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04 vs 04.5

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nv4500 transmission

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The early '04 for CA was 235 HP, SO was 250HP and the HO was 305HP. I addition to the engine output and emmisions the rear axle on the CA and I maybe even the SO had a 10.5" ring gear where the HO had an 11.5" ring gear. In 04.5 all trucks were HO.

04.5 and up were called the "600" motor HO went away
 
Only for the first year of the 325/600 mainly because salesmen referred them as the new HO CTD and in Comifornia it was the only HO allowed.
 
The HO designation carried with the Cummins 600, all the way until the 6.7 was released.

5 minutes of looking thru files just has the HO designation on everything I looked at, which includes the Dodge/Ram bodybuilder website and online towing guide.

Part of the marketing was a 50 state HO engine.
 
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So, I currently have a 03 that was built like in Sept. 02 or so with 188,000mi. and 47re that I bought last spring from a friend. Guessing the transmission has been rebuilt at some time. It unfortunately has more rust on it than what I noticed when I was looking at it. My friend and the previous owner both used it to tow their ocean boats, so it is bound to have gotten some salt treatment. All this to say, I am interested in a 04.5 with about 112,000mi, 6 speed, and original owner. Haven't looked at it yet, but looks like it has been well cared for. So, should I stay away from the 04.5 and newer?
 
Absolutely not, the 04.5 is as good as the previous one - I for me wanted the 04.5 because of the Engine and the heavier 48RE Transmission, also you got a 4" Exhaust from Factory.
 
So, I currently have a 03 that was built like in Sept. 02 or so with 188,000mi. and 47re that I bought last spring from a friend. Guessing the transmission has been rebuilt at some time. It unfortunately has more rust on it than what I noticed when I was looking at it. My friend and the previous owner both used it to tow their ocean boats, so it is bound to have gotten some salt treatment. All this to say, I am interested in a 04.5 with about 112,000mi, 6 speed, and original owner. Haven't looked at it yet, but looks like it has been well cared for. So, should I stay away from the 04.5 and newer?
Look at my sig, that 04.5 with only 112K miles and a NV5600 manual transmission is worth a lot, depends on what their asking price is. IMHO, that is the best version and is capable of an exhaust brake, if you want to add one.
 
Yes the 04.5 has the ability in the ECM programmed for an EB, the 05 hasn't, and after 06 they should all be ready for an EB.
 
Your mixing up the difference between the auto vrs manual transmissions. Any manual transmission can run a EB, but the 48re was not capable until the 06 48re version. In 05 the ECM and TCM was capable of controlling the EB but the transmission was not internally capable until the 06 MY.
 
I mix a little, the 48RE is capable to handle the EB but it is not officially allowed by Chrysler.
I must know this because I have it and use it. I don't go into details here because it is written in several other Threads how it works.
 
Yes that mystery Trust Washer of which no one can tell a part number. Big rumor about that.
But as a fact, we haven't ever heard from someone that has a failed transmission because of using an EB on a 48RE.
Am I right?

sorry for diluting the thread.
 
The 05 has the same programming as the 04.5 as far as the EB goes, they both have the EB sense wire in the harness and the logic to use it.

The difference between the 05 and 06 is all programming in the TCM. It was changed in 06 to utilze the TTVA correctly on downshifts with the EB engaged, no internal trans changes were needed.

The infamous thrust washer was updated somtime in mid MY04.
 
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Ya, what he said, I am trying to remember from those years of the dicscussion about the auto and exhaust brake. But I seem to remember the trust washer wasn't installed til 06. I thought about getting one for my 04.5 but really didn't need it until I purchased the 07 C&C, but by the time I ordered the truck in January 07, the EB was now included with the 6.7 and no longer an option.
 
I have an early 05 with the NV5600 6 speed. Beside the plastic iner cooler, I believe it's very much like the 04.5. What other differences are there?

george
 
I have an early 05 with the NV5600 6 speed. Beside the plastic iner cooler, I believe it's very much like the 04.5. What other differences are there?

Engine wise, nothing. Slight difference in programming to give the 05 10 more ft lbs and the plaform differences noted.
 
Mr. Bale from Jacobs said there was not enough ram in the 04.5 and 05 to install the firmware for the brake. The thrust washer issue is something Chrysler wouldn't cop too. I did get the wink from a guy who worked in the plant where the 48re was made he said the 04.5 had it. Since my rebuild I assume in the master rebuild kit the thrust washer was installed . I will inquire about that. The lock up can easily be done with the BD torq-loc or the the compatible Pac brake lock up computer. The whole lock up for the torque converter is a hoax as Carlton made such a big deal about it .
 
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