John I'm sorry you've had so many problems with your truck but if it were a design flaw we'd all be experiencing the same thing and from my experiences the comman rail cummins is great machine with solid reliability. Each brand and make has lemons and it sounds like you got one.

 

thanks much for all the recommendations, still hoping for some info on the 3rd event and anything the 2004.5 has over the 2004.

 

only down fall of the 3rd injection event is, decrease in mileage. this is why 03-04 trucks get slightly better mileage.

 

I believe the 3rd event is the last little "spirt" therefore you are litterally burning 1/3 more fuel (not quite a 1/3 because it's the last short event)





I could be completely off but someone will correct me or be able to help explain in more detail

 

My thinking on the third advent was it's purpose is to keep the cat hot for emissions . It places more wear on the fuel system but is a necessary evil . I think you will find the 04's will get better mpg around town because of this but when heading down the highway you will find little difference . My 04.5 needs a new home because of it's reliability maybe you will do better . I would defiantly do a history search on and used truck before purchase so you do not end up with a truck like mine . Good luck on what ever you decide .

 

I would go check out dave smiths in kellogg when you are ready to buy. I would prefer the 04.5 because you get more hp out of simple mods and the programmers give lot more hp to them.

 

Came across a great deal on a new '07 SLT 5.9 mega dually 4x4 anti-spin (msrp $47.5k for cash $32.9k, 16 miles on it). It has california emissions, but I was told that isn't any change to the motor just something to do with the order code. Does that make sense and any warnings before dropping the hammer on a dually if I don't really need one?

 

My 2004.5 has been a good vehicle also. I say all the brands have there lemons. Friday built, Day before a holiday? Who knows. It does happen.
85k on my 2004.5 and I enjoy it every day. Waterpump last weekend and window wiring at around 75k have been my failures. All other changes have been by choice.

2004.5- Limited slip is an option, 4" exhaust turbo to tailpipe standard, CAT standard on 2004.5, 11.5" standard with diesel, The turbo is different on 2004.5 but I am not sure how, Automatic on 2004 and 2004.5 still to slushy for me (Upgrading tranny this winter) The transmission will be fine if taken care of and not abused. If I had it to do again I would have chosen the NV5600 and not had to worry about the transmission. Just upgrade the clutch.

Good Luck.