I'm looking at two potential 2500 trucks that are listed as 2005 models. One was purchased in 11/2004. Would this be considered (possibly) a 2004.5. I looked for a VIN decoder but could not locate one. The other is a local truck that is privately sold, I have not been able to get the VIN on it.

If not 2004.5 series (from my limited exposure and searching here) it seems that the 2004.5 had some problems-but then I could be wrong.

Were the full 2005 model year vehicles better than 2004.5? How about the automatic in the 2005? Solid or problems? One has less than 36K on the odometer, the other is 50K. I'm going to be towing and lots of highway miles unloaded. Towing construction trailers and equipment.

Is there any stickie or spec section on the model years available here. I don't want to take up thread space or anyone's time reading my posts if its somewhere else.

Thanks for whatever information you can provide.

 

Just look at the build date on the Federal ID sticker on the door or look at the driver side of the intake cover for either 305ISB or 325ISB

305 will be the early '04 and 325 will be the '04.5

 

I did a long exhaustive search on many forums about what year Dodge Cummins to look for. It seemed everyone agreed that any 2004 thru early2007 with the 5.9 was the best. All in this year range have the 48RE transmission and this is about as good as you can expect. Many of the weak components and trouble spots on the 47RE were suposedly corrected in the 48RE. I found an 05 an so far am very very pleased with it.

Good luck!

 

Look out for an '05 or later with a plastic intercooler. They can have problems(I hear). As for 04.5, I can't say anything bad so far!

 

I replace my stock lift pump with a Glacier walbro 392 kit, put in some guages and Ive been very happy with it. Keeping the truck stock has been hard, been wanting to add power, but with power comes broken parts, and more money and the urge to add more power, then more broken parts.....you get the idea.

Only mechanical issues Ive had with my 04.5 is my waterpump needed to be replaced, and the Pressure solenoid in the tranny failed and neeed to be replaced. Thats it.

 

[QUOTE=STate;2025924]I replace my stock lift pump with a Glacier walbro 392 kit, put in some guages and Ive been very happy with it. Keeping the truck stock has been hard, been wanting to add power, but with power comes broken parts, and more money and the urge to add more power, then more broken parts.....you get the idea.
QUOTE]


Amen to that brother! If I bought another truck, I would change the front end with Moog parts, but a better fuel system on it (Glacier, FASS, etc..), and some gauges and call it a day. Having the extra power is nice, but everything for these trucks is so expensive.

 

04.5 with only 36k and no problems. Only mod is exhaust, I don't want warranty or engine problems. It's got enough power for me and I tow a 10k camper regularly.

 

I have an 05 all stock, 6spd, 80k miles, not a problem so far. great truck. It seems as though a lot of the problems pop up when you start modifying them.