Newbie here
 

First off I would like to say hello, tomorrow or the next day I'll be buying my first Cummins diesel. It is a 2002 HO with a manual transmission, 144000 miles, 4 wheel drive, edge programmer, FASS fuel system, straight piped, and 4.11 gears. I am not crazy about the gearing, but it will be towing a travel trailer that is over 11,000 pounds for work from time to time. It is the Cummins that I have always wanted and look forward to reading your guyses post and learning

Sounds good. Had I known better I would have held out for a manual and HO engine. Upgrade the lift pump and add a fuel pressure gauge if it hasn't already been done. On the truck's 3rd VP of its life (2nd since I've owned it) and 3rd lift pump (3rd since I've owned it). Manual transmissions are heartier from what I hear. Read a lot about clutch upgrades if you're adding power. Do all the unsexy crap first so you don't have to replace parts twice. Built right the first time is cheaper than gofasthotrodding right out of the box.