If you're ever in the market for another Unicorn 3rd gen? I have an 03, 2500 Laramie with the NV5600 I'd be willing to part with for the right price.. Fully loaded, even with the heated leather. Only 120k on the clock, 1st owner
I also searched for that exact truck for years, couldn’t find one clean enough, ended up buying 2015 2500 with the G56, love it but man kills me seeing that 06 G56 🙌🏼
Congrats man! I sold my 2019 F350 recently and “upgraded” to a ‘06 3500 g56 truck with 3:73s. Mine drives exactly the same as yours. I believe your build sheet is accurate. 37”s should make a huge difference! Can’t wait to watch the build progress, your last 3rd gen def inspired me. Keep up the good work!
I bought this same truck except automatic and 188K Miles in early 2020, pre covid. Threw a cab-over on and I've done thousands of miles of Baja road triping. It's my 3rd 5.9 Cummins and this 2006 takes the cake.....it's an absolute gem. Enjoy.
I also have an 07 5.9 G56 swb. The G56 definitely keeps me from getting speeding tickets. Would like to see you install a Gear Vendors overdrive and compare fuel mileage gain. Maybe also lockout front hubs and compare mileage gain.
I want to see how things shake out with 37s. I think it should be about right once those go on, but we’ll find out! I do plan on doing freespin hubs again!
My friend had a GV installed $4K and he'd never do it again. He has the Jacob's factory EB and GV didn't tell him the boxes are not recommended for exhaust brakes. He's had two seals go out on him and the oil change interval is pretty short.
You’ll love that aluminum trans until that case cracks in half. The main reason I didn’t buy a factory 6 speed 6.7 third gen. I put the nv5600 into my 08 6.7 and have zero regrets with a south bend dual race clutch.
The sound of the cummins engine with a manual transmission is unbeatable. Please no disrespect to the other trucks because they are amazing and special.
Nice find, Andrew! I look forward to watching you build this truck. I just bought a nearly stock 2005 silver QCSB with the 48RE and 60,000 miles. I drove it home to central Texas from Phoenix, Arizona about three weeks ago. It spent its whole life in the desert and is extremely clean all over. I have a feeling that I’ll be taking some queues from your upcoming build!
Bro! This is my dream truck too! It's funny, because even though I own a 2006 third gen regular cab manual - it is the 3.7L magnum with the 238 Getrag...oh well, but I still love it. It was my first ever vehicle, and I have kept it as my DD, and customized it over the years to make it unique to me. I'm so happy for you for getting this though man what a reward!
Congratulations! I am really looking forward to following the progress on this build. I found a '06 Quad Cab with G56 in August that I bought that was not in the best shape. New engine arrives this week, and full Carli suspension and a bunch of other stuff will be on the way very shortly. I cant wait to see what you are planning to do on this truck!
@@JustDiesels I am really excited about that. I had not originally planned on doing so much all at once like this, but now I get to drive it longer set up the way I really want it. Original budget went out the window real quick on this one!!
I have an ‘07 3500 long box G56 in Inferno red with 64k miles. Bought it from the original owner 6 years ago with 40k miles as well! Great trucks, and tough to find. Enjoy it and keep it! You’ll never find another one lol.
Great Find! Congrats! I looked for 2 years to find my 07.5 3 rd gen black 48RE. Bought it with 19k miles. Mint condition. It currently has 29k miles. Sunday driver. Forever truck! Enjoy!
Wooooowweee that sucker is clean!! Congrats on that find man. I did a similar thing and picked up my 97 7.3 Powerstroke with a zf5 spd in Northern California and drove it back to Virginia. Dream come true for me, I know how u feel. Look foward to seeing the progress on the new rig.
I’ve got an ‘02 2500 with the NV5600 and 4:10 gears. Having some sort of overdrive is essential for these manuals to be able to run the highway. The Gear Vendors makes all the difference, it’s definitely the way to go for a truck like this.
I got a 05’ with the g56 lil over a year ago….. it’s 2wd but I live in TN…. My Toyota got hit 4 months ago and now it’s my everyday daily driver…. Just hit 96k this week. I got it grandpa’ed out with 85k very clean. No rust. No cracked dash, or broke cup holders.
I just sold my 02 5 speed Cummins. It was my baby. Bought it my junior year of high school as a beat to piss work truck. $8k on paint and body, FFS short arm kit, cross over steering, Thuren track bar, Forces, Fox 2.5 with remote resis. BDS lift. Custom leather seats. Easily spent $25k on the truck. Finally sold it and bought a 2015 6.7 G56 with 60k miles. This one will be a blast, but damn I miss my truck.
Awesome truck! I added a "Gear Vendors" overdrive unit to my 05 2500 with the G56. Now, with slightly bigger tires, I'm doing 70 MPH at exactly 1600 RPMs. It's amazing!! It's just like having a "7th" gear.
I have the same truck! but 2007 ,2500, black, quad cab, big horn, g56, manual transfer case,180,000 miles. So happy for you man! Best decision I ever made ILL NEVER SELL IT! Loved watching your experience of what I did driving it home stock.
@@JustDiesels do you mind sharing with me (personally if it’s being saved for another video) what you paid? I’d love to compare? I picked mine up in this crazy market also about 6 months ago, I flew out that night a couple states over to pick it up when I found it.
That’s awesome you found your dream truck. I literally just picked up a 06 PDM gray 4dsb auto with only 100k on the clock a few days ago. I’ve had many 2nd gens and always wanted a 3rd Gen, things fell into place and I was able to make a deal. Like you I plan on keeping this for decades lol. It’s the Laramie package and it’s super clean. I’m glad I stumbled across your channel bc we have similar taste in trucks. Looking forward to following your builds to get some inspiration for mine. I do wish it was a 6 speed but I’m happy with the auto. After some billet goodies it’ll be even better.
I live in Billings Montana and was looking at that truck for so long hoping it would go up for sale, sad to see someone else got it good to see it was you!!
I special ordered my '07 regcab 2500 G-56 in 'October '06. There were no standard G-56 5.9's in the southwest. I ordered it through Dave Smith Motors. It now has a whopping 108K. It's been up 1 and 101 to Washington state,Utah,Arizona. It's not a grocery getter. 90% of the miles have been freeway so it gets fully warmed up. It's had a Northstar TC800 popup on it 24/7. The final drive is ridiculously low so 2000 rpm at 65 mph. it's good gearing for hauling the 2200 pound camper around though. I had a Southbend OKHD G-56 clutch installed at 37K. It'l hold 5th floored at 55 mph with the 2200# camper with a 90 hp tune from my EFI when I had it. Amsoil 75-90 MTG is the slickest fluid I've found and it keeps the noise down with the smf conversion. I'm really looking forward to your build bud. I have the manual transfercase and Warn hubs also. 2.5 Kings,Carli linear rate springs(no clang) and Carli mini pacs.
Nice truck and similar to mine! I'm the original owner of a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L w/ the G56 manual transmission too. Got the truck when it had 0 miles. It's about to break 150k and still runs like new. I left my truck completely stock though.
I own a 06 Mega cab with the g56, total miles on the truck 190k ,70k on the Cummins crate motor I run the extra fuel filters, oil filters, tranny coolers with 9-quart capacity and a Banks rear diff cover, I mainly drive it during the summer with our 1800lbs palomino pop-up camper on it and at 65mph I get 16mpg.
Last year I had the chance to buy my uncle’s 06 2500 megacab with the 5.9 but it didn’t work out financially for me, which was actually a good thing. We keep in touch with the kid who did end up buying it and shortly after he got it, the engine failed. We’re not sure why, but I would imagine it had to do with the tuner ship that we sold with the truck that my uncle stopped using after he blew the transmission. He did put in a stage 4 transmission a few years back tho.
Ive been following on Instagram for quite a while - really was drawn in during the first gen build! I was stoked to see all your posts about this truck - its truly amazing.
Yup!!! I got bit ...all My boys have second gens with carli ..so I also recently got an 07.5 2500 g56 4x4 long bed . And put a Carli 6"back country kit with full leaf springs on 37 . Thanks cjc for the inspiration with awesome content on that tornado red build which is the same color as mine .Power House Performance put her together for me .Andrew JD we watching 👀 ..💯👌 👍
i have an 06 2500 with a g56. quad cab short bed as well! i love it! cant wait to follow along with your build. consider a free spinning hubs setup. a lot of unnecessary wear on your axle seals and your ujoints etc.
Congratulations!!! Im excited for you i was a huge fan of your last 3rd Gen she was gorgeous! now im very excited to see what you do to this new 3rd Gen and document it from the beginning... So cool!
I had the same truck, but in red. I regret selling. I did a 3.42 gear swap and it helped a ton with driveability. If I remember right it dropped my rpm on freeway like 160-200 so cruising at 70+ was much better. But it also made it much quicker shifting through the bottom gears. If I was doing it over again I'd seriously look into swapping in a G56r from a newer 6.7 with the taller 6th gear. Or maybe even just the 6th gear if possible
Thought i would ad additional comment re front hubs. I thought the same as some of you guys about putting on lock outs . I have been messing with this axel in my dodges for amost 20 years. With the man tranz g56 and of course cummins I regularly get 20 25 mpg but not at highway over 65, then it drops fast. however one thing to concider runninig all the front shafts etc I have found that driveline parts eg universals shaft etc last one hell of a lot longer on my rig than all of my ford and chevy buds as example I have the original shaft at over 200k and is still perfect not even a universal. And to add I never have to get out of my rig to engage FWD. best Steve
My 2018 stick tachs just over 2k at 85mph which is the max you can set the cruise control to so that's what I run. 3.23 gears. It will pull 10k camper in 6th gear until you get to the mountains. Once I hit the rockies I had to drop it to 5th and run 70.
I have a 2006 2500 with a G 56 identical to yours. It has a duel disk clutch dynamite diesel 90 hp injectors Firepunk tuning it is a lot of fun to drive from North Dakota
I owned 3 1500's and loved them but hated the issues after 100k. '06 cool vanilla / '10 sport blue metallic / '17 laramie i recently found a '13 2500 6.7 with a g56 31k miles. Absolutely love it.
Congratulations on your dream truck find. A guy moved across the street from me with a gray short bed 3500 gen 3 off rd. Addition (Auto trans. though). Anyway... I wanted that truck but I'd just purchased my dream truck (2500 gen 2, 12v w/5sp). I couldn't justify with my wife on paying 20k at that moment but... I'm still happy with my 97, 12v.
I just want to let everyone know that I found a 2006 Ram 3500 Megacab equipped with a long bed and had the G56. I found it within 15 hours of it being posted and everything planned to go look at it. Someone got there before me and bought it on the spot. Truly a unicorn of a truck
Miss the looks and comfort of my old 2007 5.9 48re, had 270k miles when I sold it. Turned around and got a 01 nv4500 with 172k and haven’t looked back but do miss the comfort of the 3rd gen.
I have an 08 long bed with a g56 and been slowly building it, fucking love this truck. So much I sold my house an threw a camper on top of the truck to travel an live in it lol.
Congrats friend! I actually had to Ship one to here in Saudi Arabia, a single cap G56 1500 SLT, it was a hassle to ship it but man oh man was it worth it! Anyway, can't wait to see the transformation! Best of luck!
I have the 2004.5 2500 version of the truck and I absolutely love her. I'm the original owner and can't imagine myself parting from her. Unfortunately, mine has 167k miles compared to your 40k. I am curious when it will be time to rebuild the engine (I religiously maintain her), but she's running fantastic and I think I'm only halfway there.
Hey ther Andrew, nice to see you so excited over this truck, she looks perfect. I have the sister to that truck and have owned it from new. It has over 200k and i still love it! I work it pretty hard for its whole life only changes has been multiple flywheel and clutch changes. Never been able to get more than 30 k out of the dual mass units. The last one only made it for 1500mi ! Best unit was Sachs 400 hp solid that has held up for almost 100k and still going. I use it for towing my equipment around up here in NH hills. I have changed the Mains in the tranz at about 100k due to noise and found some wear on the input main. also changed to sythetic gear lube which has been better and quieter with solid wheel. Just wanted to reinfore your decision on grabbing that setup, i think it's the best ever and it will probably be my last truck, i'm sure it will get me there fo another 300k. Best STeve
Those slow-mo B Rolls really do it for me. I just bought a 01 F250 and was hoping to stumble across a manual but the 1 I found had way too many miles and was a bit rough... Automatic for me until maybe I get lucky like you!
Man I had a 2016 big horn mega cab with a g56 with only 30k miles and a lady t boned me and it was totaled. I found a 2014 Laramie mega cab with a g56 in Texas with 80k miles both trucks took me like 6 months to find!Congratulations on your new truck I’d also like to own a 3rd gen 5.9 Cummins with a g56 some day
The G56 was used because mercedes acquired dodge. They lost a bunch of money thinking they could sell Mercedes at Ram dealers, but that didnt work out. What did work out was even after they dumped dodge; the cummins was still made with the g56 Mercedes trans. The NV5600 from 03-04 with a 1.375' input shaft is the strongest trans ever put into a dodge. With the right clutch it can handle 1200hp and 2000lb ft. The g56 is capped at 800hp and around 1400lb torque. The nv5600 is cast iron, the g56 is aluminum. Heavier is stronger. These numbers will be debated; but from model spec , g56 @ 610lb, nv5600 @ 600 officially, but 1,000 unofficially.
I have an 05 hemi powered 2500 with the g56 and 4.10 gears. When shifting it reminds me of good old trucks from the 70s/80s. Definitely built to pull not race.
I’m picking up the same truck but 179000kms ( up in Canada ) with the manual trans too , going to be following this hard. Long box tho to haul the sled,
Nice!! Love my 2003 HO with a NV5600 six speed manual. It has 3.73 gears as well… so I know exactly what you mean by everyone passing you on the highway lol
My cousin has one an 08 6.7 it’s a beast deleted with a southbend clutch and it rips. Great choice but I believe a g56 would swap would have been good on your previous truck. Just my opinion enjoy your new build
I have an 07.5 with a long bed. Same color and all. My biggest gripe is no manual 4x4. I like the regular quad cab as well. It's a truck; if I wanted a cab I could have a party in, I'd buy an SUV or a Ford. Oh yeah, keep it off anything wet and slippery until you put bigger and more aggressive tires on it. That puppy has so much low end torque, it breaks loose if you sneeze while letting off the clutch. It took me a while to get used to driving it, and I've been driving stick since I was about seven.
Very nice truck! Wow you don’t normally see a Big Horn Ram with 6-speed too. Very rare and clean AF. I looked for years for my baby too, and like you I had to get the 6-speed also. Mines a 08 6.7 regular cab 2wd, it’s my forever truck also.Can’t wait to see what’s next, keep it up
I have this exact truck in blue with a long bed. Getting the suspension done in a week! Mine has 112k miles on it, but they'll bury me in this truck. It's fantastic and I know you'll love it. Any thoughts on aftermarket seats?
Amazing truck. I have a 2006 3500 mega cab 5.9 g56. Leather, sun roof heated seats. Drove to Utah for buy it. I’m from California. Then paid a ton of money to transfer it! Lol I had to weigh the truck and get the motor numbers inspected. Pain in the ass.
The transfer should be totally free into Cali? I just had it smogged, weighed ($20 fee) and then registered it at AAA after a quick inspection for the CARB numbers on the engine! Fudged the purchase price and I was ready to go in CA for a few hundred bucks with normal registration fees!
Sweet find! My brother just picked up an 07 2500 SLT 5.9 with the G56 last month and he loves it. His has just 54k miles as well! I've got a 2008 3500 Laramie that's had a lot done to it but it's a 68rfe automatic. Wish it was a G56 but oh well
Part of me loves how it feels like a big rig with the long throws, but at the same time, a faster, shorter throw would make driving in traffic a lot easier!
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If you're ever in the market for another Unicorn 3rd gen? I have an 03, 2500 Laramie with the NV5600 I'd be willing to part with for the right price.. Fully loaded, even with the heated leather. Only 120k on the clock, 1st owner
Can you drop the part list man?
Homie said 138,000 miles is high mileage😂
I know right I can’t find one with under 200k in florida
Bruh that’s not even broken in 🥲
That’s what I said 😂 these are million mile trucks
My exact thought as well
First thing I thought was. 138k? Shit that's not even broke in yet
I also searched for that exact truck for years, couldn’t find one clean enough, ended up buying 2015 2500 with the G56, love it but man kills me seeing that 06 G56 🙌🏼
If you’ve ever owned a 5.9 they are nice but the 6.7 pulls so much better
You didn’t look very hard 😒😒😒
@@madmax700r5 yes but that smog junk on the 67 is soo unreliable
They are fine when you know how to work on and maintain them. But they are much better when they fall off
They’re both solid! 5.9 with some mods will do just fine!
Congrats man! I sold my 2019 F350 recently and “upgraded” to a ‘06 3500 g56 truck with 3:73s. Mine drives exactly the same as yours. I believe your build sheet is accurate. 37”s should make a huge difference!
Can’t wait to watch the build progress, your last 3rd gen def inspired me. Keep up the good work!
I hear about a lot of people trading in new diesels to go back to older diesels without all the emissions crap on them.
Just patiently waiting on tires!
I bought this same truck except automatic and 188K Miles in early 2020, pre covid. Threw a cab-over on and I've done thousands of miles of Baja road triping. It's my 3rd 5.9 Cummins and this 2006 takes the cake.....it's an absolute gem. Enjoy.
Dude the production quality on these videos never ceases to amaze me, keep it up!
Thank you!
I also have an 07 5.9 G56 swb. The G56 definitely keeps me from getting speeding tickets. Would like to see you install a Gear Vendors overdrive and compare fuel mileage gain. Maybe also lockout front hubs and compare mileage gain.
I want to see how things shake out with 37s. I think it should be about right once those go on, but we’ll find out! I do plan on doing freespin hubs again!
My friend had a GV installed $4K and he'd never do it again. He has the Jacob's factory EB and GV didn't tell him the boxes are not recommended for exhaust brakes. He's had two seals go out on him and the oil change interval is pretty short.
You’ll love that aluminum trans until that case cracks in half. The main reason I didn’t buy a factory 6 speed 6.7 third gen. I put the nv5600 into my 08 6.7 and have zero regrets with a south bend dual race clutch.
The sound of the cummins engine with a manual transmission is unbeatable. Please no disrespect to the other trucks because they are amazing and special.
Nice find, Andrew! I look forward to watching you build this truck. I just bought a nearly stock 2005 silver QCSB with the 48RE and 60,000 miles. I drove it home to central Texas from Phoenix, Arizona about three weeks ago. It spent its whole life in the desert and is extremely clean all over. I have a feeling that I’ll be taking some queues from your upcoming build!
Man that’s the dream find!! Az always has THE CLEANEST trucks!
Bro! This is my dream truck too! It's funny, because even though I own a 2006 third gen regular cab manual - it is the 3.7L magnum with the 238 Getrag...oh well, but I still love it. It was my first ever vehicle, and I have kept it as my DD, and customized it over the years to make it unique to me. I'm so happy for you for getting this though man what a reward!
Congratulations! I am really looking forward to following the progress on this build. I found a '06 Quad Cab with G56 in August that I bought that was not in the best shape. New engine arrives this week, and full Carli suspension and a bunch of other stuff will be on the way very shortly. I cant wait to see what you are planning to do on this truck!
Sounds like you’ll have a brand new truck by the time you’re through with it!
@@JustDiesels I am really excited about that. I had not originally planned on doing so much all at once like this, but now I get to drive it longer set up the way I really want it. Original budget went out the window real quick on this one!!
@@jamessprecher7594 hahah seems to be the one thing that stays the same with every build, budgets mean nothing 😂😂😂
I have an ‘07 3500 long box G56 in Inferno red with 64k miles. Bought it from the original owner 6 years ago with 40k miles as well! Great trucks, and tough to find. Enjoy it and keep it! You’ll never find another one lol.
That's a nice truck Andrew! Glad you will be doing episodes so we can keep up with the build; I think many of us would love that!
Every single step will be documented with a video!
Hey brother. Love my 06 g56 3500 Bought it new. 122,000 now. Been a work horse. God speed brother 👍🤙
I’ve always wanted a G56 truck! Happy to be a part of the club!
Great Find! Congrats!
I looked for 2 years to find my 07.5 3 rd gen black 48RE. Bought it with 19k miles. Mint condition. It currently has 29k miles. Sunday driver. Forever truck! Enjoy!
Wooooowweee that sucker is clean!! Congrats on that find man. I did a similar thing and picked up my 97 7.3 Powerstroke with a zf5 spd in Northern California and drove it back to Virginia. Dream come true for me, I know how u feel. Look foward to seeing the progress on the new rig.
Damn that sounds like a killer truck! That's literally the dream truck!
@@JustDiesels there's just something about lugging along in a big ol diesel with a manual
The miles were getting a bit high "it had 138,000." Bro you're hilarious!
It was a joke! Haha that truck is just getting started! It’s living a good life in Colorado now!
I’ve got an ‘02 2500 with the NV5600 and 4:10 gears. Having some sort of overdrive is essential for these manuals to be able to run the highway. The Gear Vendors makes all the difference, it’s definitely the way to go for a truck like this.
The older you get, the more you appreciate stock and original stuff. I was that person when I was in my 20’s.
I got a 05’ with the g56 lil over a year ago….. it’s 2wd but I live in TN…. My Toyota got hit 4 months ago and now it’s my everyday daily driver…. Just hit 96k this week. I got it grandpa’ed out with 85k very clean. No rust. No cracked dash, or broke cup holders.
I just sold my 02 5 speed Cummins. It was my baby. Bought it my junior year of high school as a beat to piss work truck. $8k on paint and body, FFS short arm kit, cross over steering, Thuren track bar, Forces, Fox 2.5 with remote resis. BDS lift. Custom leather seats. Easily spent $25k on the truck. Finally sold it and bought a 2015 6.7 G56 with 60k miles. This one will be a blast, but damn I miss my truck.
Awesome truck! I added a "Gear Vendors" overdrive unit to my 05 2500 with the G56. Now, with slightly bigger tires, I'm doing 70 MPH at exactly 1600 RPMs. It's amazing!! It's just like having a "7th" gear.
I have the same truck!
but 2007 ,2500, black, quad cab, big horn, g56, manual transfer case,180,000 miles.
So happy for you man! Best decision I ever made ILL NEVER SELL IT!
Loved watching your experience of what I did driving it home stock.
It’s the best feeling to come home with your dream truck!!
@@JustDiesels do you mind sharing with me (personally if it’s being saved for another video) what you paid? I’d love to compare?
I picked mine up in this crazy market also about 6 months ago, I flew out that night a couple states over to pick it up when I found it.
That’s awesome you found your dream truck. I literally just picked up a 06 PDM gray 4dsb auto with only 100k on the clock a few days ago. I’ve had many 2nd gens and always wanted a 3rd Gen, things fell into place and I was able to make a deal. Like you I plan on keeping this for decades lol. It’s the Laramie package and it’s super clean. I’m glad I stumbled across your channel bc we have similar taste in trucks. Looking forward to following your builds to get some inspiration for mine. I do wish it was a 6 speed but I’m happy with the auto. After some billet goodies it’ll be even better.
I live in Billings Montana and was looking at that truck for so long hoping it would go up for sale, sad to see someone else got it good to see it was you!!
I got 02 f550 7.3 box truck. 54k miles. Zf6. Stored indoors its whole life. Health center owned it. Hella clean
I special ordered my '07 regcab 2500 G-56 in 'October '06. There were no standard G-56 5.9's in the southwest. I ordered it through Dave Smith Motors. It now has a whopping 108K. It's been up 1 and 101 to Washington state,Utah,Arizona. It's not a grocery getter. 90% of the miles have been freeway so it gets fully warmed up. It's had a Northstar TC800 popup on it 24/7. The final drive is ridiculously low so 2000 rpm at 65 mph. it's good gearing for hauling the 2200 pound camper around though. I had a Southbend OKHD G-56 clutch installed at 37K. It'l hold 5th floored at 55 mph with the 2200# camper with a 90 hp tune from my EFI when I had it. Amsoil 75-90 MTG is the slickest fluid I've found and it keeps the noise down with the smf conversion. I'm really looking forward to your build bud. I have the manual transfercase and Warn hubs also. 2.5 Kings,Carli linear rate springs(no clang) and Carli mini pacs.
I got one last year absolutely love it look forward to the build
Just picked up a mint 06 Fire engine red G56 crew long bed DRW 160k all records. GD! I love this Truck!! Can’t wait to see what you do!
Nice truck and similar to mine! I'm the original owner of a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L w/ the G56 manual transmission too. Got the truck when it had 0 miles. It's about to break 150k and still runs like new. I left my truck completely stock though.
Your videos are the reason I got a third gen, you made me fall in love with them and that grey color!
Glad I could be a bad influence!
I have the same Truck. In the process of putting on a new bed and I put on a carli 3 in leveling kit with control arms.
I own a 06 Mega cab with the g56, total miles on the truck 190k ,70k on the Cummins crate motor I run the extra fuel filters, oil filters, tranny coolers with 9-quart capacity and a Banks rear diff cover, I mainly drive it during the summer with our 1800lbs palomino pop-up camper on it and at 65mph I get 16mpg.
I can’t wait to see the upcoming mods. I have the same truck, just a longbed laramie. I’m glad you found one.
Last year I had the chance to buy my uncle’s 06 2500 megacab with the 5.9 but it didn’t work out financially for me, which was actually a good thing. We keep in touch with the kid who did end up buying it and shortly after he got it, the engine failed. We’re not sure why, but I would imagine it had to do with the tuner ship that we sold with the truck that my uncle stopped using after he blew the transmission. He did put in a stage 4 transmission a few years back tho.
Let’s go!!! I’m hype for this build.
Same here! Going to document every step of the process on here!
Ive been following on Instagram for quite a while - really was drawn in during the first gen build! I was stoked to see all your posts about this truck - its truly amazing.
Congrats.
I bought an 03 CCSB SRW with the NV5600 with 98,000 miles in April 2021.
I have an 08 with the g56, best truck I ever owned. I gotta do some body work on it soon. But I wanna keep it forever
These are totally keep forever trucks. They’ll never make them again!
Yup!!! I got bit ...all My boys have second gens with carli ..so I also recently got an 07.5 2500 g56 4x4 long bed . And put a Carli 6"back country kit with full leaf springs on 37 . Thanks cjc for the inspiration with awesome content on that tornado red build which is the same color as mine .Power House Performance put her together for me .Andrew JD we watching 👀 ..💯👌 👍
Had a 2005 ram 3500 crew cab short bed with 6speed... bought it with 52k miles had it 4 years and off loaded it.. it was flame red.. drove me nuts
That would be a hard truck to let go of!
i have an 06 2500 with a g56. quad cab short bed as well! i love it! cant wait to follow along with your build. consider a free spinning hubs setup. a lot of unnecessary wear on your axle seals and your ujoints etc.
Congratulations!!! Im excited for you i was a huge fan of your last 3rd Gen she was gorgeous! now im very excited to see what you do to this new 3rd Gen and document it from the beginning... So cool!
It’s going to be very similar, but this time I’ll be able to document the whole process!
I had the same truck, but in red. I regret selling. I did a 3.42 gear swap and it helped a ton with driveability. If I remember right it dropped my rpm on freeway like 160-200 so cruising at 70+ was much better. But it also made it much quicker shifting through the bottom gears. If I was doing it over again I'd seriously look into swapping in a G56r from a newer 6.7 with the taller 6th gear. Or maybe even just the 6th gear if possible
Yeah I want to see how my truck sits with 37s on it, but the later radio is absolutely more drivable!
Literally my exact dream truck in general out of any pickup ever made thats it the one
SAME! You’re a man of taste!
Thought i would ad additional comment re front hubs. I thought the same as some of you guys about putting on lock outs . I have been messing with this axel in my dodges for amost 20 years. With the man tranz g56 and of course cummins I regularly get 20 25 mpg but not at highway over 65, then it drops fast. however one thing to concider runninig all the front shafts etc I have found that driveline parts eg universals shaft etc last one hell of a lot longer on my rig than all of my ford and chevy buds as example I have the original shaft at over 200k and is still perfect not even a universal. And to add I never have to get out of my rig to engage FWD.
best Steve
Nice truck! I have a 02 2500 a 05 2500 manual and 15 2500 all Cummins powered. The 02 is my favorite one!
Very cool truck I just bought a 2018 6.7 Cummins 2500 these trucks are so worth it.good video
My 2018 stick tachs just over 2k at 85mph which is the max you can set the cruise control to so that's what I run. 3.23 gears. It will pull 10k camper in 6th gear until you get to the mountains. Once I hit the rockies I had to drop it to 5th and run 70.
Got a 2008 dodge sprinter 2500 diesel loving it!
I have a 2006 2500 with a G 56 identical to yours. It has a duel disk clutch dynamite diesel 90 hp injectors Firepunk tuning it is a lot of fun to drive from North Dakota
I’m planning on a similar setup!
Got myself a 05 5.9 Cummins 4x4 manual myself..Enjoy it's a blast to drive. Mine is ultra rare, 2005 3500 4x4 Quad cab, short bed, G56 Laramie edition
Man that’s a sweet truck! Hard to find clean manual Laramie trucks!
I owned 3 1500's and loved them but hated the issues after 100k. '06 cool vanilla / '10 sport blue metallic / '17 laramie i recently found a '13 2500 6.7 with a g56 31k miles. Absolutely love it.
Reminds me of when my dad has his 06 g56 work pickup, the sound in the cab from the video was just like it
Congratulations on your dream truck find.
A guy moved across the street from me with a gray short bed 3500 gen 3 off rd. Addition (Auto trans. though). Anyway... I wanted that truck but I'd just purchased my dream truck (2500 gen 2, 12v w/5sp). I couldn't justify with my wife on paying 20k at that moment but... I'm still happy with my 97, 12v.
I just want to let everyone know that I found a 2006 Ram 3500 Megacab equipped with a long bed and had the G56. I found it within 15 hours of it being posted and everything planned to go look at it. Someone got there before me and bought it on the spot. Truly a unicorn of a truck
Nice find! I feel you about the G56. I loved my truck. Hated the auto. Did a swap to a G56 about 7 years ago.... best decision I ever made.
Yeah there’s nothing like a manual trans diesel!
Miss the looks and comfort of my old 2007 5.9 48re, had 270k miles when I sold it. Turned around and got a 01 nv4500 with 172k and haven’t looked back but do miss the comfort of the 3rd gen.
The 3rd gens are a really great balance of simplicity, reliability and comfort!
I have an 08 long bed with a g56 and been slowly building it, fucking love this truck. So much I sold my house an threw a camper on top of the truck to travel an live in it lol.
Enjoy that gem ! Can’t wait to see the build progress 🔥🔥🔥
Love it, really jealous of what you've found here man, but also happy for you.
It only look like 7 years of looking! Haha
Congratulations on you getting your dream truck!
Congrats friend! I actually had to Ship one to here in Saudi Arabia, a single cap G56 1500 SLT, it was a hassle to ship it but man oh man was it worth it! Anyway, can't wait to see the transformation! Best of luck!
yeah that sounds like a mess to ship internationally! Bet that’s a VERY rare truck though!
I have the 2004.5 2500 version of the truck and I absolutely love her. I'm the original owner and can't imagine myself parting from her. Unfortunately, mine has 167k miles compared to your 40k. I am curious when it will be time to rebuild the engine (I religiously maintain her), but she's running fantastic and I think I'm only halfway there.
You should be totally fine! Do injectors soon, then just keep enjoying it and replacing parts as needed!
I'm super excited about this build, I've got the same truck in black but with 530k on it (320 miles). congrats on finding such a clean one.
Hey ther Andrew, nice to see you so excited over this truck, she looks perfect. I have the sister to that truck and have owned it from new. It has over 200k and i still love it! I work it pretty hard for its whole life only changes has been multiple flywheel and clutch changes. Never been able to get more than 30 k out of the dual mass units. The last one only made it for 1500mi ! Best unit was Sachs 400 hp solid that has held up for almost 100k and still going. I use it for towing my equipment around up here in NH hills. I have changed the Mains in the tranz at about 100k due to noise and found some wear on the input main. also changed to sythetic gear lube which has been better and quieter with solid wheel. Just wanted to reinfore your decision on grabbing that setup, i think it's the best ever and it will probably be my last truck, i'm sure it will get me there fo another 300k. Best STeve
Pretty much identical to mine. 2006 5.9 w/G56 and Manual transfer case. Pulls like a beast.
It's so clean! Congrats
Those slow-mo B Rolls really do it for me. I just bought a 01 F250 and was hoping to stumble across a manual but the 1 I found had way too many miles and was a bit rough... Automatic for me until maybe I get lucky like you!
Yeah that’s the way to do it though! Have a truck you like and then just casually look for the perfect fit!
I'm so stoked for you, Andrew! I'll be closely watching along :)
Man I had a 2016 big horn mega cab with a g56 with only 30k miles and a lady t boned me and it was totaled. I found a 2014 Laramie mega cab with a g56 in Texas with 80k miles both trucks took me like 6 months to find!Congratulations on your new truck I’d also like to own a 3rd gen 5.9 Cummins with a g56 some day
The G56 was used because mercedes acquired dodge. They lost a bunch of money thinking they could sell Mercedes at Ram dealers, but that didnt work out. What did work out was even after they dumped dodge; the cummins was still made with the g56 Mercedes trans. The NV5600 from 03-04 with a 1.375' input shaft is the strongest trans ever put into a dodge. With the right clutch it can handle 1200hp and 2000lb ft. The g56 is capped at 800hp and around 1400lb torque. The nv5600 is cast iron, the g56 is aluminum. Heavier is stronger. These numbers will be debated; but from model spec , g56 @ 610lb, nv5600 @ 600 officially, but 1,000 unofficially.
So cool . Definitely have had the same urges to do the same thing . Sell to buy another truck I would like. Looking forward to seeing it built up .
I have an 05 hemi powered 2500 with the g56 and 4.10 gears. When shifting it reminds me of good old trucks from the 70s/80s. Definitely built to pull not race.
I’m picking up the same truck but 179000kms ( up in Canada ) with the manual trans too , going to be following this hard. Long box tho to haul the sled,
Another solid upload. Oh how I’ve missed them!
Nothing compares to Carli suspension systems. I have a 17 with a g56 and 3.5 pintop and I love it.
Maybe 2.5"?
I have a 2018 Ram 2500 megacab laramie stick shift. Loaded out. Bought it new when I heard they were ending the stick shift.
Love my 06 Mega Cab 4x4 G56. Just hit 248k with mine.
Clean truck my friend.
They’re such awesome trucks!
Nice!! Love my 2003 HO with a NV5600 six speed manual. It has 3.73 gears as well… so I know exactly what you mean by everyone passing you on the highway lol
yeah it’s rough with stock size tires!
Nice find and congrats! Will be fun to see it's transition!
My cousin has one an 08 6.7 it’s a beast deleted with a southbend clutch and it rips. Great choice but I believe a g56 would swap would have been good on your previous truck. Just my opinion enjoy your new build
I have an 07.5 with a long bed. Same color and all. My biggest gripe is no manual 4x4. I like the regular quad cab as well. It's a truck; if I wanted a cab I could have a party in, I'd buy an SUV or a Ford. Oh yeah, keep it off anything wet and slippery until you put bigger and more aggressive tires on it. That puppy has so much low end torque, it breaks loose if you sneeze while letting off the clutch. It took me a while to get used to driving it, and I've been driving stick since I was about seven.
Why would having a bigger cab plus a bed be a bad thing? Driving a stock G56 in rain ain’t that hard lol
Turbo sounds fenomenal
Gotta love the sound of no silencer ring and an S&B intake!
In my opinion, the late model 3rd gens are the best looking trucks
Agreed!
I was searching for the same model of truck when i had my 06 2500 auto 4x4. I ended up going to a 05 DRW 4x4 with a nv5600 manual. Love that truck.
I’ve been waiting for a truck like this to pop up i just picked up a late model 05 with g56
Very nice truck! Wow you don’t normally see a Big Horn Ram with 6-speed too. Very rare and clean AF. I looked for years for my baby too, and like you I had to get the 6-speed also. Mines a 08 6.7 regular cab 2wd, it’s my forever truck also.Can’t wait to see what’s next, keep it up
Yeah these trucks aren’t easy to find once you get picky about options! Enjoy yours!
I have this exact truck in blue with a long bed. Getting the suspension done in a week! Mine has 112k miles on it, but they'll bury me in this truck. It's fantastic and I know you'll love it. Any thoughts on aftermarket seats?
Amazing truck. I have a 2006 3500 mega cab 5.9 g56. Leather, sun roof heated seats. Drove to Utah for buy it. I’m from California. Then paid a ton of money to transfer it! Lol I had to weigh the truck and get the motor numbers inspected. Pain in the ass.
The transfer should be totally free into Cali? I just had it smogged, weighed ($20 fee) and then registered it at AAA after a quick inspection for the CARB numbers on the engine! Fudged the purchase price and I was ready to go in CA for a few hundred bucks with normal registration fees!
I had a 06 mega cab 6 speed 5.9 for a couple of years. It was my dream truck. Moved up to a 17’ 6 speed long bed. Wouldn’t go back.
Aaaaayy, I just bought mine too! I got a 2006 single cab dually, 4wd, g56. Got it with 59,000 miles!
Completely excited and jealous of your buy all at the same time! Way to go man!
Sweet find! My brother just picked up an 07 2500 SLT 5.9 with the G56 last month and he loves it. His has just 54k miles as well!
I've got a 2008 3500 Laramie that's had a lot done to it but it's a 68rfe automatic. Wish it was a G56 but oh well
Look into a B&M shifter kit to shorten and stiffen up the throws.
Part of me loves how it feels like a big rig with the long throws, but at the same time, a faster, shorter throw would make driving in traffic a lot easier!
To get your rpm down at higher speeds think about putting a gear vendor gear splitter in it!
Yeah I definitely wouldn’t mind one!
I like my 6 speed Allison. If I want to shift gears when in the mountains or whenever I use the +- on shifter. Best of both worlds I think.
I just got my dream truck too.
2006 3500 srw mega cab g56. Bone stock 185k miles. Been looking for one forever but got it in maroon
There’s no better feeling!
No wonder you sold the truck, what a score !