to go 2004 or 2004.5 which is better?

[vaicase]

i tried to buy a 2004. 5 2500 with a diesel 6 speed posi 3. 73 lwb 4x4 quadcab they told me that i can order one but it will be 4 to 6 months but they do have 2004s availible with the way i want it i just would like to know besides a little more power what makes the 04. 5 betterand what should i look for on the 2004 as far as vibrations i drove a short box stick and loved it. to get the long wheel base stick i have to commit to them finding one and wait for it, they say about 3days to a week does this sound right i called about two dozen dealers they all told me the same, no antispin, no 6 speed availible in the 2004. 5 thanks

 

[barbwire]

WHAT???????????

No 6sp. anymore????????:--) WHY??????

 

[DPelletier]

I think they're both good. The '04 has an advantage should you choose to bomb, the '04. 5 has a power advantage stock. There is an issue on early '04. 5 trucks hesitating with cold ambient temperatures (under 30 deg. ), but apparently there is a reflash out. I would be happy with either. If you're were looking at auto's, then later '04. 5's may be exhaust brake compatible and have slightly upgraded 48RE's. If you choose to go with the '04, I would make sure you get a good deal on it as they should be trying to move them out to make room for the '04. 5 trucks. As far as the vibration goes, take it for a good test drive (up to 80 mph) and really pay attention. Also check for vibrations when stopped, especially in the 1800 - 2100 rpm range. Do a search on vibration in this forum for more info.

Good luck and good choice on the 6spd LWB!



Dave

 

[mklucas]

There is a hold on 6sp. orders right now until March, so depending on how many orders have been placed for the 6sp ahead of you it might take a while, or they might have enough for you in March when the restriction is lifted. 4-6 Months sounds like a really long time though, unless your dealership has already filled their allotment for the next 2-4 months with orders already placed. Airfleet and the dealers are still quoting 6-8 WEEKS right now on orders, I'd be happy with 8-9 as we have seen some others' orders already taking considerably longer.



Finding a six speed sounds like a bit of a tall order from what I have been reading around here and on DTR. I'm sure that there are some 04's out there with the 6sp. If you don't care about any other options, then your dealer probably could find one. Sounds like they want to get you locked in with them though.



As for differences between the two, there is already a wealth of information and opinions on this sight in other threads. The main differences being the cat. and 50 state emissions. But aftermarket products like boxes and chips are avail. for the 04 - not officially for the 04. 5.



Hope I helped...

 

[Motofreak]

My nephew works at a Dodge dealer and he clued me in that the 6sps were having problems and were pulling them off the lots. I was about to get one but think I will wait a bit longer.

 

[mklucas]

Sorry, as for anti-spin diff I haven't heard anything about a hold on that unless it happend in the last day or two.



As for problems with the six speed - How come we haven't seen anybody with posts about that? Seems like we know about these things before DC does.

 

[DPelletier]

Sorry Motofreak,

I don't buy that one.



Dave

 

[KKlepfer]

If you read the article in issue 43, it'll tell you the difference between the two (305HO & 325hp). I like the 04. 5 better. Don't worry about aftermarket modifications they will come out in time.



The 04. 5 has better valves, head, exhaust manifold, turbo, high-cobalt valve seats. This tells me that it can run hotter and last longer. Yes, it does have a catalytic converter but that can be removed in due time depending on where you live.



If you don't plan on extreme modifications then the 04. 5 is the engine because DC improved upon the engine with a minimal increase in cost. IMO

 

[klenger]

Any delivery problems with the 6 speed are probably due to availablity, not operation.

 

[wyosteve]

Ditto on what others have said about the 6 spd. Restriction is due to availability not reliability. They have had the 6 spd. since 01 and no problems. Mine has 104k and shifts fine. I drove a 04. 5 6 spd. last weekend and if anything it shifts a bit smoother than mine.

 

[opjohnny]

I was able to work better numbers on a 4. 5 ordered truck and boy was it worth the wait. My dealer even had some of the repainted trucks but still could not get close. Invoice plus 2000 cash back plus 0% is hard to beat. Join FB and get 500 more. Seems to be more of a diff between the 03 and 04 in the truck itself, I see more improvements there, but there is more diff in between the 03/04 and 04. 5 in the cummins( very quiet and diff smell from the cat).

 

[DPelletier]

opjohnny,

Sounds like a great deal. Congrats.

FWIW, there are actually almost no differences between an '03 and an '04. Some trim differences, affecting laramies mostly. I did alot of research prior to buying my left over '03. The only difference I could come up with on a SLT 6spd was the '04 has rear head rests and they weren't worth 6,000. 00 to me!



Dave

 

[Wiredawg]

Whichever has a better price

IMHO,



go with whichever you can get the better deal. Might be able to really work the price down on an 04. DC dealer in New Braunfels told me zero % financing and 2500 off 04. Not too shabby.



I have an 03 w/ an Edge EZ, Aero Turbine exhaust and AFE Mega Cannon and it does great.



I'm not sure how much seat of the pants you'll notice in the difference of the two.



The new engine does have several upgrades, but I'm not sure that means the 04 won't go 300K to 500K miles.



Finally, it depends upon how long you want to wait.



Good luck and no matter which you pick, I'm sure you'll be real happy.

 

[SKargo]

Here is some info you guys might find helpful. If i can be of any more help ,please ask.

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[mberry]

SKargo,



What does that mean: "Sched. Out For Mar. "?

 

[curatchko]

If I had to pick today, I'd pick the 04. Seeing my fuel mileage compared to all the reports here, there ain't no way these guys are going to get into the 20's per gallon with these 600's... .

 

[SKargo]

mberry,

it basically means that those particular options have been built out, so no more will be made with those options in the month of March. April 1 they will resume those options.



You can indeed still order them, but you will have to wait a tad bit longer.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

KKlepfer noted:

This tells me that it can run hotter and last longer

Yep, I've always been worried about my Cummins wearing out prematurely. :-laf :-laf

 

[KKlepfer]

Yep, I've always been worried about my Cummins wearing out prematurely.

I admit that does sound ridiculous, perhaps I really mean that it will run hotter.

I think most of us buy Cummins over the other two, because of the over engineering so I guess to us more is better. But you're right its all relative. I definitely love my 03, and don't ever worry about the durability of the engine. I am saving to get my 48RE done so I can have the same peace of mind I have w/ my HO.