I have a ram 2004 3500 4x4 and I am trying to figure out where to start with my upgrades. I'm not lookin to get stupid with it jus reliable and maybe play a lil. I hope that I can get some insight and for the record I'll never go back to a gas engine EVER

 

Welcome! Well for starters, you can free up the exhaust system with a free-flowing muffler, at the very least. If you want you can also ditch the catalytic converter (only if your state does not inspect for it). Or, a complete turbo-back exhaust system. Next, an air filter upgrade, either a drop-in washable air filter or a Cold Air Intake filter system. A free flowing intake elbow or "intake horn/ intake manifold" upgrade, plus a set of gauges such as EGT, Trans temp, boost, fuel pressure (all these gauges help monitor engine and trans as well as turbo function) Plus gauges are mandatory if your gonna be doing any injector mods or programmer tuning. Ther are several vendors on this site to help with your choices and pricing for all these items. Just do your research first before you start your mods. There is TONS of information on this site in regards to mods, mild to wild.

 

I appreciate the help. I have been screwed I feel like on a couple of things but I don't know if it was neglect on my part or if it was faulty. I worked the truck in the oilfield but have always taken care of it. Should I upgrade the cooling system.

 

Definately carefully inpect the cooling system (radiator) for rust and scale. For piece of mind, If I were you, I would do a complete coolant flush and change the t-stat. By "upgrading the cooling system" are you referring to a new radiator? If that is the fact then also change radiator hoses, heater hoses etc. Just remember use only H.O.A.T type antifreese and distilled water. Distilled water is free of minerals that faucet, city water contains. It would likely be a good idea to replace the water pump as long as your servicing the cooling system. How many miles on the truck?

 

Most people I know start out going with an exaust then a fass fuel system and gauges. Also air filter and a programmer (if you want it)

 

I started a new job this past week and have met a guy that is best friends with sum brothers that have insane trucks. They run a shop and have kinda "taken me under their wings" so to speak. I'm amazed. One truck is over 2400ft lbs

 

I was referring to replacing. But if it will handle it I'll leave it stock

 

Damn, thats some torque!! Youre welcome & have fun with it.

 

I agree with Big Redd on most counts. The intake elbow is fine as is. If you start going berserk with injectables like water-meth and nitrous and propane, and more turbos, the elbow is a consideration. the stock one will easily support well over 500 hp.
a fuel preparator is a must. (fass, airdog) your injectors need CLEAN fuel. cold air intake helps, as does aftermarket exhaust. Programmers can be tricky...some modify fuel mapping, others ramp up rail pressures. Gauges are recommended if you do any kind of programmer. Your head studs will handle 50 psi. Keep boost pressures under 45 psi. Our diesel here in the states sucks, use additives. I wont specify by name- they're all decent. Don't use fram oil filters! ever! Use KandN or Fleetguard.

my 03 has a cold air intake, Hamilton cam, 4" straightpiped exhaust from the turbo to the tip, 65 horse injectors, Airdog 150 with 5/8" fuel lines and drawstraw, Southbend clutch (not impressed),edge programmer, and a Industrial Injection phatshaft turbo. its a great combo with a quarter million miles on it.

 

Even Wix oil filters are good as well. Plus dont go "on the cheap" when it comes to fuel filters. Cheap auto parts fuel filters will kill your injectors. If you dont have a fass or airdog system, use good quality fuel filters. I use fleetguard and cummins (from cummins dealer) exclusively, since I dont yet have an aftermarket fuel filtration system.
If you are intent on making it more efficient, keep it simple. The sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to mods for these engines. Oh yeah, the wallet is the other limit.... Keep in mind tho, if youre gonna do some heavy mods to your engine (maybe in your future), you'll have to address the trans as well, as it will quickly become the weak link.

My rig only has very simple mods which work very well for me and my needs. Its efficient and gets great fuel mileage (way better than when it was new), Its my daily driver. When I tow my travel trailer, my rig pulls like its not even there. I can still smoke the duallies when I get that wild hair up my butt also. My other dually is another story all together. Its a gas PIG!