Mega cab, best year?

[Andrew George]

Hey guys, so I’m looking to buy a mega cab cummins in the near future. What years do you guys recommend? Pros and cons of the years? Not looking to do anything to crazy mod wise, just little bolt on stuff. Also any recommendations on mods for it? I would love a manual but not to picky on that. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. I live in Cali, so that’s always a bummer ha. Thanks!

 

[Jim W]

Are you looking to buy a used truck or new?

I have a 2008 Mega Cab SLT so, the trim level does make a difference in them. I would also recommend a 4th gen truck over a 3rd gen truck do to the improved ergonomics of the 4th gen seats.

Since you live in California you can forget about deleting the emission system on a diesel truck. I really don't have that muck experience with the SCR trucks. My younger son has a 2013.5, truck that had the SCR system on the truck for a while but it has been modified. With this cavate in mind I would suggest a 2017 or later truck. These should have all of the bugs worked out by than with the SCR system.

Another point if you are going to buy a used truck make sure that the truck was sold in the US initially and not Canada. A Canadian truck will not be serviced for recalls or warranty work in the US. The truck will need to go to Canada for recalls or warranty service.

 

[Andrew George]

Thanks for the info. I’m looking for used. Not to crazy on the look of the newer ones. I will definitely keep that in mind when I go buy one. How do you tell if it’s a Canadian or US truck?

 

[Tuesdak]

IMO You get the 2006 or early 2007 with the 5.9 or get the newer DEF equipped truck. The 2007.5 to 2012's used too much EGR to meet emissions early: and were very troublesome and expensive to fix vs. everything else. You couldn't give me one of those years for free. With CA's retro laws you are better off getting a DEF truck so you aren't forced to sell it out of state later like some older trucks without a DPF are experiencing NOW. The look of the new ones grow on you esp. when the emissions retrofit cost forces a sale. Just saying the future in CA is dark and not just because they can't keep the power on. Today it's businesses tomorrow it's gonna be you...

IMO the AC systems simply sucked in the 2006 years for that big of a cab. Not enough airflow and the AC system itself simply wasn't big enough.

Then you look at the cost of the older ones vs. a newer one... The 2006-07 Mega Cab even a 2WD goes for stupid money.

As an aside the newer Crew Cabs are almost as roomy as the older Mega Cab trucks.

 

[Jim W]

Andrew, I think if you run the VIN number this should tell you what country the truck was sold in. Also if you buy from a dealer they should disclose what country the truck was original purchase in. Have them put that in the contract when you purchase the truck. So, if there is any recalls by Ram you know that the truck will be fixed.

 

[AEdelheit]

You will get many different answers as it is largely personal preference, I have a 2006 and love the engine and overall somewhat simplicity, no traction control and fairly raw power with little torque management, easy to modify and play with, but the transmission , 48RE if you go auto, is less then ideal even built just too big of a range between gears, the interior and seats really suck compared to a 4th gen even with new set pads. The wind noise in cross winds coming in the top of the doors on 3rd gens is annoying, pretty noisy engine and interior.

If you want a fairly reliable truck the 06 is a good option but if you want something more refined then the 13+ is a better option especially for towing as the 6spd auto is much easier to tow with.

They all have pros and cons, I would drive multiple years and trim levels to decide what you want then look around for a clean well maintained truck.

 

[Andrew George]

Yea that’s a great idea about just driving couple different ones. That’s for all the input tho.

 

[DonFitzwater]

2006

 

[Jim W]

2006

2006

Why? I have an 2008 which is a third gen truck just like a 2006 truck. The 2006 will have the same crappy seats that that the 2008 has! Which I have rebuilt in my truck with new seat cushions and leather seat coverings. The passenger seat now has an electrical lumbar support which is not available from the factory. The 2006 has the subpar 48RF transmission, which my older son's 2006 Crew Cab had in it. This is not the best transmission unless you rebuild the transmission with after market parts, which he did.
The only thing going for the 2006 is the 5.9L Cummins, but this needs a engine brake if you are going to tow a heavy 5ER. In my opinion.

 

[DonFitzwater]

2006

Why? I have an 2008 which is a third gen truck just like a 2006 truck. The 2006 will have the same crappy seats that that the 2008 has! Which I have rebuilt in my truck with new seat cushions and leather seat coverings. The passenger seat now has an electrical lumbar support which is not available from the factory. The 2006 has the subpar 48RF transmission, which my older son's 2006 Crew Cab had in it. This is not the best transmission unless you rebuild the transmission with after market parts, which he did.
The only thing going for the 2006 is the 5.9L Cummins, but this needs a engine brake if you are going to tow a heavy 5ER. In my opinion.

2 reasons. 1. 5.9. 2. It’s probably the best year for support from the aftermarket. Just the fact it doesn’t have the early 6.7 would be a winner for me.

 

[crispyboy]

I have a 2009 - 2500, my brother has a 2012 - 2500. Night and day difference how much nicer the 4th generation trucks are over the 3rd generation. I think the 2015 thru 2018 models would be the best ones to look for several reasons. CP3 injection pump, quieter, better seats than the 3rd generation, decent electronics, built-in backup camera, emissions more reliable though not perfect by any means, more refined suspensions available, more engine power from the factory, 68RFE has has some refinements since its introduction in 2007.5.
If the prices of trucks hadn't gotten out of hand I would sell mine off and get a 4th generation.