Hi. I am toying with trying a cummins. I do not need it, however I would like a long bed truck and I would not upgrade to a hemi 2500-3500. Last summer I test drove a 2001 24V. I quickly hated it. It was all stock however which was kinda cool but its really seemed like a dog in stock form. My current truck felt better all over so I stepped back and tried to read up a little more. I've had two 2nd gen ram and love the style but I can't seem to get back into the terrible steering and rear drums after going to 3rd gen. So looking to try a 3rd gen 03-05 24v

Will a 03-05 24v cummins be an upgrade from the 2nd gen 24v in stock form. I am not looking for a 1000hp truck...i do like reliability but bolt on most when cash allows is ok.

I love how my 3rd gen 1500 handles and I do not want to get into something thats going to rob $1000's at a time away fro my wallet. I am trying to find real world info straight from the guys who own these trucks, possibly the ones who upgraded from 1500's too. I am not going any newer because I do not want to spend a ton up front when spend more to get it where I want it. Hoping I could maybe find a rusted out one and swap over my cab and bed since mine 04 is mint and I built it frame up.

Thanks for any wisdom you can give me.

Just want to make sure solid axle front end is not really as bad as 2nd gen. I have not found a 3rd gen 24V or HO out there on the used lots or private sales to even test drive. Attached is my 04 below I'd be willing to cannibalize for a project cummins.