Looking for a reliable diesel truck

I went from a 97 CTD 3/4T 215hp 5 spd 3.54 diff to this 03 305 HO 6 spd 4.10 DRW and the 03 will tow circles around the 97 but the 97 would run circles around the 03, empty. Both have/had similar power mods - towing turbos and a little more fuel. Both were daily drivers for several years and both got the same mpg. The 97 was rated to tow 10500 (12500 if it had the 4.10) and the 03 is rated about 14500 I think. I didn't like the feel of the SRW once I went to a 9600 gvw 5er but the 03 DRW handles and pulls my now 15000 gvw 5er with ease and way better stability than the SRW with the smaller 5er. Just some more to think about. I wanted an HO 305 6 spd 4.10 quad cab and wouldn't settle for less and I read for 3 years before I found mine. 2001.5 was the 4 wheel disc brakes, 03 was the first 305. 03 - 04.4 had NO emissions... the most simple for a CR CTD. 98.5 - 02 had a weaker injector pump and block. 94 - 98.4 had the P7100 bulletproof pump and only a cat for emissions. 96-98.4 was 215 hp for the 5 spd and 180 for the auto and that's why I got the 5spd. They are really easy and cheap to turn up to 300hp. The 5spd had an OD gear problem but I fixed mine. 2006 - 2007.4 was the best 5.9 auto. I'm still absolutely thrilled with my 03 and you can find good 03 - 04.4s for under 20k. Good luck! Craig