Okay guys, sorry for the dumb question but I'm new to 3rd Gens and have been looking at some 04 models to replace my '99.

Everybody talks aboout the 04 vs the 04.5

What is the difference and hen is the build date cut off???

Is one better than the other?? Any reason to hold out for an 05 model??

Thanks in advance.

 

not a dumb question. the 04's were 305hp/555 torque, 04.5 325/600.

the way to tell is on the valvecover drivers side front, it will tell you which she is. there are more downloaders and performance modules for the 04.5's and up.

 

Gotcha, the one I looked at last week was the 305 HP.

Thanks for the tip.

 

I also heard this was the cat versus no cat transition also. You may want to double check that though as I am new to the Dodge's also.

 

You can also tell by looking at the tailgate. The 04 says DODGE and the 04.5 has no DODGE but has a Rams head under the tailgate handle.

CRIS

 

Basically, in 03 and 04 there was the HO (305/555), and the SO that met CA emissions. The HO has no cat, not sure about the SO but I think it has an extra resonator and no cat.

In 04.5 came the 600 (325hp) that was 60 state legal and has a cat. The HO seems to have gotten a bit better milage than the 600.

 

masonic-dodge-that started with the 05 model year-not the 04.5. my truck is an 04.5-still says dodge with no ram head!

 

Also 04 had a mechanical turbo blow off valve on 04.5 started electronic.

 

First Welcome to DTR very nice people here with a wealth of knowledge. Just ask a the Questions some will have input very informative opinions some will have experience.Back to your Q Same here No Dodge head on my 04.5 tail gate . I know the 05's have heads under latch.
The 04.5 do get much better I know first hand 23.5 mpg on flat land going from Norfolk to Fl. and by hand calculations not over head.

 

Thanks for the welcome.......

But actually I have been a member since '02 and have been quite active on the board. Been around CTD in various applications for years (in fact sold lots of them in AG applications) it's more the 3rd Gen Dodge I'm trying to decide on. I'm wondering what is the best recernt model to choose. I may buy an '07 if I can find it spec'd out the way I want it, not sure I want to be a beta tester for the 6-7 though.

 

Not true the 05 had the Ram head under tailgate handle. The 04.5 still said Dodge on it




Look at the build date on the door. If built after 1-04 its an 04.5 with the 325hp also easy way if you are looking online. Most of the time the 8th digit in vin is c if it's an 04.5 and a 6 if 04

 

I think you are the only one who ever claimed that about mpg.

 

Some of the other updates are the 4" turbo to tailpipe, no EGR, Cat, increased towing capacity, extended oil changes (15K under ideal conditions), three phase injection pulse to help quieten the rattle, bigger airbox, and many more that just are not coming to mind at the moment.

 

I'm not so sure I could ever get 23.5 at any speed on the flat....WOW!! And with 4 wheel! 4.10 or 3.73?
Mike
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My 03 had no cat when I bought it.