I thought I wanted to buy a 12 valver but while looking around I found this http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2004-Dodge-Power-Ram-3500-Pickup-Truck-W0QQAdIdZ397766221 So what do you guys think of this? What sort of things do I need to know about 3rd gens?

Just remember six CR injectors are worth the same as three VP44 injection pumps. The only weakness CR engine have are the injectors hanging up and spraying down the cylinder walls with fuel till it has some serious blow by. If you do buy a CR truck make sure to beef up the fuel filters and run good quality diesel fuel. Avoid using any fuel additives with CR's if you can unless its a high quality fuel lubricant or cycle oil (200:1 Ratio).

Just remember six CR injectors are worth the same as three VP44 injection pumps. The only weakness CR engine have are the injectors hanging up and spraying down the cylinder walls with fuel till it has some serious blow by. If you do buy a CR truck make sure to beef up the fuel filters and run good quality diesel fuel. Avoid using any fuel additives with CR's if you can unless its a high quality fuel lubricant or cycle oil (200:1 Ratio).

This^^^^^^!!! I've been doing the 2 stroke thing for 7 years now in my '04.5. Just over 170,000 on the clock and the injectors are still doing their job!!!! I run 1/2oz 2 stroke per 1 gallon of diesel......and have been at that ratio for years. For me that winds up being 16oz. of 2 stroke per fill up. Normally my truck takes 31-32gallon of diesel at fill up. I'm not real anal about being exact on the 2 stroke thing, as my truck runs just as good on a doubled ratio!!!! The extra filtration is a must due to the tolerances and the pressures these CR truck are designed for. I have one of the early '04.5 trucks, and I've had no injector problems. IMHO, that gets overblown by guys that modify their truck "stupidly"!!!!! Usually on advice from a place Mike and I used to frequent!!! So don't let injector fears keep you from this truck if you truly want it. My bud with a stock '03 replaced his injectors at like 240,000 miles. He used to tow with that truck more often than I do with mine!! He's at almost 330,000 miles now. I'm only at 170,000 now.............hopefully I've got a couple more years before injectors become a concern!! If ever!!

I'm at 350,000 on my stock injectors on my 06. I tow a lot and heavy loads. Was demoing a new scanner the other day, and found I have 2 injectors going out!!! So I wouldn't be scared to buy it! Have any questions call me.Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

What changes were made at 04.5 and what are the pros and cons of either?

Is there nobody that can answer my question?

In 04.5 the wastegate changed to electronicly controlled along with a few other small things. And I think that the HO models had more horsepower.

They added the 3rd injection even that resulted in more smoke and less mpg. Power went to 325/600 and they tend to burn pistons worse than the early common rails.

The injectors are very sensitive to trash. Have to keep good fuel filtration! Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Airstreamlkswagon;60367]What changes were made at 04.5 and what are the pros and cons of either?

i just bought a 3rd gen and love it. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Just take care of them and they will run forever. They are pro's and cons with every truck and everyone has a different idea what is best. I hope you like the truck.

110K on my 05 with factory fleetgaurd 7 micron filter only changed at either 10 k miles or every spring and fall which ever comes first and no issues. I run either amsoil or schaeffers fuel additive on occasion.