I run 03/04 style pistons and injectors with my 04.5 ecm. There are some hard-wiring issues with the 03'program in an 04.5 and up truck (coolant temp circuit, and throttle position sensor). There have been a few reputable sources find that the 3rd event isn't active under most performance situations anyway.
12v, 24v, and some early cr rods are forged. The later common rail engines use a cracked cap design which people associate with powdered metal. I have seen information from cummins listing the cracked cap rods as forged as well.