Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Greetings. I’ve been enjoying the last few weeks reacquainting myself with the forum after an absence of about 5 years. In that time I’ve been without a CTD. I used to own an 02 HO Manual ex cab 4x4. Sweet truck. I sold it because I was young and broke and diesel was $5.50/gal. That was in 2008, I think. In 2010 I bought a 96 Manual ex cab 4x4. It had about 90,000 miles. Lots of front end woes and money spent on Dodge truck failings. The motor was great. I sold that truck about 5 years ago and now I want another CTD but no more 2nd gen for me. The brakes and headlights on those trucks were very poor.
I’m here to ask about what to look for in a 3rd gen 5.9. Anything to avoid? I don’t mention the 2003 because I prefer to stay away from the 1st model year of a redesign. I want to stick with the 5.9 because it seems like the most reliable motor.
I’m looking at 2004-2007 5.9 4x4 long bed, quad cab and unfortunately auto trans (wife request) I’d like to find a truck like this https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...DODGE&modelCode1=RAM25002WD&clickType=listing
I’m looking for a truck with under 75,000 miles, good condition, stock. I’m stuck on these years of the 3rd gen because I believe it to be the best combination of modern truck with old school technology. I want to stay away from DEF and all of the other emissions associated headaches. I plan to use the truck for hauling a pop up truck camper and mountain bikes. I want to install a flat bed and boxes. The mods/improvements I plan to do are:
Carli 3” lift and ball joints, proportional wheels and tires, free spin hub conversion, additional fuel filter, ARB bumpers, extra fuel tank under vehicle, and more in time. I plan to keep the motor pretty much stock. I may get a tuner once I learn more about them. I just want a robust, reliable truck. Not looking to hotrod or roll coal.
Major questions-
-I lean towards the shift on the floor, manual transfer case instead of the dial on the dash electronic style. Does it matter? Is one better than the other? I just like the tactile nature of the big floor mounted lever. More truck like.
-Is there a SRW 3500 variation in the 2004-2007? I’d like to have max carrying capacity.
-If I bought a 2500, what would need to be done to make it a 3500? Just another leaf or 2 in the rear or is there more to it?
-If I bought a 3500 DRW (these are seemingly cheaper than the 2500s) what is the best inexpensive way to make it SRW?
Thanks if you’ve made it this far.
I’m here to ask about what to look for in a 3rd gen 5.9. Anything to avoid? I don’t mention the 2003 because I prefer to stay away from the 1st model year of a redesign. I want to stick with the 5.9 because it seems like the most reliable motor.
I’m looking at 2004-2007 5.9 4x4 long bed, quad cab and unfortunately auto trans (wife request) I’d like to find a truck like this https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...DODGE&modelCode1=RAM25002WD&clickType=listing
I’m looking for a truck with under 75,000 miles, good condition, stock. I’m stuck on these years of the 3rd gen because I believe it to be the best combination of modern truck with old school technology. I want to stay away from DEF and all of the other emissions associated headaches. I plan to use the truck for hauling a pop up truck camper and mountain bikes. I want to install a flat bed and boxes. The mods/improvements I plan to do are:
Carli 3” lift and ball joints, proportional wheels and tires, free spin hub conversion, additional fuel filter, ARB bumpers, extra fuel tank under vehicle, and more in time. I plan to keep the motor pretty much stock. I may get a tuner once I learn more about them. I just want a robust, reliable truck. Not looking to hotrod or roll coal.
Major questions-
-I lean towards the shift on the floor, manual transfer case instead of the dial on the dash electronic style. Does it matter? Is one better than the other? I just like the tactile nature of the big floor mounted lever. More truck like.
-Is there a SRW 3500 variation in the 2004-2007? I’d like to have max carrying capacity.
-If I bought a 2500, what would need to be done to make it a 3500? Just another leaf or 2 in the rear or is there more to it?
-If I bought a 3500 DRW (these are seemingly cheaper than the 2500s) what is the best inexpensive way to make it SRW?
Thanks if you’ve made it this far.
