SOOTER

Is there a specific way to look at the VIN on the CTD's and tell if it's a 04.5 or 04? I know the 8th character is a 'C' on the 325's however is there other concrete way to tell?

I am truck hunting and I also wanted to know if I should just stick to a 05 or go down to a 04 when looking for a 6-spd 4x4 QC LB? I am for sure keeping away from the 5-spd manuals!

Thanks in advance!

John

torquefan

I think the only "for sure" way is to look at the data plate on the engine. It will say 325 horsepower if it's an 04.5. An 04 would be a 305 hp or possibly 250 hp.

Blast Chamber

The VIN is useless for determing this. Besides the engine data tag, you can also look underneath the truck for the CAT converter that the '04.5 has. The build date on the driver's door tag will also help; if it was built in January, 2004 or later then it is an '04.5.

SOOTER

I was just trying to see when shopping, if your looking say at Autotrader.com and want to know either 04 or 04.5 by just the VIN. There isn't much of a selection here in Phoenix, so I have been keeping my eyes open on the surrounding states.

I just will have to be more specific if I end up contacting a dealer. If I do that it's like posting your email online and just watch the spam start flowing it. Those dealerships are relentless if you show the slightest bit of interest.

John

Blast Chamber

You're right, they can be quite aggressive when chasing a sale.

All you can do is ask questions. If you want confirmation of what they are telling you, ask them to take digital pictures of the data tags and email them to you. If they aren't willing to do that, that's a red flag telling you to move on.

I bought my truck from an out of state Dodge dealer sight unseen. No matter how hard you try to confirm condition and details it winds up being a leap of faith. Fortunately it worked out OK for me. Good luck!

BigDave12768

Just open the drivers door and look for the date on the tag 1-04 and newer is the 04.5 12-03 and older is the 04. But the vin tells the story also. The 6 in the 8 spot is a H.O 305/555 and a C is the 600 series motor 325/600. PLease don't ask the difference and which is better. I think they will run out of server space. Their was no S.O built in 04. They all went to the H.O 305. Then when then new year started all the 04.5 rolled out and they were badge as the 600 series 325

I just bought my truck a few months ago. And Auto Trader is how I found mine. And every 04 with a 6 had the 305 and all the C's were 325. You can not use this as a rule of thumb for the 03's since some people claim that it didn't make a difference. But if it has the C its the 600 in the 04's

SOOTER

Ok, that helps a bit more. Thanks guys! I am being picky, I am looking for a 04.5 and up 4x4 QC LB with a 6 spd, and the slate grey interior. Oooooooooo BABY! I might do the Atlantic Blue Pearl too. Out here in AZ Black and dark colors are heat inducers, not to mention crappy when scrathes and dust are prominent!

John

TexasCTD

John,

Be aware that some of the early 05 trucks had Plastic Intercooler ends. Later, DC wised up and put the metal ones back in. NO problem on the 04.5, later 05s, and 06s.

SOOTER

Which part of 05 production year was that a factor on the intercooler? Which months of production did this impact? Was there a problem with the plasitc versus the metal (other than the obvious)?

Thanks for the heads up too!

John

TexasCTD

John, I have an 04.5 truck. Not an 05. My understanding is that the first production 05 trucks (august-November 05?????) had the plastic intercoolers. In some cases DC will replace them with the metal ones. The plastic just wasn't as strong and could overpressurize, especially if you added more power. You could also add a bigger, better aftermarket intercooler too. It is just something to be aware of and take into consideration when making the purchase. The 05 trucks are great, otherwise, as far as I know.