Thinking about buying an 04 but the HO engine really make much difference? More stress, more wear and tear on drive train? know nothing about these newer trucks.

 

The only difference between the HO engine and the SO engine is in ECM programming. That is what made the power difference. Mechanically the engines are the same.

The HO was offered with the manual transmission and the engine was derated for the auto transmissions so it could handle the power made.

A Smarty jr is all that is needed to bring the engine up to HO power and go up from there. Of course, one will want to upgrade the transmission too.

What is ironic is that the manual transmissions of today (now going away if not gone already) require the derated engine over the autos because the added torque of the new engines slip the clutch.