2004 Question

[Souders]

Thinking about buying a used 2004. Understand there is a difference between a 2004 and a 2004. 5. What are the differences and how may I tell ?, Vin. numbers or serial numbers ?



Appreciate any input

 

[SRadke]

The 04. 5 will have a 325hp/600ftlb rating on the engine data tag located front drivers side of the valve cover. It will also have an engine mounted fan shrowd as oppose to the radiator mounted unit on the early 04's

-Scott

 

[Souders]

Thanks for the Info. on the 04/04. 5.

 

[JJPage]

04 will have 305hp/555tq motor, mechanical wastegate, no catalytic converter.



The 04 has different electronics controlling the engine and trans, one big difference is the 04 has two injection events vs. three that the 04. 5+ trucks have. The 03/04s have 8 hole injectors, the 04. 5+ trucks have 5 hole injectors with a slightly narrower spray angle.



04 also has a smaller turbo and a necked down cast elbow behind the turbo that leads to a smaller downpipe (3. 5"). The cast elbow and downpipe can be changed out easily, as can the turbo if you wish.



The 04. 5+ trucks seem to make power easier than the 03/04s, but with a few mods and the right fuel boxes/downloaders, they are all but equal.



If you can get a decent buy on the 04, go for it! I love my 03, I'm getting 18+ mpg with all my mods on the hiway, very seldom do I ever turn the power down.



Jess

 

[Souders]

Thanks for the Info.

 

[JEstes]

The 03/04 trucks on average get slightly better fuel economy than the 04. 5+ trucks. That's because of the lack of a kitty like Jess said.

The 04. 5+ trucks also have an in-tank mounted fuel pump, where the 03/04 trucks were originally mounted on the side of the engine. The in tank pump has proven to be MUCH more reliable. Many 03/04 trucks have had the in tank retrofit at a dealer when the stock on went out though. 100k miles is basically the lifespan on the stock one. Mine made it to 106k... . This shouldn't be a deal breaking issue though, it's just something to think about.

The 04. 5+ trucks seem to make their oil turn black almost immediately. There's nothing wrong with this either, I just don't know how much experience you have with diesels. If you go to look at a truck and the oil is black after a fresh oil change, don't worry.