04 or 04.5?

[CoastyAV8R]

I am getting ready to buy a 2500 4x4 quad cab with the 6 speed. The one I get the better deal on and is available is the 305 hp version of the Cummins instead of the 325 hp. At first I wanted the 325 but a few things have changed my mind. With my 01 HO Dodge, I was always satisfied with the power. Also, after reading some of the mileage statements some guys are reporting, maybe the 305 engine is a better choice. I know the 325 engine will get better mileage as they break in. The guys who expect 20 mpg from a motor with 3000 miles on them don't understand the break in cycle of the Cummins. What would you do?



This will be my 3rd Dodge/Cummins truck and is truly amazing the difference between this one and the 91 4x4 I started out on years ago. My wife notices the ride as the biggest difference between the 91 and the 04. I had to drive her 50 miles to the hospital after she broke her collarbone on her dirt bike in the 91 and after that ride is when we bought the 2001. Now we have kids and have outgrown the 01.

 

[gonzo2]

If your getting a smoking deal go for the '04. Either one should be an excellent truck. Plus you can enjoy it now!

We do a lot of *****in' at dodge or DC but someone is putting a lot of work into making and continually improving these trucks.

 

[Jengle]

I got the 04 and talked to my dealer about the 04. 5. He said it wasn't enough of a difference to amount to much seat of the pants feel and if I was interested in numbers, throw a TST box on and be way above the 325/600. But, in the end, it's your money, your choice. YOU are the one that has to be satisfied with it. FWIW, he has the 03 HO and tried the Edge EZ on it and then the TST. He said he wouldn't go back to the EZ now. And he cancelled his order for the 04. 5 if that tells you anything. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Rcolley]

Get 305! I am on my 4th cummins, started with 90,95,99 and now 2004. 5. I can't get over how poor the mileage is. Last fill up 11. 5 mpg. The other trucks all got over 16 mpg. This will be my last cummins if they don't get the mileage back up there.

 

[jungledave]

If your going to keep it a while and not resale it get the 04. If you are going to resale ti in a year you will have better resale on the 04. 5. You might cosider waiting a couple of months and that 04 will be an even better deal.

 

[gonzo2]

I keep seeing the comments on resale but I don't necessarily agree. I know when I was selling/trading my 98. 5 I didn't get a single question or comment on whether it was a 98, 98. 5, 12 valve or 24 valve.

I think we as TDR members are all aware of major changes and features of these trucks but the general buying public and dealers don't care. An '04 is a '04.



Another consideration is if you buy the truck you test drove you should know exactly what you are getting.

 

[CoastyAV8R]

I can't wait too long to pick up a truck. I had to use our Honda minivan last night to haul our 16' trailer to go pick some trees and shrubs. I was gonna pick up the brick I need also but as great as that Honda is, I think 1,000 lbs of brick in the back would over do it. I have driven a 305 and 325 and couldn't say I noticed a big difference. There are some things on the 325 that are nice and wish were on the 305 like the 4" exhaust, the new fan shroud and some engine mechanical differences, but I think the 305 will be the one...

 

[thejeepdude]

Personally, I've been in the same pickle. I can't decide whether to order an 04. 5 before 3/31 when the $2500 goes away, or hold out for the smokin deals on the '04's or perhaps an '05. However, the latest posts on the gas mileage issue seem to indicate that the flash, and if not just the flash injectors as well, might fix the problem. It definitely has for at least one person. I'm hoping some concurring reports will come out in the next few days, and if the MPG issue seems fixed, I'll place my order ASAP. I'd sure rather have the 4" turbo-back exhaust!

 

[Txredneck]

Where are yall finding these 04's know of any here in texas with the 305???

 

[wyosteve]

Not in Texas, but there are a bunch of them in the Denver area.

 

[Txredneck]

Well does anybody know if there are any left in texas??

 

[Barry]

Dealer delivered my 04. 5 to my office last friday. It is sooooo differant than my 03 that it is amazing. It is smoother, quieter and more bottom end torque. It is nothing to run it down under 1,000 rpm and pull right back up in 6th gear!



Fuel mileage on the overhead is 16 plus with less than 300 miles on the odo.



I have had an 00,01,02,03, and this new 04. 5. All have been 6 speeds with the ETH except the 00. This one is far and away the best one yet... ... ... ... ... ... ... mi dos centavos

 

[CoastyAV8R]

TXredneck,

The guy I'm workin' with said that there are quite a few. I am lookin' for a SWB 4x4, but he said if I were lookin for a LWB 4x4, the pickin's would be even better. He told me there are a few in your neck of the woods, but that is too far for me to go to get one. What you need to do is work with a fleet manager at a dealer, he can give you the best deal and has the ability to tell you pretty quickly what is available and whether he can get it. A regular showroom salesman has to answer to everyone and can't really do much very quickly. So call the fleet manager and work with him, he'll find you what you want. Go to a big dealership as they have more connections to get the trucks if they aren't on their lot. If I was in Tyler, I would already have my truck, as it is, this deal went down the tubes because somebody else bought it. There will always be another truck I guess...

 

[Txredneck]

Sweet thanks for the info CoastyAV8R now i just need to find one

 

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by Txredneck

Where are yall finding these 04's know of any here in texas with the 305???

http://www.rockwalldeals.com



The website won't tell you whether a particular truck has the 555 or 600, but they have a LOT of trucks so I'm sure there are some 555's left.



Give 'em a call.