We are going to look at a 2004 3500 Saturday and more than likely will buy it if everything checks out and it looks as good in person as the pictures. It is a quad cab, DRW, 4x4, Laramie, and supposedly already has the B&W turnover gooseneck hitch in it. I hope that it really is the B&W so all I have to do is buy the companion hitch to pull my 5er.

I am keeping my 97 2500 and letting my son drive it so needless to say he is thrilled. He is going to need a real good job when he finishes school as he is already talking about stacks and other mods.

What are the main differences I am going to see in the 04? How can I tell if it has the HO engine? Is there a way to tell from the vin? The build date is 09/03. What kind of mileage can I expect? Will this truck have high idle?

I am just a little excited and full of questions. If there is anything else I need to know, good or bad, for this model year, please let me know.

 

On driver side near the top ,should be a sticker identifying s/o 305/600 or 325/610 h/o .my mileage was around 17 avg in a 2wd 4.10 ratio.

 

I don't remember my engine tag saying HO but I know it says 305hp - which is the HO. After 2004.5 (I think) they are 325hp and have a cat convertor.

 

X2 what schomer said.

JIm

 

Just tell the dealer to enable high idle as part of the deal, it takes like 20 seconds to do, however if it's a std you'll have to ground pin 22 in the ECM for it to work. Here's the full specs.

2003 S.O. Federal Emissions: 250HP/460lb.ft. Available with NV4500 or 47RE
2003 S.O. Calif. Emissions: 235HP/460lb.ft. Available with NV4500 or 47RE
2003 H.O. Federal Emissions: 305HP/555lb.ft. Only available with NV5600
2003.5 The 47RE was replaced by the 48RE automatic transmission and available with the H.O.

2004 S.O. Calif. Emissions: 235HP/460lb.ft. Available with NV4500 or 48RE
2004 H.O. Federal Emissions: 305HP/555lb.ft. Available with either NV5600 or 48RE

2004.5 (50 state legal) 325HP/600lb.ft. Available with either the 48RE or NV5600

2005 (50 state legal) 325HP/610lb.ft. Available with either the 48RE or NV5600

2005.5 The NV5600 replaced with the G56 6spd manual gearbox.

2007 6.7L Cab and Chassis 305HP/610lb.ft with either the Aisin 6spd Automatic or the G56 6spd manual gearbox

2007.5 (50 state legal) 6.7L 350HP/650lb.ft with new 68RFE automatic and 350HP/610lb.ft with G56

 

Build date of 09/03 is a 305/555 engine. Started the 04.5 1/04 on the build date found on the driver door. No issues, if it is an auto it is a 48re. I would check the valve cover just to be sure it is not an SO.

 

I know that it was originally sold in Florida. My 97 is a CA truck and has an EGR and less hp than the other states so I made sure this one was not a CA truck. What am I looking for on the valve cover? Does it have the engine tag on the drivers side with the information on it? Is that what I am supposed to look at?

 

Drivers side of valve cover....it has HP, Torque, and valve adjustment specs.

 

Ok, Thanks.

 

Mocho,

If I have looked at your specs right, then it would be and H.O. engine since it was not a CA truck. Is that right? Did they build trucks for 49 states emissions with the S.O. also? I guess I am just too anxious. In less than 24 hours, I will know for sure. New, even new to me, toys sure are fun!!!!

 

It was the 305hp engine and it is in my driveway.

 

Sweet, it looks like a great truck

 

good for you you will be very happy with it...completely different animal than your other one