03 and early 04 are 235 or 245 horse to 305 horse with the ho. They may or may not still have the lift pump on the side of the block like the vp trucks. A lot have been retro fitted with the in tank pumps like 05 ups have. The turbo and injector spray angles and pistons are diff. than the 04.5 to 07 5.9s. They don't have any problems that the others don't. Just lower hp and the lift pump probs that the vp trucks had. If you want a 6spd Id rather have the nv5600 than the g56 and their junky dual mass flywheel clutch design.

So basically I'd just need an airdog or fads fuel pump with filters and I'd be good to go withe earlier common rails? Thanks for all the help by the way:tu:

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Fass*

I went from a first gen to an 06. Havent had any problems (To date) I know that dodge trannys arent the best, so next weekend im having mine completely rebuilt. Also, like others posted, the injectors can be an issue. But with proper filtration like AirDog or Fass you should be fine. (But with 06-07 you get Efi Live!!!!)

fass or airdog are very good on all models. they offer a lot better filtration over stock. If you run across one with the in tank pump retro fit, they seem to hold up good just make sure and run a good filter in the stock canister. I only trust Baldwin fuel filters for stock style drop in filter.

How was the switch from a 1st gen to a common rail trentowens92?

Man I love it.my first gen did get slightly better fuel mileage, and was awesome to drive,but I really like the common rail.one reason is the power.I mean swapping tunes can get me from stock to over 500 hp. Also the comfort of 4 doors is awesome.its a much more family oriented vehicle.in cab is a lot quieter too.in the end,its still a cummins so its great.haha. if you got any specific questions just ask tho and ill try to help. I definitely don't think you will go wrong either getting one or just keeping the first gen.I wish I could have kept both,but I needed money to upgrade the tranny in the 06, so the first gen had to go...I do plan on getting another 12 valve soon though.

I love my first gen but I have an opportunity to make some pretty good money off of it and I'd really like a smoother ride and 4 doors. Oh and more POWER lol

New to dodge what's the good things about efi live compared to the smarty.....
Also what brand filters should I look into using and where's the best place to buy them???

Efi live gives total control over engine parameters allowing you change rpm limits, fuel and timing curves etc. Smarty has the ssr that allows adjustment but its not near what efi can do. Filters for oil - Donaldson elf or fleetguard stratopore. Fuel filter for oem canister - Baldwin. You can google and find them. Several online diesel performance retailers carry them.

Thx