03 or 04

[Mtngoat]

Can someone tell me what the advantages would be of buying an 04 instead of an 03? Not the financial part, just the truck.



Robin

 

[JWillms]

With an 04 you ge the new stearing wheel and 1 less air vent on the passanger side.

JK I know there are some real diffrances Im just not quit sure of them, hope you find your answer

Justin<><

 

[wyosteve]

No advantages that I know of other than the Laramie in the 03 has fake woodgrain dash and 04 has brushed stainless. In 04, the block heater cord is a $10 option where it was standard on the 03.

 

[crabjoe]

In the '04 QC, you get headrests in the rear. Not sure if this is true, but the ECM was supposed to be switched to a Cummins ECM for the 48RE in '04.

 

[DPelletier]

Yep, I did some checking before I bought mine and it seems everyones covered the ones I could find:



- differences: different steering wheel

different dash treatment (Laramie only)



- advantages: rear headrests



I also heard about the block heater being optional on the '04's and that the Garnet Red was discontinued for '04.



I'd be interested if anyone has anything else to add. I didn't hear about the ECM thing, but if it only effects the 48re, then it wouldn't matter to me as I was only interested in the 6 spd, this time around.



Cheers,



Dave

 

[Bertram65]

I think the timberline green color was also discontinued for '04 as well.

 

[Bob Wagner]

Originally posted by wyosteve

In 04, the block heater cord is a $10 option where it was standard on the 03.

thats truely pathetic

 

[Mtngoat]

You are so right, Bob, its almost laughable at what some companies do. .



Robin

 

[StephenThomas]

Dangit!!

I just bought 04' a few weeks ago and didn't even bother to look into the block heater -- I just assumed it was standard. After reading this thread and I checked mine out and sure enough - NO CORD! I think it's ridiculous that they didn't include it as standard. This is even worse than DC not providing the rear wheel well liners! ARGH!!



DC should put a couple of test vehicles out to us TDR members so they can clear these changes with us first!!

 

[robobx]

I'm sure the rear headrests cost them more than the block heater cord...

 

[JRMora]

Worst part of all is the cords are on "National Backorder" - you can't get one even if you are willing to pay the $38 (Yup!) for it. I know - I'm trying to get one!



Anyway, all the steering wheel buttons on the '04's are different, too!

 

[FlyFisha']

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

thats truely pathetic

Agreed! I ordered a cord as soon as I realized... it's just the cord that they cut and not the block heater itself. Just plain weird if you ask me.



Jeff

 

[DPelletier]

Hopefully someone about to purchase a new '04 will read this post and insist the dealer provide the cord at no charge. I know I would have. Of course, once you sign on the dotted line, its too late !

Dave

 

[fozzy]

You can also get chrome side molding on the 04's and a lighter brownish white leather interior.

 

[Scrappy]

cord?

The way I am getting what you are saying is that the '04 do have the heater itself but no powercord for it, is this true?

 

[StephenThomas]

"Chrome" molding....

See my pics for an example of the chrome side molding mentioned above.

 

[RankRam]

Re: cord?

Originally posted by jvanwaardhuizen

The way I am getting what you are saying is that the '04 do have the heater itself but no powercord for it, is this true?

Yes

 

[Mtngoat]

Well, it doesnt seem to be much of a difference except for the heater cord, I bet some Dodge bean counter is smiling about how much money he saved the company

Ok, I have a relative that is going to but a new Dodge and was curious about the diffs. I'll let him know what you guys said. . Thanks!!!!



Robin

 

[radar doctor]

More for the Goat in Kansas

Good Mornin Goat... I took Delivery of a 03 in OK a few weeks ago and a 04 was setting near my 03. I ask the Salesman what the difference was? He advised that the Steering wheel and the ( Grill) had been Changed. . I liked the 04 Grill Much Better... How are things in Lawrence ???

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Gilled

Another difference not mentioned yet is the grille. The '04 Laramie now has the standard chrome grille but with the sport faux billet inserts.



The '03 Laramies had body color/chrome-lined grille frame with stock honeycomb inserts. I prefer this grille but with sport insterts.



Vaughn