JPR Ram

I have a buddy outa Tennessee who has finally decided he has a need for a diesel pickup. He's gonna either sell or trade-in his current '06 1500 Ram Hemi.

So his question to me was...... "what's the best year for a 3rd Gen Cummins powered 4x4 Ram?" He's probably gonna stick with a quad cab, but upgrade to a long bed. So of course I told him that I'd check with the only authority on the subject; DTR. And then get back to him. TIA

Swarthy Dago

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=242584

go there, the poll is already done

Raspy

Joseph,

Your poll does not include the '03-'04 models and many of us think those are the best ones because of no cat and better mileage. It's all a matter of opinion.

STate

03 SO - dont see too many. not sure of power ratings maybe close to 265hp and 440 torque. Nothing wrong with the truck/motor combo.

03-04 HO - 305 hp and 555 torque. Most like because the motor is very responsive to hp upgrades, and they did not come with a catalytic converter.

04.5-05 - 325 hp and 600 torque. Again very upgradeable, easy to add lots of power, but came with a catalytic converter which seem to fall off anyway.

06-07- 325 hp and 610 torque. Same as above, for the most part. Just newer grille and headlights.

07.5-08 - 6.7 liter 350 hp and 650 torque. Some say the fuel mileage is not as good as the 5.9s because of the DPF, and EGR emissions regulations. Other than that great trucks.

I think 09 marks the start of the 4th gen.

Hope this helps a little.
Again more personal preferance and how deep your pockets are.
Might be able to find some good deals now with all thats going on with DC.

peobryant

I don't think there is a "best" year. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.

What does he want to do with the truck? Is he looking for the best mileage, or the most power?

My brother's '03 has been a wonderful truck, and has all the power it will ever need. I would be more concerned in finding a truck in good condition, with the options I wanted, that was in my price range, rather than focusing on a specific year. Just my opinion.

rich

loved my 03 not to thrilled with my 06 or 07. think early 05 would be the sweet spot

rip 112

Love my early 04, great mileage with great power and has been pretty much problem free, the normal wear and tear.

Zeus1987

love my early 05' i REALLY like the black interior (no stains) I'm not too worried about the plastic intercooler right now. The earlier years have a advantage though with no 3rd injection event, a 03 or early 04 with 04.5+ running gear like turbo,downpipe,etc. i think is more powerful.

*just a little note they upped the TQ rating in 2005 to 610 to stay ahead of the duramax with 605 lb ft

BigTXDually

My truck is an 03 that has had more than its fair share of upgrades and performance mods but after all of the power, miles and abuse the only CR engine i will even consider putting in my race truck project is an 03 or early 04 engine. I worked at Dodge for a while and as far as dependability I saw a larger percentage of 04.5-07 5.9s coming in with problems (some very severe) than I did 03-04. Now before it is said: YES I realize that there are more of the 04.5-07 trucks on the road, and what I am referring to is the percentage of what was produced during those years I saw more problems in the 04.5-07 than problems on the 03 & 04s. Also if you talk to a lot of performance companies like :Industrial Injection , Dr. Performance or TST , I know that people with these companies believe that the 03 &04 engines are better for making big power and still have the longevity in the engine. That being said no matter which year you go with if you decide to be stupid and not learn about these engines you will destroy any of them no matter what year they were made. My suggestion there is find someone you trust that has built a strong truck and had either very few or no problems at all to assist you in building your engine. For instance a kid i know wanted big power and asked me how I have ran mine so hard for so long at the power level its at and then when i told him how to do it he chose another "CHEAPER" way. Well his "CHEAPER" way cost him an entire engine (head,block, pistons, crank, cam, pump, injectors and all) and he still thinks that I am the crazy one that doesnt know what i'm talking about. My point again being buy a good truck that has no mechanical problems , research all parts (remember mixing and matching parts from different companies is sometimes a BAD IDEA) , find someone that is very knowledgeable about what you are wanting to build and then listen to them and build it. Hope your buddy finds what he wants.

JFlory

If you have ever changed the injectors, or even taken off the valve cover on an '4.5+ truck, then did the same to an '03-'04, your mind would be made up.

The 600 engines have the 3rd injection event that basicly dumps soot into the oil. Only 2 on the 555's.

It can take a week to get the black stains off your forearms from a 600 series injector swap. On the 555's, it still looks like honey after 4k miles.

This is what I based my decision on when looking for a 3rd gen.

J.D.

Raspy

I don't know if all the black is a problem or not. But it's nice to see things so clean.

I change the oil on mine every 10,000 miles and it has almost 170,000 total miles now. The oil is only slightly brown at changes and it has NEVER used a quart between changes. What an engine!

MikeyB

I have a very early built '03 and have to say it's one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The only issue (that I didn't create) so far is a blown hydroboost line.

Good power and great fuel economy too. My three year average is 19.05 mpg.

MikeyB

paroxysym

2005 hands down

TexasCTD

Everybody knows the 04.5 is the best!! It's the Common Rail Grail!




This is such a silly question....asking which is the best. Seriously, ,they are all good. Buy the one you can get the best deal on.

..

DryCreek

If this were a poll, my vote is for the '03 or early '04.
Great power, mileage and dependability.
I see a lot of talk about power add-ons. They are great if you plan to make a speedster. I tow with our trucks. Wouldn't a fast car make more sense if you want to race around town?