im lookin at buyin another cr since ive sold my mega. it will be a regular cab, 4x4. my question is what is the best year and why, what are the differences.

 

Well that is a personal choice:

The Common Rails started in 2003

2003:
CA trucks 235/460 47re auto or nv4500
SH trucks 250/460 ditto
HO trucks 305/555 ONLY nv5600

2003.5
48re replaced the 47re and the 48re became an option behind the HO

2004.5
the start of the 600 series. Trucks got a cat, a larger compressor, a third injection event, some air flow improvements in the head and the power was upped to a 50 state legal 325/600

2005
Some trucks got plastic intercooler tanks starting in 2005
Also was the start of the more reliable intank lift pumps
Power was bumped to 325/610

2006
New engine electronics set up power stayed the same

2007.5

start of the 6.7....

Once you hit 500 hp it is hard to tell what started as what. Out of the gate the 04.5+ trucks seem to be able to jump up in horsepower a little quicker but not too much.. just my thoughts hope it helps.

 

WEll put rufushusky....

I'm partial to my 04, enjoy 18+ mpg, and yes its a little harder to get power out of, but if you're not looking for excessive hp a decent programmer, intake and exhaust will make for a nice rig...500hp isn't too hard to get out of these.

However, the 05 seems to be the yr of choice for electronics and overall performance mods. Be careful to find an 05 w/o the plastic i/c.

The 06/07s are nice, you get some (supposed) exterior and interior enhancements, but IMO the interiors (and exteriors look better on the 03-05.

 

Hmmmmm.... I think your the first person to ask this.

Good thing you started this thread

 

Yeah you 03-04 guys seem to have it made when it comes to fuel economy...my 04.5 does ok. I get about 17 on average...if I am only the highway for long periods I can get up over 20 if I keep it around 65-67mph...but that is a good way to die in Mass.

 

the later '05 with the metal intercooler and the '06 are pretty mucht eh same except of interior and and the head lights. i personally like my interior better than the '06s interior, the 600 series trucks are the easiest truck to get up to 500hp with a fueling box and a programmer and a few other simple mods but the tranny is going to need upgraded.

 

05 or early 06 but some of the 03-04 trucks are making killer power also.

 

i am going to try and get an 05.

 

2003.5 ..............................

 

I think 04.5-07 5.9 are the best to mod. but as stated on these recent threads 03/04 trucks can make huge power also. In general I liked my 05 better than my 06. but the 06 has alot more mods so it does have more power. the plastic intercooler was an easy fix with my 05 I bought a metal 03 IC and swapped them out. never had issues out of it