3rd gen ram 2500
 

Hi guys, so after careful thinking I've decided to not get a 6.4 PSD as planned and stated on a different tread due to cab having to come off for repairs and overall cost of ownership past warranty. I've decided on a 3rd gen Ram 2500 with the 5.9, great engine IMO and an alright truck.
I'm currently looking at an 03 and a 05, I know that there where some changes in 04 but not familiar with them. Anything mayor or important that would justify the extra money? Here are the specs for the 2 trucks I'm looking at.

2003 $16,500
155000 miles. The transmission was rebuilt using upgraded parts such as a suncoast heavy duty rebuild kit, a triple disc torque converter, and a upgraded valvebody from revmaxx. replaced the exhaust with 4" turbo back from MBRP with a muffler. Engine is all stock, have never installed a programmer on the truck. 2" leveling kit and 35x12.5x17 all-terrain tires on 17" pro comp 1079 wheels

2005 $23,500
85k miles, Banks 6 gun tuner with onboard touch screen palm PDA for on the fly engine programming and monitoring, air bags on rear axle with in cab fill valves and air gauges, AFE intake, 5" exhaust, 18" KMC wheels with 35" Toyo mud terrains, bed liner.

Thanks for your help and time.

anybody?

The 03 sounds like a better pick to me. But that's just from reading your description.

even that it has twice the miles?

Didn't even notice the miles. I was looking at the modded truck vs a stock truck. Not my jingle to buy a truck that somebody else figured they knew everything about so they did some sweet mods to show up their buddies.

by modded you mean the 05 with banks programmer? both have intake and exhaust i think

Yes, that and the tranny rebuild caught my eye. As a Powerstroke owner, Rebuilt transmissions are important to me. I'd rather have the previous owner pay for it.

Just my .02's, I would go for the 05 you get the better HO motor. all the toys on it are nice but the final thoughts before purchase if by the current owner should be
Whether or not they have abused it. If being sold by a dealer... get a warranty

Second this. You dont know who the previous owner was and if they knew what they were doing. Higher mileage yes but 155k on a diesel is fine. Since the transmission has already been rebuilt then I would check the ball joints. At 155k she either needs them or has already gotten them replaced. Its better to start with a solid foundation rather than try to deal with someone elses "modded" one.

the 03 sounds like a better deal but price is a little high imho. i just picked up my 03 with 140k on it for 13,000 and it has an upgraded tranny on it as well. I had nothing but issues with a banks tuner on my 05 and at 98,000 the engine went poof. so i would go for the 03 since u know it hasnt had a programmer and then u can do whatever u want to it. and X2 on checking the ball joints as well