ATM2754

Hello to all, my name is Andrew and although I am not a Diesel owner yet, I am soon to be one . I have been looking around for used trucks and it looks like my budget will allow me a 2003 or 2004 with fairly low miles. My question is, What is the differences between the two model years, if any???, is there an advantage of one over the other???, what would you guys pick if you were in my shoes???. I heard in 2004.5 the CTD was changed around a lil bit, does one get better gas mileage then the other???.

Thanks ahead for all the input.

appydriver

I don't know about the rest I'm sure someone else will chime in with their ideas. I've got the 03 with the Standard Output and a five speed. One of the advantages to this is that the 03's and maybe the 04's with the manuals got the same 11.5 in. rear end and heavier drive train that the 1 tons have. So you basically have a one ton with 3/4 ton springs. The SO's seem to respond to mods a bit better than the HO's. I also think that these years are probably the mileage winners of the 3'rd gens. These things eat ball joints so be prepared to replace them or get the dealer to replace them before you purchase the truck. Have fun and I don't think you will be disappointed with either year.

Blast Chamber

Both of those model years had mid-year changes that were significant. In early 2003, the two engine choices were the standard output 250HP/460TQ, and the California emisssions (with CAT) standard output 235HP/460TQ. Both trucks came with the 47re automatic or the 5-speed NV4500.

In January, 2003, the High Output 305/555 engine was released, as well as the 48re automatic. All 3 engines were available for the rest of the model year. The 48re was the only automatic for the HO, SO models could have the 47re if built in January or February. After that it was 48re for the rest of the year.

For the early 2004 (fall of 2003) models the regular standard output engine (250/460) was dropped. The California emissions SO was still available as the 305/555 wasn't 50 state legal. The 48RE was the only automatic, but I'm not sure exactly when the 6-speed 5600 manual came out.

In January of 2004 the 325/600 High Output engine was released, and the 305/555 was dropped. The 325/600 had a 3rd injection event and a CAT converter, and was to be 50-state emissions legal.

Other than the obvious power improvements over these model years, the Standard Output and 305/555 HO engines seem to have better fuel economy than the later engines.

What truck you should buy depends on your needs. If you are doing heavy towing I'd look for the most HP/TQ you can afford. If you are using the truck for lighter duty, then I'd be looking for a pre-CAT truck for the best fuel economy. I really like my 250/460 SO, but other guys wouldn't buy it due to the lower power rating of the engine. Whatever you do, if you want an automatic I'd look for the 48re.

Dodgezilla

03 and 04 are basically the same. 04.5 is when they changed things a bit. You can get a little extra power out of an SO too.....

C Schomer

I was in your spot last Nov. and got an 03 HO 6-spd (built 10-02) and love it. I wanted the 305/555 for the better mpg, no cat and simpler emission equipment. Craig

ATM2754

Thank you guys for all your replies, but one more question I would like to ask in here instead of starting a new thread on it.

Is there a big difference in the ride quality between the 2500 and the 3500?. I know natually they will be different, but is it a big difference. I have only riden in a 3500 and the ride was not rough, but definitely rode like a true truck. Would a 2500 have a smoother ride? Reason I ask is because I am getting a truck for a daily driver, traveling long distances and light to mid duty work, no hauling. I am curious if the two models ride all that different on the highway and around town.

CUM4X4MINS

I can't tell a diff. in the two. So it wouldn't be much of a determining factor. Good luck on the buy and post some pics when you get it.

Michael

Blast Chamber

The only difference between the 2500 & 3500 trucks are badging, the overload springs on the 3500, and the standard cab clearance lights on the 3500.

The overload springs don't function unless there is a significant load in the bed, so the empty ride would be the same. My 2500 has a fairly stiff ride, which I would expect from such a capable, heavy duty truck.

Dodgezilla

Mine rides nice and smooth....

BigDave12768

I think the front springs are a little heavier than the 3500. My buddy has one with the same plow as I do and his front end dips down a little more. So unless you are going to plow with the truck. Save some money and buy the 2500. The 3500 rides the same. Just has the overload springs in the rear.

I just went through the process you are going through and I will help you out a little. First thing you want to do is look at the vin# go over 8 places and look for a c or a 6. If the truck has a 6 it is the standard output for the year. The C is the high out put. So in 2003 6 in the 8 spot would be a 250/235hp 460lbs truck the C is the 305hp 555/lbs. Then in 2004 all the trucks went to 305/555 for the new model year and they had a 6 in the 8 spot. But when the new year flipped and new emission laws kicked in all the trucks with build dates after 1-04 had the HO 325/600 in the auto and 325/610 in the 6speed. And they had the C in the 8 spot of Vin The 600 series has some nice punch to it. But it does'ny have the same tourqey punch to it as the 305/555. I own the 600 truck and the mileage is OK. But with all these trucks you have to do some airflow mods to get mileage. The one other major factor you want to look into is the 2003 250/460 mostly came with the 47RE and you would be very limited to what mods you could do without some major tranny upgrades

Blast Chamber

Sorry, but I disagree with this info. In early 2004 models (late 2003 calendar year) the California emissions SO engines were still available because the 305/555 was not 50-state legal. Those SO engines still used the 6 in the VIN. The 305/555 had a C, and when the 325/600 came out in January, 2004 it also had a C. That's why the VIN won't tell you which HO you have in a 2004. You have to use the build date, engine data tag, and visually see if the truck has a CAT to tell.

If you want proof, check the data tag pictures in the following eBay auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...QQcmdZViewItem

alMout

I suggest either model with the 305/555 engine for better fuel mileage and no CAT.

jka

ATM2754.....I was also in your shoes about a year ago, there are alot of things to consider with these trucks. I asked LOTS of questions on this forum and got good help from the members.

I decided I wanted the 305, 555, HO motor for the extra power over the SO motor and it still seemed to deliver pretty fair fuel milege. I was hearing the 2004.5 motors were harder on fuel. Just a little info. on the 305....I can't believe how long the oil stays clean, I've got 9,000 kms. on the oil right now and it's still an amber colour.

I wanted the NV six speed the most but ended up with the 48re, this truck was in such good condition and it has everything else I wanted. My old truck had the 47re and it seemed slushy when it shifted, the 48re shifts are firm and solid....no problems so far.

As far as the ride goes, I think the long wheel base delivers a better ride over the short. My other truck was a 2002 short base quad cab and the ride was not as good, different suspension though. This one is 2wd. and I have no complaints, definately smoother than the 02. Not sure about 4wd.

The best advise I can give is do your homework and keep asking the members questions, you'll get good info. then make a decision. Drive as many trucks as possible, this really helps, when the right one appears you'll know it.

ATM2754

Thanks to all you guys for your help and good advice. I greatly appreciate it.

moterhead

From what I've read and experienced, a late '03 or early '04 with the 305/555 engine and 48RE trans will give you optimal fuel economy and durability. BTW, not all of us Cummins owners are at all interested in doing engine mods. My '04 is totally stock and will remain so. Engine can be identified by looking at the VIN as described, but, a much easier way to identify engine is to simply look at the sticker on the driver's side of the engine's valve cover. It will tell you in plain English what the truck has.

If you want ride quality and don't regularly haul heavy, use the "no load" tire pressure settings. These are in your owner's manual, so aren't going to cause premature tire failure, etc. I'm not gonna tell you what they are 'cause I dont' want to get into arguments with folks who know better than the manufacturer what can and can't be done to our trucks. Just look in the manual & you'll find 'em.