[Jay S]

Originally Posted by 455dan

We have 2 of the 3rd gen Rams with the Cummins both first year 2003 models. Dodge advertised that the new frame was stiffer than the old gen 2 trucks.

First year of hydro formed fully boxed (not C channel) 50 KSI steel IIRC.

I would not want a newer RAM Cummins because these have no emission system other than CR injection.
No regen, DEF, DOC, Cooled EGR, CAT, or DPF. 2003 only year built that way

Both trucks have been great so far mine just passed 165k

We have a 6.7 2008 mega cab 4x4, my brothers daily driver. For the first 230K miles it average 15-16 mpg, the fresh oil would be black as soon as it was started up. Then one day the service engine light came on and the code was for the EGR. Ever since the light came on, it gets 22 to 23 mpg, and the oil looks like new between oil changes. That does not speak very well for that EGR system.

I have averaged nearly 30 (29.7 mpg on the interstate) on a 350 mile round trip with my 2003 4wd 2500, 4 dr short box, usually gets 24 to 25. From what I have heard with my friends running new Diesels the DEF system is an improvement over past emissions equipment, and fuel economy is almost up caught up to our older trucks, I have not heard of anything quite as efficient as the 03 truck though.