I am planning on a new 05 CTD 4x4 auto but I saw in the paper today a dealer in Vegas has 3 used 04 trucks. What is the difference between the 04 and 05 as far as engine,auto tranny,looks, etc? Thanks.

 

looks the same, same tranny. if its an early 04 it could have the 305/555 motor which is a stout engine. If its an 04.5, it has the 325hp/600tq cummins. 05's have 610lbs.

 

05s have the lift pump in the fuel tank. General consensus is that it will have less problems than a lift pump located in the engine compartment.

However, it remains to be seen if thats the case. Not enough data out there yet.

 

O5 auto tranny is not the same. There are numerous posts here and at dieselram.com regarding the different shift behavior of Tow/Haul. In a nutshell, while in T/H, the 05 allegedly does not lock out overdrive whereas the 04 does. It merely changes the shift points.

There is supposedly a plastic cover or pan on the turbo intercooler that has some 05 owners upset.

As for the 610 vs 600, that's a matter of speculation as to whether it's marketing hype or not. Many swear that there are no mechanical changes to explain the difference. Some believe that the mileage flash TSB 037 has the computer code in it to raise the torque to 610, but I have not seen that confirmed.

 

its the same tranny, but it has different shift patterns.

 

Maybe Dodge is trying to get the automatic transmission to a level that it will be compatable for the exhaust brake.

 

05's are quieter at idle than the 04.5's