I am looking at a 2004 3500 DRW and was wondering how can I tell if its an 04.5 because I hear that these are better then the 04s? And how can I tell if it is a HO motor? Thanks

HotRod

 

Theres a sticker on the drivers side of the valve cover with engine specs on it. It will have the horespower listed on it as well. 325 HP motors are 04.5 and up. Hope this helps!

 

Hello
We have a 04 3500 dually with the HO engine. I have heard from different folks that the early 04 trucks are the ones to get without the cat in the exhaust. I know our 3500 is a 04 because I ordered it and took delivery in Nov of 2003.
I can not tell you the difference between a 04 and a 04 1/2.
As far as if it has the HO engine they should be able to punch in the VIN and it will com up with the engine code. On my 2001 the HO code is ETH and the code for the SO is ETC, I don't know if they carried the same codes into the 3rd gen trucks.

Either way if you like the way the truck looks and drives I would say buy it. The cabs, the steering, the ride and the brakes all are much better than the old tried and true trucks that lead to the 3rd gen trucks.
As my sig says I have a 2001 2500 and will have it till I die, my wife has a 3500 2004 and the one ton truck rides better than my 3/4 ton.

I have only had minor problems with the 04 3500 and it has 67k miles and also has had a aftermarket turbo, Fuel pump, fuel filter, Intake&exhaust system and a upgraded transmission. None of the above is due to failure of the component but due to having a wife that wanted to race a nearly 8000 lb truck.

See Ya
Chris

 

It's a matter of opinion. Plenty of people happly with 04s, and just as many with the 04.5s. 04.5s have more power, but also have a kitty & 3rd injection event. Some say that this lowers mpg. Don't know what I would get mpg wise with an 04, but my 04.5 gets 21 on the highway - it is a 6 spd, 4x4, and has 315 tires on it.

I say don't discount eitherone just because it is a pre or post 04.5. Get the truck that's right!

 

Any 04 made after Jan 04 is an 04.5. They have a Cat and 325 rated HP. Had this same issue with mine. I think that the 04.5 runs a little better than the 04's.

 

easy is to peek under & see the Cat.

or, if the exhaust smells like amine/propane/cat box, it has a cat and is the 04.5