I am considering buying a 3rd gen truck. My requirements are automatic, 4x4, quad cab, single rear wheel. I will in the future be looking at getting a programmer, or fueling box. But not something that is real insane, I dont want to have to get a bigger turbo. First two mods will prolly be gauges and valve body. I do not tow heavy, but I do tow.
Anyway considering what I am looking for, what year truck do you guys recommend? I will be looking at 03 and up, under 70,000 miles. I do not want a 6.7 engine though. Thanks in advance, Bret

 

I like the 03-early04's. best fuel mileage, no catalytic converter, etc. I've had an '03 and now have an early '04. I was a LOOOOOOONG time 12v guy, and I really love the CR trucks after having a couple!

 

I didn't have very good luck with my '99 CTD. The '07 I have has never been back to the dealer and has bookoo engineering upgrades including; stiffer frame,much better brakes,steering,quieter etc.

 

I have a early 04, it has been a good truck so far. The mpg,s are not bad either.

But I am planning on some mild modifications as well.

There is a smarty jr, in the future. Plus gauges, air, exhaust, mod's.

 

you will LOVE the truck more than you can currently imagine when you do those few mods to it!!!

my '03 was stock as a rock when I first got it... it was an SO 5sp truck. we didn't have any Smartys on hand, just the Jr's, so I loaded a Jr on it while waiting for the next Smarty shipment to come in, and it was so much nicer to drive. 'course it was even more fun w/ the big Smarty on it

 

i have an 05 and love it. 23mpg highway hand calc

 

I bought my early 04 a few months ago and I don't regret it at all. I've gotten gauges and a diablosport predator on it and it hauls the mail just fine IMO. On extreme it will get super toasty fairly quick so I left it on economy setting, which still kicks up the power nicely. I get about 17.5mpg in town (hand calculated) turning 37" all-terrains and about 19-20mpg on the highway at 65mph.

 

off topic, what 37's are you running and what lift? I've got 35" Toyo MT's, and I want to try a 37" AT

 

BF Goodrich All-Terrain KOs and its a Superlift 6" system.

 

thanks, I've got a full KORE kit, and I think 37's should clear fine. are those BFG's 10 ply?

 

What are the differences between 05 and 06? Other than the headlights and taillights. Thanks for the info so far, I think I have it narrowed down to 3 trucks I want to go look at, two 05s and one 06.

 

Dash layout is a little different. Some say the seats are not as comfortable in a 06, but my seats are fine(and I regularly make 800 mile trips) The cloth seats stain very easy, even water will stain them

I think the 06 has a few more hp/torque than the 05 does.

I think the 05 has the 7/100k drivetrain and cummins warrantys with $100 deductable after 5 years.

The 06 only has 3/36k bumper to bumper and a 5 year (starting at the end of the 3years or 36k) 100k cummins engine warranty....so you would actually have a 8/100k warranty on the cummins with no deductable.

Im satisfied with my 06

 

I love my 04.

 

Love my 05. I think the diffrence between the 05 and 06 are min.

06- has different dash and interior, upgraded doorseals, optional exhaust brake for the 48re, overdrive lockout, metal intercooler and I believe different valve springs. There might be more someone else may chime in

 

I love my early 03 but the AC damper just broke. I think I would look for one of the last couple of years with 5.9 - just like what you're doing! Craig