Decision Time

[mberry]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to go ahead with a 04. 5 purchase. The deal sounds good. $500. 00 over invoice and they will show me the invoice.



I'm just wondering if I should do it or not. I love the truck I have now but it tows my (less than) 3500# boat like a pig. I don't tow often and am torn between the 6sp and the auto.



I drove a "600" auto yesterday and an 04, 305/555 6 spd too. I already know I don't want the 4. 10's. The "600" was definitely quieter and seemed smoother than the 305. It was really "peppy" to me and drives very nice. Firm, solid and quick shifts from the new auto.



So if it was you, what would you do? I could really use the collective advice of this group! TIA



Mark.

 

[JARichard]

i would get the 04 305/555 and put an EZ in it. It will probably be better on the rebates and incentives too.

 

[mberry]

They don't have any left that I want and I don't know when their next shipment is coming. It was supposed to come in last night but with the weather...



Why do you say an 04 305/555 would be better?

 

[RankRam]

I say get the six shooter, my auto is working great but I regret getting it.



My next truck will have a stick and an exhaust brake!

 

[gonzo2]

At #3500 lbs your decision really comes down to personal preference. The auto should be just fine (even with 373's) with that kind of load. The new trucks are awfully nice and not necessarily a worse "deal". Either way I'm still REAL happy with my 305.

I suggest you go for it!

 

[Peter Campbell]

The only negative thing I can say about the 600 is the post injection event. It keeps the EGT high so the CAT will work. Inherently inefficient. But how much fuel is used? probably not a lot. and you get more power. I got the 305/555 and am happy with it- I dont need the last 20 HP or 45Lb-ft. But if you want it the extra power MAY cost you in mileage ( especially if you use it ) and efficiency. In hindsight I maybe should have waited, it would have been less complicated to register in NY, and I would have had more money-- well maybe not I would have been less tight if I waited. The Cat problem is fixable see other threads about people who have had Cat "problems"- somehow a "backfire" blew all the media out whoddathunkit?

 

[gonzo2]

OH! Forgot to mention. I still find pure enjoyment rowing through those gears. It's not for everyone but if you actually like shifting, like me, You won't regret the six speed. If you don't like or are indifferent to the stick then don't get it. Functionally I'm sure the auto will be fine for your purposes.

 

[mberry]

Thanks everyone. I am not concerned about the extra HP & TQ from the new "600" If I got the 305, I would still be up 70HP & 95TQ from what I have now.



I just want the "best". I really like how the 325 engine sounds. It is noticeably quieter than the 305 but if there is a problem with a post injection event or something like that I'll go with the 305.



I am also concerned with losing MPG. I am currently getting 18. 5 hand calc. with my 02 on winter fuel.



More opinions please?

 

[mberry]

Originally posted by gonzo2

OH! Forgot to mention. I still find pure enjoyment rowing through those gears. It's not for everyone but if you actually like shifting, like me, You won't regret the six speed. If you don't like or are indifferent to the stick then don't get it. Functionally I'm sure it will be fine for your purposes.

One of the reasons I want the 6spd is that I do not like the towing performance with my auto. I don't tow heavy now, but I will be soon. I don't want to spend $5K on a good transmission upgrade. I would rather spend the $1300. 00 or so on a really good SB clutch. I also kind of miss shifting gears.

 

[mberry]

I forgot to mention I am NOT going to stay stock for long! Is the 305 easier to bomb than the 325?

 

[gonzo2]

Presently, if you want to bomb, there really is nothing out there for the 325's. The more adventuresome are just starting to try. As far as I know, no manufacturer has yet to release anything for the newer set-up.

 

[mberry]

I just got off the phone with Diesel Dynamics. They suggested I go with the 305 due to all the extra emissions junk on the 325 version.



Do you all agree with that assessment?

 

[curatchko]

Well from what we've seen here at TDR,



Some of these guys aren't getting half the fuel mileage that the 305's are getting... There was one guy on here who reported 9mpg on the highway.



Based on that alone, I would find an 04 that's left over.



The little things like the hesitation and such in the 600's will probably be worked out(can't understand why it wasnt' worked out before they released the truck!!!!!!!!!!)... but the fuel mileage can't be overcome in my opinion. These guys aren't going to go from 10 mpg to 22... . that's pretty disappointing.

 

[mberry]

Good answer Curatchko. Thank you.

 

[DPelletier]

If I were you I would get an '04. My reasoning is that you are going to bomb it anyway and as gonzo said, there isn't anything out for the '04. 5's yet. More importantly removing or modifying the cat or exhaust system will be a federal offense. No worries with the '04 and you're going to modify anyway.

As far as the transmission's go, the others are right, you don't need the 6spd for your load, but I'd buy it anyway. The main reason I sold my '01 was that I regretted getting the auto. Exhaust brake compatible and more reliable. Much cheaper to get a SB clutch than a DTT or ATS transmission upgrade if you modify to the level where that's necessary.

Disclaimer: Nothing wrong with buying an '04. 5, I'd buy one with no second thoughts, but IF you're going to modify it anyway you'll have less hassles with the '04.



My Opinion Only,



Dave

 

[gonzo2]

Dave the diplomat!

 

[mberry]

Originally posted by DPelletier

... More importantly removing or modifying the cat or exhaust system will be a federal offense.

Like we haven't been doing that for years anyway?? If I have to, I'll move to the next county that does not have smog requirements.



Thank you very much Dave. Diplomacy in action!

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by mberry

I'm trying to decide whether or not to go ahead with a 04. 5 purchase. The deal sounds good. $500. 00 over invoice and they will show me the invoice.

Mark.

Mark, thought i'd throw my 2 cents in... You should pay NO higher than 3% UNDER invoice (then minus rebates)... $500 over is about $1700 to high



I have sold about 21 trucks to TDR members at that price, let me know if I can be of any help (even to strong arm your dealer)



cya!

 

[mberry]

Tomeygun,



Take your best shot! PM me or email me with anything you need. I would rather not give my business to the local dealer here anyway. I'm going to Carson Dodge tomorrow also to see what they have and maybe pay a visit to Mr. John Holmes if he is there.



My girlfriend and I were going to do a 2 car deal. She wants a Stratus SXT or something like that.



PM me PLEASE. I need all the help I can get. I have also made up my mindof what I want. 04 3500 QC 4x4 305/555 6 speed 3. 73 gears.



I forgot to add an exhaust brake. (edited)

 

[RankRam]

Just PM'd you