03 or 04???

[AWalkup]

I am just starting to look to replace my 93 with a 3rd generation. I am curious as to when any changes were made between 03 and 04, and if the transmission causes a large change in either year.



Thanks,

Adam

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

There's an 305/555 04 3500 4x4 NV5600 six speed. 3:73 dually sitting in Billings with only 48k. I know because I traded it for my 97. No vibration bug. I had two u-joints repaced at 38k and 42k (different ones in the rear drive line. It is a very good truck, I just wanted off the payment tread mill.

 

[HOBrian]

If I were you I would get either an 03 or an 04. I would stay away from an 04. 5, they have alot more electronics for the motor... cat, third ingection event. The 03 and 04's are the 305/555 motors. Of couse this is my opinon because I have an 03 The trans has not been a problem at all with stock power.

 

[Jengle]

From what I have seen 03 was a major change year for a lot of the trucks parts. Seems to me, that whatever problems the 03 people had, were fixed in the 04 model year. Then they went and changed it again for the 04. 5 and 05 models. I would find a nice 04 with 6spd, and ya can't go wrong. Of course, that's my biased opinion. MPG were the highest with the 03/04 models, after that, they started coming down. Good luck with your search, hope you find the truck of your dreams.

 

[JCleary]

In '03 the automatic available was the 47RE. I believe the HO was only available with a 6-speed. Autos were limited to the CA SO (235/460) and SO (250/460). SO manual trucks were 5 speeds.



For '04 the 48RE became available, and it is much better than the previous trans (sorta wish I had one). The auto was available with the SO (250/460) or HO (305/555).



The latest issue of TDR has a cool breakdown of motor/trans combos available over the years. I don't have my copy in hand, so I can't give a page number.

 

[CHolman]

I have a 04 HO with the six speed, getting close to 96,000 miles and the thing has been a work horse, LOVE IT... It my not be a 610, but a little help from the bdpp and what the heck? It's a keeper.....

 

[klenger]

The 48RE came out mid-year 2003. From 2003. 5 to 2004. 5, there were basically no changes. The CTD 600 came out in 2004. 5 and was bumped up to 610 ft-lbs in early 2005. Otherwise very few changes from 2004. 5 through 2005.



Are you considering auto or manual?

 

[AWalkup]

I was just as curious about the auto changes as the engine changes, I would think the 48RE would be the way to go with an auto?

 

[lil red cummins]

IMHO, the 04. 0 appears to be the most trouble free. yes i am biased because i have one. no cat or electronic waste gate control. mileage is great. no injector or smoke problems. as far as transmissions go, i can't speak for the auto. nv5600 has been bulletproof so far.



hope this helps



jim

 

[SRadke]

IMHO, the 04. 0 appears to be the most trouble free. yes i am biased because i have one. no cat or electronic waste gate control. mileage is great. no injector or smoke problems. as far as transmissions go, i can't speak for the auto. nv5600 has been bulletproof so far.



hope this helps



jim

I concur... . except for owning one.



-Scott

 

[1Tufdsl]

I concur... . except for owning one.



-Scott

I'll second that... 23k trouble free miles, great mileage, and I've been very pleased with the 48re.



Karl

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I have looked at this upside down and every which way. it simply does not pay to buy a used dodge diesel!!!! even one that is 4 yrs old. at least in my area. the problem is they don't depreciate enough to make it worth it. the 03's and 04's in my area are going for around 28k, I can go buy a brand new one with 40-50k less miles for 32k. 4k for 2-3 yrs newer and that much less miles is a no brainer, couple that with a better deal on the financing after you have had the truck for 4 yrs you will be money ahead if you go with the new truck. as the depreciation really starts to kick in after 4 yrs and 100k+ miles