ellerman

I think I might be in the market for a 3rd gen and am wondering what the major differences are between the model years? Also, how do you tell if the truck is an 04 or an 04.5? The differences I know of are:
03-04 he341, possibly a 47re
04.5 he351
05 g56
I know I'm missing a ton and hope somebody can help. When did the auto's get tow/haul and when were you able to put an exhaust brake on an auto? Thanks, Eric

txarrowhunter

I would look at the manufacturing date on the drivers door label.

CoastalDav

Well, as you known, I just bought a 06 third Gen. Sold my 2000 3500. In the last two weeks of ownership, I've found some really pee poor engineering on this truck. The A/C Cir door is faulty. The A/C sounds like its a wind tunnel instead of an cooling device. Gotta get it fixed.

Found a vibration damper (rubber hose with a heat blanket) on the piping system from the block to the in truck heating system behind the turbo that was leaking Coolant that I thought was Tranny fluid seen on the Tranny inspection cover. That was the worst dump butt thing I've seen in a long time. That should have been a threaded Flexible stainless steel line with a heat shield instead of a rubber hose that when the hose clamp heats up, it expands and contracts when the heat goes away. Over engineered.

Oh Yea, I need to replace a Valve, Governor Pressue Solenoid in the tranny to get rid of the hunt between 1st and second gear in the 48RE mush box.

Thanks to the guys on this web site and a little searching I found out about these problems.

I finally figured out want the rail was and learned all about the number 4-5- and 6 injector lines. Number 4 seems to be a problem on the 06. The plastic
vib damper if loose will cause the number 4 injector line to crack. Checked that out. Should have been a better steel alloy with some elastisity. The line is to brittle for its location and vibration in that area. Another poor thought by someone. Usually brittle is cheap.

Anyway, my 00 had a VP44 and a lift pump problem that was easy to keep under control. I had 203,500 miles on it when I sold it. Still had the original
VP44 and was on the third lift pump.

Look carefully. I have a good friend with an 05 six speed, that has had "0" problems so far with 70K miles. Forgot to mention the black oil right after u change it. The third event causes it............My 2000 would run 5000 miles before it even thought about changing colors.

I like this truck, just got to get it squared away. I miss hearing the engine noise the 00 had.

Dave

txarrowhunter

Ellerman, hopefully coasteldaves essay can answer your specific Q's. Lol

ellerman

txarrowhunter, maybe I should have specifically asked what month they became an 04.5? Of course I would look at the build date but what is the date of the change. I wouldn't think it would be the obvious change of June since you can get an 04 that was actually built in 03. Thanks for two completely worthless replies.

Coastal, once again some good info. I'm still looking for some more specific info on the 04 to 04.5 differences. The trucks I keep finding seem to be 04's so that's why I'm so interested. Thanks, Eric

TexasCTD

04.5 started 1-1-04. It includes a change in the pistons, freer flowing heads, injectors, and bigger turbo with electronic wastegate. They call it the 325/600 engine and it is 50 state legal....No more SO/HO. They have a Cat converter underneath if they are stock. The label on the plastic valve cover is labeled 325 hp.

..

billie

The only one I know much about is the 03. They came in SO, 250HP with a 47RE auto or manual and an HO at 305/555 and a six manual only. Some of the late model SO's got the 48RE and maybe an HO/48RE combo but they were advertised as only a six manual with the HO. I think there are a few exceptions from info on here. You can program the SO up pretty easy but the tranny would be a weak link.

The mileage claims are a bit better before 04.5 but not much really. One minor item is the door trim on the 03-04. They curved the door above the roof line and you get wind leaks from cross breezes, a bit irritating. Also, lift pump is mounted on the fuel filter housing that has a poor track record but most have been changed out to in-tank or after market.

Any 5.9 is a good bet, IMO. As stated above, the HP/torque tag on the engine is the easiest way to tell the difference between 04-04.5 (305/555 vs 325/600).

Good luck in your search.

isb07

i believe the 04's have an od off button , the 05's have towhaul on the shifter but you cant lock out od (they make kits available) 06's and up you have tow haul and a od off switch.

ellerman

Texasctd, billie, and isb07 that's exactly the info I was looking for. This info should go in the faq section(hint hint mods). Eric