'04 or '04.5

[SOLER]

Big problem guys. I can't find an '04. I've had dealers looking, but it's hard to find a 6-speed with the stuff I want on it out here on the East coast.



I want a new truck because I need a larger cab. My kids have outgrown the back seat of my '01. 5 quad cab.



I am reluctant to order a new one, because of the "new bugs" and because of the gub'ment controls like the cat 'n such. I don't mind waiting, but just don't want to get something that is going to be hard, expensive, and illegal to do the bombs I want to do.



Just how much garbage do the '04. 5's have on them? I could get an exhaust for an '04 and be near the sazme numbers as the 600, and be close to where I am on my '01. 5.



"to order or not to order?"



Any help/insight is appreciated.



thanks



SOLER

 

[EAMan]

You are almost is the same situation that I am in. What to do? Well, the truck are going to the at the dealers... you can sit on it for a while or buy a used 03 or 04? I also am a little worried about the purchase of an 04. 5 with the problem that they are having. I would really like one 325 hp is hard to pass up.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Hey SOLER,

Have you given County in Oxford Pa. or Cook in Aberdeen Md. a call. They have plenty of ctd's on the lot. (new 04's). Less than 1 1/2 hour from you and about 1/2 hour between them. Did'nt say what you were looking for exactly. The dealers I listed may not have a swap agreement with your dealer !

Mark T.

 

[klenger]

I have not had any issues with my 04. 5. I think the idea that they are full of bugs is an exaguration of one report. As the the garbage on them, they added a CAT as far as emisions goes. While the rest of the changes may been influenced by emisions, they also help power and EGT's.

 

[LightmanE300]

IMO the power difference is not going to even be noticeable, and can easily be added and surpassed. I prefer the 305/555 with no funny emissions tweaks

 

[SOLER]

I guess what I'm concerned about is the cat and other "anti-tampering" devices, such as the "void" stickers that have been springing up more and more under the hoods of our trucks.



Will I be able to add an exhaust to this truck for a reasonable price, and will I use the existing cat, or replace the cat?



What about other stuff that will send codes, or show signs of tampering? I realize that "you are your own warranty station," but, I don't want to have to deal with warranty problems when one thing isn't related to the problems I may or may not have.



It seems that things are just going to keep getting more and more pricier. One of the great things about our Cummins has been the low cost of bombing goodies compared to our rivalries.



I'll give those dealerships a call tomorrow.



Thanks for the info so far. Oh, and gals, you can chime in here, too. Didn't mean to exclude anyone!



SOLER

 

[SOLER]

How long?

By the way, how long have y'all been waiting for your new trucks if you ordered them?

 

[geusterman]

My 04. 5 is quieter than an 04 and no diesel stink. Cat is on 4" all way through. No restrictions I worry about. Class truck. geusterman

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Both are great trucks. The 04 has 3. 5" exhaust until the tailpipe, 04. 5 has 4" all the way. The muffler on both is a sorry piece, worthy of a dark corner in your garage or trash can. The 04. 5 has electronic wastegate control on the turbo, and multiple injection events. Too early to tell if these things will make adding power or an aftermarket turbo more difficult. I suspect the injectors and pressure box will go on easily. Pulse width boxes may or may not. For those who want to add power, the 04 is the sure thing right now; for those who want the most stock power, the 04. 5 probably will dyno 15-20 hp higher.

Get one with the options you want, and enjoy.

 

[jlasich]

Soler,

I basically did the same thing. I could not find an '04 truck with the features that I wanted. I looked as far north as Washington and as far east as Texas. The few that I did find had a few things that weren't quite as I wanted them. If I'm going to spend the money, I might as well not settle for any compromises, especially since I plan on keeping this one until it's at least paid off (not sure how many times I've said that though. ). I will admit I'm a little bit concerned about the issue they're having right now, but mainly concerned for the Dodge/Cummins image. As I've stated before, now is their time to shine. With all the press about Ford's miserable 6. 0l, and about Cummins being on top with the 600, I really want to see Dodge/Cummins garner more and more market share. Cummins knows what they're doing and I have complete confidence that they'll get it right. As one person said earlier, if you want to add hp or torque right now and be untouchable, find yourself an '04. I would have no qualms buying either, they're both better than the competition.

 

[swexlin]

Soler -



I see you are in Dover, DE. I am in West Chester, PA, and my truck is on order from D'Ambrosio's in Downington. They are one of the largests dealers, so I'm sure they'll have a good stock when it arrives (my truck is due in another month or so).



You might also try Raymond Dodge - just north of the DE/PA line on Route 202. Both dealers are within an hour of you.

 

[EMD-Run8]

Hey!! What's wrong with diesel "stink" (just ribbin' ya)?? If you want an 04 check with Hill-Kelly Dodge in Pensacola, FL. Less than a month ago when I bought mine (about 1/25) they had about 10 or 12 04's on the lot and didn't have a single 04. 5 on hand. They may still have some and most were QC SLT's or Laramies and a few duallys. They only had three ST's and only one like mine. Jack Freeman was my salesman------Good Guy!!!!

They did me right!

 

[SOLER]

Thanx y'all. I think I found one at Country Chrysler in Oxford, PA. It's a black '04. The only thing it is missing is the sliding rear window. I might not need it, since I couldn't even reach it in my '01 QC while driving, anyway! Aftermarket item, I guess. The best thing I liked about it was the tint. It's a nice truck. It sure is a dog compared to my '01 with EZ and DD #2 injectors! I guess the bombing will begin in short order!!



Thanks again for your input fellows and fellitas!!



SOLER