When I bought my 2000 Dakota I also bought a Service Manual. I believe it is a Daimler Chrystler publication and is very thorough. The book is orange and about 4 inches thick. My question is I have a 04.5 3500 on order and want to get the same type of manual. Should I be looking for an 04 or 05 manual. I know the truck is the same as an 04 except for the engine. Do these manuals contain engine specific data? If so maybe an 05 manual would be more appropriate.

 

The 2004 model should cover all engines for that model year including gas, all transmissions and 4x4 systems, as well as SLT, Laramie, etc. They can be had in CD form (as stated) or paper. Some guys will print specific parts of the CD for the project they are on and then toss them. Get the 2004 one.

 

Just looked at the 04 CD and didn't see any signs of the 600

 

well there goes my theory....
DC must be different than Ford.
Does the '03 have the SO and the HO?