2004-2005 differences (?)

[jrjuday]

I currently drive a 1993 W-350, and am looking at 3rd gen. 4-door trucks due to having grandkids to haul, and I've seen trucks listed as "2004. 5". Was there a difference between the 2004 trucks and later ones? Thanks, John.

 

[ETavernier]

JrJuday,

In Jan of 2005 Dodge made a big change in the engine fuel management going to a new common rail high pressure fuel system. This bumped the horsepower to 325, and the torque to 600. This was a jump from the earlier engine output. In addition a catalytic convertor was added to the exhaust. The manual transmission was a NV5600 six speed. Unfortunately the transfer pump continued until late in the 2004. 5 run and then was changed to the more reliable in tank pump.

The rest of the drivetrain remained the same. In 2005 I believe the manual was changed from the above to a different 6 speed. . (I'm drawing a blank as to the manufacturer).

Eddie

 

[rscurtis]

Your differences are correct, but the change date was Jan. 1, 2004, hence the 2004. 5 designation. This is when the Punishment Agency began the ramp down on NOX emissions. The 305/555 engine is cleaner running, more economical, and has simpler programming than the 325 engine. Others will agree that the 305 engine is the most desirable of the CR engines, including the fuel-guzzling oil killing 6. 7.

 

[jrjuday]

Thanks, Eddie. I figured there must have some changes I wasn't aware of if they were referred to as 2004. 5's rather than 2004.

 

[steved]

There were two engines offered in 2004... the 250HP (California-compliant) and 305HP (47-state compliant). After 2004. 5, there was only the 325HP (48-state compliant).

While 2005 was the intro for the G56 6-speed, some 2005s still had NV5600s.

There are also reports, on this forum, of some 2005s still having the filter-mounted lift pump.

Point being, unless you check, you don't really know what you have...

 

[JJPage]

2003/04 HPCR's, Cali 235hp, SO 250hp, HO 305hp, These engines were basically the same with the exception of the HO 305HP, it had newer style/design pistons for improved oil/cooling. Their ECM's were the same, just had different software flashes, this is why Smarty is able to make them equal. 2 injection events with 8 hole injector tips, no emissions hardware. Auto trans available, both 47 and 48RE's, not up on the manuals.



04. 5+ HPCR's, 325hp, newer design pistons(not better), improved valve seats, 3 injection events with 5 hole injector tips, catalytic converter, new intergrated ECM/PCM W/emissions programming. Somewhere along here they went to an in tank lift pump(still lousy), some 05's had plastic intercooler tanks, same available 48RE trans. These trucks appear to make high horsepower easier, with a fuel box or a programmer, than the 03/04 models.



I am sure there are more differences, someone is sure to add to the list, or you can do a comparison search, sure to be lot's of info. Jess

 

[AH64ID]

2003/04 HPCR's, Cali 235hp, SO 250hp, HO 305hp, These engines were basically the same with the exception of the HO 305HP, it had newer style/design pistons for improved oil/cooling. Their ECM's were the same, just had different software flashes, this is why Smarty is able to make them equal. 2 injection events with 8 hole injector tips, no emissions hardware. Auto trans available, both 47 and 48RE's, not up on the manuals.



04. 5+ HPCR's, 325hp, newer design pistons(not better), improved valve seats, 3 injection events with 5 hole injector tips, catalytic converter, new intergrated ECM/PCM W/emissions programming. Somewhere along here they went to an in tank lift pump(still lousy), some 05's had plastic intercooler tanks, same available 48RE trans. These trucks appear to make high horsepower easier, with a fuel box or a programmer, than the 03/04 models.



I am sure there are more differences, someone is sure to add to the list, or you can do a comparison search, sure to be lot's of info. Jess

That pretty much sums it up.



Early 05's had the plastic IC, and manuals were a NV5600 and could be had with 3. 73 or 4. 10, late 05's had metal IC's and the manual was a G56 only offered with 3. 73's.



The in tank lift pump is actually pretty good. Its plenty of fuel for stock and +100 hp.

 

[JJPage]

The in tank lift pump is actually pretty good. Its plenty of fuel for stock and +100 hp.

Yeah, your right. Lousy is my opinion, mostly based on how I feel about in tank pumps when it's time to change them out. You know even the fuel filter canister mounted pump like my truck came with, would support my TST to about 450hp, just not for very long :-laf

 

[CPittman]

The 04. 5's also introduced the electronic waste-gate on the turbo instead of the purely mechanical found on the 03-04's.

 

[mini14]

JJ, 48re's were put in late 03's

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

A good summary of year-by-year changes can be found in the Turbo Diesel Buyer's Guide, accessible from the TDR homepage; click on the button in the left column.

 

[RVTRKN]

2003/04 HPCR's, Cali 235hp, SO 250hp, HO 305hp, These engines were basically the same with the exception of the HO 305HP, it had newer style/design pistons for improved oil/cooling. Their ECM's were the same, just had different software flashes, this is why Smarty is able to make them equal. 2 injection events with 8 hole injector tips, no emissions hardware. Auto trans available, both 47 and 48RE's, not up on the manuals.



04. 5+ HPCR's, 325hp, newer design pistons(not better), improved valve seats, 3 injection events with 5 hole injector tips, catalytic converter, new intergrated ECM/PCM W/emissions programming. Somewhere along here they went to an in tank lift pump(still lousy), some 05's had plastic intercooler tanks, same available 48RE trans. These trucks appear to make high horsepower easier, with a fuel box or a programmer, than the 03/04 models.



I am sure there are more differences, someone is sure to add to the list, or you can do a comparison search, sure to be lot's of info. Jess

In MY 04 to include the 04. 5 there were 4 different engines available depending on where you lived, but with the introduction of the 04. 5, it was available just about everywhere (48 States?) The 04. 5 with the NV5600 is a rare find with low miles. It is the reason my brother asked me if I was willing sell him my 04. 5 with only 70K miles. He could find auto's but not the manual with low miles. These trucks are a haulers dream, except for the lift pump issue, mine went out at 30K and was replaced with the in tank version. If I had been a little more prepared, I would of paid for the repair myself and added the FASS system instead. But I found myself dead on the road and had it towed to my dealer. :{

 

[AH64ID]

As of 04. 5 all motors are 50 state motors.

 

[JJPage]

JJ, 48re's were put in late 03's

Yes, they came standard with the HO 305/555 trucks, however I have heard of(never seen) a few oddball HO's w/47re... and SO's w48re...

 

[jrjuday]

Thanks for the info. I ended up finding a 2003, and should be picking it up next week. John.