Im going to be picking up a new truck soon and cant decide what to get. Im a chevy guy but am not a huge fan of the style on the 02 -08 chevy and gmc's so im leaning to a 03-08 ram. So my question is does anyone know what is the better cummins and what year to go with? I want to be able to do some work to it and get the fuel mileage up as much as I can.

The biggest problem with those year cummins is the transmissions are weak. I used to rebuild them for a living. I had a guy tear apart his suncoast built one. He was also twin turboed.

I always liked the 5.9s in the Dodge trucks from 03-06.

I will be going with a 6 speed manual if i get one.

NV5600 (six speed) is definitely the way to go IMHO. 03-06 are common rail Cummins (best out, I think) and NO emissions bullsh!t. 04.5-06 have a lil better turbo and a few more hp/lb.ft, but don't be afraid of an 03 or 04. The 03 H.O. is factory rated at 305/555, and more is EASILY had. I lterally can't count the number of Powerstroke's and Duramax's I've smoked. Even crept away from a Duramax with bigger turbo, Sun Coast trans, and two programs stacked. I can get a TRUE 23-24 mpg at 65-70 mph with no load, high teens loaded. I have gotten 15-16 pulling an 8,000 lb. gooseneck camper at 80 mph. I swapped from 3.73's to 3.42's because it was turning more RPM than I wanted at 80 mph. Around town, empty, I get high teens, NEVER seen less than 16-17, PERIOD! If you're planning on programming it, plan on a Southbend clutch and an Airdog/FASS lift pump. The stock clutch will only take another 100hp/150 lb.ft and the stock lift pump is just barely capable of stock fueling demands. Engines are bulletproof provided you keep the EGT's down (I say below 1200 in a burst and below 1000 sustained). NV5600 is bulletproof provided you ALWAYS use the clutch to shift (if not you WILL eventually wipe a synchro). Rearends are bulletproof provided you have good pinion angle and no driveshaft vibration (but even then its just a pinion seal and reseat the pinion nut). Stock turbo's WILL spool 35psi with NO problem. If you got any other questions on what to watch out for, etc. PM me or text me at 8o3 669-93 FO 3. I'll glad to help, Brad

thanks I will TXT you I have a few questions.

Brad... I'd Love you shoot the crap with ya too.. as I'm doing a Swap with my 88 GMC Classic.... Square Body... Thinking of doing a 6.7 Swap though

If you don't plan on going crazy, power wise, then you shouldn't have to worry about tranny issues. The 6-speed in my 06 (G56) has held up fine so far. I typically tow 14K+ and haven't hurt it--I do drive wisely though. Ease up to speed, don't just lay the hammer down--especially if you tow heavy. I do run a power adder (Smarty downloader), but keep it on the 60hp setting. I know that adding too much power without addressing the transmission can be asking for trouble. A dual-disc clutch and twins are on the horizon, after the wheel and tire upgrade of course.

Just lemme know your questions. Be it on here or via text. I work nights and sleep during the day, but yall can text anytime because the phone stays on silent. I'll help you guys all I can. CUMMINS POWER!!!

^^^^^ Very true. You can make big power, and NOT break things if you're willing to drive "smoothly" and not just wack the throttle like a small block/automatic setup. There's ALWAYS going to be a weak-link, I like mine being the clutch.

It was nice talking to you the other day. Hopefully one day we can do it face to face at a show somewhere. -Brad

yes for sure. Let me know where your gonna be this summer and I will have an ice cold beer ready if im there.