2004 is here

[rmcnamee]

Hello all,

Just picked up my 2004 3500 QC Short bed Laramie 4x4 HO/48RE. The truck is great and barely changed from the 2003 I traded in, with the exception of this one being HO/auto and the 2003 was a HO/6 speed. Since every once in a while, people ask what the differences are for the 2004s, I figured I'd pass along what I noticed.



1. Laramie package:

> Chromed door trim moldings replaces the painted moldings

> Chrome grill with the "Sport" inserts replaces the combination colored-key/chrome grill with honeycomb insert

> Brushed aluminum dash bezel and door panel trim

replaces the woodgrain pieces. NOTE: These are NOT actually brushed aluminum pieces... looks like they took the same trim pieces from the previous year and just applied a "brushed aluminum" coating instead of a "woodgrain" coating.

> Manual lumbar adjustment replaces the electrical set-up. . Why I have no idea.

> "Light Group" is included in the package

> Tow hooks are standard with the package (I think. . mine came with them and I'd specially order them)



2. General interior:

> New steering wheel, which feels much nicer than the 2003 (it's the same one being used on the SRT-10, or whatever the new super-fast Dodge pick-up is called)

> Redesigned front headrests (Same shape as the 2003, however they sit just above the top of the seat when fully retracted because of the externally-mount height-adjustment buttons)

> Rear seat headrests



3. Auto transmission (48RE)

> Overall it shifts and performs great, but only time will tell if it'll hold up to the HO.

> "Tow/Haul" button replaces the "OD Off" button on the column shifter. (Not sure if this is ne for 2004. . my 2003 was a stick)



Hopefully I'll get some pictures up within a few days.



Ryan

 

[nickleinonen]

egr YES#ad
/ NO#ad

 

[kompressor]

Yes, I'd like to see pictures, especially the front grill. My '04 should have shipped Monday.

 

[KCJackson]

Here's the 2004 Laramie grille:

 

[DJaquez]

Oo. Oo. Mine does not have an EGR that I can tell. I have been told that it does not. Oo. Oo.

 

[jhurst]

"> Rear seat headrests" NICE



Justin H

 

[TPCDrafting]

rmcnamee, OK, so why did you trade in? Was it you wanted an auto? Problems with the '03? or Do you just trade up every year? Something else?? I'm considering buying an '03 or '04 in a couple years, I'm just curious.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Rear headrests

Ryan, I was wondering how the rear headrests are set up. Are they mounted like the fronts? I would be curious to know if these could be added to the '03s.



Can you tell me what all is in the light group? Glove box light, underhood light, lighted vanity?



Congrats on the new ride, BTW



Vaughn

 

[rmcnamee]

TPCDrafting:

I originally wanted the HO/48RE, but right before the dealer went to locate a HO/48RE, I changed my mind and had them locate a 6-speed. I really liked the stick for about the first 3 months, but then I got to thinking about the auto and what a mistake the manual was. Yeah, I just dropped a few thousand for the 2003, but I got to thinking that if I'm gonna be paying almost $500. 00 a month for the next five years, I should really love what I'm driving, especially since it's my daily driver. The city/town driving was also starting to become a real PITA. In the end, I should have gotten the auto in the first place. Other than that, the 2003 was great. . no problems/issues what so ever.



Vaughn MacKenzie:

The rear headrests are much like the front on the 2004. Installing the 2004 rear headrests in the 2003 rear seat probably could be done, but you'd have to change the seat back .



The Light Group includes driver/passenger lighted vanity mirrors and the under-hood light. The glove box may have a light inside, but I haven't checked yet.

 

[Phil Howell]

The light group does include a glove box light and an ashtray light besides the lighted vanities and under hood light.



My new '04 also has no EGR.



Congrats on your new truck!

 

[Rosco]

Originally posted by rmcnamee

3. Auto transmission (48RE)

> Overall it shifts and performs great, but only time will tell if it'll hold up to the HO.

> "Tow/Haul" button replaces the "OD Off" button on the column shifter. (Not sure if this is ne for 2004. . my 2003 was a stick)



Hopefully I'll get some pictures up within a few days.



Ryan [/B]

Does the tow/haul just lock out overdrive like the OD button on the '03 or does it change the shift points of the transmission. On my wifes '03 Tahoe the tow haul changes how the truck shifts. It hold the gears longer with tow/haul turned on.

 

[rmcnamee]

Hey Rosco,

I haven't really messed with the "Tow/Haul" button, but when you push it, the transmission downshifts and it does seem to change the shift points.



Oh yeah... NO EGR on mine either Oo.



Ryan

 

[MMeier]

Anyone know whether or not the 04 visors can be "exchanged" into an '03 and if the light hook ups are in place on the '03's even if you did not get the lighted mirrors!