Q&A: what’s the best model years of Dodge Ram Cummins?

[laymansworld]

I just sold my 01 HO Cummins manual to my son in law. Best pickup I ever owned. I wish I had known they were getting rid of the manual in 2018, I might have replaced it at that time.

[stephenshealy]

Dad had the 98, he loved that thing, and it was good to him, he just upgraded brakes
I found a 04 2500 so happy with it, right now biting the bullet for a trans upgrade, love the torque for pulling boat

[palcho]

Great video as usual very informative. Recently, I switched to 2004.5 2500 123k Cummins auto trans this year from 2008 hemi. I love Cummins sound. Learning to upgrade weak points on my truck (currently the truck is all stock). Appreciate your Q&A

[livingeveryday]

Had an 02.5, last of the 2nd gen 5.9 24V turbo. Sold it at 298 miles for $6500 and it still had its original unserviced transmission (minus fluid changes). So far my favourite while I’ve ever owned. BUT this week I’m picking up an early 03 with long box. So excited!

[jamesb]

I own a 2006 mega cab 3500. The 06 was the last full year of the 5.9. In 07 it was a split year early being the 5.9 and late 2007.5 was the first 6.7 Cummins. Love my truck, has 210k miles with zero major issues. I’m going to put a Fass or Air Dog lift pump on it soon and probably replace the injectors afterwards, just to keep it reliable. At 24k miles I replaced the exhaust with a Banks turbo back 4” high flow Banks muffler, gutted cat. Also put in Banks intercooler, Ram Air cold Air intake and the Banks monster Ram intake horn. Edge Juice with attitude programmer. I get 19mpg unloaded on the highway with programmer on economy and couldn’t be happier with the truck. It’s my DD.

[jerrettkihne]

This is the best explanation of this I have ever seen I have a 2006 with a messed up dash and my dad has a 2003 that never skipped beat

[DirectCurrentu]

I have to say I truly love my 2005. If You take the time to upgrade the front end with the T style and Most important Upgrade, the Transmission to a 3 or 4 stage build. Lift pump, Exhaust Cold Intake, Injectors, Head Studs, Turbo Tuning are also great Upgrades to consider. I have to agree with You. Over all the 3rd Gens are really hard to beat! Great content! Thanks for sharing...👍

[tkilg]

For me this is the best video you've done, because this info is valuable to me. I haven't seen any other vid that ranks these trucks as well, even if it is only your opinion
My '03 5.9 is doing fine for me, since I replaced the heater/a/c plastic door gear problem with metal gears, (Heater Treater mod), taped up the dash and put a nice cap on it, and added a triple disk billeted torque converter. also a larger valve body for the 48RE tranny. I've owned it since new, and have about 180, 000 miles on it. Many people ask me if I want to sell it, and I always laugh. I'm 70 now, and I will keep it and probably pass it on to my I don't get myself buried in it. Lol.

[brianegeberg]

My 2005 has been my favorite vehicle ever, just turned 117k over the last 15 years...will likely outlast me...

[javierramirez]

Loved your best model years for Dodge Ram Cummins video. I just bought a 2004.0 ram 2500 with an October 03 build date. This is my first diesel truck. Used all your advice on what to look at before buying. One owner, no rust, no blow by, quad cab, grandpa truck with 250k miles for 5k! My question is the 305/555 HO engine did it have a catalytic converter from factory (Texas Truck). The videos are awesome thanks!

[jjtt]

THANKS FOR THE NO B/S INFO / RIGHT TO THE POINT WITH FACTS AND YOUR HONEST OPINION / VERY GOOD VIDEO FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW THE TRUE DEAL / THANKS AGAIN / KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK / TRUTH IS WHERE IT'S AT

[JonesDieselPerforman]

On 2018 limited trucks you could get a cream white and black two tone interior and longhorn trucks were available with a cream white and chocolate brown interior. I believe these interiors were both 2018 model year only.

Normally limited was an all black interior and longhorns were either a chocolate brown or cattle tan coloured

[tommygreist]

I have an 06 2wd....been a very great truck.
Great video.

[skwerlee]

My early 04 Dodge 5.9 HO/6sp would average 26+MPG unloaded on the highway…amazing.

[Genx]

Early 1998 extended cab, shortbed, 12 valve, four wheel drive, 5 speed. The infamous unicorn

[MarionBlair]

Great look back! You know your trucks!

[amolinari]

Hell yeah awesome vid man. 07 for me esp if it’s an auto. Otherwise I’d go for the 18 as it was the last year of the 4th gen and g56!

[mattio]

After about 3 years of research and searching, I bought a 2003 Ram 2500 2WD 5spd ST (Standard output) and use 28.5 gallons of fuel over 8 weeks for my dailies and hit 27mpg hwy. I got it with 262k miles for $8500 in Oct 2022. My plans include a NV5600-spec input shaft and clutch, new FASS lift pump and finer injectors and up the power to about 450hp.

[calvinsanders]

early 04 HO, looked at everything around my area and with the market, was the best bang for the buck. Kind of slow compared to ford diesel but when i need to work on it way easier and enough money and mods it won't be slow

[KeystoneOutdoorsman]

Most people overlook the 305/555 engine and its perks. I had an 03 and 04.5 with manuals. Great trucks. My 04.5 was my baby until I sold it but thats because i had alot of upgrades done to it, there's videos on my profile. But now I just have a 1990.0 non intercooled 3- speed auto.

Great video!