I'm relatively new to the wonderful world of diesels...I'm a mechanic/service tech by trade for a large world wide Air Compressor manufacturer which keeps me pretty busy working on large compressors, air dryers, & process equipment. However 2 years ago I purchased my 2004 ram 3500 SRW with 72,000 miles. Have done a few upgrades lights(all but head lights), gauges, deep sump tranny pan, S&B intake, straight 5" exhaust, stereo, Smarty tuner, & all the normal where & tear stuff brakes, shocks, etc...love the Cummins not so sure about the dodge(right now anyway)

 

Well, if you upgrade front axle stuff and steering components. Carli stuff is one of my favorites and tough parts. This truck will handle the road real nice and you can bag the truck on a dirt road and it ll tough out no prob.
Do some trans upgrades, especially valve body and torque converter, it ll last real long time. But also to make it last long, do the maintenance intervals on the tranny every 20k miles. Also adjusts the bands at the same time. This way you garantee it to last as long as the engine.
Body though on these really isn't the best but everyone is on there own on this.
Engine though one thing I didn't see but it's really recommended is upgrade the fuel filtration systems. Bosch CM need filtration systems that are 2micron. Unfortunitely dodge installed I think a 10 micron or something near that. And nearing 120k miles the injectors can start failing. If not earlier for some.
That's all I got to say about the dodge. Treat it with this love... It ll be just as tough then anything out there

 

 

Welcome to the forum! :peelout

 

Welcome Aboard.