So I'm interested it purchasing my first diesel. I want an 03-06, auto, 4 door short bed. Whatever I get, I will put intake, tune, bigger turbo, exhaust, and like a 20" tire/wheel combo. What should I get and why?

 

Dont forget you will need to upgrade the trans no matter the make, with a bigger turbo and programmer. Stock trans can only hold about 100hp over stock. Some people get lucky but not many

 

Will do

 

ahh **** i can see this thread turning into a pissing match

 

Purely for modding? I guess Dodge, and the only reason I say this is because there are so many dodge nuts out there and possibly more products.

It's really going to be preference and you need to do the research and figure it out on your own. Everyone has their favorites, and you will see that from the replies you get. I am really not a fan of anything specific, more just a diesel fan in general.

 

Well obviously a vehicle for transportation...but mods yes. I like the way the dodge 2500's look, plus the motors are strong but transmission not so much. Chevy are vice versa. Not too fond of ford.

 

After my wife having a Powerstroke and hearing so much negativity about the Dodge Transmissions, the only diesel I would consider would be a Duramax.

 

I love my 07 classic Dmax! Its all stock right now eccept for the tune and air filter. I have a MBRP strait pipe 4" exhaust for it, but it's not on yet. Tuning is the most important thing on a Diesel. If you get a Dmax or an 06-07 Dodge, I can set you with EFILive tuning and I'm local to you.

Oh and buyer be ware of 01-04 Dmax's (LB7's) with injectors issues. My dad has a 03 that he bought with 120k on it and we had to put injectors in it at 180k ($1800+ just for the injectors and we did the work ours selves). He's a bit over 200k on it now . Tows his 14k lbs 5th wheel all the time with it.

 

Kbracing I will keep that in mind

 

06 DMax. Most powerful in the specified year range plus the Allison got six gears for 06. You'll pay more up front for the Chevy than the Fords and Dodges though, FYI.