Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
The differences between my 2001 ETH 4x4 QC and my new 2004. 5 4x4 HO is pretty amazing. Here are a few things I noticed on the drive home last night.
The throttle isn't as sensitive in the 04. Going over railroad tracks in my 01 I use to have to take my foot off the throttle because it would buck and jerk from the slightest throttle input.
The cruise control is more accurate and you don't know it's on as it doesn't over shoot then catch back up.
The shifting pattern seems shorter on the new 6 speed and easier to shift because of the shorter throws.
I like being able to turn the air conditioner on or off in any mode where as the 01, it came on it certain modes only.
The power seat is amazingly comfortable.
The odometer has an hour meter built in to it now, that's sweet.
I love all the storage cubby holes the driver can use and the cup holders are a better design.
Love the tie down hooks in the bed and the tow hooks on the front.
Love the 7 prong plug location for the trailer.
The only bad thing I can say is the engine is recessed further in the engine bay which will make changing the fuel filter more of a challenge and adjusting the valves look like fun. But compared to my buddies Duramax, the engine bay on the Dodge seems uncrowded. The truck didn't come with the body plugs and the dealer insisted that the 04. 5's didn't come with them and wouldn't give me a set. I got a great deal on the truck, I was tired and couldn't find a new truck on the lot that had them to back up my claim.
Obviously the power is awesome and the brakes are night and day better. The engine is so quiet, my wife said it doesn't even sound like a diesel. You can actually hear the throatty 4" exhaust as well as the turbo whine. The cab is laid out very nicely and I really like the fold down floor and the little storage space underneath that.
The truck got 15 mpg driving the 160 miles home last night which I was glad to see. All in all, a very good experience so far...
The throttle isn't as sensitive in the 04. Going over railroad tracks in my 01 I use to have to take my foot off the throttle because it would buck and jerk from the slightest throttle input.
The cruise control is more accurate and you don't know it's on as it doesn't over shoot then catch back up.
The shifting pattern seems shorter on the new 6 speed and easier to shift because of the shorter throws.
I like being able to turn the air conditioner on or off in any mode where as the 01, it came on it certain modes only.
The power seat is amazingly comfortable.
The odometer has an hour meter built in to it now, that's sweet.
I love all the storage cubby holes the driver can use and the cup holders are a better design.
Love the tie down hooks in the bed and the tow hooks on the front.
Love the 7 prong plug location for the trailer.
The only bad thing I can say is the engine is recessed further in the engine bay which will make changing the fuel filter more of a challenge and adjusting the valves look like fun. But compared to my buddies Duramax, the engine bay on the Dodge seems uncrowded. The truck didn't come with the body plugs and the dealer insisted that the 04. 5's didn't come with them and wouldn't give me a set. I got a great deal on the truck, I was tired and couldn't find a new truck on the lot that had them to back up my claim.
Obviously the power is awesome and the brakes are night and day better. The engine is so quiet, my wife said it doesn't even sound like a diesel. You can actually hear the throatty 4" exhaust as well as the turbo whine. The cab is laid out very nicely and I really like the fold down floor and the little storage space underneath that.
The truck got 15 mpg driving the 160 miles home last night which I was glad to see. All in all, a very good experience so far...
