Well I am sure this have been covered a few times, but I am finally getting back into the cummins realm and I am not that informed on third gens. I can decide which generation to get. I want to keep my price low say @ $14k. So that limits me really. I need 4wd, I would like a manual but depending on how nice the truck is I wont be picky on the trans. I want lower miles, somewhere close to 100k or less is always better. The main thing for me is clean and well kept, dont really care if it ext cab short bed or reg cab. The thing is I have owned 2 second gen trucks and I know them pretty well, I have had no exposure to the 3rd gen and the common rail. For the money what would you all do? I know the downfalls of the Vp and all that and I am willing to fix them via preventative measures such as a Air Dog. Its my lack of knowledge that is stopping me from the 3 rd gen. So I guess I am saying lets hear the good the bad and the ugly. The truck I purchase will be used for towing a boat mainly nothing to big really.

I appreciate the input,
Kevin

 

I would spend 10k or so on a clean 2d gen, preferably 96-98, and hold back the other $$ for rebuilds, mods, tires, etc.

 

I you're set on a 3rd gen, then from what I have read, the '04.5 seems like the best choice. If you are looking for opinions on 3rd gen trucks, you may want to post this in the 3rd gen section. It may be hard to find one close to 100K miles for only $14K. But with the truck market like it is, who knows..?

 

I've owned two first gens and two second gen 24V trucks. The third gen in my sig is by far the best truck I've ever owned. I was somewhat scared of the third gens too, but after a little reading, they're really no more complicated than previous models. Now if I could only get it to have the exhaust note of the older trucks...

 

Agreed the older trucks def sounds more mean...

 

I'm not sure about that. I would say a 12 Valve would be a whole lot less complicated than a 24 Valve or newer. So 3rd gens aren't really more complicated than 24 valves.

 

Find a good 2nd gen 12V with a body and frame in good shape and go from there. It might take a little while to find the right one but it's well worth it. Take the extra money and do some necessary stuff like the KDP , add a lil' mo' power and run with it.