Looking for an '04 and need some information

[tony_h]

I am in the market for an 04. 5 Cummins. Seems most places I look may have the '04 but don't know if it the 555ft-lbs or 600ft-lbs. It seems that most places don't know about the significant mid year change. They all say it is the HO motor but I am finding that doesn't mean much when they don't know what they are talking about in the first place. Is there a way in the VIN to tell an 04. 5 (600) from an 04? Maybe some other way?



Thanks

 

[KD7GYJ]

Look underneath for a large bulge in the exhaust pipe. It is just before the muffler. This is the CAT that everyone is talking about. If it has one, it's a 600, if not, it could only be an "04



Blair

 

[klenger]

My 04. 5 was built the 1st week of 2004, so it is one of the earliest 600's built. My VIN ends in 187447. Chances are that any VIN after that number is a 600 and most anything before it would be a 555. Hope this helps. If you can actually see the truck, you can tell for sure by looking at the engine ID tag on the valve cover.

 

[steved]

Ummm... pop the hood and look at the engine tag on the driver's side of the valve cover... 305HP = 555CTD, 325HP=600CTD.



It can't get any easier... it's either a 305HP or 325HP.



steved

 

[klenger]

I think he is contacting dealers by phone and can't look at the vehicle.

 

[steved]

I think he is contacting dealers by phone and can't look at the vehicle.

Been there, done that... bad idea.



steved

 

[Suprmn]

04. 5 truck with the 600 will have a build date of jan 04 or later. There might be some dec 03 trucks that are built to that spec, but you can be sure that everything built after jan 04 is the 04. 5 spec. Just have the dealer open the door and read the build date off of the sticker. That will give you the first clue.

 

[tony_h]

Thanks, I didn't know about the 305 or 325 sticker.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

The label is on the front left side of the engine that gives the engine specs.

FYI... ..... my local service dept. mgr. told me (after I bought a 04. 5) that to date they had the best(lowest) repair frequency with the early 04's.

 

[scootergmc]

Look underneath for a large bulge in the exhaust pipe. It is just before the muffler. This is the CAT that everyone is talking about. If it has one, it's a 600, if not, it could only be an "04



Blair

Not true. My friend has an '04 235 HP CA truck w/ a cat.

 

[BStoecker]

We don't consider anything that happens in California in terms of reality. They would put cats on bicycles if they could get away with it.