I'll be buying a new for me truck in the next few months. The checkbook says 2010 or older will be affordable. Without going through every post, which is better, 3rd or 4th gen? I own a small construction company so it'll be hooked to 10k or less tool trailer daily and kid hauler in the evenings. I need reliability more than I need the latest, greatest features. Auto or manual doesn't matter, but needs to be LB and crew cab.
I had a friend who was a service writer for dodge dealer and told me nightmares about 06 07 yrs.
I have a 98.5 24v auto LB QC w 300k or so on it. that has been an outstanding truck. Very few problems with it, especially considering all the crap I've put it through.

 

Having owned both, the 4th gen is by far the superior truck.

Now, that said, I will admit that the 5.9 3rd gens get about 20% better mpgs than the 4th gens. However, the 6-speed automatic trans, integrated exhaust brake, crew cab (vs. quad), interior & ride refinements, more durable front-end, etc. are well worth the mpg hit.

You might want to post your question in the 4th gen section as well.

 

Thanks!

 

I think 3rd gen. The 6.7 is built for smog control. Beside worse mileage, they also have had more problems, especilally earlier ones. These are suppose to be all fixed with software updates, but I am not sure if I buy that.
Also,you can burn any diesel fuel with the 5.9.
Drive both and see what you like.
05-07 are probably the best years to look at.
If you look at a 6 speed 3500, you will never be short on truck.

 

Not sure what kind of "nightmares" the 06-07's were????
They're known to be the best of the pre-dpf trucks.
That said if you want a CC/LB then the 2010 is your only option unless a quad cab will suffice.
If a qc works for you then either a 06-07 5.9 with 6speed manual (but that starts to SUCK driving around town or in traffic), my next preference would be a 08-09 with the 6speed auto. If it gets good mileage leave it alone, otherwise delete it.
If you have the coin then a 2010 4th Gen is a much nicer, more comfortable truck and you can get the good auto trans AND CC/LB.
Only 6.7's I've heard of being repeat offenders with the dpf emmissions is the early ones 07.5's and early 08's.
DOn't forget any of the 6.7's get you a exhaust (turbo) brake standard. Nice if you're hooked to a decent trailer daily.

 

Thanks everyone! The nightmares i was talking about were constantly being at the dealer for sensors, idiot lights, etc.

 

Not one trip to the repair shop for my 07 (yet, knock on wood!). Of course it only has 105k mi on it. The only engine related problem I've had was a cracked #4 injector line ($50, 15min repair). My Bullydog did cause temproary elect issues a couple times, but it was 100% the programmer and BD straightened it out for me over the phone.
While I really like the G56 trans, I'd defintaely go for an auto trans if I was doing daily commuter/traffic/stop and go w/ a trailer.
I know 3 different people with 6.7's. 08, 09 and 10 models. None of them "work" their trucks. They are commuter vehicles mainly and none of them has had issues with the DPF.
I'd be looking for a 08-09 auto trans model. Either give up the LB for a Megacab (with a trailer and a good ladder rack, SB truck should work fine) or get a QC/LB (cheaper than a Mega too).