I am looking to replace my '99 and am looking for a common rail CTD. I am looking for advice on which year, if any, is considered to be the best year out there. I am also looking for the years with the least amount of emmissions restrictions as I plan on heavily modifying the truck. Any advice and opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

By far the '03-'04 models. All will have injector issues of some sort, LP failures, and FCA problems but these year models are probably hands down the best in my opinion.

 

I love my early 04, it gets great mileage (20+) WITH 500+ horsepower daily driving, and they are the last to have the mechanical wastegate and no CAT. But for modding alot many will probably tell you 05 is the year to go for, but avoid the plastic ended intercoolers (some had them, some didn't).

The 03-04 305/555 engines can and will take a larger injector than 04.5-07 motors, but it costs a little more to get the initial power out of them. You said you're gonna heavily modify, the 03-04 IMO would be a great starting point.

 

I've been happy with my 04.5 CTD600.. Only issue I had was a lift pump at 22k miles. They replaced it under warranty, and upgraded it to the in tank pump, and I haven't had a single issue since.
Scott

 

Guess no one likes the later models. I love my 06. Great power and no issues so far. I get about 17 to 19mpg with auto and 4.10 rear end at 70mph. Easy to mod without issues.

 

very similar response here......

 

Love my 07, also love my 03. Their all more than capable of making the power you want...

 

03-04 all the way......

 

Why, because you own one? Please give him (us) a reason why the 03 to 04 is a better choice. Because the lift pumps fail more often on these models (03-04), because there is a mechanical wastegate and no cat, (easy fix not like those are a big deal), because it cost a little more money (RIP) to get power out of them. I havent seen a reason yet why those years are the better choice, though I am sure someone will chime in. 03 to 07 will do ya fine. None are really better than the other teej9685.

 

Better fuel mileage is the only reason that I know of. But it is what I have.

 

Now that I do agree on. Most seem to get 1 or 2 mpg better. I get fairly decent with mine, for the rear end I have. But yes, that is true.

 

Well I'll just say it right now! The 04.5 is definately the best. CUZ I own one.... Mine is a "Grail" truck...


Seriously........they are all fine. Buy the one you can get the best deal on.

..

 

If you look over the past few years you'll see many good qualities of the 03-04 motors to mod, as I said they can handle larger injectors, they don't have the 3rd injection event which equals better overall mileages even when modded, the canister mounted lift pump will crap out eventually, but to those looking for a moderate power increase will find it much more easy to change that pump out than a 05- up owner will. And then I look at alot of what Don M says about the injectors he gets in from customers, the lower daily driving rail pressures of the 03-04s mean healthier injectors that will last longer if cared for right. The rest is just opinion from me, personally I've been more than happy with the performance of the 305/555 motor, why I would recommend one to anybody looking. They're all good. 03-07 will do you just fine I agree.

 

I wouldn't have a problem with any 3rd gen...

Everything has it's positives and negatives.

Look for the cleanest one you can find and get the best deal on, pull the trigger on it, and take pictures for us.

 

03, because it was the cleanest manual on the shelf in 07 when I noticed. I wonder what that could mean......?