan, any idea on the front end swap/conversion?

 

Aren't you just referring to the steering upgrade? The redesigned 2008 upgraded steering components attempt to solve the potential death wobble issues. the steering linkage was redesigned with diiferent geometery and I think the '08 steering box is a heavier duty apparatus.

As far as I know the balance of the front end is the same. Maybe some one else has better insight on this.

 

freight train,

Just a thought but the TDR has a 298 page buyers guide that has some good reading on the technical issues of all years of the Dodge Cummins trucks:

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/m...ersguide.phtml

I think the steering issue starts on about page 235.

In any case I've only been fooling with these trucks since 2004. I've learned alot but there is still a ton of technical stuff to absorb.
If it wasn't for the more experienced folks that have posted here and on other forums I would have had to learn "The Hard Way".
I really appreciate those that contribute and help us "less knowledgable" newbies.

 

I totally agree Tan.
I have been into 1st gens since 1992 and the amount of changes from then til now is ridiculous. I am very thankful for all the helpful info and advice.

 

Guys I have seen some people have changed front bumpers. Are the 03's different from 07's and up?

 

Yeah there different but u can put the 07 fenders,lights,grille and bumper on a 03-05 if u want to make it look like a newer truck.

 

Are the interiors identicle? Thanks hauler

 

The interiors are a little different on the 06 and up trucks. The interiors of the 03-05s ar almost the same the only difference ive seen in these trucks are the steering wheels.no problem glad I could help

 

There are different options to like leather seats or there are just plane trucks with no power options and cloth seats.and there are trucks with cloth seats and power options.

 

Was a sport model available in 3500 trucks in 03-05 and 06-09's? I would love to find a red 3500, dually, crew cab, 6spd, with 3.73 and a limited slip rear. Dont really care about leather but wouldnt mind it, LOL

 

Guys today I finally got to find a candidate to test drive. I did narrow it down to a 2006up crew cab daully. Just like that body style better. I drove two hrs north into central PA but located a 2007 4x4, 3500, crew cab, dually. The 6spd shifted nicely and the limited slip 3.73 rear was nice. It drive nice and it only had 68k on it. The only problem was the $32K asking price. The truck had a couple cosmetic flaws but was overal pretty nice. I was hoping to stay around $25k and realize to do so I will have to find something closer to 100K miles. I just think $32k for a 6yr old truck is a bit much. But I know it depends on condition and accessories and options. I have located several within 500 miles in my price range but not the red I am stuck on..

One thing I immediately noticed in comparison to my beloved first gens is the throttle response. There is a very noticable delay from when you let off the fuel peddle to when the engine idles down. Not a bad thing just will take some use to get used to
Thanks guys.

 

OK guys. I found a 2005 ,3500, 4x4,crew cab,6spd in bright red with 66kmiles on it. I love that its very clean, low mileage, and has never had a gooseneck or 5th wheel in it. The only thing I am not sure about is it has 4.10ratio. I am buying this to row my 28' camper so fuel mileage is important. During this mornings test drive 70mph ran between 2200/2300 rpms. I was hoping for 3.73 but the truck is so perfect. Is the difference in fuel mileage from 3.73 to 4.10 that noticeable in a 2005 with a nv5600? Also the asking price is $30,590. Is that to high for an 8yr olf truck? Thank you guys