One last question 04 vs 05

[JohncJordanIII]

I loved my 04. Absolutely loved the way it ran. Wasn’t fast but it pulled what ever I want and got decent mileage.

Doing searching though I read here and there that the 04.5 or maybe just 05 just run differently/respond to upgrades, 48re has updated internals has more then just o/d lock out and even hear about overall electronics and ECM being better or more reliable? I’m not wanting a bro dozer or a race truck just want something I can tow within specs of a 3500srw but still have fun and play with with just small upgrades to put a smile on my face. If auto I will get it built if manual better clutch those I know about

so if someone could really be technical about early 04s to 05s ithat would be sweet . 06/07 I know well about and kinda avoiding them at the moment just not a really a fan of them

 

[AH64ID]

More power stock on the 04.5-07 motor, but also a weaker piston design. 03-04 is more prone to apps issues from what I’ve seen.

If you’re planning on doing a little motor work and towing heavy the the 03-04 motor is better suited for added power. The 04.5-07 motor is still strong, just not as strong.

The 03-04 is more turbo limited, but those can be changed and a modded HE351 from a 04.5-07 is a great towing turbo.

I really liked my 05, but I liked it better with 03-04 pistons.

 

[JohncJordanIII]

I don’t really plan on anything other than free flowing exhaust, I would like a programmer on it that will act like an onboard monitor system and maybe a little power added if that. I will get a built trans if it’s an auto because I now know what those feel like and it’s amazing how a built auto you can really enjoy the power like you can with a manual. And I don’t tow heavy often I maybe max 12k here and there. I’m just really looking for a family pickup truck.

Nice 03/04 are almost impossible but I can find 05s all day. Really don’t want the 06/07 unless they are better somehow but I hear electrical horror stories mainly with chassis related stuff

 

[Ozymandias]

04.5 is transmission wise the same as 04. The 05 has the upgraded transmission without the TV cable and instead has a stepper motor for line pressure. It shifts much smarter then mine.
04.5 has the simple OD off functionality whereas the 05 has a dedicated Tow-Haul programming that does not lockout 4th gear at all.
Check the TDR buyers guide for the models.

 

[Ozymandias]

ECM of 05 is the only MY that is not capable to control an Exhaust brake from factory.

 

[AH64ID]

ECM of 05 is the only MY that is not capable to control an Exhaust brake from factory.

That must be an auto thing, as it worked fine with my maunal.

48RE's weren't built for EB use until MY06, but many have ran them without issues.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes the auto used up the available ram for the control of the transmission from what I was told.

Yeah, I've read the story about the continuous testing from Dodge back then to allow the older Trucks to install the EB later on. Some of the trannys failed after hours of continuous uninterrupted use* of the EB..
Very impressive how an OEM tests his products before giving it out to customers hundreds of thousands of times.
Was a good read, but i missed to safe that file to my records.

*Test stand makes this possible.

 

[GSP7]

I have a '05 . Ive havent found anyone so far that really knows how exactly the tow/haul mode functions. Im used to the OD lock out on my 2nd gen.

I live up a 3 mile long steep grade. I put it in 'tow haul' empty truck leaving my house and going down. Seems like going down it stays in "OD off" when Im kind of coasting down hill. It doesnt shift itself into OD like a OD on truck would. I dont know when or how it senses to go in OD while in tow haul mode on, or how it senses to not go in OD

 

[Topzide]

There are many factors taken into consideration with the 'Tow/Haul' (TH) switch engaged. You've got throttle input, air flow into engine and line pressures on the trans. Also the ABS speed sensors tracking rotation of the wheels. These all can play into the program of the truck. I know on mine, with EB, TH and cruise engaged and going downhill, it'll hold very close to the set speed! Very nice to not have to worry about the downhill over run when cruise engaged. Just think of it as "Ram Magic"!